Brief description of components

The radios comprise the following components:

• Radio 

  The tuner is able to receive AM and FM stations. The tuner also receives additional information such as RDS (Radio Data System).

  > E87, E90, E91, E92

  > R56

• Amplifier 

  Amplifiers are integrated in the radios. The stereo audio system can be operated with these amplifiers. For the HiFi and Top-HiFi audio systems, external amplifiers are used.

• Audio systems 

  Various audio systems can be combined with the radios.

  > E87, E90, E91, E92

  > R56

  The radios receive signals from the following components:

• Aerials 

  Most aerials are integrated in the rod aerial, roof-mounted aerial, side window (rear) and in the rear window.

• AUX-In connection 

  An external audio device can be connected to the AUX-In connection (e.g. an MP3 player)

• Telephone 

  The telephone supplies the signal to switch the radio to mute. The telephone also sends the low-frequency output signal to output calls via the loudspeaker. The signals are transmitted directly. From BMW "Professional" or MINI "Boost CD" radio upwards, signals can be transmitted through the MOST.

• CD changer 

  > E87, E90, E91, E92: from BMW "Professional" radio

  The CD changer supplies low-frequency output signals via the MOST for activating the output stages.

  > R56: from MINI "Boost CD" radio

  The CD changer on the R56 does not need a magazine. Up to 6 CDs can be fed in turn into the slot of the CD changer (please refer to the Owner's Handbook).

  The CD drive is able to play standard audio CDs or CDs with compressed audio data (MP3/WMA). WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a compression standard, like MP3 (MPEG Layer 3, i.e. Moving Pictures Expert Group).

• DSC: Dynamic Stability Control 

  The Dynamic Stability Control unit sends a road speed signal. This signal is used to control speed dependent volume control.

• SZL: Steering column switch cluster 

  The steering column switch cluster supplies the signals for the multi-function steering wheel (MFL). The information is sent on the K-CAN and processed by the radio.

• KOMBI: Instrument cluster 

  > E87, E90, E91, E92

  The instrument cluster is the unit master in the vehicle. The time, external temperature and consumption values, for example, are sent to the radio.

  These settings can also be made via the radio with the BMW "Professional" radio and higher.

  > R56

  On the R56, the time, outside temperature and fuel consumption data (for example) are transmitted by the auxiliary instrument (KOMBI2) to the K-CAN.

  Depending on the equipment fitted, the instrument cluster (KOMBI) may have recesses for:

  • Radio control panel
  • Central Information Display (CID) on vehicles with Car Communication Computer (CCC)

  The radios output the following signals via the loudspeakers:

  For all radios:

• Audio signals 

  From BMW "Professional" or MINI "Boost CD" radio:

• Park Distance Control (PDC) 
• Acoustic warnings (e.g. acoustic signals)