E39 Fm Radio Troubleshooting Help

[sbent528]

Can anyone help me figure out where to start troubleshooting my radio's inability to tune any FM stations in the Washington DC area?

History on the car: it's a US spec '97 528i that I bought in Japan while in the military over there (only 23K miles on the odom). Just brought it back to the states a few months ago. FM stations are different in Japan so I'm not sure if the previous owner or dealer disconnected the antenna or not. I assume since the CD changer is in the trunk that I'm supposed to look in the left side of the trunk. But what exactly am I looking for? A picture reference would be great!!!!!

Thanks for the assist

[Dirty_Tool]

Sounds like you may need to go in the radio service mode and change the country setting to USA. Here is how to enter the radio service mode.

1. Turn the radio on.
2. Within 8 seconds, press and hold the 'M' button for 8 seconds.
3. Scroll through functions using the '+' and '-' keys or the "< >" buttons.
4. Turn the radio off to leave the service mode.


Hope this helps,

DT

[Teh Prof]

Originally posted by sbent528@Jul 9 2005, 01:15 PM
Can anyone help me figure out where to start troubleshooting my radio's inability to tune any FM stations in the Washington DC area?

History on the car: it's a US spec '97 528i that I bought in Japan while in the military over there (only 23K miles on the odom). Just brought it back to the states a few months ago. FM stations are different in Japan so I'm not sure if the previous owner or dealer disconnected the antenna or not. I assume since the CD changer is in the trunk that I'm supposed to look in the left side of the trunk. But what exactly am I looking for? A picture reference would be great!!!!!

Thanks for the assist

[snapback]361018[/snapback]

I've got the same car and live in the same area as you do. My radio reception here sucks. It's fine in other cities. I have no idea what the deal is.

[BMWCAPT]

My 528i (98) has the NAV system and terrible radio reception. Can anyone tell me how to go to "service mode" to check teh settings? Any other ideas? When I listen to a cassette or Ipod (via cassette) the system sounds good - just no radio reception! Last car was a 325si with great radio.... what's up?
Thanks,
Tim