Couple of X5 radio issues

[BigGar]

I detail cars for a family that has a few X5's. They've had the typical gamut of air suspension issues and broken coolant overflow tanks, oil separators, etc . . .

All 4.8is models. Three '06 models and one '05.

The '05 seems to have a radio amplifier problem. The radio will work fine, then the sound just goes away, and then it comes back. It's usually good when you first start it, and within 15-20 minutes, the problems begin. Doesn't matter if it's CD's, tape, or radio. I'm feeling it's a failing amp or wiring leading to or from the amp. As with all the other issues these vehicles typically come up with, I'm sure this isn't the only one that's ever done this. Any advice on a fix?

Last week, an '06, the least used one with only about 15,000 very easy miles on it, simply lost the radio altogether. No warning, no intermittent failures. I got in the car to take it to where we clean them up and I was simply unable to get anything "radio" related to come up on the screen. When I press the left (on-off and volume) round button, the little orange light comes on, but nothing shows on the screen to indicate am or fm or anything. No sound. Steering wheel buttons that would run radio functions also do nothing at all. The NAV still works. The Bluetooth still connects with the phone and works perfectly. Sounds fine, volume of the phone is adjustable but it's like the radio isn't there anymore. Fuses are fine. Units on both are bone stock BMW stereos.


Ideas on that one?

Thanks in advance for your insights.



Gar

[pap smear]

i have the same problem as the 05 but only when im playing CD's it would play fine then just cut off and start back whenever it wants or it would skip like if the cd was scratched

[BigBlack48is]

Originally Posted by BigGar

I detail cars for a family that has a few X5's. They've had the typical gamut of air suspension issues and broken coolant overflow tanks, oil separators, etc . . .

All 4.8is models. Three '06 models and one '05.

The '05 seems to have a radio amplifier problem. The radio will work fine, then the sound just goes away, and then it comes back. It's usually good when you first start it, and within 15-20 minutes, the problems begin. Doesn't matter if it's CD's, tape, or radio. I'm feeling it's a failing amp or wiring leading to or from the amp. As with all the other issues these vehicles typically come up with, I'm sure this isn't the only one that's ever done this. Any advice on a fix?

Last week, an '06, the least used one with only about 15,000 very easy miles on it, simply lost the radio altogether. No warning, no intermittent failures. I got in the car to take it to where we clean them up and I was simply unable to get anything "radio" related to come up on the screen. When I press the left (on-off and volume) round button, the little orange light comes on, but nothing shows on the screen to indicate am or fm or anything. No sound. Steering wheel buttons that would run radio functions also do nothing at all. The NAV still works. The Bluetooth still connects with the phone and works perfectly. Sounds fine, volume of the phone is adjustable but it's like the radio isn't there anymore. Fuses are fine. Units on both are bone stock BMW stereos.


Ideas on that one?

Thanks in advance for your insights.



Gar

I too have had the radio go out to lunch on my 06 X5. Everytime this has happened, I pull every fuse out of the back that is associated with the radio ( 2 fuses I believe ). then turn try to turn on the radio. then turn the ignition off and replace the fuses and the radio has always came back on with no problems. I *think* my problem has to do with pressing the power button before the radio has initialized and that confuses it. Hope this helps get your tunes back up and running

[BigGar]

I will give that a try. I think the '05 has some sort of genuine electrical wiring or amplifier problem, but the low-mile '06 should respond to the fuse removal quick fix. I'll report back when I find out. I was hesitant to remove the battery cable and re-attach like some have suggested as X5's seem to be very particular about their battery power and voltage. Sometimes you can just toss a fresh battery in them with no problems, other times you need to have that new battery "initialized" to the system or there will be problems. I've never seen a vehicle so picky about voltage.


Gar

[BigBlack48is]

Originally Posted by BigGar

I will give that a try. I think the '05 has some sort of genuine electrical wiring or amplifier problem, but the low-mile '06 should respond to the fuse removal quick fix. I'll report back when I find out. I was hesitant to remove the battery cable and re-attach like some have suggested as X5's seem to be very particular about their battery power and voltage. Sometimes you can just toss a fresh battery in them with no problems, other times you need to have that new battery "initialized" to the system or there will be problems. I've never seen a vehicle so picky about voltage.


Gar

The X5's up to 06 you are OK to change / disconnect the battery with no problems. You will just need to turn your wheel lock-to-lock to clear the 4x4 light on the dash. It's the 07's and up that require the "initialization" of the new battery.

[Ricky Bobby]

You sure the batteries are good on those cars? If they are original and the cars don't get driven much they may not hold a good charge.

These cars are very problematic when an unhealthy battery is present, if it was my car I'd replace the battery if it was original if not just for peace of mind.

You could always do the OBC test 9 I believe which checks alternator voltage as well, SlickGT1 had recent problems with an overvoltage which was solved by a new voltage regulator for a 100 bucks on his 4.8is.

[bigrobtemp]

i sent mine to the UK and it was fixed and works fine now. It was a bm53. [email protected]

[pnoyako85]

Have the same problem... Check battery its 84%. Ceck fuses thought it was somewhere there. Guess not. Just happened today,, 4x4 lights on an radio shuts off n on when voltage peaks.. Turn off car.,. Wait a minute. Back to normal,,, figure it is alternator.... Time to find a good one.. I seen DIY here for earlier model,,, how hard is it to change it. Any diy for 4.8is before i end up paying my stealer looks hard from looking inder the hood from youtube video not bad. Mechanic charging 2.5hrs labor,,,

[Lowblock]

I don't know if the E53's have the same problem as the E39's did, but I remember somewhere something about a bracket covering up a vent on the amp, causing it to heat up under certain conditions and shutting down intermittently.... Does anyone know what I am talking about? Perhaps this is what's happening?

[pnoyako85]

no, picture may help...