Electrical help? Radio/Steering wheel controls
 

My Radio and Steering wheel controls sometimes take a few seconds to several minutes to become functional after my x5 is started. Radio will be blank and sw controls will be completely dead (lights and all) and then after a short period of time they both come on. What could be causing this? I have had this problem for a few months and yesterday installed a new battery replacing my 6 y.o. original one. Problem still occurs. also i have noticed that when the radio and steering wheel controls are off the airbag light and also the seatbelt warning lights stay on and they disappear when radio and steering wheel controls come on. extended warranty expired 2 motnhs ago so i would like to try to narrow it down before going into the dealer and letting them hike up the bill.

thanks

Did you every find a solution? I'm having the same issue. I've read some posts which lead me to believe it could be faulty ignition switch but was looking for verification before I get too far.

RE: electrical help?
 

i kinda lucked out i think. i would have to jiggle my ignition a few times back and forth before the radio and other stuff would come on and i did that for about 4 months. it was a hassle but i really did not want the dealer to screw me so i just lived with it. the good news that after about 4 months the problem stopped entirely and everyting is working perfectly fine now. i have no idea what was going wrong but i would assume it was a problem with the ignition that somehow fixed itself. thank goodnes since i am out of warranty.