Poor radio (FM) reception
New Members
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 109
Likes: 10
From: Colorado
My Ride: E61
Model Year: 2008
Disclosure: I'm just getting my feet wet with my own new-to-me E61, so I could very easily be wrong.
I've been having issues with my own Comfort Access system. Just doesn't work that great sometimes, and I've had to lock the door with the fob a few times. My issue likely stems from a failing Diversity Antenna Module. One of the symptoms of a FAILED diversity antenna is that the radio doesn't pick up stations. I won't go so far as to say that IS your problem, but it might be a stepping stone for your inquiry.
I've been having issues with my own Comfort Access system. Just doesn't work that great sometimes, and I've had to lock the door with the fob a few times. My issue likely stems from a failing Diversity Antenna Module. One of the symptoms of a FAILED diversity antenna is that the radio doesn't pick up stations. I won't go so far as to say that IS your problem, but it might be a stepping stone for your inquiry.
New Members
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 655
Likes: 73
From: Abbotsford, BC
My Ride: 2009 535xi Touring 6MT, 2019 i3s
Engine: N54
As a reminder for folks, the E63, 6-series diversity antenna modules are often much cheaper on Ebay than those from the E61. It's an interchangeable part, I installed one in my car years ago and it fixed my comfort access issues.
New Members
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 655
Likes: 73
From: Abbotsford, BC
My Ride: 2009 535xi Touring 6MT, 2019 i3s
Engine: N54
New Members
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 109
Likes: 10
From: Colorado
My Ride: E61
Model Year: 2008
There's a Russian sounding guy based in the PNW that did a video on YouTube about this. He got it to work, but lost some stuff in the process. I don't recall what exactly, but it was enough to make me drop the idea in favor of sticking with the factory part number (or supersession as applicable). I wonder if it has to do with the options on the car it came from. He said he was going to try to do some coding/programing, but I don't recall any results from that.
New Members
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 655
Likes: 73
From: Abbotsford, BC
My Ride: 2009 535xi Touring 6MT, 2019 i3s
Engine: N54
I know what guy you’re referring to but forget his channel name. I think he’s had a few E61s and one is space grey metallic like mine. I don’t recall anything about the diversity antenna so will check it out.
I believe this is it. He says to not get the E70 (X5) module but the 6 series is good. He says to get one with a plug on the left side (I had never noticed any without it). He mentions some small issues that I did not experience. I don’t believe they are even related because to the best of my knowledge this is a module you can code as I don’t recall ever seeing it in ISTA.
https://youtu.be/FrPGOHnglkg
I believe this is it. He says to not get the E70 (X5) module but the 6 series is good. He says to get one with a plug on the left side (I had never noticed any without it). He mentions some small issues that I did not experience. I don’t believe they are even related because to the best of my knowledge this is a module you can code as I don’t recall ever seeing it in ISTA.
https://youtu.be/FrPGOHnglkg
Last edited by kd7iwp; Aug 7, 2023 at 05:10 PM.
