Radio shuts off on it's own after 20 min./and clock inop.

[SunnyDaze]

That makes sense. Another possibility is a short somewhere in the main power supply to the radio.

The only thing though; would the ignition switch effect the bluetooth and clock?

I still have to do my front axles, CCV, and a few other things. Plus it's going to the body shop because someone hit my door. After all that stuff is done with I'll have time (hopefully) to focus on the radio / bluetooth / clock / fuse 73 issue.

If I make any progress I'll keep you posted.

PS - I did find a few cut wires under the dash as well as some random wires running along the drivers side kick panel that have been tampered with. I'll see what's what when I get in there.

[Consonar]

Replaced Ign Switch. Still shuts off. Now thinking radio unit (in CD player?) or Amp in the back. Where to buy used parts? Wife wants new car. Radio is cheaper. Radio module, CD player or amp? Where do I start? Where do I buy? Waste of money to indescriminately change parts. Thanks.

[Consonar]

Posted some time ago, but changed the ignition switch ($50). Radio still shuts off after about 20 mins. Have no idea. X5 is 2004 so no sense to put a lot of money in it. However I have a vested interest ($$) because if it doesn't get fixed my wife will hound me for a new car.

[wpoll]

Clearly the fact the Fuse #73 is blowing is a clue to this mystery.

Fuse #73 feeds power to the MID and Radio via an unloader relay - K3 - as can be seen in this diagram on newtis...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...0i-sav/pyjtu0A

Location of K3 is shown here...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...0i-sav/Uvgj6N0

K3 is used to remove some of the electrical load from the battery as you start the car, hence the name "unloader relay". It may feed other circuits besides the MID and the radio - I'm checking on that.

Pulling K3 should prevent fuse #73 from blowing, by isolating the MID and the Radio. If this is the case, then the fault is probably in K3 itself (unlikely), the MID or the radio.

The test K3, remove the power from the MID and radio, reinstall K3 and check to see if fuse #73 still blows. If not, then your wiring and relay K3 are good and the fault is with either the MID or the radio. Plug each one in, one at a time and check fuse #73. If plugging in either the MID or the radio blows the fuse, you have a smoking gun - well, fuse.

[wpoll]

Oh, I just remembered!!

We've seen this before... another member had this issue and it turned out to be the (unused) telephone loom in the centre console was chaffed and shorting to ground on some metalwork in there - the hand-brake (park brake) mechanism perhaps?

Anyhow, I've just noted the fuse #73 and the K3 unloader relay also feed this telephone circuit. Seems very likely this is your issue. I'll see if I can find the thread....

[wpoll]

Found it...

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ne-wiring.html

While this doesn't mention your exact issue, as fuse #73 feeds power to the phone loom in the centre console and fuse #73 keeps blowing, it seems a strong possibility.

[AV8R4AA]

I had flickering lights. Relaxed the center console chafing wires.
Not a problem since. My wife found the problem by lifting the console
lid at night. My lights began flickering. Took it home and found the culprit.

[Consonar]

Replacing Ignition Switch DID NOT fix the problem. Keep going down rabbit trails and finding nothing.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Consonar

Replacing Ignition Switch DID NOT fix the problem. Keep going down rabbit trails and finding nothing.

Did you confirm the centre console loom was OK?

[Consonar]

That's my next trick. Need some time. Any suggestions /links on how to? I could figure it out, but easier to watch someone who has already invented the wheel. Chaffed (grounded) wire sounds very logical. This X5 does not have a phone loom. Blown fuse sounds like a short.
Other posts led one to the spare tire compartment and said there could be water in there? I've removed the spare and did not see any electronics other than the battery.