BMW now fitting DAB as standard, plus retrofit to older cars

BMW now fitting DAB as standard, plus retrofit to older cars

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S7Paul

Original Poster:

2,103 posts

235 months

Monday 21st January 2013
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I hope this hasn't already been covered (if it has I can't find it).

From BMW yesterday:

We are pleased to announce that from January 2013, every model across the BMW Range will feature DAB radio as standard. By leading the way, we are able to offer BMW Drivers improved reception and superior sound quality.

BMW is to offer DAB radio as standard across its entire range from January 2013. The move sees the marque establish a marked lead in the switch over to digital radio compared to its competitors and comes soon after it offered owners of older BMWs the chance to upgrade their vehicles with a retrofit solution.

The 360 degree solution to the forthcoming digital switch over means no BMW owner of a modern vehicle will have to go without in-car entertainment when analogue radio broadcasts are discontinued. DAB radio will be fitted as standard from the entry level BMW 114i 3-door Sports Hatch all the way up to the BMW 760Li. No other mainstream premium manufacturer currently offers such a breadth of in-car entertainment.

The benefits of DAB have been compared to the switch over from AM to FM as the preferred medium. Digital radio offers greater choice to the listener with better reception and superior sound quality. Currently 94 per cent of the UK is covered by DAB signal with approximately 24 million listeners a week using the format at least once.

News of the class-leading across the range DAB offer comes soon after BMW partnered with Connects2 and its AutoDAB product to offer a fully integrated retrofit digital radio that is compatible with all BMWs with an RDS text-equipped FM radio.

The unique interface is the first fully integrated aftermarket digital radio available for BMWs in the UK. The AutoDAB system fits behind the dashboard, plugging into the existing radio. Fitting seamlessly behind the existing head-unit, installation takes on average one hour with no additional box or dangling wires, just a small aerial running from the back of the unit, affixing discretely to the top left corner of the windscreen.

Once installed, the station, artist information and song titles are all transmitted via RDS and displayed as text on the car’s existing display. All DAB functions are controlled by a radio frequency remote control fixed to the dashboard and favourite digital radio stations can be stored for quick access, with FM radio stations still available. The BMW digital radio retrofit is priced at £299 fitted and available to order from your local BMW dealer.

S7Paul

Original Poster:

2,103 posts

235 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2013
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It was confirmed today that the DAB radio I'd specified as a £305 extra on the 320d Sport I have on order is now "nil cost", which is nice.

S7Paul

Original Poster:

2,103 posts

235 months

Thursday 24th January 2013
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F355GTS said:
S7Paul said:
It was confirmed today that the DAB radio I'd specified as a £305 extra on the 320d Sport I have on order is now "nil cost", which is nice.
but they increased the base car prices, at least they have for my 535d due in March
When did you order it Mark? I ordered mine last November, with delivery scheduled for 2nd March, and they seem to be holding the price at the moment.