1995 BMW 540i - E34 Radio Problem

So.... a few months back the Radio on my E34 stopped working. Would not work on any band etc. When it first occurred periodically, it would come back on for a few seconds and then stop again. I do not think it is a loose connection, I checked everything I could get to, and the intermittent behavior would sometimes happen while stationary in the Garage, no movement from the vehicle to influence wiring. All the lights are on and read correctly. The "PROG & -" reads "Alpine3". The Cassette player integral to the head unit does not work as well. Will not let me load the cassette however unsure if that is related because I do not remember ever using the cassette deck. Nevertheless, that being said has anyone had a similar experience and determined the diagnosis? I have attempted to request some troubleshooting information or guidance from a number of Radio resellers to no avail. Thanks in advance.

Odd, I have nothing to offer since you say you have already checked the wiring.
There is a fuse on the back but then again it would not light up if that was blown.
Mine failed a while ago, took the 5 digit code, failed again. It is 17 years old, don't waste time on it. I just gave up and picked up a nice Alpine CD/MP3 unit

Could also be an amp problem...

is it a BMW headunit or after market? if BMW, please also include if its the business model, base model etc. there are literally thousands of stereos you could have in there

All facts considered, it seems time to replace your stereo. You can go OEM or aftermarket. But do not drive yourself bonkers. :o)))

Wouldn't it be really neat if they came up with a tape deck that looked exactly like the original stock radio on the portions visible in the cabin, but also contained hidden ports that would allow you to play mp3 tracks ? Maybe in modern radio mode, some of the traditional buttons would have a second function equivalent to a modern radio's graphic equaliser.

Wouldn't it be really neat ?

im having problems with the radio too ... mine is a Bavaria C radio ...
the problem is that sometimes when i turn on the car and the radio , i can hear a static noise in the radio .. and most frequencies dont wont ... and when i try to put the tap in .. it just ejects it back .... but then again , sometimes i do turn on the car .. and turn on the radio .. and no static noise .. and the tap works just fine .... i dont know the cause of this problem ...

My radio also doesn't work, the previous owner said the cassette deck didn't work but out of curiosity I wanted to see so I put a cassette in and it won't play, won't eject, and won't go back to radio mode.

Check the multi diversity receiver on the C-Pillars. You got to remove the c pillar cover.

Originally Posted by David Arabiat

im having problems with the radio too ... mine is a Bavaria C radio ...
the problem is that sometimes when i turn on the car and the radio , i can hear a static noise in the radio .. and most frequencies dont wont ... and when i try to put the tap in .. it just ejects it back .... but then again , sometimes i do turn on the car .. and turn on the radio .. and no static noise .. and the tap works just fine .... i dont know the cause of this problem ...

That static sound is a loose connection on one of the speakers

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Bimmer App

Mats ... please tell me whats the best OEM radio that i can get ? i dont need it to play CDs .. and i dont have a CD changer ....
coz im about to buy a used one ... the guy has all kinds of BMW radios ... he doesnt know which is better ... he sells them all for the same price .. whether its with RDS ... or without ... old .. or new ....
is the Bavaria C reverse RDS any good ?
or would a Business RDS be better ?
or should i go with the older Bavaria C II without RDS ?
im afaraid that the newer ones would have pixel problems after a while ... while the older ones that dont have those dot pixel wont go bad ...

any advice regarding the radios would be great ... thanks