BM54 vs. BM53
 

I'm thinking about upgrading to a BM53/4.

I have searched a bunch of threads and the only differences that I have been able to find are: (correct me if I'm wrong)

BM53:
Sirius = yes
TMC = no
MP3 = yes (sept 05->)
world radio = yes (i.e. USA/ECE/Ocean)

BM54:
Sirius = ?
TMC = yes
MP3 = yes (sept 05->)
world radio = ?

I'm aware that USA=sirius on with the BM53, is this the case of the 54 if it has a USA mode?

Also, the antenna diversity module has to be replaced if updating from a old "round connector" radio.

Please chime in with info. :thumbup:

I believe the BM53 is tuned for radio frequencies typically found in North America, and the BM54 is tuned for radio frequencies typically found in Europe.

BM53 works in European frequencies i.e. ECE, just like the other radios..

I have a BM53 equipped car in Europe, It was in USA mode and I was not able to get about 1/2 of the available radio stations, when I switched it over to the ECE/Europe mode, everything came in. :)

The BM54 SHOULD have this function, just about every BMW made has this function for the exception of the NEW X5 and E60 with CCC.

I would like to know for sure that the BM54 can do it and if so, can it support Sirius (I doubt)

Another major difference:

Old-Gen radio: radio audio mutes fully when nav instructions are given
(quite annoying when lots of instructions are occuring)

New-gen radio: radio audio reduces when nav instructions are given
(much nicer on the ear)

The BM54 has a 'Region' setting, just like the BM53, but it's locked to Europe, so it won't work in the US.

The BM54 does not support Sirius, it does not recognise the iBus device ID.

Also, but I'm not 100% sure about this, the BM54 includes a 4x15W amplifier but the BM53 does not as all US equiped cars have some form of external amplification, the Euro E46 does not.

Unless you have a VERY good reason, strick with the BM54 in Europe and BM53 in the US, probably the BM53 in the rest of the world too.

The BM54 also receives several more SW and LW bands than teh BM53. And, the BM54 displays more station preset and CD changer information on the display. The BM54 costs significantly more than the BM53.

The price difference is also because
BM54 = dual tuner radio (diversity tuner)
BM53 = single tuner radio

Richard,

Correct me if I'm wrong; You can access the Region setting and change the setting to another country, but, when you power down, the setting goes back to Europe?

On the 2 BM54's I've had, one old (pre September 2005) and one new (post September 2005), the region setting won't change at all.

Thanks!