Can anyone get DAB+ stations?

djstan · Post by **djstan** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:31 pm

Just wondering: there are a few DAB+ radio stations popping up now, but it seems that my 2010 Z4 can't pick up DAB+, only DAB.

Can anybody pick up DAB+ stations in newer Z4s? Examples are Union Jack, Virgin Anthems, and Jazz FM

Just wondering if I can swap the receiver for something newer to get the new stations

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 9:41 am

Having checked there are only 4 part numbers for the non-iDrive DAB head unit, 2 of which are replaced old numbers.
The 2 remaining numbers were both in production from 2010 until 2013 (presumably they had enough manufactured until end of Z4 production in 2016).
And the iDrive head unit was from 2010 until the end with no change at all for the DAB one.
So from that I'd say there was no improvement to the spec so if it didn't have DAB+ in 2010 then it didn't at the end either.

djstan · Post by **djstan** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:27 am

Hm that’s interesting; thanks for checking that out...

Technically any DAB receiver could ‘see’ a DAB+ signal but not necessarily decode it, so I wonder if there’s a firmware update floating about that would enable DAB+ then...

I just find it a bit strange; DAB+ is not a new thing, it’s just a bit slow catching on in the UK...

I wonder if there’s any point in asking BMW or whether I’ll just get a “What’s DAB+?” response from them..

bryand · Post by **bryand** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 11:21 am

I can pick up Virgin Anthems in my 2013 model with iDrive, the reception signal can be a bit flaky compared to other DAB stations though.

djstan · Post by **djstan** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:23 pm

Brill - thanks for confirming. Hopefully this means it’s just a firmware thing then...

djstan · Post by **djstan** » Fri Feb 22, 2019 3:33 pm

So I got in touch with BMW (although admittedly only using Twitter), who were absolutely useless:

Me: “Hi, just wondering if any E89 Z4s are capable of receiving DAB+ radio stations - my 2010 doesn’t, but I was wondering if it could be enabled?”

Them: “We’re not sure it’s possible to have DAB radio in your Z4, Alex. But if you chat with the Parts Advisors in your local Centre, they’ll let you know whether this is an option for you.”

Me: “No, I have DAB, but at the moment it doesn’t receive DAB+. I’ve had it confirmed this morning that 2013 cars can receive DAB+, so can mine be enabled?”

Them: “Sorry for any confusion there, Alex - as per our earlier tweet, your local Centre will be best placed to advise you on this”.

FFS - all I wanted was a straightforward answer!

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