DAB no signal permanent. Now Resolved

Reamesy

Reamesy

Senior member
 Whitchurch
Site Supporter
So since owning the car I’ve had no signal permanent. Before I delve into anything, is there anything obvious. Fault code indicates short or no circuit to DAB aerial unit. However I have no way that I know to test this.

2016 E89 with DAB. Mr12volt module installed for reference.

Any help welcome 👍
 
Is this my old car?

If so - I never used the standard radio (just the Mr 12 volt) - never saw this. I ran the radio through the android auto.

Report it to BMW & get the warranty used? That's what I would have done.
 
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Yes it is. I didn’t know if the warranty would be valid with the Mr12volt. I’ll give it a try though.

I was just going to check any basics before hand as I would be without it for a week due to working away and only home weekends. 👍
 
Just from memory - my 2010 z4 had an issue with antennas (sorted under warranty) - but there were a few of them in different locations around the car. Not the simplest thing to troubleshoot.

That car had no MMI box fitted - as you say - possible that will complicate things.

real oem has diagrams of the antennas - might be worth a look? If you can find the DAB antenna control box (looks like it is just under the rear left light fitting), replacing it is likely cheaper than a BMW visit even if the warranty covers it.

Quick check on ebay shows them for £35, I would be temped to swap it out as a first step for that price.
 
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I will give that a looking at first. Thank you. If I need to I can remove the Mr12 and put it back once it’s sorted 👍
 
Logically the Mr 12 Volt MMI box shouldn’t have any impact on the DAB..is the aerial plugged into the back of the box..normally it gets dislodged when people fit the MMI box..🤔😳🙈
 
Had the head unit out. Took out Mr12volt. No difference. All connections checked. No signal.

Just need to check all other connections on the various antenna and DAB tuner. Then it will be over to BMW👍
 
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I thought we tried the DAB when you were at my house?

Seem to remember it didn;t sound as good as the Mr12 volt without all the EQ & it was a rubbish song on the radio.

Maybe I'm dreaming :( - could it be single strength / area related?
 
It was set to use FM when dab not available. Once set to DAB only it has no signal at all.

It’s nothing to worry about. Just me wanting everything working as it should. 👍😎
 
Reamesy said:
It was set to use FM when dab not available. Once set to DAB only it has no signal at all.

It’s nothing to worry about. Just me wanting everything working as it should. 👍😎
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Maybe it’s a dead DAB section..like a dead parrot..
 
If you are referring to dead signal area it doesn’t matter where I am.

Next course of action is to remove the rear bumper to access the III band antenna as that’s the reference in the code. If it is they can be had for £40 so worth a try. I can rule out anything obvious first.

It just saves me an aggravation of being without my car for over a week for hopefully a simple fix.

I will report back with any findings tomorrow 👍
 
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There are two DAB antennas on the E89, there is no connection with the Diversity unit.
There is one above the interior light, against the windscreen next to the GPS antenna. This isn't used in the UK. The other one is behind the rear bumper on the right side corner. It's a small box bolted to the body with a short wire coming from it which is clipped into the plastic bumper bracket. The wire from the box runs along the bumper reinforcer to the left side where it goes through a rubber gromit into the boot area.
 
Thank you. Had the bumper off. Nothing obvious so I’ve left it unplugged. I’ve ordered a replacement for £30 off eBay. Worth a punt. I can then reach up connect to test without having to remove the number fully.

Whilst in there I cleaned everything up. Photos for reference. You can see the antenna for the DAB on the right. Telephone on the left along with the FM.

I will try the replacement and report back next week.
 

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A quick update. Replacement part arrived. Band III antenna. Plugged in and instantly got all my DAB back. Result. 👍
 

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Always nice when the obvious thing is the problem, and it's a cheap fix :)

Reamesy - if that issue was present when I sold the car, drop me a message on whatsapp & I will cover the cost of the fix.
 
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matsmith749 said:
Always nice when the obvious thing is the problem, and it's a cheap fix :)

Reamesy - if that issue was present when I sold the car, drop me a message on whatsapp & I will cover the cost of the fix.
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Absolutely no need. It’s one of those things. I just wanted to look at the obvious before letting BMW look. Far more convenient and satisfying.

But thank you anyway. 😉👍
 
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