Doug, I did read that the "core shaft is broken", but does Ron07x5's vehicle have iDrive even though he does not have navigation? If not, disregard the remainder of this post. If he does, then give my suggestion a shot.

I just checked this process in my 09 X5 and it worked. You can turn on the radio by going into the Entertainment zone in iDrive, highlight FM at the top of the screen and <select> by pushing on the iDrive knob. If Ron's X5 does have iDrive he might be able to access his radio for a while until he can get a replacement radio.

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Chris DeJesus
'09 X5 X-Drive 35D
'15 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
'05 Porsche Cayenne-TRADED-IN
'95 LR Disco I-SOLD
'62 Apache Eagle Pop-up Camper-SOLD
'15 Flagstaff Micro Lite 23LB (Our HoW, House on Wheels)-SOLD