We felt the HD DICE kits deserved its own Q/A thread in order to make support easier to find/receive for new HD users.

All questions regarding features, compatibility, installation and bug reports can be submitted to this thread.




HD Radio is here and so is the HD DICE- HD Radio™ receiver!

Until now, to receive the digital transmissions, you needed to replace your MINIs radio system with an aftermarket HD Radio receiver. The solution is the HD DICE. Enjoy radio quality like you’ve never heard before without having to replace your factory stereo system! The HD DICE™ is an external HD Radio™ tuner that integrates to the factory car radio the same way as an external SAT radio tuner would. The HD DICE integration allows users to change and select HD Radio stations using the buttons on their existing car radio or using the controls found on the steering wheel.

How it Connects...

The interface connects to the vehicle’s external device (SAT/CDC) connection port and optional auxiliary device and iPod integration cable is available. BMW-specific connectors are provided to shorten installation time and a small on-glass antenna - optimized for HD Radio reception - is used to receive the digital AM/FM signal.

What is HD Radio?

HD Radio is the most outstanding advancement in radio broad-casting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio Technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast local programs digitally. You can experience more content, multicast channels, and higher audio quality at any of over 1000 digital transmitting terrestrial radio stations currently on the air! These multicast channels also provide commercial free digital content and since HD RadioTM is subscription free, you do not have to pay any monthly fees to be able to enjoy its quality.

How does it work?

Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences:

- Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as traffic, stock info and song titles can be sent out, as well.
- The digital signal layer is compressed.
- The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
- Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD Digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops and fades.
- Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is our HD Radio receiver!

HD Radio includes artist, album and song information in its broadcasts. Future content may include real time traffic information for your area. The best news, HD Radio is not a subscription service. You get all this content for free!

Features

- Digital AM/FM HD Radio receiver
- HD multicast compatible
- Hard-wired interface for the best possible audio quality
- The interface connects to your BMW's CD Changer port
- HD glass mount AM/FM antenna
- iPod connection port, (optional cable required)
- Auxiliary input for additional audio playback devices
- Fully integrated controls from radio and steering wheel
- Intuitive operation with TEXT on OEM radio display
- Preserves OEM look without having to add external display or controller

What's included?

HD DICE module with iPod support
MINI-specific wiring harness
HD Glass Mount radio antenna
HD DICE User's Manual
HD Radio station Guide

Optional Items

 

Rebate period expired

 

Another eas exclusive!

Our Stealth Antenna module for the High Definition Radio DICE allows you to receive HD broadcasts without the need for an external HD antenna on the windshield.



Easily installed in the trunk or behind your factory radio (depending on configuration), the Stealth Antenna module eliminates the unsightly external HD DICE antenna while offering a boost in antenna strength immediately after installation and 100% retain your OEM look and feel.

For added antenna strength, the existing HD DICE antenna can be retained with the Stealth Antenna kit for even stronger reception. Full instructions included with kit.

Here are images from our own MY02 e46 M3, with both HD1 & HD2 broadcasts inside our service building with full HD signal strength:



HD DICE module must be located near radio tuner in order for the Stealth Antenna to connect properly with the supplied antenna leads. For Navigation-equipped vehicles (radio tuner is located in the trunk), we recommend using an iPod extension cable to allow the iPod to be placed in the cabin area of the vehicle where you choose.

Business CD-equipped BMWs and MINIs should not require an extension cable, but one can be used if a bit more length is desired.

Extension cable for DICE iPod Dock connector (6 feet)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=878

Extension cable for DICE iPod Dock connector (10 feet)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1139

Models Supported:
2001-2006 3-series, including M3 (not for e9X applications)
2001-2003 5-series, including M5
2004-2007 X3
2001-2006 X5
2001-2002 Z3, including M-Roadster/Coupe
2003-2007 Z4, including M-Roadster/Coupe
2002-2007 MINI Cooper, Cooper S (not for R56 applications)


eas - Stealth Antenna kit for DICE High Definition Radio
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1566

Installation is simple for the DIY type and should take no longer than 20 minutes. Requires DICE High Definition Radio w/ iPod Integration kit for full HD radio experience.

