Jap Spec E60 - do's and don't

[desbimmer]

hee hee...luckily i have never bothered to tune in to the radio in the past and don't intend to in the future as well...too much talk and adverts! I sometimes drive in perfect silence and in contemplation so I don't even realize that I have not on my radio until I arrive at my destination. I have my Garmin so I will live with it ler... Iceman....not around town much and not bothered to take pics of car anymore ler...ekekek....it's really nothing new and I keep it stock

 

[thule]

Dunno about gps.. But radio problem can be fixed of course for a price of rm1000!!!
No.. Not fm booster but programming your CCC to change the frequency :top: I thought that a forumer by name of sonny88 or something like that started a thread on this??? You all didn't read ah???

Yupp guys, it is frustrating indeed for a highly rated car like BMW e60 with its superb look and great handling cant even settle the radio frequency issue, and so much for the idrive/gps stuff which cannot be used here !! BMW , or BMW Japan should do something about this..

Anyway, any guys who bought the ckd from auto bavaria can comment on their gps onboard function??

Cheers

 

[alxy]

Yeah, but then I think someone asked for opinion whether someone else had done it but no replied. RM1,000 just to add radio function is a bit steep. Though if it adds in the AUX function and upgrades the software, should be OK. Anyone done it?

 

[AhTu]

Some sugest me to add a module that provide AUX input. Then, install a DVD player which has radio function. I was quoted 1900+ for the module and dvd player of such cost around 1k (all exludes installation).

Pro: to do that will able me to install a reverse camera and can play movie while moving. Con: sound expensive and not practical to me.

I really prefer to pay 1k for getting the redio work.

 

[thule]

Alxy,
I have a friend who had done it and he actually said that the reception is clear! It's a one-time job too :top: I mean I think that RM1k for the radio function is steep but then to those who can't live without radio, this is the obvious choice rather than change the whole CCC which can go up to 10k right?
And NO... the programming will not add the AUX function coz this is not software upgrade but mere tweaking your radio frequency. But of course you can always call and ask if he does software upgrade or not, as the machine that he uses are similar to those upgrading works.

Yeah, but then I think someone asked for opinion whether someone else had done it but no replied. RM1,000 just to add radio function is a bit steep. Though if it adds in the AUX function and upgrades the software, should be OK. Anyone done it?

Ah Tu,
The "module" is what we called "Multimedia Interface" and the good ones are made in Korea this is useful only if you have the "Aux In" in your Entertainment section. Software upgrade is a must here or else the sound from DVD will be channeled through radio frequency and it SUCKS big time!!! The price for the interface is about right as I paid about RM2500 for it 2 years ago! Also please install high end DVD player such as Alpine or Kenwood as it does make difference in sound ok?
With the interface, you can install reverse camera, GPS module and Dension too (of course all will cost $$$) maybe it's not practical to you but to those who have hundreds or maybe thousands of songs will definitely opt for this option. Just like me (I can't live without my fav songs while driving!!! LOL)
Programming the radio frequency is another story altogether... I'm planning to do it but first I have to find the time to make appointment... GOD I miss hitz.fm Morning Crew for RM1k I can solve my problem once and for all...

Some sugest me to add a module that provide AUX input. Then, install a DVD player which has radio function. I was quoted 1900+ for the module and dvd player of such cost around 1k (all exludes installation).

Pro: to do that will able me to install a reverse camera and can play movie while moving. Con: sound expensive and not practical to me.

I really prefer to pay 1k for getting the redio work.

 

[AhTu]

Thule,

Can Peter install these plus reprogram the freq? I got his number from you but haven't called him yet. Also, I am in JB and need to arrange a time to go to KL for all these.

The guy quoted me was recomended by my dealer that makes me worried about his ability cox haven't heard abt his company. I heard it will cause pitchy sound while driving if it is not installed correctly.

 

[affan66]

i have done the above as per thule's post.

1. Radio mod - however the mod for newer i-Drive (gray coloured screen instead of orange) will give you full range of radio freq but you cannot save the stations (YET!!!)
2. Multimedia interface - I added an OEM-look boot button reverse camera and aux cable from the glovebox (instead of using the aux in from behind the centre armrest)
3. Unlock TV/Video - allows tv / video watching on the move

So, the above gives me full msian radio, movie (full screen) watching from my iPod (using iPod Composite AV cable) and TV watching all the time. Great to watch the Msia-Indo football match while driving.
What I don't get? Navigation. Not a big concern because my outboard garmin does the job pretty well, running on MFM maps..

However, being Japan spec, the TV is SECAM based, (I believe) so don't expect clear TV from the i-Drive screen. Some pictures in attachment to give you an idea of what I'm talking about and an indirect racun.

