540i Stereo

[romelt]

I'm sure this has been discussed many times, but i'm new to the forum. I have a 98 540i with the "premium" stereo but it sounds like......well, you know. I would prefer to not mess with the head unit, but really want a more dynamic sound. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[jmlandry]

I've found that all of the DSP options sound like crap. I have been able to get really good sound out of my '97 540i by turning the DSP off and using the bass and treble controls. Boost bass one notch and treble two notches. Give it a try.

[tomlong]

I have had some nice big stereos in my previous vehicles and accomplished nothing, but losing my hearing. Everybody I know says I am deaf especially my wife. I think the Premium with the DSP sounds pretty good even better when you have a CD popped in. I have learned that I like the sound better when you turn down the ROOM and ECHO settings. I just bought my car last week so I have not had alot of time to screw around with it, but I do not think I will ever own another car that was not made by BMW. It truly is the ultimate driving machine and boy does it get to 150 fast.

[bmuck]

I'm shopping for 2000 540 6sp in the northeast and spent a few minutes the other day comparing the DSP and standard audio. I noticed a big difference in the quality of the sound. Especially at higher levels.

I would love to take the DSP out of one 540 and install it in one that has all the other options I'm looking for. Does anyone know if this is possible?

[tomlong]

I would love to take the DSP out of one 540 and install it in one that has all the other options I'm looking for. Does anyone know if this is possible?

What Options could you be looking for. I have a 2000 540I 6spd and it has every option(nav, Cold weather, premium package, sport package) but the park distance control. I do not believe you can move the stereo easily from one to the other and if you are planning to do something that drastic you may as well go aftermarket. By the time you bought the DSP reciever and had everything put in you probably could have bought a nicer after market unit.

[bmuck]

I guess I was imagining a dealer with two 540's. One has DSP but not, let's say, cold weather package (which I want) and the other is perfect in every way exept the DSP. Could I pay the dealer to swap the stereos? I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow and talk with the service dept. If I get an answer, I'll post it here.