Help! Window tint interferring with FM Signal - Real Time Traffic
#1
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My Ride: Current - 07 X5 4.8 Sport, HUD, Cold Weather, Technology package, Premium Sound, Hitch, 214 Summer Wheels, 298 M Winter wheels
Mods-M Steering wheel, LCI Tailights
Sold to make room for future M5- 08 550 SpaceGray Msport, Fully Loaded, Comfort Seats, Comfort Access, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Cold Weather, Htd Rear Seats, Sunshade, Logic 7/HD Radio, SAT, iPod, Lane Departure Warning, Fold Down Rear Seats
Mods: Dinan ECU, V1 w/ concealed Display, Tint all around
M5 Mirrors waiting Paint/Install
RDsport Quad Exhaust waiting Install
M5 style 166 wheels waiting install
Sold - 07 550i
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Ok, I have an 08 550i with tinted windows. My Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI)in the NAV doesn't work. The dealer is blaming it on the window tint. I think this is absolute BS! Anyone have rear window tint and use the real time traffic with NAV?
These dealers will find anything to avoid fixing the problem.
These dealers will find anything to avoid fixing the problem.
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My Ride: '05 545i SMG, 35% Tint, LED Angel Eyes
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That's a total BS!!! You should go talk to another SA at a different dealer.
The Real-Time traffic info is received via the satellite signal (I am assuming you have Sirius service). The satellite antenna is embedded in the shark fin antenna on the roof and not the rear glass. Even if your rear window is tinted, it should only interfere with your AM reception and not so much your FM reception. There's also an antenna amplifier hidden under the pillar on the right-rear. It can be accessed by removing the high-mount brake light cover and the interior trim on the pillar.
The Real-Time traffic info is received via the satellite signal (I am assuming you have Sirius service). The satellite antenna is embedded in the shark fin antenna on the roof and not the rear glass. Even if your rear window is tinted, it should only interfere with your AM reception and not so much your FM reception. There's also an antenna amplifier hidden under the pillar on the right-rear. It can be accessed by removing the high-mount brake light cover and the interior trim on the pillar.
#3
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actually thats possible. when i got mine tinted, they told me i cant get the a specific tint because it messes with our cars electronic signals. it think is the metallic kind of tint or something. i wanted that one too since it blocks a lot of heat/uv rays. but since they told me that, i think i pick the next level after it. so its not really bs, its only bs when you dont have the metallic tint
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#4
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My Ride: '05 545i SMG, 35% Tint, LED Angel Eyes
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I guess there are various opinions out there but I have metallic film (35% tints) all around on my cars (E60 & E65). The E60 doesn't have the satellite but my E65 does. If I obstruct the line of site to the shark-fin antenna, the satellite signal cuts out. It's a simple test really. Just drive your car into your garage or a parking structure with a roof, your FM signal won't cut out but your satellite will just as soon as the antenna is not facing the open sky.
#5
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My Ride: 2004 530i
premium package/active steering/auto sunshade/tiag/black dakota leather/logic 7
35% tint all around
19' DPE GT7
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this is definitely a possibility if you have metallic tint, its been known to interfere with cellphone reception as well. the best option for tint is the ceramic tint, it has the same characteristics as the metallic tint but doesn't cause interference.
#6
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My Ride: Current - 07 X5 4.8 Sport, HUD, Cold Weather, Technology package, Premium Sound, Hitch, 214 Summer Wheels, 298 M Winter wheels
Mods-M Steering wheel, LCI Tailights
Sold to make room for future M5- 08 550 SpaceGray Msport, Fully Loaded, Comfort Seats, Comfort Access, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Cold Weather, Htd Rear Seats, Sunshade, Logic 7/HD Radio, SAT, iPod, Lane Departure Warning, Fold Down Rear Seats
Mods: Dinan ECU, V1 w/ concealed Display, Tint all around
M5 Mirrors waiting Paint/Install
RDsport Quad Exhaust waiting Install
M5 style 166 wheels waiting install
Sold - 07 550i
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They say the RTTI works through the FM signal, not the Sirius. I think the Pre 08 cars worked through Sirius. The car came tinted, so I'm not sure what type of tint it is. How would I verify? Though it still seams like BS, cause the FM radio still works...
#7
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well from what i understand, if your back window is tinted the antenna of the fm radio is outside the tint. looking from the inside it should be tint then fm antenna then glass. you know, those aztec pattern looking things at our back window. from what i understand though. i could be wrong. dont know how to check it, maybe you could go to local tint shop and see if they can tell, or ask bmw since you bought it tinted.
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My Ride: 2004 545i
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well from what i understand, if your back window is tinted the antenna of the fm radio is outside the tint. looking from the inside it should be tint then fm antenna then glass. you know, those aztec pattern looking things at our back window. from what i understand though. i could be wrong. dont know how to check it, maybe you could go to local tint shop and see if they can tell, or ask bmw since you bought it tinted.
By using metallic tint on all the windows you are effectively creating a Faraday Cage (link) inside the car, no RF signals can get in or out.
--- Yes I used to be an antenna engineer.
Does your car have HD radio? If this cuts out frequently or FM switches from mono to stereo often it is very likely a radio reception issue.
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My Ride: 2008 528i, Space Grey, Nav, PDC, Premium, Sports, Grey Leather, Xenon, Cornering...
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