My radio has gotten progressively worse...

[bmwrocks]

My radio reception has gotten worse and worse. In FM, first it sounds OK, then the bottom drops out, then the bottom comes back in, then drops out, etc. I get no AM reception to speak of. I live in metro Orlando area so its not like I am too far away from the station sources. This happens with all stations.

Anyone else with diversity antennas experiencing this?

Also, the RDS scrolling doesn't work right. It doesn't display all the info, jumps around through the text. Anyone seeing this?

I have the NAV display. I mention this because I have an X5 with the standard Business radio and it works perfectly.

 

[MrElussive]

You might have turned on this function called "AF". I have no idea what its purpose is, but on our RX300 when you push that buton, it totally screws up radio reception, similar to what you're experiencing. Do you have some kind of button or function labeled "AF"? I have no idea what it stands for, but if I get a chance, I will look it up in the owners manual.

 

[bmwrocks]

No I don't have a function like that. I did have a button like that on my older Toyotas that toggled between "local" and "long distance". It adjusted the tuner sensitivity to filter out distant stations.

I do have something like that on the Bimmer called "search sensitive" and "search non-sensitive", but it is only active during station scanning and doesn't affect a station once you have it locked in. I have tried it both ways out of desperation anyways.

This radio really has me pissed off. It's embarassing.

 

[Kirby]

I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the antenna has a antenna matching unit/amplifier located in the rear pillar under the trim. I'm thinking that it is defective or has no power to it.

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read about this problem with your radio. If you and your BMW Center want our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117, and mention Reference #200424600343 so we can discuss your concerns. If you prefer, you can email us through the Owners’ Circle at www.bmwusa.com.

 

[Bryan330i]

Does yours flash off and on? Mine has started this lately.

You should get everything there I would think. I have found the radio reception in Florida to be awesome.

 

[jbfog]

I have an '01 325. the dealer is replacing the rear windshield today because the am reception is so bad. The antenna is in the windshield. I don't know if that is your problem but you should have someone look at it.

 

[JCinFW328i]

how much is this costing you? My reception is HORRIBLE. I just got rid of my 00 Saab which had awesome reception, so did my 92 325i which also had the antenna in the windshield.

 

[1quickCBLK M3]

I live in Houston, Texas and I am having a similar problem with my '04 M3. The FM reception is weak and most stations are fuzzy and unclear. This is now the 3rd time I have taken my car in for this problem. Last time they replaced the head unit and the problem is still there. Hmmmm, maybe an antenna issue???? Anyway, the FM reception in the loaner X3 is perfect!

 

[///M SPEED]

The reception in my M sucks too. The FM is bad at times (not like it should be), but the AM reception I could hardly get anything. I can barely get any reception with AM at all. Spend nearly 60K on a car and can't even get the standard stations is really ridiculous....

 

[bmwrocks]

I took mine in for other issues and had them check out the radio and rattling speaker. Both things came back as non-recreateable!!! I drive the car everyday and know the reception sucks and the speaker buzzes and hasn't changed since I first reported it. I was told to call the service manager to pursue the problem further. They want to ride with me so I can demo the problem. Like I have the time to spend doing that. Anyways, I won't quit till it's fixed.

Good (and bad) to hear others with this problem. I will keep all posted on my progress with this.

 

[1quickCBLK M3]

Yeah, guys I feel your pain. My service guy has attributed my poor radio reception to a weak signal...hmmmmmm. but reception is great in my friends volvo and the X3 I am driving now! At the time of purchase I spent an additional $2500 on amps, sub and labor. I didn't upgrade with the intent of having a crappy sounding AM/FM system. You'd think they would bend over backwards for ya, NOT the case! But, yea, I won't give up until it's fixed either.