Units are shipping as of this afternoon. :thumbsup2:

 

reserved

 

reserved

 

and this works with the HK system? Still be able to use a CD changer?

 

Will the steering wheel controls work with the IPOD?

 

Hi Tom, I installed the HD DICE in my wife's '07 MCSC a few weeks ago, and she's having a small problem. Every few days, it seems, the unit just stops working. We're riding along, listing to the HD radio or iPod, and shut off the car. When we start it back up, we get no sound from the DICE in either HD or iPod mode. Occasionally, if I cycle through the stock radio's input modes (FM, AM, CD, and back to CDC), the unit works again, but most of the time I have to turn off the radio and unplug the main harness wire from the back of the DICE module. After I've rebooted it, it works fine. When she first described it to me, I thought maybe she was hitting some weird button combination because she was just getting used to it, but now I've seen it happen myself without any buttons hit.

Any ideas of what I can do to fix it?

Thanks for the help,
Felix

 

Yes, they'll work. The steering wheel controls will perform whatever function you've set the "<" ">" buttons on the head unit to perform. if you've set them to advance to the next track on the iPod, then the steering wheel buttons will do the same. The volume works, too, of course.

Felix

 

This works with both HK & non HK systems.

 

Yes, you can control the iPod from both the steering wheel or radio buttons.

 

Here's what I recommend:

1. Disconnect iPod from cable
2. Remove battery cables, negative first
3. Touch battery cable terminals together (away from battery) for +5 seconds, a small spark is normal as this is stored power draining from the system.
4. Allow cables to remain disconnected for about 5-7 minutes
5. Reconnect battery cables onto battery, negative last.
6. Reboot iPod by pressing on MENU and CENTER buttons for +5 seconds and then reconnecting to the HD DICE cable after the reboot process is completed.

Let me know if these steps correct the problem.

 

I would like to see where people are installing their HD antenna and what it looks like. Any photos would be appreciated.

 

I won't need a different adapter or anything? So this link: http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=608

is correct for HK and Non-HK Systems?

 

Where is the best location for the HD module?

 

We place them underneath the glovebox, however you can leave them in the trunk if you purchase an extension cable (10 feet) for the iPod dock cable.

 

and this rebate applies to Mini's then? It is not listed on the rebate, unless consider it a BMW.

 

Here's two photos of my install. The wire for the antenna runs up behind the plastic cover on the pillar and attaches to a plastic box that mounts on the windshield with foam tape. There is a wire that screws into the box and is taped onto the windshield extending down towards the dash.

I like the setup and the CD-like sound of the HD radio. The one bummer is that the taped-on antenna doesn't stick to the windshield very well (yes I followed the instructions...). You'll see that I used my work parking permit to hold the bottom in place.

I attached the module to the backside of the panel under the steering wheel. There's enough extra cable that you can velcro it in place and have enough slack for when you need to pull the panel off.

 

This will apply to MINIs also.

 

Found the cable is long enough to install the actual antenna in the rear pane of the sun roof (little fishing through the head liner with options for a proper ground) and reception is very good. As for the HD unit it self, under the passenger side of the dash high up on the kick wall (perfect fit) held in with a couple of small screws.

 

Can you show a picture of how you have the unit installed. Did you just screw it into the kick wall?

I like the idea of using the 2nd sunroof for the antenna since it's not a functional one. There was enough cable to mount it there?

 

I would like to see a pic too

 

When I get a chance, will try and post pictures sometime this weekend. It was a very easy project and took less than a 6 pack to do.

 

I'd probably wait until after I finish it to have the 6-pack. Some of us are 'challenged' is this department without a few beers.

 

Biers Never mentioned or implied such; many different beverages come naturally (as God intended) in the 6 pack form. Will say though, a cold one (Bier) does sound good right now