new to bmw's

i am having issues with my vehicle the radio works when it wants to cd player does not work at all wondering if i should put in an after market deck

From my research adding an aftermarket head unit is not an easy task.. Do some research on it before you go and buy one...

Please see my other replies on ignition switch problems.

Unless in car audio is your thing forget aftermarket. If you have other weird electrical problems, do the ignition switch as suggested. Otherwise search on BM24, BM54 radio to see the issues with the circuit boards. The cd player may be faulty in itself-also check its suspension screws are set to vertical mounting, not horizontal as mine were.