The H-K system in the M50 has always left me wanting more.  I could never quite get the sound “right” to my ears, no matter how much tweaking of the equalizer or other sound settings I did. The iX seemed to have a much better sound system compared to the G45 and it left me wondering why BMW would make them so different.  One or two threads here pointed out that the H-K speakers in the X3 G45 were of lower quality than other models and I tend to believe it. Last week, I installed the Bimmer-Tech Alpha One 14-speaker set, including the underseat woofers, and am very pleased with the upgrade!

UPS dropped off the 2 boxes in late February, but March was just too cold to get it done. The package came with replacements for every speaker in the X3 including the two in the hatch area.  While this is not my first time swapping out speakers, it still took me about 5-6 hours to install this past Monday.  Bimmer-Tech’s instructions were a good start, but I sent them a couple of tips to make it easier/faster for the next customer.

The first thing I noticed after turning it on was the increase in bass in the driver’s seat.  The Alpha One underseat woofers punch a little more than OEM, and they tend to play bass heavy songs in a more satisfying way.  I also noticed a lot more separation in the higher frequencies from the center channels.  It’s easier to hear the pluck of a guitar string now, and voices tend to not get drowned out from other instruments.  I can also turn up the volume a little higher without as much distortion.  After driving around for the last 3 days, my commute has improved and I find myself searching for different songs to try out.  That old underwhelmed feeling is gone now, and I’m happy with the upgrade.

I also have a JL Audio powered sub awaiting install.  With the improved bass response of the Alpha One’s I find myself questioning whether I need another sub? I’ll give it a few weeks and then make up my mind.

Note that my other BMW G80 has an Alpha One amplifier, Bavsound speakers, and a JL Audio powered sub.  As you’d expect, it hits a little harder with the upgraded amps.  For now, I’m happy with this upgrade in the G45 and will keep an eye out for an Alpha One amplifier in the future.

Thanks for the post.

I will do something like that, but am waiting for Audiotech Fischer to come out with their kits. But who knows how long that will take.

Just want to ask if you really feel like the speaker update alone is worth it? I had the alpha one speakers and match up amp installed in my Z4, but I never quite found the right tuning on the amp and eventually gave up trying to tweak the sound to my liking. I really don’t want to deal with a new amp in my G45, but am interested in doing just the speakers if it won’t be a waste of money.

My audio installer always tells me it’s worthless doing speakers alone. I don’t really believe that but just checking how others feel.

I’ve been told the same thing, that speakers aren’t enough. But, my opinion is that the Alpha one speakers provide a solid improvement in sound quality. It may not be as significant as a full blown custom install with new amps and a real subwoofer like an audio shop would recommend, but it’s still better. The Alpha one’s are a step or two above the G45’s H-K speakers for my mix of metal, rock, pop, and other music.

I’m glad I upgraded and would do it again, if that helps.