DAB Stations?

[Sit]

When the X5 was off the road and I was put into a '16 plate 320d I noticed the DAB list was HUGE in comparison to the E70. Is there anyway of updating my list to have more choice or is it down to receiver/DAB tuner??

Also is there a preferred lead for connecting iPhone into centre console for use as AUX, can spend anything from 99p Chinese special to £30 or more. Before Christmas I did try lighting cable from the Apple charger, plugged USB end into centre console port and other end into phone. Selected AUX on head unit but silence - selected a track on iTunes via the phone but still nothing?

Any ideas?

Si

[Nictrix]

Im sure the USB is only for charging or for using a memory stick.
You would need to use the 3.5mm jack plug which is the AUX on the stereo.
Not sure about the DAB, its pretty poor most of the time anyway. Can you rescan for stations the same way you can rescan for tv channels and maybe it will pick up more?

[Sit]

Ah ok, that might explain the silence......lol! Will try 3.5mm jack although I am guessing quality isn’t going to be great through the 3.5mm jack???

I have had a little play with DAB and the odd one pops up on the list but nothing in comparison to what came up in the newer 3 Series - guessing it’s possibly stronger tuner or something.

Si

[snrbrtsn]

I use the armrest Usb with an original Apple lead, no 3.5mm jack.
Initially I had to pair the phone / iPod via Bluetooth, thereafter I can plug in and control the tracks via the steering wheel, not sure if I can change album or display album art (think I can)

After many months of ownership and failed attempts to stream via Bluetooth I stumbled across the function so it may be spec dependent

Overall the Bluetooth method is acceptably poor and volume has to be cranked up the sound is muffled/distorted However, I can plug in via Apple lead and blow myself off the seat with sound quality, when the volume was previously set to Bluetooth level, also offers IPod/iPhone charging benefits.

I think the last two options allow the control so may have to check your cars spec

615A Expanded BMW Online Information
S616A BMW Online
S633A Preparation, mobile phone, Business
S654A DAB tuner
S694A Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S698A Area-Code 2 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TeleServices
S6ABA Control for Teleservices
S6FLA USB/Audio interface
S6VCA Control for Combox

Regarding DAB, I find it area dependent, the constant drop out gets the better of me and I resort to other media means, it works well in built up areas but poor outwith, besides my favourite radio station isn’t offered.

[X5Sport]

The USB connection appears under the ‘CD’ button on the iDrive if you have the 6FL option on the car.  It doesn’t need a 3.5mm connection.  Pre-2010 you needed a special ‘Y’ cable which used both the USB and the 3.5mm connections together.

The centre armrest connection will also charge most mobile phones, but not a tablet.

You can also stream via Bluetooth as long as you select the function under the options list against the paired phone (needs a tick in the Audio box as well).

Using the USB option for audio will turn it off for the streaming function but leave the phone’s Bluetooth function running as a phone only.

[Kleynie]

Regarding the DAB, I assume you are tuning to the local ensemble?