R1200RT CD player question

[johnlt]

Does the factory R1200RT radio/CD player play MP3 CDs. If it does, it helps rationalize the price at least up to 50%.

[gadgetgaz]

Sorry, no it does not play mp3 CDs. You would think that in 2005 BMW's flagship model would, wouldn't you?

[graemer57]

I'd settle for the darn thing playing 'normal' CDs without jumping or skipping. I'd like to know how many others are experiencing this problem?

[David_S]

I haven't used the CD player but if they are all installed the same as mine it's easy to understand why they skip. Mine is just suspended in the case by a plastic piece that it slides through that the case kind of sandwiches together. No support at all on the sides or bottom. It just kind of hangs there. I supported it on the sides with some foam to keep it from flopping around. It's only about a 15 minute job to get to it and split the case open.

[graemer57]

Hi David

 

I know it sounds a bit pedantic but, given what I paid for the radio/CD, if there is any remedial work that needs to be done to stop or minimise the skipping then I want it done by BMW through my local dealer. That way they are taking responsibility for the selection and fitting of the unit and there is no comeback on me (i.e voiding of CD warranty) should anything go wrong. Like I said, am being a bit bloody minded about it... but the unit should really be fit for purpose... it's not as though they didn't realise it was going to be fitted to a motorcycle, and need to work faultlessly in that environment. We wouldn't accept it in a £14000 car so why accept it on a £14000 bike!

[CraCol]

I'd settle for the darn thing playing 'normal' CDs without jumping or skipping. I'd like to know how many others are experiencing this problem?

I am as well... Skip's on smooth payment, as it feels the need..

 

Craig

[johnt]

I got my 06 R1200RT in Dec 2005 and the CD-Player is just about useless. It skips all over the place and eventually will display “CD ERROR” and revert back to radio. It seems to be more prevalent when the motor hits 4000 rpms and at highway speeds. The dealer has replaced the unit and it does exactly the same thing. How common of the problem is this and has anyone been successfully at resolving this problem. I’ll be a real happy RT owner when I can listen to Collective Soul while cruising down the highway. Maybe I should try German polka music ?

[Whip]

Use an Ipod or XM with a FM modulator.....radio/cd is junk.

 

Whip

[ScottFla]

Given the serious problems with the R1200RT radio/cd -- can we not join forces and engage BMW on this substandard product? Given the cost of this unit and the exceptionally poor performance of same, we R12RT owners should join force and draft a mass letter to BMW regarding the problem. Bottom line, either fix the problems (e.g., little to no AM reception, poor FM reception, and poor CD performance) or provide a full refund. Just my two cents. I'll be happy to draft the letter if I can just get a number of owners to sign or provide ID information.

[IT_Mike]

Count me in!

$50 Audiovox works better than this.

 

Mike

[johnt]

Count me in and I know of at least one other RT owner with the same issues as you described. For the cost of the unit one would think that a company like BMW would make sure it performed. My $30.00 portable unit has 10 seconds of anti-skip and this $1500 unit supposedly designed for a motorcycle has none? I encourage everyone who has this issue to sign up and post – numbers will help us all.

[Tcreek]

count on me, mine has destroyed 3 CD's

[Got2Greys]

Count me in, as well. It's the only thing I don't like about the bike. I mentioned the poor performance of the CD player on the customer survey sent out by BMW, but I don't know if anyone will read it, much less do anything about it.

[Mdcruiser]

I bought my bike with the Radio Prep Kit only, not the Radio/CD, thanks to tips from you all about the OEM equipment. Plan to buy an aftermarket one. I would nonetheless be willing to help with the letter, if needed.

[ChrisRappl]

Mine skips at highway speed. Count me in.

[eruff]

I haven't had the same problems with the CD player in my '05 RT, if you don't count hard bumps like railroad tracks, which I can forgive.

 

-Eric

[ScottFla]

OK, I need owners names and bike data -- year of model, date of purchase, and dealer purchased from. That should be enough for a mass letter. Pls forward information to my email at varible13@aol.com. Let's do it and hold some feet to the fire. The more the better. Regards, Scott

[bimmers]

Did also just take prep kit and now I wonder if there is going to be any benefit from it as one could just as well mount an afermarket unit without the kit, I think. Probably a topic for other thread to discuss what to get. Ipod with small FM radio and Autocomm?

Go after them for a proper unit that is designed for bikes (boat units may work)

[johnt]

I called BMW customer relations today and the rep said he never has heard of this problem before, but he's going to investigate it. I would suggest that everyone with this problem call BMW customer relations and post the highlights of the conversation. We need to stay on there case if we ever hope to get this resolved. The number for BMW customer relations is 1-800-831-1117.

[twilmotte]

Scott, while you're writing the letter, suggest to BMW that they modify their OEM radio to include an Aux port (instead of a CD player?) so owners can plug in a satellite radio or iPod and control the volume of aux inputs with the remote handlebar controls. I have an '04 RT with the BMW radio/cassette player. Hardly anyone uses cassette tapes anymore, but it sure is handy to insert the cassette adapter and pipe the audio from my iPod or satellite radio directly to the amplifier of the radio and adjust volume/toggle between FM radio and iPod with the handlebar control! IMHO, the CD player is one of the main issues with the R12RT.

[ChrisA]

There is an AUX port, you just have to remove the radio to get to it, and plug a cable into in to make it usable. There was a recent thread about the AUX plug, there is a part # for it, I just don't have it handy. If you need it, let me know and I'll go digging.

[CraCol]

The AUX does work, but you'll need to amplify the signal. there is a thread a few months old detailing the steps needed, and the parts to use. the cable can be made or you can buy a BMW car radio part.. The amp is a small unit out of canada.. I did the conversion and it works great..

 

Craig

[ScottFla]

any owners who have not registered with me to send a letter to bmw of north america pls do so soonest. i have about seven owners on my roster. remember to send owner info to variable13@aol.com -- thanks

[Got2Greys]

Sent you a PM with my info.

 

Bill

[gadgetgaz]

I already sorted my cd problems out with BMW-UK. It took a few months but I eventually got a 40% refund on the cost of the cd/radio. I now use it with an ipod through the AUX port and I am just about happy with it.

All BMW needed to do was include an ipod adaptor like in their cars to control it through the handlebar buttons.

At least I can control the volume now.

[BereIsland]

I already sorted my cd problems out with BMW-UK. It took a few months but I eventually got a 40% refund on the cost of the cd/radio. I now use it with an ipod through the AUX port and I am just about happy with it.

All BMW needed to do was include an ipod adaptor like in their cars to control it through the handlebar buttons.

At least I can control the volume now.

 

That's interesting Gaz, 40% off isn't a bad deal

 

Steve