BMW Individual will offer its High End Audio System featuring exclusive live audio signal processing technology in the new 5 Series range, providing customers with an unparalleled musical experience.

The system, developed by sound specialists at BMW M GmbH, incorporates particularly high-quality hi-fi components designed especially for use in automobiles and newly developed signal processing technology, exclusive to BMW.

So-called DIRAC live signal processing technology, it is unique in the automobile industry and was first offered in the new BMW X5. The technology corrects the impulse response of each loudspeaker, thus facilitating linear and accurate sound reproduction inside the car. The resulting true impulse response during sound reproduction enables both the driver and all passengers in a BMW to enjoy an extraordinarily multi-faceted and vivid sound experience. Up to 16 high-performance loudspeakers featuring Neodym magnetic drive and exceptionally stiff Hexacone diaphragms, a digital 9-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 825 watts and precision crossovers guarantee unparalleled sound quality.

The BMW Individual High End Audio System comes factory fitted and sets new standards in high-quality in-car sound reproduction, meeting the demands of high-tech enthusiasts who, in addition to experiencing the ultimate driving experience in a BMW, are looking for the ultimate sound experience to match.

For the first time, BMW Individual is able to offer customers a high-end audio system to meet their most discerning demands.

Recipe for success: high-end hi-fi components, exclusive technology.

Regardless of whether the audio source is a favourite radio station, favourite CD or the personal music collection from the MP3 player, the BMW Individual High End Audio System transforms any request programme into a total sound experience.

In order to create a concert hall atmosphere expected by discerning music lovers, three principles were employed in the development of the BMW Individual High End Audio System: maximum quality of individual components, made-to-measure configuration and integration into the vehicle and the utilisation of a completely new signal processing technology. This combination of hi-fi competence, vehicle know-how and power of innovation has cleared the way for the venture forth into new sound dimensions.

Even when choosing the individual components, the developers of the BMW Individual High End Audio System set quality standards exceeding by far those offered by conventional in-car audio systems. For example, particularly highgrade loudspeakers and crossovers form the basis of the high-precision sound characteristics. The brilliance and authentic quality of reproduction reach a level previously only achieved by high-end home entertainment systems.

Loudspeakers featuring Neodym magnetic drive and Hexacone diaphragm.

Lightweight, powerful and precise – these basic characteristics add to the outstanding quality of the loudspeakers featured by the BMW Individual High End Audio System. They convert electric impulses into sound waves by means of a Neodym magnetic drive. Neodym magnetic drives stand out in the field of high-end hi-fi components through particularly high performance and low weight. Therefore, in spite of the high number of loudspeakers employed, the total weight of the BMW Individual High End Audio System is more or less at the same level as conventional sound systems.

In addition, the design of the loudspeaker diaphragms meets the most stringent quality standards required in the hi-fi sector. The lightweight and ultra-stiff Hexacone diaphragms are particularly suitable for both powerful and demanding sound reproduction. Not only do they have generous power reserves at their disposal, but also offer a high degree of effectiveness. The maximum acoustic pressure is 112 dbA, the frequency range being18 to 24 kHz. Both subwoofers are located in the vehicle floor and the mid-range speakers and tweeters are installed in the doors or in the rear side panels, in the instrument panel, in the mirror triangles and in the rear shelf respectively.

The mid-range speakers and tweeters also differ visually from conventional loudspeakers. They are recognisable by the silver loudspeaker covers and by a grille, which – to match the hexagonal structure of the diaphragm – has a honeycomb design.

Loudspeaker configuration creates a concert hall experience.

Depending on the vehicle model, up to 16 subwoofers, mid-range speakers and tweeters are employed, their configuration being model-specific.

Depending on how they are positioned, either coaxial loudspeakers or separate tweeters and mid-range speakers are used. Coaxial loudspeakers are integrated into the centre area of the instrument panel and in the rear door or side panels respectively, whilst separate tweeters and mid-range speakers are located in the front door panels and in the rear shelf. High-end crossovers limit the sound spectrum of the mid-range speakers and the tweeters upwards and downwards respectively.

The configuration of the two subwoofers in the vehicle floor also constitutes an exclusive BMW solution. This BMW centralised bass concept guarantees a particularly even distribution of bass frequencies around the entire vehicle interior. Therefore, driver and every passengers experience a harmonious and unobtrusive transmission of bass frequencies.

