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  #1  
Old 11-30-2008, 11:35 AM
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using in europe an e 70 car scaled to USA radio freequency

hi
got a USA 2007 model e 70
found out the radio channels are scaled to US frequencies (odd), which are different to European frequencies (even)
what are my options?
thanks
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  #2  
Old 11-30-2008, 11:55 AM
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May I ask what is odd about an US e-70 to have radio stations scaled to American frequencies?
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Old 11-30-2008, 12:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaefer
May I ask what is odd about an US e-70 to have radio stations scaled to American frequencies?
the radio is scaled to u.s. freequencies , broadcasted in odd numbers, e.g 91.1 FM, whereas radio stations in europe broadcast in even numbers, e.g 91.0 FM, and therefore can't be picked up ....
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Old 11-30-2008, 12:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaefer
May I ask what is odd about an US e-70 to have radio stations scaled to American frequencies?
he means odd as in not even, not as in strange.
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Old 12-01-2008, 12:37 AM
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X5 in Spain

I am in Spain and have driven my US Specs X5 in Spain, France and Germany and have no problem tuning in to European radio stations.
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Old 12-01-2008, 12:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ARIK
the radio is scaled to u.s. freequencies , broadcasted in odd numbers, e.g 91.1 FM, whereas radio stations in europe broadcast in even numbers, e.g 91.0 FM, and therefore can't be picked up ....
I understand you're in Europe... but you bought an US-spec'ed X5. That is why I ask why you think it's weird that the car's radio would be scaled for US frequencies.
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Old 12-01-2008, 01:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ARIK
hi
got a USA 2007 model e 70
found out the radio channels are scaled to US frequencies (odd), which are different to European frequencies (even)
what are my options?
thanks
The radios are the same around the world. The only difference is the setting for region, stored in software.

Your first option is to go to your local dealer and have them reprogram it. It is a straightforward setting that the dealers can change for different geographic regions. It changes the frequency range, and the frequencies used (odd or even).

Your second option is to try what used to work on older BMW models. These radios had an m button for manual tuning. Turn the radio on, and press and hold the m button for 10 seconds. Then use the +/- buttons to scroll through the various regions. Turn the radio off to save the setting. The options were USA/Europe/Japan/Oceania. Since you have iDrive, you will need to see if there is a menu in there that does something similar to what the older non-iDrive radios did. Might be worth trying.

Or you could go with option 1, and go to the dealer.

If you want to go with option 2, here is the BMW TSB, pre-iDrive (credit to another BMW forum).
Radio Revision TSB:
Radio, Stereo, and Compact Disc: Description and Operation New Generation Radios
Introduction
Starting September 2000, a family of new generation radios will begin to be phased into production.
The exception to this is the E52 which has been available with the MIR (multi-information radio) NG radio since series
launch in mid 2000.

The NG "New Generation" radios will have increased functions: -Radio can be operated without KL R.
-Radios are world frequency. -Car memory programming. -Audio mixing on vehicles equipped with navigation.
The radios external appearance has not changed. NG radios can be identified by their "53" designation.
Overview of the Radios for Each Model


Functional Overview
NG Radios

Radio Operation with KL R off
Operation is possible with the key off on the C53 and CD 53 radios. If the radio is turned on with KL R off, it will operate for 16 minutes until the General Module sends the sleep command. The radio can be turned on and off as many times desired.

Diversity Antenna
Antenna diversity has been adapted to the new generation of radios. When the radio is in operation, the diversity control unit is activated by the "RAD ON" signal.

World Frequency Radio
Radios on vehicles sold in the U.S. are world radios. Specific country settings can be made using the service mode. The settings are stored in an EEPROM.

Car Memory
If programmed, when locking the vehicle using the remote transmitter the: -last station -Volume setting -Last audio mode (Tape, FM, CD etc.) are stored according to the key number used. Unlocking the vehicle with the same transmitter will restore the settings. There is a maximum setting for volume which may be lower than the setting when the radio was last operated.

Clock
Time can also be displayed when KL R is off by pressing the clock button on the Radio/MID.

Back lighting
The LCM/LSZ produces two signals for the control of radio backlighting. -Hardwired KL 58g -Lights on/off over the K/I Bus. The radio contains a photo-cell for adjustment of backlighting to ambient conditions.

Reset and Voltage Monitoring
A radio reset is triggered by under voltage or the internal processor monitor. The reset function restarts the radio, similar to turning it off and back on again. Operating voltage is measured at the KL 30 input. The radio is switched off if the system voltage exceeds 17V to protect the radio, it will switch on when the voltage falls below 16V.

