Many BMW enthusiasts look to personalize their vehicles, and one subtle yet impactful modification is changing the car’s chime to the more refined gong sound found in newer models. If you own an older BMW and prefer the upscale feel of the gong, you’re in luck. It’s possible to make this upgrade, as demonstrated by dedicated BMW owners. This article will guide you through the process of changing your BMW’s chime to a gong sound, focusing on the necessary steps and components.
To achieve this auditory upgrade, you’ll need to replace your current head unit with a newer model, specifically one from September 2007 or later. It’s important to note that whether you choose a Professional or Business head unit doesn’t affect the gong functionality, as long as it meets the date requirement.
Once you have the compatible head unit installed, the next crucial step is to recode the KOMBI module. This module is responsible for transmitting the sound signals to the head unit. The coding adjustment is relatively straightforward: you need to change the value “HU_VERBAUT_C08” to “radiostufe_3_4” within the KOMBI module settings.
To perform this coding, you will require specific tools. A USB to DCAN interface cable and appropriate software such as NCS Expert, INPA, or Ediabas are necessary. This is generally the most cost-effective method for coding. However, it’s worth noting that this setup might have limitations when coding certain modules like combox or MULF, which utilize fiber optic connections instead of CAN. For comprehensive coding across all modules, an ICOM interface with the latest software is needed, but this option is considerably more expensive.
If your BMW was manufactured around September 2006 or earlier, like the user who bought their car in October 2006 with a September 2006 build, you’ll likely need both the head unit upgrade and the KOMBI module recoding to successfully switch to the gong sound.
In conclusion, upgrading your BMW’s chime to a gong sound involves a head unit replacement and a KOMBI module recode. By using the right tools and following these steps, you can enjoy a more modern and sophisticated auditory experience in your older BMW.
