[rodneybarrett]

I recently purchased a 2009 328i xdrive. The car has a professional radio without DSP and hifi sound. It won't even play mp3's via the cd player. The dealer says it is because the radio does not have DSP.

I have been trying to figure ways of getting digital music into my vehicle.

One option I am looking at is buying a used Professional radio (one of the new ones with built in usb and bluetooth).

My question is: Will it work in my car? If so, what, if any coding will need to be performed to make the car recognize it.



thanks.

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by rodneybarrett

I recently purchased a 2009 328i xdrive. The car has a professional radio without DSP and hifi sound. It won't even play mp3's via the cd player. The dealer says it is because the radio does not have DSP.

I have been trying to figure ways of getting digital music into my vehicle.

One option I am looking at is buying a used Professional radio (one of the new ones with built in usb and bluetooth).

My question is: Will it work in my car? If so, what, if any coding will need to be performed to make the car recognize it.



thanks.

It should play mp3 on cd up to 320k. Also your dealers answer is so far from wrong i cant even correct it.

However, yes you could retrofit a newer radio w bt and usb

[ctuna]

First you need to identify the the stereo.
My guess is you have the Hi Fi .
09's have either Hi Fi or L7 . L7=DSP=TopHiFi(in the US)
In 2010 there was a different system put in that didn't have and
amp. Don't know what the cut off date was but if you got a late
in the year build you might have to check for the stereo system
that was issued in 2010. If you have tweeters in the doors you
probably have Hi Fi.

Either one should play mp3 cd's
All US BMW's have played mp3 cd's since at least 06.
The coding is pretty involved to put in one of the newer radio's
there is also the option a Dension 500s bt this will get you
usb/ipod , bluetooth phone and bluetooth music streaming.
mobridge makes a similar unit and there are some cheap clones
to.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687463

identify your system
BMW stereo types
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323
http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865
http://www.bawarec.ru/manuals/3er/e9...3er-e90-12.pdf
http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872

[rodneybarrett]

Originally Posted by ctuna

First you need to identify the the stereo.
My guess is you have the Hi Fi .
09's have either Hi Fi or L7 . L7=DSP=TopHiFi(in the US)
....attachmentid=406534&d=1278871872[/url]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I believe I have the HIFI system. Not the Logic7 or TopHiFi. I have tweeters in the doors and VIN lookup is like this:

S534A KLIMAAUTOMATIK Automatic air conditioning
S544A GESCHWINDIGKEITSREGEL. MIT BREMSF. Cruise control with brake function
S563A LICHTPAKET Light package
S570A STAERKERE STROMVERSORGUNG Reinforced power supply
S5GAA ALARMANLAGENVORBEREITUNG Preparation alarm system
S676A HIFI LAUTSPRECHERSYSTEM HiFi speaker system
S693A SATELLITENTUNER VORBEREITUNG Preparation BMW satellite radio
S697A AREA-CODE 1 Area-Code 1 for DVD
S8SCA LAENDERSPEZ. TELESERVICEFREISCH. Telematics access request,country-spec.
S8SPA COP STEUERUNG Control unit COP
S925A VERSANDSCHUTZPAKET Transport protection package
S520A NEBELSCHEINWERFER Fog lights
S645A RADIO-STEUERUNG US BMW US Radio
S663A RADIO BMW PROFESSIONAL Radio BMW Professional
S823A HEISSLAND-AUSFUEHRUNG Hot-climate version
S845A AKUSTISCHE GURTWARNUNG Acoustic belt warning
S850A ZUSAETZL. TANKFUELLUNG EXPORT Additional Export tank filling
S853A SPRACHVERSION ENGLISCH Language version English
S876A FUNKFREQUENZ 315 MHZ Radio frequency 315 MHz


"All US BMW's have played mp3 cd's since at least 06." --> This is very interesting and exactly what I kept telling them. My radio handles RDS fine but I don't have a cd changer to try to see if that plays them.

The SA did do a lot of research. He even went to every used car on the lot with professional radios and identified the ones that played the disk (a mp3 disk I made) and the one that didn't. He wrote the VIN #'s down and then went to the parts department and looked up each unit. He showed me a piece of paper that had options more granular than the VIN options and it had a DSP option on it. On every car that could not play the disk, it had option DSP = no.