GAL (Speed Dependent Volume)
The speed signal from the IKE/KOMBI is available to the radio over the K/I Bus. GAL is not a feature on vehicles equipped with DSP.

Bus Communication
The radio communicates with other modules via the K bus or I Bus dependent on the model. The information shared over the bus line includes: -IKE/KOMBI - Terminal status (KL 15, KL R) -LCM/LSZ - Lights on -IKE/KOMBI link to TXD - Diagnosis -MID or BMBT - button or rotary knob status. -GM - Key used to lock or unlock vehicle -MFL - audio controls status

NG radios do not use anti-theft codes. Operation of the radio is only possible it connected to a bus line and the detection of at least one other component.
Multi Information Radio (MIR)

The Multi-Information Radio (MIR) is used in the E52 Z8 and is the first 01 the NG series of radios. The MIR contains the radio receiver, display screen, and control panel all in one unit. A cassette player is not included.
The MIR is used to control and display the: -GPS-Navigation System -Audio system including CD Changer -Telephone -Outside temperature

Every time the MIR is switched on it looks to see if a navigation computer is installed and displays the correct menu options. Text and symbols on the display are generated by the navigation computer and transmitted to the MIR via the "Navigation" Bus. If the MIR does not detect that a navigation computer is connected, the MIR itself will generate it's own display signals. The screen display is monochrome only.
The navigation elements of the MIR will be discussed in the MK3 module.

Audio Mixing
Audio mixing allows the vehicle passengers to listen to navigation instructions without muting the radio or CD player.
On-Board Computer Functions
Outside temperature is the only on-board computer display possible for the Z8.


Service Mode for NG Radios
A service mode is available as on previous radios as a diagnosis tool and/or changing radio settings. Entering the service mode varies by the device used to control the radio.


To enter the service mode:

C53KD53 with and without MID: -Turn on the radio, -Within 8 seconds, press and hold the "m" button for 8 seconds. -Scroll through functions using the "+" and "-" keys or the station < > search buttons. -Turn off the radio to end the service mode.

C53 MIR: -Turn on the radio. -Within 8 seconds, press and hold the "SET" button for at least 8 seconds. -Scroll through functions using the station < > search buttons. -Turn off the radio to end the service mode.

BM53 with board monitor: -Turn on the radio. -Press and hold the "RDS" button for at least 8 seconds. -Scroll through the functions using the station < > search buttons -Turn off the radio to end the service mode.

BM53 with Widescreen board monitor: -Turn on the radio. -Within 8 seconds, press the "INFO" button. -From the info screen select RDS -Press and hold the BM control knob for at least 8 seconds. -Scroll through functions using the station < > search buttons. -Turn off the radio to end the service mode

Service Mode Functions
1.Serial Number: Display of the radio serial number.
2.Software version: Display of the radio software version. Displayed as (calender week, year, version)
3.GAL: Speed-sensitive volume control. Can be adjusted from level 1-6 using the 6 pre-set audio buttons. Vehicles equipped with DSP do not use this feature.
4.Field strength and Quality (F/Q): The station currently displayed can be assessed for field strength and quality. An "F" (i.e. F15) number is used to indicate the strength of the signal being received by the radio. This is a good test of the antenna system, station signal, and the radio itself. A "Q" (i.e. Q-00)number is used to determine the quality of the radio station including both the audio and RDS signal if applicable.
5.DSP: This function provides information about whether the vehicle is fitted with DSP. The value is displayed as a one (fitted)or zero (not fitted) and is communicated by the DSP amplifier via the I/K bus.
6.TP Volume: Provides adjustment for traffic report minimum volume. Not used in the US.
7.AF: Alternative Frequency tracking setting. Not used in the US.
8.Area: Used to select the appropriate market setting (USA, Canada, Europe, Japan and Oceania). Adjust using the pre-set buttons.
9.Index: Display of the revision index.




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Last edited by JCL; 12-01-2008 at 01:29 AM.
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  #8  
Old 12-01-2008, 06:23 AM
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thanks for a detailed explanation
there's no manual option in the idrive system to change the region setting
my dealer says there's no way to change the settings...??
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  #9  
Old 12-02-2008, 01:33 AM
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JCL's second option regarding the m button worked on my 2001 X5. Thanks JCL.
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  #10  
Old 12-02-2008, 10:38 PM
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Cool, I just tried this on my X3 and it worked. Switched it over to the Europe setting.
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