DSP took a swim

beepbird · #1 03-09-2009, 05:21 PM

Hi,
My 2003 X5 premium sound - no Nav took a swim

when I went scuba diving and about 1/2 gal fresh water from a solar shower splashed in the back. (I had the rubber mat too) I replaced the DSP and the speakers now play flat music but the radio still doesn't recognize the DSP. My mechanic is no audiophile and is all out of ideas. He did clean some of the wire connections.

Can you help?

Thanks!

Lindy

Brian-bmw · #2 03-09-2009, 08:43 PM

Did you replace it with a new or used DSP amp? If you installed a used DSP amp, it probably just needs to be coded by a dealer to make things right. (A new amp definitely needs coding to work properly.)

beepbird · #3 03-10-2009, 12:43 PM

We replaced it with a new DSP amp. My mechanic said he coded it properly and told me to drive it for 50-100 miles for it to recognize the amp. 120 miles later and it still doesn't work.

Brian-bmw · #4 03-10-2009, 05:57 PM

He is full of bull. When you code a DSP amp, it is immediately correct. It does not require "50 - 100 miles" of driving. That is nuts. (I have coded several myself, and I know exactly what is involved.) I would bet he got a used amp, or he never coded it.

What is the part number on the amp? A new one should cost about $1,100 from a BMW dealer and be part number 65.12-6 940 977.

beepbird · #5 03-11-2009, 12:30 AM

The bottom of the unit says Interfire Model A-800.5.
The independent mechanic said it was new and he charged me $720 for it and $145 for labor and coding. Did he get anything right? When it still didn't work and I brought it back, he charged me $185 to rewire and code and it is still not working.

I'm supposed to see a guy I know that works at a BMW dealership on Friday.

My comprehensive insurance was supposed to cover the damages minus the deductible.

Thanks for your help!
Lindy

Brian-bmw · #6 03-11-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beepbird

The bottom of the unit says Interfire Model A-800.5...

I just did a search, and the Interfire A-800.5 is an inexpensive aftermarket 5 channel amplifier. Is there any chance that your mechanic removed your OE DSP amplifier and installed an aftermarket amplifier in its place? If so, he could have done some severe damage to your car's wiring.

If he exchanged the DSP amp for an aftermarket amp, that would explain why DSP is not detected and why it sounds flat. All of the DSP processing is in the DSP amp, and it is a required component for the car. By the way, an aftermarket amp does not need coding at all.

beepbird · #7 03-11-2009, 07:55 PM

Brian,
I took a look around and took a few pictures. You are right there appears to be a few cables cut and a strange clear box with a circuit board inside was installed.

What would you say my options are right now?

Thanks!

Lindy

Brian-bmw · #8 03-12-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beepbird

There appears to be a few cables cut and a strange clear box with a circuit board inside was installed.

What would you say my options are right now?

Oh NO! It appears that you have been ripped off. And they damaged the wiring.

The posts by zerochief, NIGHTMAREuki, NextGen, and weasel56 pretty much sum it up. First, I would never take anything I care about back to that mechanic. If he promised you a DSP amp replacement, what he did was unethical and borderline criminal. Basically, he installed $200 worth of parts and charged you $1,000.

I would confront the indy and let him know that you investigated and determined that his work is fraudlent and that he damaged the car's wiring. Then, I would tell him that you are taking the car to a qualified BMW dealer to install a DSP amp and repair the wiring. Tell him you want a full refund for all the money you have given him, and you expect him to pay for the BMW dealer's repair costs. If you paid via credit card, carefully document everything promised and performed, and then dispute the charges. We can help fill in the details to make your case. The credit card company will most likely support your position if you are business-like and thorough.

Next, you will have to suck it up and get the wiring repaired and original amp replaced. This is something that many of us hobbiests could do in a couple hours. However, I am guessing you may not be comfortable doing it yourself. A good BMW dealer ought to be able to fix it in two to three hours of labor. I would expect no more than $600, and as little as $200.

Lastly, start shopping for a new BMW mechanic. And, if you have had any recent work done, you might want to get that checked by someone else as well.

Brian-bmw · #9 03-11-2009, 06:59 AM

I am not familiar with anything labeled "Interfire A-800.5." A DSP amp will be manufactured by Lear. Older DSP amps were made by Loewe and Philips. All BMW parts have a part number in the format "xx.xx-x xxx xxx" or just the last 7 digits "x xxx xx." Look for the BMW part number on the part, then we can identify it. Or, post a picture, and maybe we can recognize it.

The second $185 that the mechanic charged you should be refunded. There is absolutely no rewiring that could have been possible. All BMW electronic parts are plug-and-play replaceable-- other than unplugging something and plugging the something back in, a mechanic can not really change anything. Plus, if he coded it the first time, then there is no coding that would have been possible the second time.

zerochief · #10 03-11-2009, 08:14 PM

Brian-bmw is a very informative member here and I would go with his recommendations, period. I have read several of his posts and they are spot on.

Now for my opinion

... I would take it back to the guy and have him remove what he installed; mend back the wires he cut and get the DSP harness back in order. Then I would buy a OEM DSP amp like this one for $325. Next, install the OEM DSP amp yourself and then take it to the dealer for coding. Depending on what you have in writing with that shop, you may have to settle for a partial refund.

Good luck with all that and I hope you get it back in order!