Anyone seen this gremlin?

Hi,

I drove my 2002 540i6 for an hour today, listening to my DSP audio system with no problem. I parked the car for about 20 minutes, and when I left again, the audio system started acting up, with the sound going mute about 45 seconds after starting up. I fiddled with the controls, thinking it was a CD problem or something, but there was no sound when I switched over to FM. The display looked normal. I could change CDs, and the RDS was showing up when I changed stations. Only the audio was missing. I turned off the stereo, and the sound returned when I turned it back on. However, the sound again went mute after about 45 seconds. I turned it on and off two more time before I arrived at my destination, and nothing changed. I had to go inside to work, so I couldn't play around with it any longer.

I've had this car for about 10 days, and I've put 1200 miles on it. Haven't seen any other problems. It's completely stock, though I did downgrade/upgrade the Nav software last night to get rid of the Accept screen.

Greg

Reply » Anyone seen this gremlin?

There is a known issue with a faulty radio, which might be what your problem is. Reference the below bulletin to your dealer. Also, if you're em-dash, shouldn't you have an "--" in your name instead of a hyphen? :-)

SUBJECT
BM53 Radio Cuts Off or Doesn't Work at All

MODEL
E46 (3 Series) with Navigation system, from September 2001 on.

E39 (5 Series) with Navigation system, from September 2001 on.

E53 (X5) with Navigation system, from October 2001 on.

SITUATION
The BM53 radio (board monitor radio) cuts off or doesn't work at all after starting the vehicle.

The power light on the radio is not illuminated.

CAUSE
Software and Hardware issue in the BM53 radio.

CORRECTION
On a customer complaint basis only, replace the BM53 radio.

Reply » Anyone seen this gremlin?

Can I ask how to got rid of the accept sign on the navi ? Good luck with your problem.

Thanks..

Reply » Anyone seen this gremlin?

My 02 540i does this once in a while...the radio will not have any audio after about 30 seconds after start up. It takes a total shut off and restart of the car to get rid of the problem.

It doesn't do it very often...its a small nuiscense.

Reply » Anyone seen this gremlin?

Quote:

Can I ask how to got rid of the accept sign on the navi ? Good luck with your problem.

Thanks..

Like he said (downgrade - upgrade). Meaning, you need to install a lower version of the nav operation system (downgrading), and then you re-install the higher/current version of the nav sys operating system. (upgrading). That will take off the "accept" screen.

Reply » Anyone seen this gremlin?

Quote:

Thanks to everyone who replied. I've driven the car about 30 minutes since I posted last night, and the audio system is working fine. If this is an occasional gremlin, I can live with it. After all, these kinds of problems are the worst kind to get fixed. I know I'll get the dreaded "could not duplicate" from the service department.

For the guy who asked about the Accept screen, this site has everything you could possibly want to know about BMW navigation:
http://www.x5world.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=59

Greg

Page 1 of 2