MKIV and TMC?

Flipmode2g2 · #1 02-25-2008, 02:45 AM

Hey guys, I am new to this forum and have a question specifically pertaining to the MKIV navigation unit and MY 2002 business radio. I am basically interested in receiving traffic updates via my in dash 16:9 screen on my e39. The only problem is that my unit only has RDS but no known TMC receiver. They didn't release this to US BMWs until 2007. Now the solution that I have come up with is very obvious. Get a TMC receiver! As far as I know the BM54 radio module is the only confirmed radio module with TMC receiver for BMWs with an in dash monitor and NAV computer such as the MKIV. This however is very pricey. I was wondering if anyone has installed an aftermarket TMC receiver in their BMW and if so what brand/model. Also, have you gotten the live traffic updates. I feel the capability should be there seeing as the UK version have had it for a good while now.
thanks,
Kham

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DouglasABaker · #2 02-25-2008, 10:17 PM

Hi Kham,

I'm sure BSW or EAS will chime in, but to the best of my knowledge even the BM54 won't work for you as the European TMC is different than NA.

Of course, I may be wrong, but I think you are S O L.

d-

Flipmode2g2 · #3 04-02-2008, 10:06 PM

No one has any more info?

KiwiJochen · #4 04-03-2008, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flipmode2g2

I am basically interested in receiving traffic updates via my in dash 16:9 screen on my e39. The only problem is that my unit only has RDS but no known TMC receiver.

It's more than that.
You need a TMC receiver
And you need TMC data on the map disc.
A receiver is useless if the TMC data on the map disc is missing

And the USA does not use the European RDS-TMC system, so the TMC in your car cannot work in the USA.

Blame the regulatory authorities who always like to do things the US way, not the Euro way :-)

Flipmode2g2 · #5 04-06-2008, 04:16 AM

I am aware that I need a TMC reciever (as indicated by my actual post) and the new Navigation DVD's do in fact have TMC information on them (hence traffic info option). Also, Clear Channel/Siemens VDO/tele-atlas have broadcasted FM RDS-TMC information since 2005. I know that this amalgamation requires an Audiovox reciever and most likely an Audiovox navigation unit. For your information, Kiwi, the UK uses FM to transmit TMC as well so it is actually the same as what the U.S. is trying to do only the TMC station in the UK is government subsidized where as Clear Channel charges a yearly fee. My only question is if anyone was able to adapt one of these Audiovox recievers to their Phillips/Alpine MKIV and BMW radio units?

...ASH... · #6 04-06-2008, 07:10 AM

I have this insstalled on my e46 and I wondered, does anyone know how it gets the traffic information?

I was worried that it downloads the data via my mobile phone (connected through the bluetooth) but I have been told that it works through the fm transmitter..

Can anyone clear this up for me?

Thanks

ASH

KiwiJochen · #7 04-06-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...ASH...

I have this insstalled on my e46 and I wondered, does anyone know how it gets the traffic information?

TMC is part of the RDS service, and is available on FM stations only. In the UK, the TMC subscription fee is built into the price of the navigation map disc.

It does not use the phone system, and there are no ongoing charges.

KiwiJochen · #8 04-06-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flipmode2g2

I am aware that I need a TMC reciever (as indicated by my actual post) and the new Navigation DVD's do in fact have TMC information on them (hence traffic info option). Also, Clear Channel/Siemens VDO/tele-atlas have broadcasted FM RDS-TMC information since 2005. I know that this amalgamation requires an Audiovox reciever and most likely an Audiovox navigation unit. For your information, Kiwi, the UK uses FM to transmit TMC as well so it is actually the same as what the U.S. is trying to do only the TMC station in the UK is government subsidized where as Clear Channel charges a yearly fee. My only question is if anyone was able to adapt one of these Audiovox recievers to their Phillips/Alpine MKIV and BMW radio units?

OK, so sounds like you have RDS-TMC system.

It is interesting to note that whilst the RDS standard made provision for RDS to be used on an AM system, noone in the world has implemented RDS on AM, no receivers use RDS on AM. So RDS is and remains an FM service only.

The key issues with the navigation CDs is that they are not the right map format for the older nav system.

You could enable TMC in you car by
a) making sure you have a radio tuner with TMC built in (eg: BM24 or BM54)
b) setting your car to Europe mode to enable TMC option in the menu structure.

But you are still missing the TMC database which is part of the map disc.

Then you could try the new map disc from the new car - but I believe this is for the new generation nav units with a different map format.

Flipmode2g2 · #9 04-09-2008, 02:04 AM

I have the RDS not RDS-TMC. I have a 2002 540i build date 2001 (USA). I upgraded to MKIV nav which has the capability to communicate with a TMC reciever but the radio I have has no TMC installed. The map disks are 2007.2 and I believe do in fact have the TMC information available as an option but because I have no TMC reciever I can not activate this feature. I am not sure if the BM53 or 54 would actually beause like I said in my previous post the States use Clear Channel (privately funded) vs. your countries governemnt subsidized TMC data. It is an expensive risk to take and my gut tells me that it won't work especially since, according to my older posts, the Clear Channel uses a Siemens-Vdo TMC receiver interface. Someone please come up with a solution for us in the States!
ughhhhhhhh
----K.Ali

KiwiJochen · #10 04-09-2008, 01:28 PM

Why don't you fund it yourself?
Throw a few $$ at the radio stations, navteq, and BMW
Should cost less than $100M to implement TMC properly so the older cars can use it.

Otherwise shift to Europe, here it works. Well.

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