Anyone underwhelmed by B&O system...

[Jimrpa]

Apparently it uses bluetooth to do the initial setup/pairing, but once the phone is paired, the software running on each end communicates via the wifi band for the data transmission.

Android Auto does the same.

https://www.lifewire.com/android-auto-wireless-4176354

How Does Android Auto Wireless Work?

Most connections between phones and car radios use Bluetooth. This is how most hands-free calling implementations work, and you can also stream music over Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth connections don't have the bandwidth required by Android Auto Wireless.

In order to achieve a wireless connection between your phone and your car, Android Auto Wireless taps into the Wi-Fi functionality of your phone and your car radio. That means it only works with vehicles that have Wi-Fi functionality.

And this has been a concern I’ve repeatedly raised. Ford has a feature where the car will automagically call 911 through the Bluetooth connected phone in case of an accident. Well, when using Apple CarPlay, there IS no Bluetooth connected phone. Does the 911 feature still work when CarPlay is in use? Given how finicky Bluetooth is with pairing (look at all the PaaK issues) I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be counting on CarPlay smoothly disconnecting and the phone Bluetooth connection resuming so a 911 call can be placed. I’d feel much more comfortable if CarPlay kept the Bluetooth connection for both phone and internet data (and I have no idea where the system is getting internet data when in CarPlay I guess through the phone’s cellular data. )

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[dbsb3233]

Also the volume during phone conversations while driving on the freeway is too low to have a normal conversation. It’s not bad but it’s not good either. I’ve read on some other forums more people have this issue so I guess it’s one more too add to the buglist :-/

I'm not sure if it applies to that, but for some things, the volume knob changes the volume only when that source is playing. Like for instance, nav directions through Android Auto. The volume on those can be dialed up/down while the directions are being voiced. But be a little late, and it just changes the radio volume.

Maybe try calling yourself and see if the volume knob increases the volume during the call.

 

[kennelh]

I'm not sure if it applies to that, but for some things, the volume knob changes the volume only when that source is playing.

Thanks; I was wondering why the volume of the route guidance prompts seemed to vary. Apparently I did this without realizing it.

 

[Jakobvoss]

So maybe it’s just me but is anybody else underwhelmed by the stereo system of the Mach E ? I’m convinced somethings not right. I’ve taken it to the dealer already once . The sound just doesn’t sound right at medium or higher volumes. It’s almost like a slight muffle just not clear. The dealer seems convinced I’m just being picky. They used a flash drive to show an example of the highest quality music and it did sound pretty great on the stereo but any other music medium… Unpluged CarPlay, plug-in CarPlay, satellite radio… Just sounds underwhelming. The dealer convincing me that satellite radio is going to sound worse and any unplugged streaming will also. But there’s no way that this stereo system sounds no better than a Honda. Am I missing something?

I was also very disappointed and underwhelmed by the B&O system in my Mach-E and went back to the dealership and asked if it were supposed to be like that. The sound was ok, but not as load and rich as I had hoped it should be. At first the dealer meant I was just picky , but when I insist to compare it with another Mach-E with the same system we found out that something was wrong with my stereo. It seems like the stereo is just using the integrated amplifier, and not the upgraded B&O amplifier you get when buying a car with the B&O system. So, luckily the speaker system is great when it is set up in the right way. If you have this problem I will suggest to compare it with another car at your dealer.

 

[Mach-Lee]

I was also very disappointed and underwhelmed by the B&O system in my Mach-E and went back to the dealership and asked if it were supposed to be like that. The sound was ok, but not as load and rich as I had hoped it should be. At first the dealer meant I was just picky , but when I insist to compare it with another Mach-E with the same system we found out that something was wrong with my stereo. It seems like the stereo is just using the integrated amplifier, and not the upgraded B&O amplifier you get when buying a car with the B&O system. So, luckily the speaker system is great when it is set up in the right way. If you have this problem I will suggest to compare it with another car at your dealer.

So did the dealer fix your issue? Did they replace parts, reprogram something, or just changed a setting?

