E46 Audio Systems: Notes

Two different sound systems will be available for the E46 at the start of production. The standard radio will feature the in-dash cassette player and the optional radio will have a single in-dash CD player. This is the first time that an in-dash CD player is available from BMW.

Both radios will be prewired for the optional 6-disc CD changer that mounts in the trunk.

The sound systems for the E46 continue with the integration feature introduced with the E38. The sound system is interfaced with the K-Bus to allow for amplifier and MFL communication.

Theft proofing of the radio via a code is no longer required as the radio will not function without the K-Bus connection and a valid K-Bus signal from the instrument cluster.

Also, the optional Harman Kardon sound system is available as an option from the start of production as well.

From March of 2001, the "New Generation" radios are available on the E46 which have new features and functions.

A new feature of the sound system is the Radio Data System (RDS) display. RDS is a transmit and receive system operated in the FM band. It is a data service offered by radio stations, in which the information is transmitted inaudibly with the audio programs.

The name of the stations are displayed in the radio when the RDS system is active.

Carry over features of the sound system include:

• Autostore
• Speed dependent volume (GAL)
• Telephone muting
• Radio test functions