E61 Radio loses reception when using rear window demister

[RanchoGrande]

As the title really... Just picked up a 530 tourer and noticed this issue when driving it home. Seems that there are lot of issues with wiring in the tailgate on these, however, I can't find a definitive answer to how the demister causes the radio to lose reception? There are a few threads online discussing the issues but none seem to have a conclusion! Surely there must be a fix which doesn't involve replacing the window glass? Figured that it can't be the diversity antenna as it works OK when the demister is off, it also looks free of corrosion and is nice and dry. Everything else works OK as well (lights, door locks, boot locks etc)

Anyone come across this before and did you find a solution?

many thanks in advance!

[d_a_n1979]

RanchoGrande said:

As the title really... Just picked up a 530 tourer and noticed this issue when driving it home. Seems that there are lot of issues with wiring in the tailgate on these, however, I can't find a definitive answer to how the demister causes the radio to lose reception? There are a few threads online discussing the issues but none seem to have a conclusion! Surely there must be a fix which doesn't involve replacing the window glass? Figured that it can't be the diversity antenna as it works OK when the demister is off, it also looks free of corrosion and is nice and dry. Everything else works OK as well (lights, door locks, boot locks etc)

Anyone come across this before and did you find a solution?

many thanks in advance!

Lots of info on Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=bmw+e60+rear+windo...

Check first thread on the BMW 5 forums

[RanchoGrande]

Have been reading various forum threads, including that one, this afternoon but none seem to have a conclusion other than a replacement rear screen... must be a fix which doesn't involve replacing the glass?

[Locknut]

I am jumping in here without checking anything so please be nice to me if I'm wrong. From distant memory I seem to recall that the radio used the wires of the heated rear window for an aerial. The two functions of the HRW were controlled by a box of tricks that lived behind the roof lining of the C pillar at the rear left of the car (facing forward). Find that box and check it out, it's more likely to be at fault than the window glass.

[RanchoGrande]

Locknut said:

I am jumping in here without checking anything so please be nice to me if I'm wrong. From distant memory I seem to recall that the radio used the wires of the heated rear window for an aerial. The two functions of the HRW were controlled by a box of tricks that lived behind the roof lining of the C pillar at the rear left of the car (facing forward). Find that box and check it out, it's more likely to be at fault than the window glass.

Think this may only apply to the e60 though? I believe the touring has a different setup.

[helix402]

Diversity module is under the spoiler on the touring.

[RanchoGrande]

helix402 said:

Diversity module is under the spoiler on the touring.

Yup, it is, mine looks nice and clean/dry with no signs of corrosion.

[bearman68]

Diversity module.... Does that mean people who are not German can drive one.

Sorry nothing else to add other than the amplifier in these is suspect.

[Macneil]

Dunno but my Audi A3 did this, and on googling I found it ws very cmmon.