Poor FM radio reception

[stoned-kik]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

That's the antenna adapter, the antenna cables rarely fail in these vehicles. Does the FM reception deteriorate when the rear defroster is active?

Nope, i rarely use the rear window defroster, it fails all the time.
I checked today all the connections, and everything is in place. I took out the spare tire and all the cables are intact, 2 (antenna-like) cables plug into the radio unit, and the big connector from the navi and power and all that is in place as well.
As a matter of fact, right underneath the navi unit I found a coax type connection coming from the FM antenna. I unscrewed and screwed back in and (if I'm not mistaken) it started going staticy less often. Could it be THAT thing?
Also, does anybody know why there's 3 cables coming out of the FM antenna? One goes into the navi unit, I think...the second one goes into the radio unit and I'm not sure for the 3rd one.
Once again, any help is greatly appreciated.

[m31ab]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

That's the antenna adapter, the antenna cables rarely fail in these vehicles. Does the FM reception deteriorate when the rear defroster is active?

No, my goes in and out randomly, it'll sometimes be static, but the audio will just drop entirely, the CD works fine. Argh.. Looks like I gotta tear apart the X5 this weekend. I may wait until I get the DiCE, which I'll probably order tomorrow.

[rangerfan]

This might help you problem.

Found it here: http://www.bimmernav.com/bmw_mp3_cd_changer.html

Service Measure B65-209-04

"Subject: E39, E46, E53 with BM53 Radio Navigation system, and DSP or Harman/Kardon Amplifier: Radio is switching from Stereo to Mono"

"Complaint: In FM mode only the radio sound is switching from Stereo to Mono, fading in and out.

"Cause: Software error in the BM53 Radio".

"Measure: On a customer complaint basis only, replace the BM53 radio. Install a BM53 radio with the new software"

[stoned-kik]

Another thing, is it possible to update the radio module software, or this can be done by the dealer only?
I heard software update could solve the bad FM reception problem...

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by stoned-kik

Another thing, is it possible to update the radio module software, or this can be done by the dealer only?
I heard software update could solve the bad FM reception problem...

This is dealer only.