Audio file formats and size comparison (USB & Collection)

Although this information is available in a smattering of BMW posts on a few forums, I thought others might be interested as well. Since our manual is woefully lacking in actual specifications (in noted contrast to the Lexus manuals for my wife's new RX350) I set out to test various common file formats and bitrates for compatibility. Every format was able to be played, but I make no guarantees that some edge cases won't have problems.

My source file for the test was the title track from Tool's "Fear Inoculum" which I used dBpoweramp converter to make all conversions. It's important to note that for most people and on most systems - there will be no audible difference between these files. If you think you're the exception, you can try it out for yourself. Personally, I can consistently tell the difference between 128kbps MP3 and CD or lossless formats... however, only on 1 or 2 tracks (and listening critically for specific artifacts) can I tell the difference between 320kbps MP3 and lossless. In no cases have I ever been able to hear a difference between 320kbps AAC or WMA and lossless - but for those that are OCD enough to want lossless (I'm one)... it works with every format I tried.

Here's a summary of the formats and file sizes tested (remember there was no detectable difference in sound... so size probably matters most):


I didn't bother with lower bitrates or weird compression schemes... I think 20GB (in the collection storage) or 32GB for a $12 thumb drive make anything smaller/worse pointless in the first place. Disagree? Post why, etc. Previously I didn't have the option for any lossless formats (2016 Lexus) so it's a pleasant change. I'm positive I couldn't tell the difference, especially with the stock stereo... and definitely not while driving, etc. However, as I already have all my CD's ripped to lossless files on my NAS... it does make it very simple. I'm still likely to at least convert to 320kbps AAC just for the 50% savings in space... I'm far too fickle in my driving music preferences... so I need at least 100 CDs or so to be safe.

Thanks.

I use 256kbps mp3s. My question from a previous thread is, how in the heck do you fast forward within a single track/file?

AustinGRSupra said:

Thanks.

I use 256kbps mp3s. My question from a previous thread is, how in the heck do you fast forward within a single track/file?

Click to expand...

I don't know of any way to fast forward especially from the USB location. I know I tried the touch screen to see if that worked but it didn't fast forward. All I could get was repeat and advance. I haven't transferred any music to the internal HDD so I don't know if it will do that from there. If I'm not using a micro SD card then I'm playing music from the phone.

If you want to FF (within a single track) while playing music from your USB drive simply press and hold the far right arrow button located to right of preset buttons..

I have my entire music library loaded onto a single micro SD Card. The album art is also loaded too. For reference these are my specs:

• Cost: $20
• Micro SD Card + Micro USB Adapter: Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I microSDXC Memory Card
• Card Format: exFAT
• Audio Format: MP3 (various kbps)
• Size On Card: 101Gb (109,287,481,621 bytes)
• Songs: 27,122
• Folders: 1,649

TIP: You can search your library via the Voice Command. All you have to do is say: PLAY "whatever you want". It can play a certain song, artist, or album. As long as your music is tagged, it will search for it on the card and play it. For Example, say: Play music by Jimmy Hendrix and it will pull all his songs that he's tagged on. It's a quick and easy way to find/play/filter your music.

Thought I would share if anyone was interested, the internal HDD located in the car has a 20GB capacity. You will get more storage with a microSD card as mentioned above.