2005 545i without NAV or Logic 7, but with SAT.
Sirius and regular FM radio cuts off for a split second once in a while, for no apparent reason. Sound quality might be bad for few seconds, then returns to normal. Anybody knows what might be the problem?
If this is software related (I think/hope it is) what is the best way to approach the dealer to have them upgrade the software (I think it has never been updated on this car). Is there something in particular I need to complain about for them to upgrade it?
Second question - is it possible to activate MP3 playback on this vehicle? Build date is 04/2005, no nav or logic 7.
Third, is it possible to hook up a CD changer (from my 6er, it the same unit) and what is required to do this? I'm sure I will need a cable, but does this require a software upgrade?
Thanks!
Alex

not sure if it will fit, but there should be a cable already there if its for your glove box changer that your talking about.

Unfortunately because you don't have nav I don't think you're going to be able to do the mp3 upgrade. I have a build date 6 months before yours and I was not able to get the retrofit because I don't have nav either. I'm sure others will chime in who know more about this than I do...

I would think the 6 disc from your 6 series would be no problem to install. I would bet you'd need a software upgrade for it to recognize the new input, however. I can't speak on the satellite radio issue. My only guess would be a signal strength issue perhaps?

Good luck!

Thanks guys.
Anybody else? I really hope I can get some more information before I take it to the dealer tomorrow.

No luck on the MP3. If you had Nav you could do it...

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=attach...st&id=61510

As for Sirius, I got this on occasion as well in my 545. I always attributed it to poor signal and/or lack of terrestrial repeater in the area. I have Sirius in the 550 as well but frankly I rarely use it now and listen almost exclusively to my iPod.

All right, I guess I can forget about MP3. that is fine, I will see if I can install that CD changer, or an ipod adapter.
Now, is there something I can tell the dealer to update the software to the current CIP version? I'm hoping that my radio issue will require that, but is there anything else I can try?

I would do the iPod adapter. I had it installed on my 545 and loved it. There are some size limits in terms of songs and playlists but it is far above the number of songs that six standard CDs can hold. As you know, iPod sound quality is below CD but I found the trade off acceptable.

As for the software update, do a search. I recall several threads about this, common issues that were fixed w/ software updates. If you can get the software update done, buy the adapter part and try to install yourself. A number of folks have done it themsleves.

Yeah, I have iPod adapter in my 645 (this is why I have removed CD changer in the first place), but 545 is mostly my wife's car, and she doesn't really care for an ipod.
I tried searching for common problems that require software upgrade, but can't find anything - could somebody point me in the right direction?

Try digging thru the SIB list posted by Cobradav. It list many problems and the software that fixed it. Can't tell from your signature, but if you have the Step tranny, try telling you have the transmission slam. It was resolved with a software update. There are others as well though hopefully your radio issue will get you updated.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=19188

If this were also a problem with AM, I would say there?s an intermittent short somewhere, in the amp for example.

Absent that, all I can say is it?s almost 100% not software.