Stereo woes!

[ChampN203]

About 5 minutes after turning it on, my audio is drops off on the left side, followed by a crackling noise, then shortly thereafter I lose all sound. Also can't get it to pick up the cd from the changer. It list the installed cd's ok, just won't play them.

All these problems started at the exactly same time. So it’s my guess my unit is dying, but wondered if anyone here could tell me which component controls these functions, amp, radio head, etc..

Any suggestions on good aftermarket units which will work in conjunction with my NAV? I'm not even sure how difficult it is to install an aftermarket unit, so I would be open to any recommend installers in the Atlanta, GA area.

BTW the car is '99 528i with 4:3 NAV and a 6 disk changer.

Thanks in advance

[blatant]

I'm also interested in a solution, I have the same exact problem with my car. Mine does not have the nav though.

[WSIDE]

I had the weird noises / sound dying problem. Don't have a changer. I bought a amp on ebay and problem solved.

For the OP check out http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/index.php - they are located off 75 between howell mill & moores mill

[trautobro]

A search of the forum will result in many references to similar problems. I had the same problem on my car for 5 months. Posted several times and tried several suggestions mostly having to do with faulty antenna amplifiers and connections. I think I removed the radio at least 50 times. I even changed the head unit and the replacement had the same issue. But, I was advised through this forum that systems that are over 8 years old are prone to all sorts of internal failures including cracked circuit boards and solder joints. At this point I was ready to get rid of all components and install an aftermarket system. I was reluctant to do this as I wanted to retain a stock system. Guess what? My radio started to work properly and has done so for the last 6 months. I have no idea why but I suspect it may have been a weak connection on the antenna lead at the head unit. Try removing the radio when it quits, unplug the antenna lead and re plug it in while the radio is on. I did this several times and just when I thought it was solved it would quit again. As a last resort, I forced the antenna plug apart and noticed that the antenna wire itself seemed to be loose in the aluminum sleeve. I tightened it with pliers put the plug back together and it has been fine since then.

[producerbrasil]

sorry i cant help you with the problem but i do know some good people for installs if your doing head units no doubt its cartunes on roswell road its right off of 285 and its about 1 exit west of 400 and 3 or 4 east from 75 and 285 connector plus its right off the high way just take a right coming from 400 side or take a left coming from 75 and its the next street up. there basically the west coast customs or unique whips for atlanta and are not incredibly expansive, i mean these guys have M- vicks our favorite idiot's rims for sale only problem is they are the same price of my car 13K

[ChampN203]

Thanks to all for for your help. I will look to replace the amp and may just let one of the recommended installers upgrade me if it doesn't cost too much.

Thanks again.