How to reprogram Jap BMW radio to NZ frequencies.., ...free of charge, no tools required... Options

[trogladyte]

I have just bought a 2002 Z3 M. Just tried this now but no luck. I don't have anything that looks remotely like a country apper. Only SN, something that seems to be a date (if it's manuf date then it's a 99 stereo) and something GAL 1 - 6.

[jameslowe]

Tried this but looks like my unit is slightly too old...... any other suggestions before I buy a band expander

Thanks
James

[bmck]

Many thanks for posting this Jochen; it worked for me and I'm very grateful to you. I also managed to find via Google an English manual for the BMW Business radio (my used car is a Japanese import). For others who may need this, the PDF can be found here:

http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/bmw/3manuals/

Cheers, Bruce

[Patrick]

[quote name='jochen' date='Apr 8 2006, 11:30 PM' post='78959']
I have a E46 2000 320i from Japan. Just tried this now but no luck. I don't have anything that looks remotely like a country apper. Only SN, something that seems to be a date (if it's manuf date then it's a 99 stereo) and something GAL 1 - 6. Is this unit an older radio without the world tuner?

[jochen]

I have a E46 2000 320i from Japan. Just tried this now but no luck. I don't have anything that looks remotely like a country apper. Only SN, something that seems to be a date (if it's manuf date then it's a 99 stereo) and something GAL 1 - 6. Is this unit an older radio without the world tuner?

Yes, your car is too old. World tuners were fitted to E46 from around end 2001.

Only option for you is to replace the radio with a Euro/Oceania model - which in itself is an easy job.

[mtk540]

Hey Jochen (or anyone else who may know) ....

We also have a 1999 Audi A4 (B5 model). My wife is making noises about fitting a band expander but is there a similar fix for the standard Audi head unit ??? Yeah I know they are cheap as chips but when fitted the actual frequency is out of whack with the displayed frequency.

Cheers
Mike

[jochen]

Hey Jochen (or anyone else who may know) ....

We also have a 1999 Audi A4 (B5 model). My wife is making noises about fitting a band expander but is there a similar fix for the standard Audi head unit ??? Yeah I know they are cheap as chips but when fitted the actual frequency is out of whack with the displayed frequency.

Don't know about Audis. Try a replacement European model radio, buy one on ebay

[fmh]

Don't know about Audis. Try a replacement European model radio, buy one on ebay

Hi Jochen...new to this forum......is it possible to do the frequency change on a Japan Sepc E60 530? What is the procedure? Many thanks !

[jochen]

Hi Jochen...new to this forum......is it possible to do the frequency change on a Japan Sepc E60 530? What is the procedure? Many thanks !

The E60 is all software controlled.

The car has to be reprogrammed by the diagnostic system to change the radio from JAPAN to EUROPE mode.

Call Guido Locher at BM Workshop, in Auckland, he has been able to reprogram these units.

I cannot do it as I do not have the diagnostic software

Jochen

[fmh]

will it work on an e90?

Ok...thanks for the note.

[gchin]

Hi Jochen,

Just join this forum. Got a 735i year 2004 (E65) from Japan that has the same radio frequency problem. can you help? i am in malaysia

[jochen]

Hi Jochen,

Just join this forum. Got a 735i year 2004 (E65) from Japan that has the same radio frequency problem. can you help? i am in malaysia

Only solution is to reprogram using dealer software

You must remove the JAPAN option from the options list.
Then reprogram the car.

[ashok540]

Hi Jochen,
My E39 already has a band expander fitted to it by the local dealer. However, I find that certain radio stations clash at the same frequency and which station I can hear depends on my location at that moment! Can I use your procedure in this situation to change the area setup?
Cheers.

[jochen]

My E39 already has a band expander fitted to it by the local dealer. However, I find that certain radio stations clash at the same frequency and which station I can hear depends on my location at that moment! Can I use your procedure in this situation to change the area setup?

Yes, if you E39 is made after September 2001 (new generation radio)

If it is prior to Sept 2001 (old gen radio), then the only solution is to swap the Japanese model radio to the European model radio.

What you are experiencing is firm proof that band expanders are crap and they destroy radio performance.

[gazzam]

Hi Jochen...do you have a Business CD for a 2000 E46 for sale.