Price wise, as Thule wrote. So far, I heard only two guys can do this in Malaysia and the price is pretty much fixed

 

[AhTu]

Dear Affan66, what is the total damage for all these?

 

[affan66]

radio, tv unlock circa RM1K
multimedia interface RM2.5K
price includes workmanship, programming

 

[thule]

Ah Tu,
He knows someone that can reprogram the frequency alright! But like bro Affan said, after that... you still can't save the stations yet but your system will scan all available stations each and everytime you start the car! This is the only problem that is bugging me now... not really tedious but somehow I am bugged!!!LOL!

Thule,

Can Peter install these plus reprogram the freq? I got his number from you but haven't called him yet. Also, I am in JB and need to arrange a time to go to KL for all these.

The guy quoted me was recomended by my dealer that makes me worried about his ability cox haven't heard abt his company. I heard it will cause pitchy sound while driving if it is not installed correctly.

 

[affan66]

the guy who does this is a freelancer...

 

[desbimmer]

I just realized that taking your cd changer unit out can actually complicate the idrive system. Sent mine for repair and my screen will sometimes come on without issues, sometimes blank and sometimes with a diff menu system luckily I am getting it back tmmrw....hope all is well again...gulp....

 

[thule]

I just realized that taking your cd changer unit out can actually complicate the idrive system. Sent mine for repair and my screen will sometimes come on without issues, sometimes blank and sometimes with a diff menu system luckily I am getting it back tmmrw....hope all is well again...gulp....

Bro desbimmer,
I beg to differ I have actually taken away my CD changer and put the DVD player there!! been listening to MP3 and watching Barney (my daughter actually) all these while for 2 years... and *touch wood* my iDrive still in perfect condition :top:

 

[affan66]

thule, you got a cd changer eh before??
I don't think I have one... my iPod is my main movie source. Mostly Toy Story 3,2,1, Despicable Me, Ice Age and the likes. haha

 

[thule]

thule, you got a cd changer eh before??
I don't think I have one... my iPod is my main movie source. Mostly Toy Story 3,2,1, Despicable Me, Ice Age and the likes. haha

Yeah!!! The CD changer was there before but upon inspection.. They told me that it was not functioning. No wonder I couldn't play songs thru cd changer last time la.. it was malfunctioned even before I bought the car. So ended up putting the DVD player there and took out the changer.

Lol! My 20 month old daughter only likes barney & Mickey mouse so far so my collection on these cartoons is extensive!! Might show Tom & Jerry to her soon

 

[desbimmer]

Gee....my idrive started acting bonkers only upon Peter takin out my changer for the repair. I panicked the 1st time it happened and checked forums and realized that many have come to the conclusion after removing the component. I may be one of the unlucky ones then. Called Peter to clarify and he said that it has been known to happen as the 'connector' or sorts is 'missing' from the loop. I hope this is the issue cause I don't want to deal with anything else!

Maybe by installing another component like a DVD player establishes the link and does not distrupt the link to the CCC....may be different if you leave the slot empty?....

 

[alxy]

Alxy,
I have a friend who had done it and he actually said that the reception is clear! It's a one-time job too :top: I mean I think that RM1k for the radio function is steep but then to those who can't live without radio, this is the obvious choice rather than change the whole CCC which can go up to 10k right?
And NO... the programming will not add the AUX function coz this is not software upgrade but mere tweaking your radio frequency. But of course you can always call and ask if he does software upgrade or not, as the machine that he uses are similar to those upgrading works.

Thanks for info. Yes, RM1K just for radio is not worth it, especially since for me it'll probably be a temporary job until I get my repaired or new CCC. If for RM1K I can get radio reprogramming & AUX function, then maybe can consider sticking with the Jap CCC....

 

[alxy]

radio, tv unlock circa RM1K
multimedia interface RM2.5K
price includes workmanship, programming

Bro, you already have the AUX function in your iDrive right? Or you had to program it on as well?

 

[alxy]

Yeah!!! The CD changer was there before but upon inspection.. They told me that it was not functioning. No wonder I couldn't play songs thru cd changer last time la.. it was malfunctioned even before I bought the car. So ended up putting the DVD player there and took out the changer.

Lol! My 20 month old daughter only likes barney & Mickey mouse so far so my collection on these cartoons is extensive!! Might show Tom & Jerry to her soon

Bro thule, we are in same boat. My 8-disc DVD changer has 7 DVDs with Barbie, Ben 10, etc... all children's show for my kids! Only 1 is reserved for me

 

[affan66]

mine has aux in, gray i-drive screen