BMW Audio Options

[ukdavvy]

Hello from a board newbie.

I'm trying to make sense of the audio options available on an imported 3 series.
I have a UK brochure.

I think I'm sold on the H-K speaker upgrade and cd changer but which dash head unit do I need?

Business or Pro - whats the difference?
Pro is stated as having 2 tuners - does this really mean it does AM and FM as I really would miss 5 live?

Also would a Euro sourced BMW have different frequency bands or not?

Finally can anyone give me a critical opinion of the H-K upgrade versus standard speakers please?

Thanks

D

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I dont know much About the new systems on the E46, however, I know that HK makes some great stuff. There used to be a HK outlet store near me where you could pick up stuff way below list. This was my intial exposure to HK/JBL.

I have never had an HK product fail on me. I usually listen to music quite loud and with lots of bass. ( think everything from Motorhead to P-Funk) In your car, I would imagine the stock speakers would be either ITT or Blaupunkt. Both companies make a good speaker, in my opinon however, HK blows them both away.

I cant help you as to the head unit questions, I'm not sure of the differences between Euro and US models. I dont imagine there would be much difference.

I know that when I lived in Europe, if I popped a tape into a car that was originally recorded on US equipment, it would sound a little weird due to the electrical cycle used by US equipment other than Euro countries. (US uses 120 volts/60 Hertz, UK uses 220 volts/50 Hertz, other Euro countries differ as well) But I dont imagine this being a problem on the newer cars.

You may also have a problem with some US CD's in Euro players. Something about the way they are formatted will not allow you play them in certian players. It's kinda similar to old VHS formats whereas, you couldnt play an NTSC tape in a PAL player.

Is this a new car you are purchasing, and have yet to specify the audio system? Or do you already own the car and are looking to upgrade? Is the car currently in the UK?