Could be that it's set up for the wrong 'region'. You need to get into the service mode to check/change the setting.

I THINK to access service mode, switch OFF radio. Switch ON and immediately press and HOLD the INFO button for 8 to 10 seconds. I think that should get you in....

If that's not correct, then maybe someone else can advise.

Hi
It is coded for europe, so thats not the problem...?

Hi All

Just tried the radio in another car. It Worked perfect??. So Back in my own car and this time just a wire a antenne amp. and... It worked perfect. But as soon as I connect the antennewire to the antenneamp. the signal is gone???

Is this because I need another antenneamp. because BM54 uses something different with the signal??

Yes, the BM53 and BM54 New Gen radios have a different method of controlling the antenna amplifier.

Post your vehicle type and chassis number I'll look up the current and the required replacement antenna amp

Jochen

Hi Jochen

It is a E39 Touring from 09/97.

thanks

Mogens

OK. I've assumed 540i, European model, LHD, Automatic.
Model code: P E39 tou 540i M62 ECE 19970900 L A

You would have had one of these antenna amps:
With nav/TV, 433MHz remote: 65258368879
With nav/TV, 315MHz remote: 65258368880
With nav/TV, Independent Heating, 433MHz remote: 65258368883

Looking at the same car, but a 2003 model (ie: with BM54), the antenna amp changes to:

With nav/TV, 433MHz remote: 65256906078
With nav/TV, 315MHz remote: 65256906079
With nav/TV, Independent Heating, 433MHz remote: 65206922875

The wiring diagram is unclear as to any wiring changes

PS are you sure you have the antenna connections correct:

Large coax = antenna signal, has DIN conenctor for OG radio, you need to change to Facra connector for NG radio

The thin coax is the diversity control for the OD radio, this is not used on the NG radio (I believe)

Diversity control happens in the antenna amplfier, using signals (I believe) sent over the RAD-ON wire.

Hi
And thanks very much. I am 100% sure the connections are correct. I will get another antenne amp. But still it is strange that an old sedan antenne amp. works but not an amp from a touring.

I will post my result.
BR

I'm not sure exactly what the difference is, but I note that in the nav retrofit instructions it says:

E46: "In cars with a BMW Business CD radio up to 09/01 and in all other cars up to 03/01, the aerial booster (1) must be replaced by an aerial booster (1) for cars from 09/01 or 03/01 onwards, respectively."

E39: "Cars built before 09/00 only:
Unfasten the aerial cables (1) from the aerial amplifier (2) and tie them back.
Exchange the aerial amplifier (2) for the version after 09/00."
and
"In cars built before 09/00 the aerial amplifier must be exchanged with an aerial amplifier for cars built from 09/00 onwards."

E38: "The existing aerial amplifier must be replaced with the aerial amplifier (part No. 65 25 6 906 082) for new generation on-board monitor radios"


All dates etc coincide with the change from OG to NG radios.

I don't have the retro-fit instructions for the E39 Touring but it will be the same.
The difference in the antenna amps is the diversity control - the switching between the 3 x FM aerials fitted to your car according to the strength of the FM signals. The radio tells the amplifier which antenna to use, and the aerial amplifier switches the antennas.

This is very important for good FM reception, and the impact on a Touring is very different to the impact on a Saloon due to the totally different antenna design on the Touring (side windows vs rear window)

Jochen