I have researched Dension and Mobridge but am a little scared that something in my setup will prevent me from installing and getting full functionality out of them (i.e. not showing the song titles, only showing track1, etc.)


Any additional help and direction on this is greatly appreciated. Even though this is such smaller thing related to the car, it put a bad taste in my mouth.



thanks.

-rodney

[taibanl]

Dude my head unit plays MP3 all day long and I don't even havetge hi-fi system I have base/stereo.

I think it is more than likely the way in which your particular MP3 are encoded. Vehicles with I drive navigation will be able to read a larger range of formats. There is a particular version of MP3 ID tags that works well with the BMW OEM. Search is your friend

[ctuna]

I would suggest you make a fresh disk with some tunes on it
and just a few songs and no folders.
When you install a ipod retrofit they have you program in the kmp option for reading mp3's I wonder if this could somehow have been overwritten or corrupted maybe with a software update.
Also what kind of disks are you using are they
write once disks or R/W and they are CD's
and not DVD's

Yes I would sort this out first never heard this reported as a problem here before.
Watching Doctor Who thats why I said sort this out.

The more I think about it .
Are you using cd's and not dvd's as the
Nav system reads DVD's but not the pro Radio.
Pro Radio only reads CD's

[rodneybarrett]

MY RADIO DOES PLAY MP3s!!!!!

My issue was potentially a couple of things. It all had to do with how you burn your disks. I will spell it out in case this helps others at some point time.


Original Burn:

Had burned a CD-R with mp3's from my itunes library. The mp3's with at 192kps so I knew that wasn't the problem. This cd played in my 2012 Dodge Durango. It also play in a 2013 320i loaner car. So, I thought that the cd and format were fine. I had used windows built in cd burning software to do this.

The burning that worked:

Thinking it was something with the built in software, I downloaded a trial copy of Nero. I changed two settings that I think made the difference .

File System: Changed from UDF to ISO 9660
Write speed: Changed from max (24x) to 10x

Once I stuck this cd in, It started playing and I got the mp3 text. Could also traverse the directory structure. Pretty sweet for just a mp3 cd.


Thanks again for everyone's help. Sometimes you just have to think differently and you guys made me do that.

I also used a free app program called CBurnerXP and it worked as well.


Now, I might actually go the Dension route now knowing that the head unit can display the digital text.

Kind of funny that the dealership could figure this out.

[ctuna]

Its kind of surprizing how clueless they are.
Of course a lot of there customers are to.

The bit rate you burn at shouldn't matter but
320 bit gets you higher quality audio.

I also burn cd's from itunes with no issue other than it will only let me burn mp3 files to a cd . Which means i have to convert the tunes in the library to mp3's first
which leaves me with the original copy plus and mp3 copy . When I make a playlist for cd burning it has to be all mp3 files in the playlist index.
There are some utility programs for copying playlists to usb that avoid this problem.

[Stream]

I want to replace my Pre LCI Professional CD with LCI professional CD (with internal BT and USB).
I have two questions:
1. Can I use my Iphone, connected to USB port instead of USB-flash drive? Will my wheel control works (next, prev)?
2. If there are any problems with recoding LCI HU (MY 2011-2012)? I'l need to recode it to L7.

[ctuna]

You need to know the difference between the sound system the Head Unit
and the options. L7 is a sound system option like Hi Fi it has to do with the
number of speakers and amps. Depending on the year of the car and if it has idrive /nav or pro radio different things need to be done to achieve bluetooth and USB. Yes there is a pro radio that has usb and bluetooth phone built in .

There is a thread on it here
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687463
If you buy one of these and you already have L7 or most bus options then you need one with most bus built in .

I don't understand what you are asking about usb versus usb iphone. Your terminolgy is kind of vague. Do you have a pro radio now or idrive?
Do you have logic 7 , Hi Fi or stereo as your sound system?
Also it would be better to start your own thread.

[Stream]

Originally Posted by ctuna

You need to know the difference between the sound system the Head Unit
and the options..

I know that =)
Standart system was "Stereo" (6 speakers). Professional CD non i-drive (05 MY). ULF-1 (BT) + CDC + Aux + steering wheel audio control.

