Guys,

I'm thinking about getting the HD Dice setup. I have a 2001 iL with a MKIV BM53 and Sirius. I have heard there are some display issues with the Dice unit, can anyone comment on those? Also if you have an opinion about the HD radio, let it fly also.

HUDbaby,

I have bought one from Tom at EAS when it first came out.
I have had to return the module twice because the unit would freeze and not respond after five minutes. From the beginning, I could never have the HD Dice to display on the Nav screen. I have a MK4 with the original radio unit. Tom told me that I could not get the text displayed with the old radio unit but you should be fine with your BM53. The HD radio sound quality is awesome when it works. I had some issues storing the stations in FM mode. I was pretty disappointed on the HD AM band. I only get two or three stations and they are never in HD reception. The quality of the AM band is worse than my radio unit. Tom has been very good at answering questions as always. I would recommend that you buy from him.

Phil

Hmm, I'm not good with things that don't work as intended. I don't mind spending money, but when I do, I want it to work smooth.

Did you get artist and song info with no problem on both the HD and ipod?

I never got anything to be displayed on the MID, only on the CCD (check control display) located at the bottom of the instrument cluster. Since this is a new product, I'll expect some minor bugs here and there.

I never got anything to be displayed on the MID, only on the CCD (check control display) located at the bottom of the instrument cluster. Since this is a new product, I'll expect some minor bugs here and there.

You can choose to have the text display on the OBC below the speedo or on the NAV screen - the DICE displays Artist, Song title and Album name in iPod mode and HD Radio-specific broadcast info in HD mode.

Tom,

I have described the problem over the phone several times, and you said that the radio was the problem.
I know about the settings in Disc 6 Track 1 thru 8 but it never worked. Dice flashed the firmware twice already to version 4. I drove to their office and they tested the system and had no clue why I would not get the text displayed on the MID. I have to drop off the module again tomorrow for another repair. My radio is a stock unit with Mk4 but I had tried with Mk3 with the same results.

Tom,

I have described the problem over the phone several times, and you said that the radio was the problem.
I know about the settings in Disc 6 Track 1 thru 8 but it never worked. Dice flashed the firmware twice already to version 4. I drove to their office and they tested the system and had no clue why I would not get the text displayed on the MID. I have to drop off the module again tomorrow for another repair. My radio is a stock unit with Mk4 but I had tried with Mk3 with the same results.

If you are referring to a text overwrite issue - this is due to an older BM52 radio being used (only very early 5, 7 and X5 had this problem). Either keep the text on the OBC or have the radio tuner replaced for a new model.

MKIV is a version of the NAV computer, not the radio. This should have nothing to do with the DICE module.

Tom,

My E38 is a late production 6/01 model. From what year did they stop using the BM52 radio? I have not seen anything specific on your website about which radio to use for the E38. I asssume that everybody with an E38 would have the text overwrite issue. Somebody recoded my Mk4 to US mode and I did not know if that could have been the problem. I always thought that in order to get the display on the Nav screen that you needed a video signal from the Nav computer or a TV tuner. Which radio would allow to get text display on the E38? Could the text overwrite issue be fixed by a new firmware? Also, how many HD AM stations can you scan in OC? I am unable to receive any AM stations in HD or not. There are nine HD AM stations in the Los Angeles area and I can't receive anyone of them. I don't have a problem with the HD FM stations. Is the antenna the same for AM and FM reception?


Thanks

Phil

Tom,

My E38 is a late production 6/01 model. From what year did they stop using the BM52 radio? I have not seen anything specific on your website about which radio to use for the E38. I asssume that everybody with an E38 would have the text overwrite issue. Somebody recoded my Mk4 to US mode and I did not know if that could have been the problem. I always thought that in order to get the display on the Nav screen that you needed a video signal from the Nav computer or a TV tuner. Which radio would allow to get text display on the E38? Could the text overwrite issue be fixed by a new firmware? Also, how many HD AM stations can you scan in OC? I am unable to receive any AM stations in HD or not. There are nine HD AM stations in the Los Angeles area and I can't receive anyone of them. I don't have a problem with the HD FM stations. Is the antenna the same for AM and FM reception?


Thanks

Phil

Phil,

US mode will not have any bearing on the DICE kit.

The HD antenna is the same for HDFM and HDAM broadcasts. BMW started the BM53 units in approximately 9/00.

