AM Radio Reception

MontyP · 02-11-2019, 04:15 PM

Has anyone else experienced problems with the AM radio reception on their 530e and, if so, were you able to resolve the issue?

I have a 2018 530e. It is my 8th BMW but the first one in which the AM radio does not work in the downtown area. All I get is static. It is not until I get away from the downtown core (i.e. away from most of the tall buildings) that I get any reception.

I have never experienced this issue with any of my previous BMWs all of which have been driven on the exact same route.

I wonder if this is related to the electric motor/battery in the 530e or a issue unique to my car.

Thanks.

clee1982 · 02-14-2019, 10:13 PM

why are you still using AM...?

Almaretto · 02-17-2019, 04:55 AM

Electric battery can result in more interference, but never experienced complete static.

SteveinArizona · 02-22-2019, 07:22 AM

New issue of Car and Driver on page 018 has a small section called "Extinction Event" reporting that BHEVs and Hybrids electric motors interfere with AM reception creating a scratchy sound.

You will have to learn to listen to FM or satellite or other means.

MontyP · 02-28-2019, 04:58 PM

Thanks Almaretto and Steve.

Clee - we have an AM all news station - it provides traffic and weather reports every 7 minutes as well as gas price updates. I listen to it occasionally for this information.

VirtualGuitars · 02-28-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontyP

Thanks Almaretto and Steve.

Clee - we have an AM all news station - it provides traffic and weather reports every 7 minutes as well as gas price updates. I listen to it occasionally for this information.

There's an app for that.

MontyP · 03-08-2019, 01:52 PM

There's an App for many things. Checking apps while driving is illegal here (and never a good idea anywhere). Plus I am old and like listening to the radio. Appreciate the advice nevertheless

CentralCoaster · 03-24-2019, 03:53 PM

I had this issue with my 528i but it was due to the window tint. When the tint shop said "the cheaper tint may interfere with AM radio as the antenna is woven into the glass" I was an idiot and didn't listen to them lol.

I'm young and listen to AM radio. In Los Angeles, lots of good sports talk on AM.

02-11-2019, 04:15 PM	#1
MontyP Private First Class 54 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2018 530e Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	AM Radio Reception - 530e Has anyone else experienced problems with the AM radio reception on their 530e and, if so, were you able to resolve the issue? I have a 2018 530e. It is my 8th BMW but the first one in which the AM radio does not work in the downtown area. All I get is static. It is not until I get away from the downtown core (i.e. away from most of the tall buildings) that I get any reception. I have never experienced this issue with any of my previous BMWs all of which have been driven on the exact same route. I wonder if this is related to the electric motor/battery in the 530e or a issue unique to my car. Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-14-2019, 10:13 PM	#2
clee1982 Lieutenant Colonel 798 Rep 1,736 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW 540i xDrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 540i xDrive [0.00]	why are you still using AM...?
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02-17-2019, 04:55 AM	#3
Almaretto Major General 2374 Rep 8,364 Posts Drives: Test Vehicles Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (0)	Electric battery can result in more interference, but never experienced complete static.
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02-22-2019, 07:22 AM	#4
SteveinArizona Brigadier General 3086 Rep 4,210 Posts Drives: BMW 530e Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Greater Phoenix iTrader: (0)	New issue of Car and Driver on page 018 has a small section called "Extinction Event" reporting that BHEVs and Hybrids electric motors interfere with AM reception creating a scratchy sound. You will have to learn to listen to FM or satellite or other means.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2019, 04:58 PM	#5
MontyP Private First Class 54 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2018 530e Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Thanks Almaretto and Steve. Clee - we have an AM all news station - it provides traffic and weather reports every 7 minutes as well as gas price updates. I listen to it occasionally for this information.
	Appreciate 1 clee1982797.50 Quote

03-08-2019, 01:52 PM	#7
MontyP Private First Class 54 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2018 530e Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	There's an App for many things. Checking apps while driving is illegal here (and never a good idea anywhere). Plus I am old and like listening to the radio. Appreciate the advice nevertheless
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-24-2019, 03:53 PM	#8
CentralCoaster Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2019 540i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Santa Barbara, California iTrader: (0)	I had this issue with my 528i but it was due to the window tint. When the tint shop said "the cheaper tint may interfere with AM radio as the antenna is woven into the glass" I was an idiot and didn't listen to them lol. I'm young and listen to AM radio. In Los Angeles, lots of good sports talk on AM.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

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