Bluetooth and DAB retrofit

[nblu]

Now my Z4 is running nicely. I've been doing a few retrofits on my car. I've already installed an Android screen as my car didn't have Drive, but I was also looking at Bluetooth hands-free. I already have a MULF2 box, but I've read it can be hard to code.

Instead, I plan to install the BMW Professional RAD2 with Bluetooth and DAB. Has anyone tried that retrofit? I've got a list of parts for the mic and a RAD2 (9246503) which I was going to try to code to the car. Are there any gotchas I should watch out for? This seemed a cheaper and easier option and a full combox install, especially for a beginner coder.

Would anyone be interested in a log of my progress? I've not seen anyone do this on an E89 but it seems like there has been success on 1-series cars.

If this goes well, I'm tempted to do Dave's PDC guide on youtube next.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[B21]

Welcome..it’s always good to see folks doing upgrades to their cars..fill our boots

 

[nblu]

Thanks, B21. I'm doing this based on a e90 post thread.

So far, my shopping list is as follows:

• 65129246503 x1 - BMW Professional RAD2 with DAB and Bluetooth - Arrived
• 61138377072 x1 -> 3 pins Connector
• 61130005197 x4 -> Female Pin
• 61138384550 x1 -> 12 pins Female Connector
• 61138387206 x1 -> Connector housing
• 61316950266 x1 -> Steering wheel column cover
• 84316977740 x1 -> E89/E88 Microphone
• TODO - DAB Antenna

The radio has just arrived, so I will start the initial coding to get the new radio working. I'm trying to decide the best way to do the DAB antenna. I've looked at realoem and believe the OEM parts are usually installed in the rear bumper if I've read the diagrams correctly. If possible, I would like to avoid the windscreen antenna, so I will have to get creative. This wasn't intended to be easy

Thanks,
Nick

 

[B21]

Thanks, B21. I'm doing this based on a e90 post thread.

So far, my shopping list is as follows:

• 65129246503 x1 - BMW Professional RAD2 with DAB and Bluetooth - Arrived
• 61138377072 x1 -> 3 pins Connector
• 61130005197 x4 -> Female Pin
• 61138384550 x1 -> 12 pins Female Connector
• 61138387206 x1 -> Connector housing
• 61316950266 x1 -> Steering wheel column cover
• 84316977740 x1 -> E89/E88 Microphone
• TODO - DAB Antenna

The radio has just arrived, so I will start the initial coding to get the new radio working. I'm trying to decide the best way to do the DAB antenna. I've looked at realoem and believe the OEM parts are usually installed in the rear bumper if I've read the diagrams correctly. If possible, I would like to avoid the windscreen antenna, so I will have to get creative. This wasn't intended to be easy

Thanks,
Nick

It’s always good to see folks pushing water uphill :rofl:

May the force be with you

 

[nblu]

Stage one is installed, some coding is needed but it’s more functional than I had expected. It seems to sound better than the old radio. Some photos are below


I’ll try coding it next to enable Bluetooth and USB.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[B21]

Have you enabled USB support?

Much better audio playback through that route

 

[nblu]

Have you enabled USB support?

Much better audio playback through that route

It is on my list once I have a working ncs expert installation. My old radio had the USB integration (6FL), but I always found it painfully slow once I loaded up a USB stick with music. I think you are right about pushing water uphill. I'm probably going to give in and do the windscreen antenna.

I'm impressed with what you have done with your cars. They both look fantastic and have got me wondering about fixing the mistakes I made when I initially ordered the vehicle. The satin dash has always bothered me, and I've wondered about changing it for something better. Seeing the leather on Dave and your car is tempting me. If I see a decent set on eBay, I might be tempted.

Off to try coding next...

Thanks,
Nick

 

[B21]

I use an old iPhone as a iPod into the usb slot..much faster , easier support for playlists etc

Yes very pleased with my latest combo..when you look how they are built would be quite easy to get someone to do it to your existing trim..

 

[nblu]

Just an update on my progress, I haven't managed to code the radio. My ncs expert setup lets me code some modules but not the RAD2. Does that need ICOM or should a normal cable work?

I've been looking into my DAB antenna options. My options at the moment are:

1. Part 65209123995 is an antenna fitted into the rear bumper. It uses a Fakra connector, but I must review the documentation to double-check if it needs anything else. This is the Band III antenna needed in the UK.
2. Incartech offers a hidden antenna for around £110.
3. Windscreen antenna for £20 and stop trying to do things the difficult way.

Out of interest, does anyone have a factory-fit DAB radio or any experience with the BMW antenna? I'm worried there is a module hidden somewhere to amplify the antenna.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[B21]

Have you access to newTIS ?

That will tell you every thing you wish to know :tumbleweed:

 

[nblu]

Have you access to newTIS ?

Not yet, it is on my list of things to find. I saw about the closure of newtis.info which would have been ideal.

I have found a US manual which helps a little, I believe 5 is the DAB Band III antenna.

