DAB radio

E

Eoin

Member
Hi,
In my X3, DAB radio is an option however I can find no mention of it for Z4 cars. Is it/was it ever an option, and is their any way to retro fit a DAB module? I think it was available for E46 and E90 3 series cars..
 
Eoin,

DAB radio is definitely an option in the UK. I have it on my six month old sDrive35i and looking at the BMW UK website its still an option (Option 654 for £325). It's also part of the current complimentary Media Pack upgrade BMW are offering.

Michael
 
is it worth having?

DAB reception is still not available in many areas, it was discussed on here not so long ago
 
Taz x said:
is it worth having?

DAB reception is still not available in many areas, it was discussed on here not so long ago
Click to expand...

Always had the impression DAB Radio sellers were quite happy for people to think that the radio switchover was coming with the digital TV switchover. I don't think there's even a date set for it (it's looking likely to never happen) but if you were trying to sell DAB kit why spoil the story with the truth - better to stay quiet.
IMHO I yhink it's only really worth having if there's a specific digital only channel you want?
 
cj_eds said:
IMHO I yhink it's only really worth having if there's a specific digital only channel you want?
Click to expand...

and if you're stationary, if driving i'm convinced you will keep loosing the signal
 
It's certainly worth having in cities where you can usually get very good reception. Glasgow in my case has a more than adequate signal. For me the extra channels available easily justify the outlay in putting DAB into your vehicle, about £215 in my case but that's through the Intravee which was already installed.
 
DAB isnt that great, a lot of it is transmitted at very low bit rates and the frequencies are clipped as well to remove all frequencies below 50 Hz.
 
I have DAB in my E92 coupe. It works very well, hardly ever drops out. Wouldn't be without it.

Shame it's not in my Z4M. I was looking at a solution via the intravee
 
I love DAB, I must say my experience of DAB reception problems is normally related to the antenna, I've got a very very basic antenna and radio in my current car and reception is very good.

I guess from replies it's only the later model Z4 cars than can have DAB? The earlier models have no kit available? My X3 (I guess this uses E46 radio boxes) can have dab retrofitted.
 
DAB keeps dropping out here, more blind spots than a guide dog owners convention and in this area the power for the signal gets swiped to boost the tv transmitters and a chunk of channels disappear on a regular basis, normally around 6:00pm. Also pointless in Europe. I did choose the dab option despite warnings from friends, If you are in a DAB rich area then good luck.
 
Resurrecting an old thread!

I have DAB in my A5 and love it, especially for 6Music which I can't live without. Has anyone any experience of AutoDAB? It's a retrofit for 2005 BMWs onwards although Z4s aren't mentioned on their website. Could be interesting especially if it integrates with the Nav screen and MFSW.
 
Looks like the E85 Z4 is one of the 5% of cars on the road that's not compatible!

The BMW kit is designed to integrate with iDrive using the MOST bus, not the older iBus used in the Z4.
 
I have DAB in my new X5, I can never have a channel which remains working and usually it is suddenly silent.

I have now switched on the function to auto switch to FM once I lose reception.
 
have it in my z4 but havent really got round to changing the aerial yet,the thought of ripping all the boot apart to get at the aerial puts me off. If we have any tidy weather soon will try the aerial strapped to the door pillar to see if the bigger job is worth it,living in south wales the reception is never brilliant on the move either.
 
richtea78 said:
DAB isnt that great, a lot of it is transmitted at very low bit rates and the frequencies are clipped as well to remove all frequencies below 50 Hz.
Click to expand...

Indeed. It's like a poor man's mp3 ... and mp3 is already usually pretty baaad.
 
A lot of the comment on here about DAB is negative but I love it in my car. I recently fitted it to my wife's X5 as well and she's got it on constantly. The signal is also better since the analogue TV switch off and I don't experience any drop outs at all in the city environment. Rural is patchy but having said that so is FM and I've noticed a recent improvement in the rural signal well.

The choice of stations makes it a must for me over the staid FM lineup.
 
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