BMW i3 DAB Radio Dead, Complete Audio System Failure

Hey there! I had a pretty similar issue with my 2019 BMW i4 (also had a BMW iX before). I have some experience working on cars, mostly basic maintenance stuff. My radio reception went completely dead last year, and I was getting those annoying error messages too. Took it to my regular workshop, and they diagnosed it as a faulty antenna module. The fix wasn't too complicated, but it needed special diagnostic equipment. Cost me about 255 Euro for the whole thing, parts and labor included. What's your exact model year and trim level? Also, are you getting any specific error codes? Might help pinpoint if it's the same issue I had. Would be good to know if you're experiencing this only with DAB or with FM radio too.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Mine is the 2017 i3 Hybrid with around 139665 KM on the clock. It's happening with both DAB and FM actually. Pretty annoying since I love listening to radio during my commute. Just had it serviced last month, and everything else seems to be working fine. I'll check with my workshop about the antenna module, sounds like it could be the same issue. Did you notice any other symptoms before your radio completely died? And was the repair done under warranty in your case?

Hey again! Thanks for the additional details about your i3. Actually, thinking back to my issue, I also had problems with both DAB and FM before it completely died. I remember it started with occasional signal drops, especially when I was driving at higher speeds. Then it got progressively worse over about two weeks until it completely stopped working. Since your mileage is pretty similar to what mine was when the problem occurred (I was around 145,000 KM), it's sounding more and more like the same antenna module issue I had. Unfortunately, mine wasn't under warranty anymore, I was a few months past the extended warranty period when it happened. Worth checking your warranty status though, you might be luckier than I was! One thing I forgot to mention in my first reply, before getting it fixed, I tried disconnecting the battery for about 30 minutes to reset the system (kind of like the old "turn it off and on again" trick). It didn't solve the problem, but it temporarily cleared the error messages for a few hours. Might be worth trying while you're waiting to get it to the workshop. Just curious, have you noticed any correlation between the radio issues and weather conditions? Mine seemed to act up more during damp weather, which makes sense now knowing it was an antenna module problem.

Really appreciate the detailed response! Wow, that's interesting about the weather correlation, now that you mention it, I have noticed the reception gets worse during rainy days. And yes, I've had those exact same symptoms with the signal drops at high speeds before it completely died! It's like you're describing my car's issues to a T. Just checked my warranty status, unfortunately, I'm way past the coverage period. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet on the repair costs. I'll definitely try that battery disconnect trick you suggested while I wait for my workshop appointment next week. Even if it's temporary, having radio for a few hours would be better than nothing! Thanks so much for all the info about the antenna module. Really helps to know what I might be dealing with. At least now I can go to the workshop with some idea of what the problem might be, and the potential cost. It's always better knowing what to expect rather than going in blind!