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KoenigHorst

BMW X7 DAB Radio Dead: Fix & Cost Info Needed

Hey all! Having some annoying issues with my 2020 BMW X7 (gas, 175k km). The infotainment system's acting up, DAB radio's completely dead, showing error messages, and the whole audio system isn't working right. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so I'm a bit hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar radio/audio problems in their X7? What was the actual issue and how much did the repair set you back? Looking for some advice before I take it to a shop. Thanks!

4 comment(s)

LeahSpeedster

Had the same problem with my 2018 BMW X5 40i last month. The antenna amplifier was faulty, causing similar symptoms, no DAB reception and system errors. My mechanic diagnosed it as a failed antenna module near the rear window. Not a major mechanical issue, but definitely annoying since it affects the whole entertainment system. The repair involved replacing the antenna amplifier unit and recoding the module to sync with the car's system. The fix wasn't complicated but needed specialized diagnostic equipment. Took about 2 hours at the shop. Since then, the radio and audio have been working perfectly. If you're seeing similar symptoms, it's likely the same issue. Would recommend going to a shop that specializes in BMW electronics. This isn't something you want a general mechanic messing with.

KoenigHorst (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've been considering getting this fixed at a BMW specialist too. Would you mind telling me roughly how much you paid for the repair? Also, has everything stayed working properly since then, or have you noticed any other quirks with the system?

LeahSpeedster

Hey again! Happy to give you an update. I got it fixed last week and it cost me 255 € for the whole job, including the new antenna unit and labor. Honestly, it was worth every penny, my radio reception is crystal clear now, way better than before. All those annoying error messages are completely gone. Since the repair, everything's been working perfectly fine, no glitches, no signal drops, nothing. The DAB channels come through super clear, and the whole infotainment system is running smoothly. It's actually kind of nice to have proper radio again, didn't realize how much I missed it until it was fixed! My BMW specialist really knew what they were doing, they sorted it out in about two hours, just like they promised. If you're still on the fence about getting it fixed, I'd say go for it. These antenna issues don't fix themselves, and it's better to get it sorted by someone who knows BMWs inside out. Hope this helps with your decision! Let me know if you need any other info about the repair.

KoenigHorst (Author)

Thanks so much for all the details! I actually went ahead and got it fixed at a BMW specialist yesterday. You were spot on, it was the antenna amplifier causing all the trouble. My repair ended up costing a bit more, around 300 €, but I'm not complaining because the service was excellent. The mechanic was super professional and explained everything clearly. It took them about two and a half hours, but they did a thorough job. They even ran some extra diagnostics to make sure everything was properly synced up. Now my system's working better than ever, crystal clear sound, no more error messages, and all my DAB channels are back. Such a relief to have it sorted! Really glad I went with a specialist rather than trying to save a few bucks at a general mechanic. Thanks again for your help, it definitely made me more confident about getting it fixed!

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