[AMCross]

anyone know if you can bypass the rear windows aerials


im getting dab no signal and apparently the screen aerials are useless anyway

could I buy a dab aerial just to test its not the head unit at fault

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by AMCross

anyone know if you can bypass the rear windows aerials im getting dab no signal and apparently the screen aerials are useless anyway could I buy a dab aerial just to test its not the head unit at fault

Originally Posted by AMCross

Dab screen aerials useless anyway

Never heard that one! Suggest you ask a dealer what they think before messing about with a temporary aerial.
I use DAB all the time in my area and it works all the time.
Have you tried using it with rear screen heating on for any length of time?

What is DB signal strength like in Scotland? Have you tried south?

Tried the postcode checker?
http://www.ukdigitalradio.com/covera...tails.asp?id=1

You might get more helpful answers from the following forum that is more UK orientated. Believe it or not the majority of long term posters are jocks.
http://bmwland.org.uk/index.php

[AMCross]

yes the bmw dealer said whilst car was in that it would cost circa £150 to diagnose

just to add it comes up with bbc list of stations but all say no signal when selected

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by AMCross

just to add it comes up with bbc list of stations but all say no signal when selected

I am no expert (only able to tune stations ), but it sounds to me as though you are outside the signal area.
From what I remember, when I go through the occasional signal drop off area it still shows the station's name.
Did you look at the signal area map I posted in an earlier post?

Have you tried in other areas in the UK other than Scotland?

One other item I forgot to ask. Have you a 3rd party rear dash-cam fitted? These are notorious for completely blocking out the signal. It is the wiring to the front dash-cam if it is configured that way. In most cases you need to have a ferrite ring fitted to the connecting wire? Mine had to have one installed when it was fitted. BMWs are worse than most.

[Troppo]

No reason that the DAB antenna (LH rear window) would not work OK - as others have said, it may be a lack of signal strength in general, rather than an antenna problem...

[AMCross]

ok guys thanks for your help

no dash cam fitted but surely just outside Edinburgh we should get a signal

bmw dealer not much help at all

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by AMCross

no dash cam fitted but surely just outside Edinburgh we should get a signal

Agreed. Did you look at the link posted giving signal areas?

[AMCross]

right between two main transmitters as per picture

[Troppo]

Looks like coverage should be OK.

You know that FM actually sounds better, don't you...

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Troppo

Looks like coverage should be OK.

You know that FM actually sounds better, don't you...

That is very subjective.

[Troppo]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

That is very subjective.

Not all, the codec is old, and they pack too many stations into the multiplex...

Translation: It is old tech and they tried to do it on the cheap....

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Troppo

Not all, the codec is old, and they pack too many stations into the multiplex...

Translation: It is old tech and they tried to do it on the cheap....

...and FM is old tech too...

[AMCross]

I agree with both of you

paid 2k for a Tag McLaren dab Upgrade for my hifi system was great at first but gradually got worse


but when they switch fm off what are we supposed to do if BMW cant get a reliable system in their cars

my volvo s60 was perfect

[Peter_R]

The experts seem to be saying that DAB+ is the way to go. Read the following:
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/0...re_is_not_dab/
We will have to see.

[AMCross]

but a lot of dab units are NOT software updatedable to DAB+

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by AMCross

but a lot of dab units are software updatedable to DAB+

Then go and talk to BMW! You started off this thread asking for help that many tried to do, because BMW wanted money. Now it has turned into a debate.
Many people are of the view that DAB is in many cases better than FM that suffers badly from hiss. It is not perfect in the UK. Mine works perfectly on more or less the same car as yours, and I receive many stations except in the occasional DB drop out area where everything is blank including the rubbish hissy FM.

By the way, did you purchase the car from a BMW dealer under the Approved Used Car(UAC) scheme? If so it is incumbent on them to fix!

How long have you had the car? Even if it was not AUC, it was faulty on purchase, unless it has just happened during your ownership!

[AMCross]

no faulty on purchase but dont worry I wont bore you anymore

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by AMCross

no faulty on purchase but dont worry I wont bore you anymore

You are not boring anyone! You did not give sufficient information in your first post. If you had advised the forum that it was not faulty on purchase, then you would have been advised to seek advice from a specialist in the form of a BMW dealer or a BMW independent. Yes it will cost money. Cars go wrong as you can see and you will have to pay to have it assessed and fixed.

[Troppo]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

The experts seem to be saying that DAB+ is the way to go. Read the following:
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/0...re_is_not_dab/
We will have to see.

They are right. DAB+ is much better.