HiOffcr

After 8 months of owning my 05 545i, I am pleased with it. However, I have ran across one issue that might be a deal breaker. Along my recent 3000 mile round trip, I noticed that FM signal breaks up (static) when I turn the headlights on. This became annoying when I could only get 4 stations at any given time. Anyone have a remedy?

sanjsanj

have you installed anything aftermarket? angel eyes perhaps?

Btw, what do you mean deal breaker? You're gunna sell it because of poor FM reception?



Sanj

nomis_nehc

This. And I am curious about deal breaker as well. I think in all my years of driving, I have probably listened to less than 5 hours of radio music in my cars.

HiOffcr

The only Mods I have done that could interfere with signal reception are the tint (but irrelevant due to great signal w/o HL). And replaced factory AE's with LED bulbs. I may switch back to the factory bulbs to see if there is a difference.

As far as a deal breaker, it may be possible that I sell the car due to this. I am pretty un-impressed with the detail to quality in BMW's. My wifes 3 series interior is completely coming unglued, and has electrical issues up the wazoo. I love my 5, but this issue will annoy me, as the only rectifying MOD is to pay out the arse for the ipod retrofit. Unfortunately my dealer wants $300 to just code the car for it. As I said, this may be the final straw in my BMW ownership. Never had silly minute issues in MB's.

sanjsanj

Code it yourself, that's what the internet + forums were made for!

Sounds like there could be an earthing issue/one wire is in the wrong place somewhere. Must be minor whatever it is.
Does it happen with lights on but engine off as well?




Sanj

balbs

Try putting the original AE bulbs in. As I recall, awhile back, even the MTEC v2 angel eye upgrade caused radio interference. The MTEC v2.1 didn't have that issue. Which AE upgrade did you use?

fcpsteve

Same thing started happening on my car after i put in non M-tech V2.1 LED Angel Eye bulbs. i haven't cared enough to test other bulbs or put the stock one back. My solution, don't listen to FM radio lol

HiOffcr

Tried the OEM bulbs and still the same issue. So, it ended up being a deal breaker. Don't worry, I the car is still in the family....just gave it to the wife. I have been contemplating getting rid of the wifes E46 for a while now, so bit the bullet. Gave her the Silver Surfer (545i) and picked up a Dodge Charger SRT8. She never listens to the radio, so doesn't care about the radio (in fact her E46 radio has been inop for 3 years).

HiOffcr

This is the new ride. Got a great deal, that was impossible to pass up. Wife is happy because the E46 was starting to show it's 11 years of use. Exterior was flawless, but for anyone that owned a 46, the interior pieces were falling apart due to adhesive coming lose on pillars, doors and roof due to heat. The dealer gave me actual retail on it instead of trade in value...$8500 for a 2000 with 150k miles.

Good thing is I drive the 545i whenever I want, but have been missing my Magnum SRT8 for a while. Now I have luxury (545i) and raw power (SRT is cammed and tuned....465 rwhp running 13.1 on Eagle F1's)