Phil,

US mode will not have any bearing on the DICE kit.

The HD antenna is the same for HDFM and HDAM broadcasts. BMW started the BM53 units in approximately 9/00.

But they didn't put them into the E38! I too have a late build 01 E38 and it doesn't have a BM53. I am actually buying one to upgrade! :)

Tom,

I don't think that I am the only one with the overwrite text issue with the HD or regular Dice kit. I don't have the BM53 installed in my car even though it is a late build 01 E38. This might be a question for Q. Was the BM53 radio ever installed as original equipment in the E38?

Thanks

Tom,

I don't think that I am the only one with the overwrite text issue with the HD or regular Dice kit? I don't have the BM53 installed in my car even though it is a late build 01 E38. This might be a question for Q. Was the BM53 radio ever installed as original equipment in the E38?

Thanks

I can't say for sure - but we have seen 7-series with BM53 radios on our installs.

The only reason I bought the Dice Ipod kit was because I did not have the AUX input on my radio for my Ipod. If I knew that I needed the BM53 to get text display on the MID, I would have just upgraded my radio to BM53 which has an AUX input.

The only reason I bought the Dice Ipod kit was because I did not have the AUX input on my radio for my Ipod. If I knew that I needed the BM53 to get text display on the MID, I would have just upgraded my radio to BM53 which has an AUX input.

I'm confused - you ordered the High Definition Radio kit with an iPod cable. Obviously, you had more than AUX in mind.

The text displays fine on the OBC if you have the BM52 tuner. Otherwise, a BM53 tuner is needed for NAV display.

Tom,

I don't think that I am the only one with the overwrite text issue with the HD or regular Dice kit. I don't have the BM53 installed in my car even though it is a late build 01 E38. This might be a question for Q. Was the BM53 radio ever installed as original equipment in the E38?

Thanks

BM53 was never available in the e38 it is only retrofit.

BM53 was never available in the e38 it is only retrofit.

Jumping in where I probably don't belong. Will a BM53 go into a 2000 e38 (740i) VIN: WBAGG8343YDN77775 ??

Is there a "compatibility" matrix somewhere based on model, date of mfgr, equipment anywhere? Something like...



Model e38 (Mar 97-Apr98) e38 (May98 - Jun99)
Equipment
BM53 X
MP3/CD X X*

* Works, but you lose blah! blah!


... so you could say, Hey! That would work in my vehicle?

Jumping in where I probably don't belong. Will a BM53 go into a 2000 e38 (740i) VIN: WBAGG8343YDN77775 ??

Is there a "compatibility" matrix somewhere based on model, date of mfgr, equipment anywhere? Something like...



Model e38 (Mar 97-Apr98) e38 (May98 - Jun99)
Equipment
BM53 X
MP3/CD X X*

* Works, but you lose blah! blah!


... so you could say, Hey! That would work in my vehicle?

I hope you could tell the X's were supposed to be aligned with the two models.

Jumping in where I probably don't belong. Will a BM53 go into a 2000 e38 (740i) VIN: WBAGG8343YDN77775 ??

Is there a "compatibility" matrix somewhere based on model, date of mfgr, equipment anywhere? Something like...



Model e38 (Mar 97-Apr98) e38 (May98 - Jun99)
Equipment
BM53 X
MP3/CD X X*

* Works, but you lose blah! blah!


... so you could say, Hey! That would work in my vehicle?

The BM53 tuner will work, but you will need our PlugPak:

BMW Radio Tuner "PlugPak"
http://www.europeanautosource.com/product_info.php?cPath=67_69_140_142&products_id=291

Jumping in where I probably don't belong. Will a BM53 go into a 2000 e38 (740i) VIN: WBAGG8343YDN77775 ??

Is there a "compatibility" matrix somewhere based on model, date of mfgr, equipment anywhere? Something like...



Model e38 (Mar 97-Apr98) e38 (May98 - Jun99)
Equipment
BM53 X
MP3/CD X X*

* Works, but you lose blah! blah!


... so you could say, Hey! That would work in my vehicle?

Yeah it will work. 2 issues.

1. Price, the BM53 radio isn't cheap. New ~$800 Ebay ~$400

2. You have to buy the adaptor cables. I got the part #s from Bimmernav and got them from the dealer. It sounds like Tom might sell the same thing not sure what about price.

Big advantage of BM53 is Sirius. And now I guess the text support for ipod.