Then I upgraded speakers, installed MOST to RCA adapter, aftermarket amp and recode my HU to "L7". It works fine, I just get tired of CD and aux-in, I want to use USB-drive or sometimes Iphone as a source. Aux-in is a bit noisy.

Originally Posted by ctuna

I don't understand what you are asking about usb versus usb iphone. Your terminolgy is kind of vague.

I mean:
1. Does it able to control Ipod\Iphone through USB-port?
2. Does it still use analog aux-in to transfer audio signal from Ipod\Iphone?

P.s. I can start new thread, but I sure my questions are relative with this thread and can be usefull to other e90-owners...

[ctuna]

Its either a Radio(pro or business) or CCC or CIC.
CCC or CiC comes with idrive/nac they all have cd's or
DVD ability so calling it a CD is confusing.
Sorry for the rant I understand there may be a little language thing going on here.

Yes the aux sucks, sounds tinny and thin, at least
with my phone it does. I think Dension gateway 500s
bt or one of there earlier models is easiest. If you want to retain your cdc the make what they call a dual FOT model that is suppose to allow you to do that but I would check into how it works . It looks like once you have USB you wouldn't care about the CDC anyway.
Dension gives diglital in for usb/ipod and A2DP they also have an aux in an I bet its better than the one on the BMW Radio.
Its suppose to interface with the most bus and give steering wheel controls but it emulates the cd cassete player so I don't know how smooth or slick the interface is.

You should visit the Dension website also these might be helpful
Dension 500
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dension
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dension
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dension
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dension
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dension

I like the Dension rather than the early ipod adapters because I understand they still used
the aux in for audio just the music info was digital.
At what point the music became digital in the OEM systems I am not sure but I get the impression
it wasn't till recently.

[makkan00]

1- yes you can use the iphone / ipod.
2- It can be coded properly for your car. An advance coder can even pre-code it to your car.
I have a new HU with BT and usb functionality for sale and it can be pre-coded to your car when it arrives to you.

[ctuna]

makkann do you have a source for New Hu's(and with most bus for l7 and
guys with most bus options)
1)Also since you have experience with new HU how does the usb
menu work.
1a)When you use the ipod on the new radio does it require a y cable and use the aux or is it digital all the way?

2)I think you have done Densions before so what's your opinion on
The new radio versus the Dension ?
3)How well the Dension's work and what are the considerations for installing
them with pre existing bt phone ?
4)How well does the Dension work with the Pro Radio? As you have a limited
radio display is navigation difficult .
5)Any comments on the quality sound they deliver.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by ctuna

makkann do you have a source for New Hu's(and with most bus for l7 and
guys with most bus options)
YES, I have one HU which has most + BT + USB socket
1)Also since you have experience with new HU how does the usb
menu work.
YES. If usb is inserted, it appears as usb on the HU. If ipod is connected, it appears as ipod. For usb, you will have to follow bmw recommendation of folders and its on google if you search it.
1a)When you use the ipod on the new radio does it require a y cable and use the aux or is it digital all the way?
YES, you require the Y cable. It uses the usb of Y cable to pull / push digital information. The audio signals are still analogue via aux in and hence it uses Y cable.
However sound quality is way better than aux-in.
I have combox in my car with CIC. And my audio setup is MS-8 -->amp. I have compared 6FL (completely digital extraction) vs 6NR (Y cable and audio signals via aux in) from iphone. Initially I thought 6FL will be better, but in real work, sound with Y cable was way better. The upper end is very soft or there is no existence of it if you are using digital extraction (6FL). with Y cable, sound is more crisper.

