e39 M5. Which Tuner Unit Do I Need For Freeview

[e21Keith]

I have the old analogue tuner in my M5, as part of the refurb I'm starting on I'd like to update the tuner for Freeview. Not looking to get an after market add-on, happy to replace the whole unit.

I know the later X3, X5 etc should have a compatible unit, but which one do I need? Really looking for the part number.

[pottman]

Don’t know if this is of any help …

http://www.carphonics.co.uk/

[bangerhoarder]

Factory system? You’ll need an iBus compatible unit - I think it’s the same as with an L322 RR where you can fit one from a later 7 Series.

Here’s an aftermarket integration unit (just as a reference, you said you din’t want to go this route). Usual advice is to ditch the supplied aerials and go for amplified.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-5-series-X5-iBus-...

[e21Keith]

everything is factory on my M5.

Really not looking to put something aftermarket in there, I'm sure I read somewhere that this was possible?

[bangerhoarder]

It is possible, the parts are getting a bit scarce now. The aerial is another matter, as I think it’s integrated into the window.

These are OEM
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-X3-X5-Z4ies-E46-E...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-HYBRID-DIGITAL-TUNE...

Part number: 6 966 696
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/8479-the-tv-part-of...

[e21Keith]

I already have the analogue TV from the factory, reception was never very good before the analogue got switched off anyway.

So does the hybrid need a different aerial arrangement? Starting to look like it's not worth doing!

[bangerhoarder]

I believe so, if you have ‘bumper’ aerials already these probably won’t give you a good enough signal. You can test it first though.

[scott10005]

I put a 2005 X5 module into my e39, it just plugged and played, looked exactly the same, can’t remember if it says digital or hybrid on the parts sticker on the unit, I’ll try to dig it out. I think you would just need a 2005/2006 E53 X5 module, they just started to get digital tuners at the end of production.

[e21Keith]

Many thanks, if I can get a part number I might be able to find one.