Today I checked my B&W front door midrange speakers carefully using the balance and fader controls. Sadly I am indeed affected. These speakers are dead on both sides.
I have a Platinum Extended Service Contract which covers "entertainment system" so I expect BMW to warranty this for me.
Is there not a TSB out on this issue? If not, there certainly should be. This is definitely a quality issue with significant scope.
Much appreciation and credit to hookson for the detailed posting and for development efforts on a repair kit that prevents this flaw.