How to manually select FM frequency

CondorX5 · Post by **CondorX5** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 10:06 am

Stupid question I know but how do you set a manual FM frequency on the original BM54 radio? I want to tune in a DAB adaptor.

storminmike · Post by **storminmike** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 7:49 pm

[quote="CondorX5"]
Stupid question I know but how do you set a manual FM frequency on the original BM54 radio? I want to tune in a DAB adaptor.
[/quote]

Don't you type it in?

CondorX5 · Post by **CondorX5** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:20 pm

No. The original X5 head unit doesn't have facilities to type anything in. I've managed to work it out - the + and - buttons on the right of the screen tune up and down rapidly and if the DAB unit is on, and tuned, the X5 head unit will tune in to it. Works brilliantly- available from Halfords for around £50 , got one of their 2 hour discount deals so together with the DAB aerial so was around £60. Its called Sonichi. The head unit calls it "Sonichi" and you change station on the unit, not the head unit, but volume works via the head unit. Nice to get the digital stations. Will replace with one of the retrofit BMW DAB kits when I find one and use the Sonichi in our other car.

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 5:31 pm

I've read a few reviews on this DAB adapter, sounds like a good way of obtaining DAB radio for the car without the usual expense. As you said the external aerial is sold separately, RRP £15, and the units are selling for approx £50 at Halfords I believe. It needs a cig lighter socket for power, but could be hard wired in I suppose if desired.
Most of the reviews said it was a little untidy with the aerial wire and power lead on show, but with a little fitting could be tidied up so it looks like a nicer install. Works via FM95.5 via radio or Aux input I believe.
I'm not endorsing this product, just nice to see a cheap sensible way of getting digital radio in the car.
I've got a DAB radio in my works van. Drops out from time to time but love listening to Ultimate 80's

CondorX5 · Post by **CondorX5** » Fri Dec 11, 2015 8:07 pm

I would say its worth it, I love having the digital stations as well. And it was pretty inexpensive. Yes, the trailing wires are a pain, my cars always seem blighted by some gadget wires trailing somewhere! I bought the Nextbase Dashcam and had that hardwired in which is quite neat, this little unit needs the same treatment, really.

The unit itself is fairly small, it could be doublesided taped near the steering wheel and the aerial luckily works just fine anywhere - you don't need to have it roof mounted. Mine is just tucked in a front seat rear pocket at the moment till I have time to sort it - comes with 5m of cable so should be able to hide it with a bit of care. The unit is useless without the aerial, it is essential.
The unit lets you play an Ipod or MP3 player via its aux input as well so is useful if you want to play music and don't have the setup for it.
It could have been better built but then the price would have been higher. As it is, it gives an old car stereo a breath of new life for a while.

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