I've been driving a 2006 Mini hatch for the last few years and am getting ready to upgrade to something 2015 or newer.

Mine has the H/K audio and it's good, but I'm not blown away by it.

How is the regular sound system in the post-2015 models compared to the H/K? Big difference?

 

Neither is good. Get the base and upgrade it. It really does need a true sub woofer for most music styles. If you listen to low res digital or stream maybe it doesn't matter. I have HK in my 2014 and no part of it is still in use beyond the wiring loom. All new speakers, sub woofer, amps and DSP. Sounds great, stream from phone to BT aptX.

 

I think for the price its a pretty decent system and under warranty. Get it if you don't want to deal with the sound system for awhile. Can always upgrade parts later. BavSound and Bimmer-tech make plug and play components.
But if you want to throw a bunch of money into sound right away, get the base system.

I've got the HK in my '19 countryman and it's not different enough from my wrangler that had an almost $4k aftermarket system put in with Hertz speakers, sub, amp, HU, etc to make me want to spend money on upgrading it anytime soon.

 

I have the HK in my 2019. I like it. I figured if it's something I'm going to be listening to everyday, that's somewhere that is money well spent. But I never compared it to the 2019 base sound system, so I'm really no help. My comparison was to my standard 2008 r56 hooked up to my old, aftermarket Sirius Radio. Anything is an upgrade from that. A tin can on a string is better than that.

 

I have the HK in my 2017 S and I totally love it. The sound quality is excellent from my iPhone via USB.

 

I had HK in my 2007 S Hardtop, but have the base (non-HK) system in my 2015 Hardtop S. I miss my old HK.

 

I realize that this is an old thread, but to answer the original question: YES!!!

I have the H/K system in my 2013 R56S, and it sounds amazing: the bass is strong but not muddy, the midrange is clean, and the highs are crisp and well-defined. I've heard the base system, and there's no comparison.

 

100% yes, if you dont have it and the original owner did not get it their is always Bavsound that we carry.

 

The more advanced cars have gotten and the older i've gotten the less i'm willing to upgrade after the fact. IMO those days are dying.