 

[dml105]

So did the dealer fix your issue? Did they replace parts, reprogram something, or just changed a setting?

Following.

I noticed today (while listening to Breakestra - Hit tha Floor ) that the rear speakers were outputting almost nothing. I moved the fade all the way to the back, and could barely hear anything at all. So, if there's a quick fix to turn ON the B&O amp, I really want to go to there.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Found a service bulletin:

SSM 49737 - 2021 Mustang Mach-E - Audio Inoperative - No Sound From Audio Speakers - No Communication With ACM Or DSP - DTC U1084, U0237 And/Or U0238

Some 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles built on or before 29-Mar-2021 may exhibit a concern of the audio inoperative, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the Instrument cluster, no communication with audio control module (ACM) or digital signal processor (DSP) module, and/or DTC U1084, U0237 and/or U0238. This may be due to the software in the DSP. To correct this condition, perform a hard reset of the DSP by disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Access the battery through the front luggage compartment by removing the left trim panel. Reprogram the DSP module using the latest version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.

So try disconnecting the 12V battery and see if that fixes it. If it happens again, then take it to the dealer and have them reprogram the DSP module while mentioning this SSM.

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

I have this thread bookmarked to keep me updated. I hope in the next few months (while I order, wait, wait and wait for my MME) that someone does upgrade their speakers and amp and post the process. It would be great to understand what speaker will fit and what modification were needed. Also, where to put the amp and how it correctly interfaces with the head end unit. Of course, how it compares from stock. I think I will follow @markboris path and replace the subwoofer, sometime in the future. Oh, if someone does do a swap out and post, please include pictures.

 

[MachTee]

Found a service bulletin:

Some 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles built on or before 29-Mar-2021 may exhibit a concern of the audio inoperative, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the Instrument cluster,

So try disconnecting the 12V battery and see if that fixes it. If it happens again, then take it to the dealer and have them reprogram the DSP module while mentioning this SSM.

I disconnected my 12V to see if I can get the other chime, and possibly improve the underwhelming B&O sound. Nope. All it did was erase my trip meters and reset the GOM which was showing 230 miles and now back to 195.

My car's chime is still a bit of a mystery to me. The showroom car I sat in had the thumping chime coming from the car's audio system. It gave me the thumping warning chime when I pressed the start button without the key. I actually thought the audio system sounded impressive just based on the chime, and this was a Select trim without the B&O. My car has the dinky chime that seems to come from the instrument cluster. In my car with the B&O, there is absolutely no punch to the sound.

 

[Dag86]

I’m new to the forum but have the same experience as you guys. I have replied back to my dealer and informed them that the sound system in my opinion is underperforming due to an underpowered system where the DSP/amp is to small to drive a 10 speaker system and is not tuned/adjusted correctly. I also told them that the B&W system in my fathers XC90 sounded way better but has also matched DSP/Amp to deive the system with more than enough power. Got little response from my dealer and they could not tap in to the DSP to adjust the system either. Now I have contacted a top car stereo dealer here in Norway which have already changed the DSP to an Audison Forza Bit8.9 in another Mach-E. The sound got so much better that they didn’t do more on that car. My Mach-E will get the same DSP/amp upgrade and I will add an Audison 10 inch active woofer to the system to take care of the lower frequencies. In addition they will sound isolate/proof the front and rear doors (dynamat/ground zero). They said the soind should be very very good afterwards. I will ask them to take pictures of the process so I can post them here on the forum if that’s of interest for others.

regards
Dag from Norway

 

[blue92lx]