2)I think you have done Densions before so what's your opinion on
The new radio versus the Dension ?
I have not used Dension personally but I had two different cars where one guy got the Dension out and other got the MoBridge out by me.
One of them had combox retrofitted and other had this HU retrofitted.
Since these hardwares are external units and not OEM, therefore there are limitations and other issues. I was told by one of the client that Dension can only read first 250 albums. Mobridge guy had a different issue, which was freezing, crashing and resetting. Also when the car goes to the service, and the chap puts it into the service mode, it breaks the cycle of most loop network rather hiding the external unit. So dealer had to call the chap out to disconnect the mobridge completely.
Both of those guys were happy with BMW OEM solutions.
I am having another car over the weekend, where we'll retrofit 6FL and he has Mobridge at the moment. He is not happy with it.
So, to summaries, you are comparing OEM approach vs after market. There is no comparison b.w those. OEM wins in all aspects. And when it comes to selling your car, OEM parts retain more value compared to after market. Best bit is that it integrates into the car extremely well.
3)How well the Dension's work and what are the considerations for installing
them with pre existing bt phone ?
I have installed Dension in a car with CCC. The difficult job is when you connect it to most network at the rear of the car. If you figure out correctly, you are fine.
But even that guy reported that sometimes, iphone automatically disconnects for few seconds. You will have to disconnect the iphone completely and connect it again to make it work again. I take it that there is some problem with his dension kit.
4)How well does the Dension work with the Pro Radio? As you have a limited
radio display is navigation difficult .
Dension has limitations as mentioned earlier. And since radio has smaller screen so there is limited information which you can see on the radio screen. Same goes with the HU with built in BT and usb but it reads all the albums as far as I know.
5)Any comments on the quality sound they deliver.
If I was given an option, I'd choose BMW radio with built in solution, any day and any time. Everything is superior compared to after market solutions.

Replied in bold.

[ctuna]

First of all thanks for the reply and review.
The aux normaly sounds pretty thin and tinny through
a mini stereo cable from the phone. I wonder how its
better with the Y cable.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by ctuna

First of all thanks for the reply and review.
The aux normaly sounds pretty thin and tinny through
a mini stereo cable from the phone. I wonder how its
better with the Y cable.

It does, but you should listen to this hu with Y cable and I am sure your view will be changed.
It is same as MULF 2 high. It used the Y cable, where signals are taken via aux-in.

[taibanl]

MaK ,

I'd like you to do a favor, and try something for me. If you, using the white table, hooked up only the USB portion but left the aix in portion disconnected, what would happen? I swear I tried this on my friends E90 with six FL years ago. In that case, write protected songs would transfer through the Oxsen, but songs without DRM would transfer digitally through the USB.

Maybe my memory is crap, but that's what I remember. Additionally, that is why the Y cables were so. Prolific years ago. Apple did not license the DRM free use of iPods until the last few years ( specifically, transferring DRM files digitally). On top of that, in recent years, all most all files have gone DRM free so it's another reason that it's not a factor.

In any case I'm hoping that even though the Y cable is needed that the audio actually does transfer digitally for non-DRM files

[ctuna]

So maybe the aux is better on the new HU to.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by taibanl

MaK ,

I'd like you to do a favor, and try something for me. If you, using the white table, hooked up only the USB portion but left the aix in portion disconnected, what would happen? I swear I tried this on my friends E90 with six FL years ago. In that case, write protected songs would transfer through the Oxsen, but songs without DRM would transfer digitally through the USB.

Maybe my memory is crap, but that's what I remember. Additionally, that is why the Y cables were so. Prolific years ago. Apple did not license the DRM free use of iPods until the last few years ( specifically, transferring DRM files digitally). On top of that, in recent years, all most all files have gone DRM free so it's another reason that it's not a factor.

In any case I'm hoping that even though the Y cable is needed that the audio actually does transfer digitally for non-DRM files

Thanks for your comment.
Already done these experiments.
Under the 6fl socket when I unplug the aux-in no sound but since usb is connected, therefore music folders are displayed on the radio.
Same goes if everything is connected except the aux-in portion of y cable.
Lastly, I have tried apple cable as well.
It identifies the ipod/ iphone and you can select a track but no sound.
And conclusion is that sound transfers in analogue form.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by ctuna

So maybe the aux is better on the new HU to.

Its rad32 and in eastern Europe they call it radio v3.
I have a feeling that it has more sensitive sound IC and integration of aux-in to HU is improved compared to LCI radio (radio version 2).

[taibanl]

Thanks @Makkan00 ...

With new HU is the aux connection re-using the existing aux wiring or do you run a new aux direct to new HU along with USB harness?

@Ctuna,

you realize that there are US part numbers for the Rad3? Ive posted them before, should be any head unit with 6NF handsfree included.