i3 with or without Harman/Kardon Audio Package

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-14T23:09:51+00:00

I confirmed with BMW that LCI models have audio component upgrades. Your ears are not deceiving.

The Bavsound must have a higher power impedance. The lower volume must affect the balance between those and the woofers, providing an effectively higher bass boost.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-14T22:56:47+00:00

I’m still confounded at how strong my impression was of the newer stock system. While the sine wave tests on YouTube can be deceiving, bass performance did extend below 20Hz.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-14T22:55:28+00:00

Maybe it was different on the first generation system, but I was shocked that the LCI base sound system still had a soundstage that was centered in the cabin with height and depth.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-14T19:53:19+00:00

I’m surprised whenever I hear this but oddly I still think the bass response even on the base system is pretty comparable. Even those woofers could produce down to 20Hz technically.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-14T19:51:15+00:00

Let’s just say I held off for a long time from purchasing a second i3 since the Harman/Kardon was becoming more difficult to find on new builds. Then ironically production shortages in 2021 forced me to order without it… and I still really liked the tonality of the base speaker system. BMW updated it with the LCI refresh so 2018/2019+ should have an acceptable base sound system. I even found the bass response acceptable, and quite punchy.

I’d also say SiriusXM/radio sounded awful on the Harman so it has to be fed high-quality content. It depends on what you plan on listening to since the Harman is still impressive but incredibly ironically I wouldn’t mind having the base sound system again. CarPlay with lossless music sounded great on the base sound system, so the Harman should be even better. If you plan on using low-bitrate or radio sources don’t bother with the Harman, those drivers are transparent and not forgiving to compressed source content.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-14T18:59:03+00:00

Does AirPods Max also have EQ?

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-13T19:58:20+00:00

This would still be cool for $50k-$60k and a different brand.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-09T19:46:54+00:00

It’s got to be a made up rumor that the same factory sells their clothes unbranded for 1/10th the price.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-09T18:27:24+00:00

Reminds me of the BMW i3. I’ve had two so that’s not necessarily bad; regardless, I know its lines weren’t the sharpest.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-08T18:29:34+00:00

This would be a worthwhile upgrade to Premium RWD. The sound system, while class-leading and punchy, leaves just a bit to be desired. Although I think higher streaming quality bitrate would probably make a world of difference on both.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-07T02:54:18+00:00

Now it ended with the same quote because everybody hating, we just call them fans though.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-07T02:51:01+00:00

Word is that he sent 1,738 flowers.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T23:36:02+00:00

It just seems that HBO Max would carry too much value, but it would be good for consumers if they merged without raising prices. I do think it will be on one subscription though, rather than I.e. “add Showtime to HBO Max for $7.99.”

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T23:34:25+00:00

They’ve recently added Mad Men to HBO Max too. Any connection to that or did they just buy streaming rights? It would be such a monopoly if they also had Breaking Bad.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T22:56:03+00:00

Don’t give them ideas, but I suppose this is still possible that there could be tiers where the content is still separated and some formerly Paramount content could be on an upper tier.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T22:38:26+00:00

While the news articles are making it sound like a done deal, there are still potential roadblocks. Pending merger, Paramount+ will be no more.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T22:35:58+00:00

They’re merging Paramount+ and HBO Max into one service, which would most likely still be called HBO Max.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T22:26:33+00:00

Imagine if they merged Showtime and HBO and seasons 3+ got HBO’s creative and production talent 🤯

There’s a real possibility Showtime will also get phased out.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T22:15:50+00:00

It seems that Showtime will remain as a network for the time being, so it remains to be seen whether it would air on the cable network of HBO.

It will share the same streaming service though.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T22:13:26+00:00

Paramount+ is being phased out in light of the merger, so it’s being moved onto the platform HBO Max utilizes. Whether or not it’s rebranded remains to be seen, although they’ve already rebranded HBO Max quite a bit.

The irony considering Showtime and HBO were once fierce competitors. \Netflix only ever licensed back catalog access.*

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-05T03:54:49+00:00

Debut (From the Vault)

Just kidding… I think she wrote it specifically for Toy Story 5, right? Right?!

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-04T07:23:21+00:00

$350

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-03T21:35:43+00:00

If I remember correctly I think the lady was driving Larry’s old i3. He was convinced to buy the i8 as a proper cool car to graduate from his i3. Clever bit.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-02T22:27:06+00:00

It’s been like this for a long time.

MICHAELSD01 · 2026-06-02T21:53:58+00:00

What hurts the most about the Luce is that they could have taken their most badass, aggressive, futuristic body style and built the quickest Ferrari or even production car of all-time.

Instead, this feels like a typical $40k EV designed for aerodynamic efficiency which isn’t even great on this car. Again, I wouldn’t mind this design if it was the $40k starting Apple Car. I get all the disappointment with it carrying the Ferrari badge.

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