I just looked at Toms kit. It will work if you just want to hook up the BM53. If you want to do the Sirius install at the same time (I highly recommend it) you will need some more adaptors. Tom may sell those also.

Again check Bimmernav, they spell it all out.

I just looked at Toms kit. It will work if you just want to hook up the BM53. If you want to do the Sirius install at the same time (I highly recommend it) you will need some more adaptors. Tom may sell those also.

Again check Bimmernav, they spell it all out.

We have you covered for everything (including Sirius). Let me now if you need specifics.

Tom,

Is it possible to connect the Ipod to the BM53 without the Dice kit?
I guess that I got confused on your website with the models supported.
It states that ID3 text output is not supported only for 1996-2006 E36 and E46 with pre 1999 vehicles and Business Casette do not have ID3 text support. You should have put that restriction for the E38 also.
Now I have a better picture why there is no text display on the MID.

Tom,

Is it possible to connect the Ipod to the BM53 without the Dice kit?
I guess that I got confused on your website with the models supported.
It states that ID3 text output is not supported only for 1996-2006 E36 and E46 with pre 1999 vehicles and Business Casette do not have ID3 text support. You should have put that restriction for the E38 also.
Now I have a better picture why there is no text display on the MID.

This is not true - there is OBC text display on the 7-series, and 4:3 NAV displays do not have issues with text.

Simply place the text on the OBC or upgrade the tuner if you feel it must be displayed on the NAV screen.

I am more confused now with 4:3 and 16:9 NAV displays being different.
I thought the radio module would make a difference.

I am more confused now with 4:3 and 16:9 NAV displays being different.
I thought the radio module would make a difference.

How the information is displayed is different - the 16:9 display was introduced at a later date, while the BM52 was still in production.

I am more confused now with 4:3 and 16:9 NAV displays being different.
I thought the radio module would make a difference.

It sounds like you need to go with an Icelink.

It sounds like you need to go with an Icelink.

ice>Link will behave exactly the same - this is not an ice>Link/DICE limitation.

I'm really lost. I need to research BM52 vs. BM53 first I think. I have a 4/99 build date. I have upgraded to MK3 and 16:9.
I'd like to add sirius OR HD radio but either way I want to get my ipod hooked up. I just wich I could keep my cd changer :(

I'm really lost. I need to research BM52 vs. BM53 first I think. I have a 4/99 build date. I have upgraded to MK3 and 16:9.
I'd like to add sirius OR HD radio but either way I want to get my ipod hooked up. I just wich I could keep my cd changer :(

All 9/98-2001 7-series vehicles will be compatible with the DICE.

The text displays fine on the OBC if you have the BM52 tuner. Otherwise, a BM53 tuner is needed for NAV display.

so now i need to check on the cost of a BM53 because I'd just HAVE to have the nav screen showing all the ipod info. And this still replaces the CD changer? I do have the DSP if that makes a difference.

RIboater,

I am like you, I just gotta have the Ipod info on the NAV screen. Like I said before, you gotta buy from Tom at EAS. You will get first class support from him.

Phil

:)

I'll have to see how much this BM53 is going to cost me. then I know the ipod cable cost extra and having DSP has some complication as well.
I wish I could just take that DSP out. I can never adjust the frequency of music better than the million dollar equipment used in the studio they use to get it to sound the way THEY want it to sound.

I'll have to see how much this BM53 is going to cost me. then I know the ipod cable cost extra and having DSP has some complication as well.
I wish I could just take that DSP out. I can never adjust the frequency of music better than the million dollar equipment used in the studio they use to get it to sound the way THEY want it to sound.

When you go to the BM53, you no longer need to buy the DSP cable for the Dice. When you rewire for the BM53 the DSP is no longer wired the same way. You just unplug the 3 and 6 pin from the CDC and plug them into the Dice.

When you go to the BM53, you no longer need to buy the DSP cable for the Dice. When you rewire for the BM53 the DSP is no longer wired the same way. You just unplug the 3 and 6 pin from the CDC and plug them into the Dice.

Not true - you will still need the DSP-specific kit if the vehicle is equipped with DSP. We've only seen the 5-series/M5 react differently.

What does this kit have that is different?

What does this kit have that is different?

The DSP-specific kits include the needed converter for the DICE to interface correctly on 7-series applications. There is a 3-pin and coaxial connection rather than an analog 6-pin cable present on other models.

