XSeries-forum

Hi all

I need some advice please!

I have the standard FM radio/sat nav unit in my 2005 E53 and am missing DAB radio terribly which I had in my previous car.

So is the following possible: have a cable installed so that I can connect my iphone to the existing unit and which will allow me to listen to digital quality radio? I only listen to one radio station and can get it via it's webpage on the iphone. Also what is the reception like when sitting inside a car? I have made a call when driving (in any car) and just don't answer it when it rings!

Thanks

Sally

There was a kit that BMW did that would allow you to connect an iPod to the car via a pair of 3.5mm connectors.  If you have that kit then all you need is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo jack lead which goes from the iPhone headphone socket to the car.  If the kit is fitted (it was a Dealer fit option) on yours then there should be a 3.5mm socket in the glovebox.

This might affect your ability to use the phone though.

BMW have just started advertising a DAB retrofit for £299 (inc installation etc) which installs a unit into the car.  Uses a screen mounted aerial and separate remote control and all integrates into the rest of the car's systems.  No idea who's system it is, but that may be another (albeit more expensive) option.  The ad also fails to say which models are covered - helpfully!!  >:(

Coverage wise, it will depend upon your mobile network for the option you want to use.

Thanks for the advice.

From what I can see the system that BMW is offering is the same as the one Halfords is offering, but nearly double the price.

I will therefore buy the Halfords one. My local Halfords actually fitted a DAB stereo in my previous BMW so I will just go there (now I know this product exists!).

I suspected it was a rebadged 'something' but with a suitably BMW price hike!

Now found that supposedly it fits all BMWs post-1998 apparently.....so what is the device they're promoting?

Richard