OEM radio issue -- Wife threatening...

[Slick92GSR]

New to X5 but not to BMW, able figure out that the 'radio' is a MID. searched for a bit.. i need help!

Just picked up this gorgeous Topaz Blue w/105000 miles for the wife
2001 3.0 X5.
3rd owner per carfax
Excellent condition
BUT RADIO not working.. wife says she's going back to a KIA if i don't get it fixed!!

• unit has power because i can set the clock time & date,
  brightness dims with dash light control
  no radio sound or station information whatsoever
  in dash single Business CD under the cover
  its a 'high dash' because it has Tel control
  no NAV
  the cargo area has just the amp on the left
  no water in cargo area issues
  pulled and re-installed fuses 7, 72-73
  no little red fuse under the spare next to the battery
  no other components in the cargo area

seems prewired for other stuff, am i missing another component?
How do i check if the amp is blown?
can a blown amp cause this situation?
battery was dead when i first went to see the X5, could that be the issue?

all help appreciated..
thanks in advance