The DSP-specific kits include the needed converter for the DICE to interface correctly on 7-series applications. There is a 3-pin and coaxial connection rather than an analog 6-pin cable present on other models.

Tom,

I'm with you on that, but when you hook up the BM53, you no longer have a coax, you just have a 3 and 6 pin.

3 pin for power 6 pin for audio that runs to the BM53. Coax is no longer used.

Tom,

I'm with you on that, but when you hook up the BM53, you no longer have a coax, you just have a 3 and 6 pin.

3 pin for power 6 pin for audio that runs to the BM53. Coax is no longer used.

We've upgraded a few e38 systems - haven't experienced this in a 7-series yet, only the 5-series. I would call this a possibility rather than a definite and still requires a physical check.

Tom, look here http://www.bimmernav.com/BMW_Sirius_Satellite_Radio_Retrofit.html , it deals mostly with the Sirius install, but clearly points out the use of the 3 and 6 pin wire. I currently have the setup running in my car right now with sirius, and the old coax cable is sitting on my work bench.

If I go to one of these, I will just disconnect the the 3 and 6 currently connected to the cdc to the Dice. I know I have read about this exact thing happening over on bimmerboard.

Tom, look here http://www.bimmernav.com/BMW_Sirius_Satellite_Radio_Retrofit.html , it deals mostly with the Sirius install, but clearly points out the use of the 3 and 6 pin wire. I currently have the setup running in my car right now with sirius, and the old coax cable is sitting on my work bench.

If I go to one of these, I will just disconnect the the 3 and 6 currently connected to the cdc to the Dice. I know I have read about this exact thing happening over on bimmerboard.

That's for Sirius - the DICE (or CD Changer) reacts differently and will look for the coax when switched back to CD Changer mode. Sirius will always be an analog signal.

Hmmm:confused its not that I'm sceptical, but I will post a follow up.

As stated in the link, if you aren't installing the Sirius, then you would just have the 3 and 6 pin hooked up to the CDC.

While I'm 80% sure I'm right I'm not willing to bet till I try it. I have emailed someone that I know just did this install yesterday. So I will follow up. Either way its a good discussion.

Hmmm:confused its not that I'm sceptical, but I will post a follow up.

As stated in the link, if you aren't installing the Sirius, then you would just have the 3 and 6 pin hooked up to the CDC.

While I'm 80% sure I'm right I'm not willing to bet till I try it. I have emailed someone that I know just did this install yesterday. So I will follow up. Either way its a good discussion.

The conversion happens only sometimes in the 5-series, Sirius uses the 6-pin for audio and the changer uses the DSP input on the amp on digital DSP configurations (not analog). We've had a couple of X5s react this way - but never on a 7-series.

Be sure to report your findings!

Tom,

I just heard from a friend that just did this install yesterday. He confirmed it for me. When you go to the flatpin radio, you no longer use the coax and everything is routed through the 3 and 6 pin connectors.

He installed the Icelink on a new radio and with just the 3 and 6 pin. Note he doesn't have Sirius. The DSP signal is no longer digital through the coax, it is now analog through the 6 pin.

Tom,

I just heard from a friend that just did this install yesterday. He confirmed it for me. When you go to the flatpin radio, you no longer use the coax and everything is routed through the 3 and 6 pin connectors.

He installed the Icelink on a new radio and with just the 3 and 6 pin. Note he doesn't have Sirius. The DSP signal is no longer digital through the coax, it is now analog through the 6 pin.

Again, this is not the case for all 7-series vehicles. Other vehicles will react differently, but it's good you shared the info along with the community.

Tom,

What does the Dice kit give you over the ice>link plus with 2B3?

Thanks

Tom,

What does the Dice kit give you over the ice>link plus with 2B3?

Thanks

ice>Link Plus is no longer offered nor supported in the US - there's really no comparison.

Tom,

I understand its not offered but there are some still for sale. Is the display any different? Does it function the same?

Tom,

I understand its not offered but there are some still for sale. Is the display any different? Does it function the same?

The display using the ice>Link has a flaw that was never fixed in which the font size jumps from large to small depending on character length. The DICE kit correct this issue when it was introduced back in March '06.

The ice>Link Plus you are seeing are Best Buy returns that were recently liquidated. These were manufactured back in 2005 on old hardware, well outdated and offer zero support.