Satellite Radio Deterioration In Reception Quality Due To New Cellular Frequencies (SI B65 06 17)

Publication date: 2017-03-01
Reference number: SI B65 06 17

SATELLITE RADIO DETERIORATION IN RECEPTION QUALITY DUE TO NEW CELLULAR FREQUENCIES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): SI B65 06 17, Date of Issue: March 2017

BMW:

F06 (6 Series Gran Coupe); F12 (640i Convertible); F13 (640i Coupe); F15 (X5); F16 (X6); F22 (2 Series Coupe); F23 (2 Series Convertible); F25 (X3); F26 (X4); F30 (3 Series Sedan); F31 (3 Series Sport Wagon); F32 (4 Series Coupe); F33 (4 Series Convertible); F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo); F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe); F48 (X1); F80 (M3 Sedan); F82 (M4 Coupe); F83 (M4 Convertible); F85 (X5 M); F86 (X6 M); F87 (M2 Coupe); G12 (7 Series Sedan); G30 (5 Series Sedan); I12 (i8); Vehicles equipped with Satellite Radio (SA 655)

GROUP:

Audio, Navigation, Information, Safety Systems

SITUATION

Satellite radio (SDARS) reception quality change.

CAUSE

Due to the release of new Wireless Communications Service (WCS) frequencies for mobile broadband radio the customer may experience interference with Satellite Radio reception.

These frequencies may overlap SDARS in proximity of strong mobile services broadcast antennas. A wireless mobile provider anticipates 23% nationwide WCS coverage by end of 2017 and 30%+ coverage by end of 2018.

INFORMATION

Inform the customer that the introduction of these expanded frequencies by the wireless mobile providers may be influencing reception quality. BMW is currently working with the wireless mobile providers in order to improve the quality of reception and help alleviate the issues that are caused by the wireless mobile expanded frequencies.

Once we have more information about this situation this service information bulletin will be updated.

Currently Satellite Radio is provided by SiriusXM for BMW customers via geosynchronous (GEO) satellites located roughly above the equator. This means that the satellite signal to some parts of the United States can come in at an angle as low as 32 degrees to the horizon. Due to this angle, buildings, hills, trees, highway sound blocking walls or other obstacles might block the satellite signal coming from reaching the vehicle receiver antenna and might cause audio cut outs, unless the wireless provider has installed terrestrial repeaters. Reception quality decreases the further north you travel, as the angle of the incoming signal gets smaller. Also adverse weather conditions might affect reception.

At this time, in the event of a customer complaint or inquiry on interference noise:

Do not replace any parts
Do not program or carry out other work on the vehicle
Explain to customer about the new Wireless Communications Service (WCS) signals

When investigating Satellite Radio cutouts or a temporary loss of reception:

Please compare to a similarly equipped vehicle. Keep in mind the roofline of the vehicle, size of the antenna (sharkfin) and location of the antenna on the vehicle will all affect the strength of the reception. Do not compare a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) with a high roofline mounted antenna to a different vehicle such as a coupe or convertible with a much lower mounting point of the antenna.
Replace no parts
Do not program vehicle for this complaint
Please see SI B65 19 15 with general information about satellite radio reception.

PARTS INFORMATION

Parts exchange will not correct the situation.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

For Information Only.