Hi all,
Starting this thread to document the retrofit journey of the OEM Bang & Olufsen Hi-End audio option into my F31.
This option was never available for F3x platform, instead it was reserved for 5, 6, 7, X5 & X6 models only in the F generation.
Ever since retrofitting BMW Individual Audio into my previous E91, I have felt the factory fitted Harman Kardon in my F31 didn't have the same punch. I am an OEM+ kind of guy and all my mods are done with that mindset and I wanted something as good as, if not better than my Individual Audio experience.
Aftermarket options with MOST adapters and the need to 'tune' a systems DSP just does not appeal to me and I like to do things that others wouldn't. With that in mind, I've been keen to do this with my F31 for some time.
I've made tentative posts before seeking any examples of this being done, but it's apparent the knowledge of how to do this and any examples of it being done before are distinctly lacking. It's probably a step too far for most people - which I totally understand!
Over the last few months I have devoted quite a bit of time and effort to research this in detail. This has led me into speaking to some very knowledgeable people in Germany and Eastern Europe who have helped me out tremendously with lots of helpful information and the supply of some difficult to find parts. I have also spent many hours on newTIS comparing the two systems wiring diagrams side by side to work out exactly what is needed to carry out the Bang & Olufsen retrofit in the OEM way.
The first task was to source a complete B&O set up, which I purchased from a BMW Test Car dismantler in Germany - the car was a 2016 model F06 M6 and had covered only 12 miles - so the parts are essentially 'new old stock'.
The next job was to put all of the research to good use and procure all of the necessary parts, cables, connectors, pins etc to make things work.
I will be posting a detailed PDF document that I have been writing explaining all the details of the retrofit in due course, however the salient points of what is needed is as follows:
- The mid-range and under-seat bass speakers continue to be supplied by the existing HK wiring loom that connects to the new B&O amp and the pin-outs remain the same here.
- The B&O tweeters each have their own separate channel, which requires a new wiring loom to be made, and the loom connects back to the new B&O amp via an additional 32-pin connector that does not feature on the HK amp.
- The power source is taken directly from a 50 amp fuse blade in the rear battery distribution box, rather than the 40 amp location in the rear fuse box as it is on the HK system. This requires a new power loom to be made, using upgraded 10mm2 cabling. The earth cable also needs to be changed to 10mm2.
- The B&O amp uses an additional microphone connection, which is to be ran into the existing mic location, where the microphone itself is replaced with a dual function mic.
I will commencing the work with the help of my good friend
Wibbles in the coming days, and as things progress I will update the thread. Once it is in and working I will finalise the PDF doc and happily share it with anyone who is interested.
Oh, and just to head off the comments - yes..... I am aware that aftermarket options are 'better', however I just don't have any interest whatsoever in an aftermarket system and for me its about retrofitting the best BMW offered for the F platform, all done exactly how it would have been done had B&O been optioned on a F3x car.