Radio does not pass 90FM!

[hidenakka]

I searched but I couldn't find an answer. My 90 535i is from Japan and my stock radio does not go past 90FM. And of course, all the stations are above 90! Is there a way for me to resolve this? Thanks!! Also while I'm at it, it appears that if I want to listen to CDs, I just need to hook up a CD changer in the back right? Will I have to change the stock head unit? I don't see a 'CD' button anywhere.

[shogun]

That is standard for japanese radios. They will not go past 90 FM.
Ask a radio shop if they can do something on this, but probably you can scrap it.
You will find some more items on your car which are Japan specification only, such as the temperature sensor at the back of the cat.
But this sensor has no influence on the MOTRONIC, just gives a warning if the temp goes to high to avoid a fire when the car is parked on dry grass etc.
There is also a special replay for this, only Japan spec cars have that.

[Armen]

I've seen a radio before (don't remember which model) which had an option for Regional Settings -- Europe and North America... the difference being some frequencies of stations in Europe end in even numbers (ex: 95.4 fm) and you'd be able to switch between both... you might check and see if such an option exists on your radio which may include North America. Of course, this might be as simple as a software issue (programming options via front panel buttons) or a hardware issue (replacing some type of PROM inside the radio).. or as mentioned in the previous post, getting a new radio.

[Ferret]

Lol, change the headunit, they're only cheap!

[shogun]

The japanese version from 78-90 FM is not sold overseas, as for example in Europe these are the ranges for police, firefighters etc.
These radios are not allowed to be used there with such frequency.

[hidenakka]

Thanks for the replies. I'd like to get a new headunit, but I want to stick with an OEM look. So I guess there aren't any OEM in-dash CD units for our cars eh?

[shogun]

maybe you contact this company, if there is a chance to change the frequencies
http://www.radiomanrepair.com/BMWRadioRepair/index.html

What model do you have? Sony CDX...
Is the amp. and disk player in the trunk?

[hidenakka]

Sorry I've no clue. I don't have a disc changer or anything. I got tape and some rather useless radio stations to keep me entertained on the road. At least I get to listen to a TV station, so everyday after work, I list to Star Trek and in the mornings, I listen to Breakfast Television! It's either that or the Christian music channel. I know that it is CD changer ready, so probably all the wirings in the back.


maybe you contact this company, if there is a chance to change the frequencies
http://www.radiomanrepair.com/BMWRadioRepair/index.html

What model do you have? Sony CDX...
Is the amp. and disk player in the trunk?

[attack eagle]

you know you could always hard wire a later 91+ connector in so you could use a later OEM cd in dash unit. That would be the most logical solution... at least to me.

[hidenakka]

Yes, that would probably be the best solution. Do you know which model I should focus on? E36? E39? All the E36s I've seen have the tape deck / CD changer in trunk configuration, but I don't know about the other cars.


you know you could always hard wire a later 91+ connector in so you could use a later OEM cd in dash unit. That would be the most logical solution... at least to me.

[mangler]

i have a stock head unit with code, crossover/amp thing and changer i could ship you for $100 plus shipping from 96734

[attack eagle]

dunno, mine no have stock radio in it. Mine had a pioneer 3600 in it, and now has an oldschool clarion CD head with a glovebox mounted Cd changer.

Ofcourse there is always the preproduction BMW harmon kardon traffic pro.

[CharlesAFerg]

pffffffffff
No stations past 90? please!

89.9 to all of you Portlanders, you know what I'm talking about..
Allclassical 89.9

listen online at:
allclassical.org

Hell, wanna trade cars because of the radio? ;)

[LunatiC]

the difference being some frequencies of stations in Europe end in even numbers (ex: 95.4 fm) and you'd be able to switch between both...

Actually, it is only in the AM/Medium wave band that American and 'rest of the world' differ. The switch in radios are so that the radios can work in the Americas (10kHz steps) and flicking the switch will use 9kHz steps, used everywhere else.

FM radio has no difference between the Americas and Europe. Even though some countries would use odd-ending frequencies and others even-ending eg. 101.1, 101.3, 101.5 etc compared to 101.2, 101.4, 101.6 etc, there is no need to have a switch to flick between both systems since the step is exactly the same. The step switch is required for AM otherwise people with a radio built in the United States won't be able to catch anything from airwaves whilst in Europe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AM_broadcasting#Frequency_Bands
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FM_broadcast_band

[shogun]

Did you read your link reg. FM in Japan?
His BMW is imported from Japan and has a Japanese radio.


In Japan the FM broadcast band is 76–90 MHz, unlike any other country in the world.

And that is what is mentioned on my Sony:

SONY CDX 5B817
CD AUTO CHANGER SYSTEM
FM-TV 76-90 Mhz, 1-3 Channel
AM 522-1628
DC: 12 V negative ground

[Paul in NZ]

the later BMW head units can be "switched" to enable them to functi in different markets including Japan...its commonhere to fit the stereos with "band expander" but i have heard the quality is average.Get another head unit,then you can also use and ipod or similar.If you want abmw one get a cd 43 from a latermodel butthey are quite $$$$

[LunatiC]

Did you read your link reg. FM in Japan?
His BMW is imported from Japan and has a Japanese radio.


Not sure if that was directed at me, if it was then in that case yes I am aware that Japan has a different FM frequency range. However, I was talking about Americas v. Europe, Japan has always been a special case.

[shogun]

Another possibility, buy a cheaper one from the U.K. for a Rover, that is the same as used in many BMW
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/295076/

[shogun]

I just found this info for BMW radios
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/308457

[hidenakka]

Interesting... I'll have to give this a try! Thanks!


I just found this info for BMW radios
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/308457

[hidenakka]

I just gave it a try and nothing. Mind you I don't have a CD unit, nor do I have a "M" button, but rather a "Mode" button... but still didn't work. I think I'm going to have to give in and get an aftermarket unit. Or find a business CD unit from another E34.

[shogun]

finally, after several years, the solution. I had the same problem with my 1998 E36 M3 with a BMW radio CD 33 installed, as it came from USA. No working in Japan, so I replaced it against a CD 43 and that can be switched
BMW C33 and CD43 Radios (http://www.eabjr.com/Business-Radio-C33-and-CD43.php)