I fear I am in the beginning phase of some electrical gremlins in my 2001 740i (I know, I know, this is X5 World but the systems are the same so I figured I'd take a shot). I have retrofitted Sirius using Martin's set-up (swapping the MkIII for a MkIV nav unit, new radio module and Sirius receiver). It's worked splendidly for about two years now. I also did the Bluetooth conversion and I use a Motorola e815 in a cradle and that has worked perfectly, too. I particularly like the added range on my cell phone because I am often in remote areas.

As of yesterday, the phone would no longer charge. The connection to the antenna was fine and the BT transfer/communication was ok, too. Just no ship's power to the phone. I verified at Verizon that the phone is working properly and it charges properly when connected to either my 12v charger in the car or AC charger.

So, I figured it had to be the cradle charging pins (the three little pins on the left side of the charger. The cradle for the V710/e815 had a 2-year warranty so they replaced that at no cost by BMW dealer (Zimbrick BMW - Madison, WI) who has always been straight-up and fair with me. Unfortunately, there was still no ship's power to the phone.

So, I thought it might be the connection to the cradle from below the armrest because I slide it forward and back regularly to enter my PIN when I check VM - maybe the power wire came loose. They checked that and found nothing amiss.

After they do that I get in the car and there's all of a sudden no Sirius and it's not recognized by the radio. NO idea what's up.

Is there an electrical fuse either in the back or elsewhere that might be blown? I am hoping against hope that someone else on here has had a similar issue and might be able to lead me in the right direction? Maybe I'm crazy, but could this be an alternator slowly going bad? Or battery (it's almost two years old)? Anyone have ANY thoughts at ALL???

Thank you VERY MUCH in advance for any thoughts you might have.

2001 740i Upgrades: Martin's Sirius retrofit (Mk IV, new radio, Sirius), Bluetooth & Ice-Link Plus.