Re: Radio Volume Control (archive)

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: Last month I got into an argument with an arrogant salesman at the BMW dealer in West Palm Beach, Florida (a young guy named Mike.) I was looking at an M Roadster in the showroom and asked him if it had speed-dependent radio volume control like the 5-Series. He responded that it didn't and that the 5-series didn't have it either. I told him that I own a 5-Series currently and that I was sure that it did. He said he has been selling BMWs for 10 years and that the 5-Series do not have volume control - period.

Time to go back and ask that 10 year wonder if he is so sure will he accept your bet for ( $ you name any amount you want here) that the 5 has speed dependant volume control.

There are 3 stereo systems for the5 series on the world market ( plus different radio types)

The base stereo has 6 speakers - we do not get this in North America - i only mention it because I do not know if it has speed volume or not, but I suspect not.

The HiFi system we get as standard with 10 speakers. This does have speed dependant volume control. It adjusts the volume in 4, or 6, stages of 1.25 DB each. The process starts at 40 km/h if the program is set to the lowest setting, or at about 90 km/h if it is set to the highest setting. These settings are designated "GAL 1 to GAL 4 (or 6 - I am not sure of the number of stages).

These settings can be changed to suit your needs by putting the radio into set up mode.
Turn it on and within 10 seconds hit and hold the "M" key till you get a different display. It takes about 10 seconds and the first item you will see is the software version. Use the < > keys to move back and forthe to the different items. When you see GAL - that is the speed setting. Higher numbers start the process at lower speeds.

Now the DSP stereo is different again. It has 6 GAL settings, but rather than adjusting the volume, it adjusts the equalization - giving more base at higher speeds.

Be careful making any changes to any of the other items. Note where they are set befoe you start. Depending on you model and year tere are several differences and I am only sure of the 1997 model that I have.

I know that on some you get a "TP" (traffic report" volume adjustment for areas where this service is available.

So armed with this info - go bet that guy a bundle - remember I get half - it's a sure bet !

Just tell him to ask his technician and look up the data in the disgnostic information. (sorry I do not know about he roadster unit).

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