 

[B21]

Here you go..

 

[nblu]

Here you go..

That’s perfect, exactly what I need. It looks like there aren’t any additional amplifiers so I might get away with the oem antenna and a cable to the HU. I’ll try ordering one and see how it works out.
This keeps the car looking clean and saves extra hassle next time a truck drops concrete on my windscreen on the M27.
Thanks B21

 

[AnubisZed]

Sorry I've missed this thread, as some know I'm not currently in the country 8)

OK so when you say "...I haven't managed to code the radio. My ncs expert setup lets me code some modules but not the RAD2. Does that need ICOM or should a normal cable work?..." How are you trying g to code it? Are you using SG_CODERIEN or FA_WRITE? FA_WRITE won't work, so it has to be SG_CODERIEN. FA_WRITE for CAS & NFRM, that'll be to add 654 (DAB), but you already have the rest in the VO so it's just a SG_CODERIEN for the headunit, this should set you up.

For the DAB antenna, I've added some screenshots for reference. The one we use the the UK is the o9ne inside the rear bumper, the windscreen one is used in Europe, but also requires a clip to attach it, it's not available as a separate part though, so I bought the antenna from a 4 series and cut the clip to fit.

I'll be back in the UK tomorrow so will then have full access to all my info on my pc

 

[nblu]

OK so when you say "...I haven't managed to code the radio. My ncs expert setup lets me code some modules but not the RAD2. Does that need ICOM or should a normal cable work?..." How are you trying g to code it? Are you using SG_CODERIEN or FA_WRITE? FA_WRITE won't work, so it has to be SG_CODERIEN. FA_WRITE for CAS & NFRM, that'll be to add 654 (DAB), but you already have the rest in the VO so it's just a SG_CODERIEN for the headunit, this should set you up.

Ah I see, I was using the SG_CODEREIN, but I assumed I needed to code the HU/RAD2. I'll focus on coding CAS and NFRM.

I suspect my sp-datens weren't set up perfectly either, which is more likely the reason.

Finally, I'm honoured to have a response from @BMW Z4 Mods. I've been inspired by your youtube videos to try some retrofits on my car. I was really tempted to do the CIC but went with the Android screen instead.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[AnubisZed]

Ah I see, I was using the SG_CODEREIN, but I assumed I needed to code the HU/RAD2. I'll focus on coding CAS and NFRM.

I suspect my sp-datens weren't set up perfectly either, which is more likely the reason.

Finally, I'm honoured to have a response from @BMW Z4 Mods. I've been inspired by your youtube videos to try some retrofits on my car. I was really tempted to do the CIC but went with the Android screen instead.

Thanks,
Nick

Yes code the CAS & NFRM and see how that goes, RAD2 is difficult to do, but see how you get on.

I'm glad you like my videos, I try to make them informative as much as I can
Yes the CIC retrofit is a big complicated and time consuming job to do, and to be fair it was installed over a number of sittings, what with test fittings and pre assembled wiring looms. It's not for the faint hearted, but I love it and am happy with it. I'll be finishing editing the Combox retrofit video soon to go with it, along with a few others this year as well.

 

[nblu]

I've been having a go at coding in the sunshine. What I'm trying in ncs expert is running sg_coderein and adding the VO $654

The radio has updated but is no longer showing the DAB option. I think I'm making progress, but I'm wondering if I will need to do more as I'm adding DAB with a DAB HU rather than adding the module in the boot.

Am I right in understanding that the NFRM contains the bulk of the configuration? It took much longer to code than the CAS.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[AnubisZed]

I've been having a go at coding in the sunshine. What I'm trying in ncs expert is running sg_coderein and adding the VO $654

Always code CAS and NFRM as FA_Write, only SG_Coderian for RAD

The radio has updated but is no longer showing the DAB option. I think I'm making progress, but I'm wondering if I will need to do more as I'm adding DAB with a DAB HU rather than adding the module in the boot.

If you have coded CAS & NFRM with $654, and with FA_Write, then I can't see why it would remove the option from the headunit. $654 works with the built-in headunit as well as the boot module.

Am I right in understanding that the NFRM contains the bulk of the configuration? It took much longer to code than the CAS.

Thanks,
Nick

Yes NFRM has a lot more coding within it

 

[nblu]

Thanks Dave, I’ll give it another go. Reading the other forums I’ve read that a sg_reset on RAD2 and a wait might be necessary. The battery was starting to run low so I didn’t do anything after the fa_write.

I was reading the fsw_psw file and that module has some very interesting options.

Update: After reading the file the DAB options are active so it looks like the VO option has generated the correct trace file. It is just a matter of getting the radio to apply it. I'll get the battery charged and try again.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[nblu]

I think I understand what is happening now. My Z4 has a production date of #0609 and the radio was only released in 2010. I’ve probably got to adjust the date or go for another option. Is this worth trying or would I be better off waiting for the combox video and keeping the dates as they are?