The dispersion and directivity properties of the loudspeakers facilitate optimum surround sound, whereby the space available inside the vehicle is taken into consideration on each particular model. Irrespective of the model, the result is the creation of uniquely overwhelming sound characteristics experienced directly in front of the driver and passengers and equal to the acoustics perceived in a concert hall. The acoustic horizon lies precisely at passenger face level. Over and above that, the configuration of the loudspeakers also facilitates the effective reproduction of audio sources in surround mode. At the flick of a switch modified sound distribution is activated in the amplifier unit.

Perfect sound experienced on all seats thanks to DIRAC technology.

Apart from quality and vehicle-specific configuration of the loudspeakers, it is predominantly the high-end amplifier signal processing technology that produces an audible step forward when compared with conventional audio systems. The BMW Individual High End Audio System features a 9-channel amplifier with digital signal processing (DSP). Digital signal processing renders possible a differentiated transmission of audio signals to each individual loudspeaker. This procedure compensates for sound distortions resulting from the fact that sound waves emitted from the front, side and rear loudspeakers have differing distances to cover before reaching the ear of the listener.

The precision achieved by so-called delay compensation is the precondition for authentic reproduction of sound. In addition, digital signal processing reduces sound reflections also prevailing in the vehicle interior. The interference caused by reverberation is already taken into account during the transmission of signals to each loudspeaker and compensated employing accurately calculated corrective measures.

For this purpose the digital amplifier featured by the BMW Individual High End Audio System uses innovative DIRAC live technology. With the help of DIRAC live it is possible to modify the time and frequency of each signal in order to compensate the varying time delays and sound reflections inside the vehicle according to seat position. In this way, a previously unequalled transient response is achieved, rendering possible a precise and true-to-life reproduction of sound. BMW is the first and only manufacturer worldwide to feature DIRAC live technology on an in-car audio system.

In order to guarantee consistently perfect sound during the journey, two functions are employed, which were developed exclusively for use on in-car audio systems. The BMW Individual High End Audio System is equipped with speed-dependent volume control (GAL) and with speed-dependent equalising. By employing this method of vehicle noise compensation, not only is the volume adapted to suit each driving situation, but also the sound characteristics.

Sound made to measure: developed by BMW, in tune with BMW.

Whether Bach or Beatles, Mozart or Metallica, Richard Wagner or Robbie Williams, the yardstick for sound reproduction in a BMW equipped with a BMW Individual High End Audio System is always the sound experienced during a live concert in optimum acoustic conditions. Driver and passengers are given the impression that – similar to being in a concert hall – the source of the music is directly in front of them. They perceive singers and the sound of each instrument in true-to-life brilliance and sound quality. As opposed to a diffuse and confusing mixture of acoustic stimuli from all directions, this kind of sound reproduction in the form of a concert hall stage provides listening pleasure equal to a live experience, during which the spatial position of each voice and instrument is precisely defined. Undisturbed by background noise and sound reflections, the driver and his passengers can indulge in pure and unadulterated music enjoyment.

This demand on perfect sound characteristics can only be met using high- end components, innovative technology and extensive knowledge of the acoustic conditions prevailing in the interior of an automobile. In the case of the BMW Individual High End Audio System it is the interior of different BMW models in which a concert hall atmosphere is created.

In order to achieve this effect, the system was designed from the very beginning for special and exclusive use in BMW models. The development of the BMW Individual High End Audio System at the BMW M GmbH is the guarantee that its qualities will be fully evident in each vehicle.

With an overall power output of 825 watts the Individual High End Audio System is the most powerful sound system ever offered in a BMW vehicle ex works. However, the impressive power output is only transformed into an unsurpassed sound experience through the high effectiveness of the loudspeakers and a vehicle-specific configuration of amplifier settings. In order to make full use of the potential of DIRAC live technology, models for which the BMW Individual High End Audio System is available are acoustically measured, utilising a process developed especially for this purpose. This involves the distribution of 9 ultra-sensitive microphones in the vehicle interior in order to obtain detailed information on the sound distribution. Using the information gathered, signal processing, including all compensatory measures, are continually optimised until the high-tech microphones record precisely the sound that is intended for the ear of the listener sitting in the car – pure, unadulterated music enjoyment.

BMW 5 Series – Individual High End Audio System Pricing:
BMW 523i $4,000
BMW 525i $4,000
BMW 530i / d $3,000
BMW 540i $3,000
BMW 550i $3,000
M5 $1,500