I’m new to the forum but have the same experience as you guys. I have replied back to my dealer and informed them that the sound system in my opinion is underperforming due to an underpowered system where the DSP/amp is to small to drive a 10 speaker system and is not tuned/adjusted correctly. I also told them that the B&W system in my fathers XC90 sounded way better but has also matched DSP/Amp to deive the system with more than enough power. Got little response from my dealer and they could not tap in to the DSP to adjust the system either. Now I have contacted a top car stereo dealer here in Norway which have already changed the DSP to an Audison Forza Bit8.9 in another Mach-E. The sound got so much better that they didn’t do more on that car. My Mach-E will get the same DSP/amp upgrade and I will add an Audison 10 inch active woofer to the system to take care of the lower frequencies. In addition they will sound isolate/proof the front and rear doors (dynamat/ground zero). They said the soind should be very very good afterwards. I will ask them to take pictures of the process so I can post them here on the forum if that’s of interest for others.

regards
Dag from Norway

To be fair the B&W sound system in the Volvo is pretty much the top of the top. I haven't seen any single car review that states a better system than that upgrade on the Volvos which makes me really want to hear one. In fact I think its the only $3500 sound system that every reviewer says is a must have for the price, which is saying a lot.

 

[AlpaChino]

I was also very disappointed and underwhelmed by the B&O system in my Mach-E and went back to the dealership and asked if it were supposed to be like that. The sound was ok, but not as load and rich as I had hoped it should be. At first the dealer meant I was just picky , but when I insist to compare it with another Mach-E with the same system we found out that something was wrong with my stereo. It seems like the stereo is just using the integrated amplifier, and not the upgraded B&O amplifier you get when buying a car with the B&O system. So, luckily the speaker system is great when it is set up in the right way. If you have this problem I will suggest to compare it with another car at your dealer.

Was your issue fixed?

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

I’m new to the forum but have the same experience as you guys. I have replied back to my dealer and informed them that the sound system in my opinion is underperforming due to an underpowered system where the DSP/amp is to small to drive a 10 speaker system and is not tuned/adjusted correctly. I also told them that the B&W system in my fathers XC90 sounded way better but has also matched DSP/Amp to deive the system with more than enough power. Got little response from my dealer and they could not tap in to the DSP to adjust the system either. Now I have contacted a top car stereo dealer here in Norway which have already changed the DSP to an Audison Forza Bit8.9 in another Mach-E. The sound got so much better that they didn’t do more on that car. My Mach-E will get the same DSP/amp upgrade and I will add an Audison 10 inch active woofer to the system to take care of the lower frequencies. In addition they will sound isolate/proof the front and rear doors (dynamat/ground zero). They said the soind should be very very good afterwards. I will ask them to take pictures of the process so I can post them here on the forum if that’s of interest for others.

regards
Dag from Norway

Dag, please post the pictures when you can and let us know the outcome. I would be very interested in how easy it would be to swap out the DSP and what is actually required to do the swap. Is it simply a plug and play or is more required.

I also wonder if another manufacturer could be used. The Audison Forza Bit8.9 is almost $1250 new and there are some used for less.

I intend to replace the sub-woofer but the DSP may get added to my list of improvements.

 

[Ronald]

Got my B&O DSP software update today. Sound improved big time. This update needs to be done by Ford, currently not available as an over the air update.

Two tests to know if you need an update for the B&O system:
1. Volume of phone (bt connected) needs to be set at 30 to have a good conversation. If this is true you need the update.
2. Set volume to 25, play music with some bass, open trunk. You should really hear and feel the sub. If it is close to nothing, you need the update.

Both tests where true for me. After the update you can hear and feel the bass in the trunk and the standard phone volume of 20 is perfect for a phone conversation.

 

[WildBillTV]

Got my B&O DSP software update today. Sound improved big time. This update needs to be done by Ford, currently not available as an over the air update.

Two tests to know if you need an update for the B&O system:
1. Volume of phone (bt connected) needs to be set at 30 to have a good conversation. If this is true you need the update.
2. Set volume to 25, play music with some bass, open trunk. You should really hear and feel the sub. If it is close to nothing, you need the update.

Both tests where true for me. After the update you can hear and feel the bass in the trunk and the standard phone volume of 20 is perfect for a phone conversation.

What is the update? I have both of these issues. Volume on 30 to hear phone conversations and I barely feel any bass from the sub.

I'd like to call my dealer and get this appointment scheduled

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