Radio Problem?

[direfan]

Hi All,
I was looking for some advice about my radio. I have a 330i (2002) and I don't know if it is a problem with my radio but here is what I notice:

1. I have the radio set in the mode where if you tune to a particular station, it gives the station name and what song is playing. However, one of the stations i.e. DC101 in the DC metro area seems to have a problem. When I select the station, all I see on the LCD is 101.1 but if I hit the tune button and go on to 101.3 adn then return to 101.1, then I get all the song info and DC101 appers on the screen. I have seen this mainly with this station. Is this a problem with the radio? Do I need to take it in?

2. Also the knob on my radio is scratched up and I think it happened at the dealer and they said they were going to replace it and mail a new knob to me. Is it easy to replace the knob? Is there a step by step way to do this or is it as easy as pulling out the old one and replacing the new one?

3. I was driving a 2006 loaner 325i and while I like my car i think the software in the radio of the 2006 is better. Can they upgrade software in older BMW's? I think it is a software issue. What do you guys think? It seems the 2006 radio gives a lot more info.

Thanks for taking the time to read my long post. I wpould appreciate any advice.

D

 

[direfan]

Anybody? C'mon guys.

 

[Kirby]

1. If RDS works OK on all of the other stations, it is unlikely that it's the radio. RDS is simply data on a subchannel, the radio doesn't care what frequency it is tuned to. It is more likely that there is an strong adjacent station that interferes with the subchannel, and the up/down tuning allows the radio to lock in.

2. Don't know, on most radios it simply pops off.

3. Don't know, could be hardware differences as well as software.

 

[direfan]

Thanks Kirby. You have restored my faith in the board. I was beginning to get disillusioned as there were no replies for some of my previous questions. Thanks!