XSeries-forum

Anybody got suggestions on how best to upgrade the radio on my 2007 E83 3.0d  to DAB?

Is there a BMW digital radio that I could retrofit? Or am I going to have to go to Halfords?

There was a DAB kit offered by BMW.  Have a look on Realoem, use the last 7 characters of your VIN as the serial number and check the audio section for retrofit kits.  It was around £200 last time I saw it.

Beware that some parts of the UK seem to have poor mobile DAB coverage compared to fixed (home) DAB.

I have fitted the BMW DAB retrofit kit. It could be better but isn't that bad.

what was the price for that please

[quote="jagr"]
I have fitted the BMW DAB retrofit kit. It could be better but isn't that bad.


[/quote] I've got OEM DAB in my van, and used it for a while but got fed up with it always dropping  out, even in what you would expect to be good reception areas, still can result in the signal disappearing.
Just so you are aware before you spend any money that it's very hit and miss.
I travel all over the country in my job, so it's not just in my area. Some areas obviously better than others.
I've heard it's transmitted at less than half the strength as FM.

If you are struggling with the signal strength then an external aerial will sort it. I had the naff one that sticks onto the windscreen but it was fairly poor.

[quote="russ25"]
what was the price for that please
[/quote]

I got mine from a BMW dealer on ebay that was an uncollected order so was discounted too £120, I think retail is £200.

[quote="Horizon"]
I've heard it's transmitted at less than half the strength as FM.
[/quote]

It is at a lot less than that.  One DAB transmitter on the M25 near J9 is radiating just 20W.  TV Tx Power is usually in kilowatts, as is VHF FM radio.

I have an autosound DAB add on, used it in my X3 it's now in the Ford Kuga.

Cost about £120 virtually the same as the BMW OEM one.

The signal does drop out in certain areas depending on the station you are listening to.