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  #1  
Old 04-29-2009, 09:26 PM
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Stereo distortion/rumble at low volume

My 2003 X5 has developed a fuzzy distorted rumble in the stereo at low volume. It affects radio, CD and Aux as well. The rumble goes away at a point when you turn up the volume. Has anyone had this experience? Suggestions?

Thanks,
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  #2  
Old 04-30-2009, 03:27 PM
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maybe be the factory amp going...??
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  #3  
Old 04-30-2009, 08:45 PM
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Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. Today I noticed that the distortion goes away at speed, but you can still lower the volume to a point that will cause it to start again.
I thought it might be speed sensitive volume, but this is non-DSP system and I can not locate any control that indicates it has this feature.
Again, thanks for the input.
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Old 05-01-2009, 09:06 AM
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Well, I do know that sometimes a faulty ground will result in engine noise playing through the radio. It sounds like a buzzing noise that changes pitch based on speed etc... But I'm not sure this is your problem... I would swing by a Best Buy (if you have them there) and ask the teks in the back... perhaps they may know what's causing it...
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Old 05-02-2009, 03:20 PM
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Thanks for the advice. This noise does not follow engine speed. It goes away completely as speed increases. At this point, you can turn the volume down without the noise returning. Then, when I slow down, the distortion returns. If I turn up the volume it stops until the I slow down even more and then returns.
The distortion is present as you turn the volume knob from first sound to about 10 detents (clicks) of the knob. When you pass about 25 mph the distortion stops, sound is clear and you can decrease volume by a couple of clicks before it comes back in. When you pass 40 - 45 mph, same scenario of clear sound with ability to lower volume by a click or two. Distortion is always present at volume lower than this setting - about 6 clicks.
This is why I was wondering about speed sensitive volume. I just can not find any reference to a control or setting for it.
Again, thank you for the input.

tl
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  #6  
Old 04-17-2013, 12:08 PM
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My 2002 530 has the exact same problem!

The sound is distorted at lower volumes; as soon as I turn the volume up beyond a particular threshold, the rumble goes away. It doesn't matter if the volume is adjusted using the knob on the radio or buttons on the steering wheel. Also, the automatic volume adjustment due to speed kicks in; so if I'm driving slowly and the volume is just one notch below the distortion threshold and I speed up, the automatic volume increase causes the volume level to rise above the distortion level. I've tried replacing the amplifier with one I bought on used from the Internet, but had the same problem.

Did you ever figure out what the issue was?

Jim
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  #7  
Old 07-27-2013, 11:44 AM
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I have not pinpointed the problem and have been just living with it or not listening to the radio very much. I have noticed the the overall quality of sound is degrading further even when the fuzzy rumble is not occurring. A good friend of mine that has extensive car audio experience says that I probably have a capacitor or capacitors that are going out. They could be in either the head unit, which probably has a pre-amp built in. Or could be in the main amplifier. Sounds like you eliminated that option. Given that it is volume level oriented, it is probably the head unit/pre amp.
I have looked for head unit options and just have not wanted to spend for the OE replacement. I also have issued with my NAV screen. I'm considering a change to an aftermarket head unit, but have yet to find one that will tie in with the steering wheel controls or that I really like.
If you find any viable options, I would be most interested to hear.
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  #8  
Old 04-11-2015, 05:02 PM
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Smile Problem FIXED!!!!

After searching high and low I got my radio fixed. There's a guy named Baris in the UK who repairs BMW radios. I found him on EBAY, his vendor name is carphonicsuk and the item is:

BMW Becker BM53 Radio Professional Upgrade Repair Service 3 5 7 Series X5 | eBay

It cost me $168 to get it repaired plus ~$20 shipping (US Post office).

FYI, UPS wanted $147 to ship radio from USA to UK.

It took about 3 weeks from the time I shipped my radio until I got it back WORKING! No more low volume distortion.

--Jim
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  #9  
Old 05-16-2015, 01:23 PM
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Jim,
Thank you for the new information. I will check eBay and look into getting a fix from Baris.
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