BMW M3- Television problem?

[drumo]

I've jsut brought a 2002 m3 with satnav (awesome!), however, the screen seems to be regularly 'on the blink' when in television mode.

is this a problem with the unit/aerial or a reception issue? Is this common?

[Gruber]

drumo said:

I've jsut brought a 2002 m3 with satnav (awesome!), however, the screen seems to be regularly 'on the blink' when in television mode.

is this a problem with the unit/aerial or a reception issue? Is this common?

Apologies if this is a stupid question, but...

You do know the TV doesn't work when the car's on the move, don't you? You'll get sound but the picture disappears as soon as you move off.

[Nollub]

Also it will need re-tuning if you switch it on some distance away from the last time you tried.

[robsti]

Will a 2002 tv tuner still work now it's digital?

[DennisCooper]

When the analogue TV signals are completely switched off by the end of 2012, all the UK spec E46/E39/E38/E53 cars which had the OEM TV tuner will not be able to have TV. There is a BMW module which is a hybrid Analogue and Digital DVB-T tuner and so by swapping that unit Digital TV will be viewable.

The downside is that second hand, no guarantee etc and perhaps up to 6+ years old now, they're around £450-600 off ebay, and that's whenever one turns up for sale!

Currently, there's no aftermarket plug n play BMW digital TV tuner module for these cars, and I'd doubt there will be. It'll be a case for those who have no idea about this, when their TV stops working they'll need to get an aftermarket system and have it installed if they want to continue getting TV reception

Cheers, Dennis!

[C310]

Does anyone know a reputable installer to convert my analogue tv to digital? Recent changes have meant it no longer works. Additionally any advice on installing a bluetooth system for mobile use. Perhaps there is a firm that can sort both things out. Car is an M3, 2004

[R60EST]

C310 said:

Does anyone know a reputable installer to convert my analogue tv to digital? Recent changes have meant it no longer works. Additionally any advice on installing a bluetooth system for mobile use. Perhaps there is a firm that can sort both things out. Car is an M3, 2004

Someone I know has just installed one of these ( with the dvb option)

I was very sceptical when he told me he'd ordered one. I have to admit though that now it's installed it looks as good any oem unit , has loads more features and works / sounds perfect. It even has the BMW logo on start up and is fully compatible with the MFSW

The link I've provided is not necessarily the same unit or seller but just to illustrate what is available

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-series-E46-1998-20...


Quite an easy diy install too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKzAdpV1OPU

Edited by R60EST on Thursday 19th April 20:30

[anonymous-user]

R60EST said:

C310 said:

Does anyone know a reputable installer to convert my analogue tv to digital? Recent changes have meant it no longer works. Additionally any advice on installing a bluetooth system for mobile use. Perhaps there is a firm that can sort both things out. Car is an M3, 2004

Someone I know has just installed one of these ( with the dvb option)

I was very sceptical when he told me he'd ordered one. I have to admit though that now it's installed it looks as good any oem unit , has loads more features and works / sounds perfect. It even has the BMW logo on start up and is fully compatible with the MFSW

The link I've provided is not necessarily the same unit or seller but just to illustrate what is available

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-series-E46-1998-20...


Quite an easy diy install too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKzAdpV1OPU

Edited by R60EST on Thursday 19th April 20:30

I looked into these units and similar when I thought about replacing the oem nav in my Alpina. They are made in China so have pretty dodgy reliability. Certainly on BMW forums, a lot of posters have gone through several units which of course means returns to China leaving a gaping hole in your dash! I think the Dynavin units are good though but they cost a fair bit more.

[C310]

Thanks for the replies- pay your money and take a choice. I will research a bit further, not sure I want to spend a load of money and slightly sceptical about buying from made in China! I was hoping that maybe my current system could be upgraded with a simple plug in bit of kit. Once again thanks

[E31Shrew]

Wondered if you had got it converted?? I was going to have a go at one of these!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-DVB-T-Digital-Freevi...

[margerison]

I was thinking of getting one of these:
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/1622295763/new_p...

[DennisCooper]

E31shrew - Look to this specialist who is an enthusiast I've met many times. He's providing upgrade services and modifications to OEM BMW modules here in the UK. Many owners have had work done and are happy! http://www.carphonics.co.uk/

Margerison - If you are feeling lucky, then have a roll of the dice on that cheap chinese unit arriving working and IF it does, that it keeps on working long term.. If you don't fancy the gamble, I suggest you look to an Andrive unit which is also Chinese by origins but has full UK aftersales and backup/warranty here by another enthusiast who regularly attends meets and shows - http://andrive.co.uk/

Cheers, Dennis!

[E31Shrew]

Thanks Dennis....only just seen your reply. Just received small DVB module and a couple of wiring looms from the guy on my post. Fitting this week so will let you know how I get on? I did see the guy you mentioned on the M3 website and perhaps should've gone down that route.
My only worry is where to put the aerial in an M3 Convertible!

[anonymous-user]

Out of interest, why is a TV function remotely useful?

I have had several cars with the ability to play DVDs but have never used the function. Doesn't work when your moving and I don't sit in the car watching stuff. Why would one?