Well, I've taken the plunge and just bought the amp upgrade for the BM54 radio module, off the bay of e.

There is a review of the guys work on the m3cutters forum, which was enough to convince me.

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=48861

I've also had a few emails from him, and he seems an excellent chap, who wants to do a good job and offer a good service.

I have just removed the unit from my car, and will be posting it to him tomorrow, with a view to getting it back on Wednesday......

I'll let you know whether its worth it. But I've a feeling I'll be sold....

I may also have the last and latest firmware added, which will allow Dynamic TMC routing on the navigation system, amongst other things, like track id and stuff on mp3 tracks.

Cheers
Mark 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

will it now have the aux input, i am quite interested in the firmware upgrade V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

I've just paid for the amp upgrade, but I suppose I can add what I want until he starts work on it on Tuesday.
The firmware upgrade is an extra £40, but as I don't have an mp3 changer, I'll only get Dynamic TMC routing, which apparently works even when you are not following a navigated route.

I think the rca aux input is extra also, and he can also add rca outs, if you wish to use an external power amp.

I don't have anything to plug into any rca inputs..........at the moment.......

Its the age old question, do you have it done whilst he's got it - just in case........

Extracts from his advert ;

Amp replacement, inside the Becker BM54 Radio Module to improve the sound quality and reliability of the unit. This will also repair faulty amps inside your unit, that have failed and caused 1 or more speakers to stop working.

A large heat sink is also used to prevent any overheating and to be able to run the extra power of the amps.

These units are prone to fail. The common problems are:

- Amps fail, causing 1 or more speakers to stop working. The new amps will replace the faulty old amps and you will receive all 4 channels back.

- High pitch, screech, squeal noises from the speakers, may vary with volume change or tone change. Amp replacement does not fix this fault, as it is a processor problem. This is completely repairable.

- No power to the head unit. The controls stop working and the orange light next to the volume control is off. This is very common, and 50% of the time, can be fixed by resetting the BM54 unit. To reset the unit, simply unplug the unit and plug it back in.

-Firmware upgrades are also available on request at a cost of £40. This will bring your BM54 to the latest and last firmware version. This will enable iD3 tags from the Mp3 changer, and also enable TMC Dynamic Routing.

-RCA Channel Outs for aftermarket amps, is also available on request at a cost of £40.

Why Us?

UK's No.1 Navigation and Sound System repairs and parts provider to BMW Dealers

We do not advertise as a repair service, but an upgrade service. The fact that we can repair these units is just a bonus for our customers.

The amps we use are the same ones from the more up to date BMW cars, hence why the wattage and power are higher. The old amps cannot be removed, so traces are cut, and a whole new IC kit with the amps are soldered onto the circuit board. This is not advised for anyone else to do, if they have never done it before. It should always be done by someone who has done it before. We have repaired and upgraded over 100 units with success.

We have sold/replaced 100 Amp kits with 100% success and 100% Feedback. Full refund is always given, if a unit is not repairable or you have sent us the wrong unit. Please contact us if you are unsure.

Free Special Recorded Delivery on all units returned back to you, which is covered for up to £500. 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

do you have a contact number for them.. V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

The number I have is 07958 499151, his name is Baris.

He said he'd be happy to join up here to answer questions if needed. 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Last edited by mjdronfield on 5th Mar 2012 8:14am. Edited 1 time in total

the BM54 from the bmw x5 has a aux input as standard, it is very handy for ipods or a car pc's V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

Hmm, now wondering whether it would be cost effective to buy a knackered BM54 unit then send it off to Baris for refurb and to have the aux socket added.....??

While you are taking a small risk, buying a bad BM54 and having it refurbed does make sense. A good BM54 commands quite a price. 
RRC 2Dr, RRC 4Dr,
P38, and 2 L322s
(wife thinks I'm nuts - prob right, too)

Ah yes, it's £120 for the amp upgrade and repair.

My unit isn't faulty, but the price stays the same as the same process is carried out......amp swap out.

Firmware upgrades, RCA inputs and RCA outputs are all at an extra £40 each.

Not sure if you can just have a firmware upgrade for £40 though, for eg.

I shall speak to Baris this morning and get my unit off in the post.

Cheers
Mark 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

hi, ok i called baris and funny he lives 10mins from me, i want the software upgrade, as i understad it the bmw version of the BM54 had an aux input, can any one confirm what pins it uses on the multi plug,any one got any pics V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

Here you go:

http://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/us...Module.pdf

If this guy can perform a software upgrade to a FFRR BM54 tuner to get the aux input to work he will be busy

Andy 2015 L405 SDV8 Autobiography, Indus Silver with Black Pack.
SWMBO: 22MY Defender 110 HSE X Dynamic, Gondwana Stone.
Gone: 2014 Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Firenze Red
Gone: 2006MY Java Black TD6 Autobiography
Gone: 2013 Jaguar XKR Convertible, Italian Racing Red with Ivory Seats
Gone: 2010MY Stornoway Grey TDV8 Vogue SE with RSE
Gone: 2008 Disco 3 HSE, Hybrid Tv + Retro-fit RSE System & DVD
Gone: 2003 Epsom Green 4.4i Vogue, LPG, Mk4 Nav, BMW Bluetooth Phone, Hybrid Tv Tuner,

Hi,

Sent my unit to Baris yesterday, and have decided to have the firmware upgrade with the power amp change.
Looking forward to getting it back.

According to a mail I got from Baris, AUX will be enabled on the BM54 with the last and latest firmware.

"Hi Mark,

Just a note, the AUX, means that you can add an external device, and the bm54 will pick it up. Best example is this

http://www.ebay.de/itm/BMW-BM54-E39-E46-E3...3183wt_888

Not sure, what the wiring is like behind the screen of the Land Rovers though. With the earlier versions of the BM54s it did not recognise the AUX input. For example, in the 3 series E46s, you had an option of having a CD player behind the screen. If the BM54 was the early one, it wouldn't recognise it.

You shouldnt need RCA outs, unless you plan to have a sub in the future.

Best regards

Baris"

As I'm having the firmware upgraded, I won't get my unit back till Thursday.

I shall have a few days to see what the differences are, and will let you know.

Mark 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

mjdronfield wrote:

Just a note, the AUX, means that you can add an external device, and the bm54 will pick it up. Best example is this

http://www.ebay.de/itm/BMW-BM54-E39-E46-E3...3183wt_888

This is a BMW Aux-in adapter. I've seen them sold for €90!

If you can solder you can make it yourself for 50P:

Click image to enlarge

2 capacitors in the L&R channel + wires and a 300 kohm resistor bridge between the 2. 'Masse' is ground, btw.
Ignore the plugs at the ends of the wires in the diagram. To the left is whatever connector(s) you want as an aux-in (RCA, headphone jack, etc) and to the right is 'C-Pins' 3,4, and 10 on the BM54 below.

Click image to enlarge

 
RRC 2Dr, RRC 4Dr,
P38, and 2 L322s
(wife thinks I'm nuts - prob right, too)

Mistake

Thank you Mark for the start of this thread, as it did give me an idea regarding the AUX with the BM54 units.

Instead of messing around trying to find wires in the RR, it should be possible to make something inside the bm54 unit, with 2 R + L channel RCA inputs for the mp3 players.
Then all you need is one of these cables.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-Stereo-Jac..._483wt_774

3 metres should be plenty enough to bring it to the front of the car.

I havent looked too close inside where the bm54 units go in the RRs, so if someone could take a photo, I could work out where the best place to place RCA plugs.

I will try and answer as many questions as I can.

I think Mark pretty much covered everything for now.