Head scratcher
 

Hi guys, I have a 2002 e53 with several issues due to the previous owner being an utter tool, I'm now having an issue with stereo system I was driving along happily listening to music then got an awful crackle and it died, the volume sometimes comes back on then crackles off again then I sometimes get no orange light on the head unit or I get popping and white noise so for 2 weeks now I've had silence in the car and I'm non the wiser please tell me someone has a solution

I get the same cracking/static noise when I use the rear window defroster.

turn off the defroster and the radio comes in loud and clear

also last week the radio would not turn on. If finally began to work again
once the interior warmed up. it was -6 degree F that morning

this probably is not your issue but thought I would send it along anyway

Rich

Lots of possible causes here - but let's start with what stereo is in the car - an OEM CD Player with MID unit? Basic six-speaker system or 12-speaker system? Or maybe it has a Nav screen? Does it's has DSP or not?

So many options... ;-)

Basic 6 speaker non dsp with nav, TV and CD changer

In that case the receiver/amplifier is in the boot/trunk, next to the battery.

http://www.margraves.net/toys/x5/backup_cam/aux1.jpg

Check for water damage....

Done that only water I found in boot was in the right compartment due to light seal failure no other water

OK, to save time, please tell us what else have you checked? Fuses, wiring, etc. :dunno:

No sound on radio only, or all audio sources? Nav system still working?

Nav system hasn't worked since Ive had the car, TV module is analogue so never worked, I've checked the fuses, checked connections both ends, the screen still shows trip computer and sometimes if I push the on button I get the orange light and station info but no sound on any source, it then turns itself off, the only thing I've noticed is a blue plug with round pins in the right hand compartment got wet from where it was leaking not sure if that's anything to do with the stereo

I'm my experience crackling has usually been related to a faulty connection. At this age it could possibly be something not making a good connection on an internal solder joint or something along those lines if everything looks proper.

Well I found the issue with the stereo, I had a proper inspection of the module and could smell the essence of burning so opened her up and there is melted wires and transformers, so new aftermarket stereo on the way.