Radio Service Mode - How to access???

[X5 Meister]

Can someone tell me FOR CERTAIN how to access the radio service mode on a navigation equipped E53 X5? Every thread I've read on this topic seems to be different and so far I've tried 657 different permutations, none of which have worked. By the way, I know how to access the navigation service mode so please don't reply with those instructions.

[big bob]

Do you not hold down Menu? Or is that too simple?

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Can someone tell me FOR CERTAIN how to access the radio service mode on a navigation equipped E53 X5? Every thread I've read on this topic seems to be different and so far I've tried 657 different permutations, none of which have worked. By the way, I know how to access the navigation service mode so please don't reply with those instructions.

What kind of screen (4:3 or 16:9) do you have and which kind of radio (old gen or new gen) do you have?

[X5 Meister]

2005 components. 16:9 screen. new gen radio.

[Brian-bmw]

OK, these are the two methods to try. Method #1 is what works on my car. First, this assumes that your INFO and SELECT buttons are working. If not, then you need to code those with NavCoder. The other thing to remember is that the sequence must be initiated immediately after you turn the radio on.

Method #1

1. Turn the radio off.
2. Turn the radio on.
3. Within 8 seconds, press the 'INFO' button.
4. From the Info screen, select RDS (choose PTY on E38).
5. Press and hold the BM control knob (right side knob) for at least 8 seconds.
6. Scroll through functions using the station search buttons "< >".
7. Selections for the desired service function can be made by using the radio station preset buttons #1-6.
8. Turn the radio off to exit service mode.

Method #2

1. Turn the radio off.
2. Turn the radio on.
3. Immediately press and hold the 'Select' button for at least 8 seconds. The screen will switch to Service Mode.
4. The screen will now show the serial number of the radio.
5. Use the "< >" buttons to select the desired service function.
6. Selections for the desired service function can be made by using the radio station preset buttons #1-6.
7. Turn the radio off to exit service mode.

[X5 Meister]

Yep method #2 is the one. Thanks!

Here are also 2 great references (SIB 650704 and SIB 652803) that discuss the Radio Service Menu and some functions.

[X5 Meister]

It is interesting/curious that the SIB states that cars with DSP do not use GAL (speed sensitive volume control) yet you can make changes to it (range is 1 to 6).

[big bob]

I understood that the DSP used the GAL to change the frequency response [eg increasing the bass] as the car speed increased based on characterisation measurements taken of the car by BMW. Hense a coarse 'speed sensitive volume' function becomes less nessesary.

[X5 Meister]

The system knows if you have DSP or not. I don't understand why GAL is even selectable if you have DSP. I haven't tried playing with it yet, but I wonder if it makes any difference, particularly going from one extreme (1) to the other (6).

Originally Posted by big bob

I understood that the DSP used the GAL to change the frequency response [eg increasing the bass] as the car speed increased based on characterisation measurements taken of the car by BMW. Hense a coarse 'speed sensitive volume' function becomes less nessesary.

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Here are also 2 great references (SIB 650704 and SIB 652803) that discuss the Radio Service Menu and some functions.

Very cool.