E39 Navigation Radio Frustration

[TecNickal]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-E39-NAV-RADIO

The above thread original poster has the exact issue to a T that I have.
"The radio stopped working in my 2003, 525 w. factory navigation and radio (no DSP).
The radio doesn’t work at all. The radio on/off button does not function, no amber lamp, no display on monitor (stays in Nav or computer modes), no Nav audio, no radio audio, no cassette audio, and no radio buttons operate.
The navigation monitor screen operates fine with all of the functionality and the Nav unit operates fine. All of the computer functions (MPG, Timers, etc) operate fine.
Checked the radio fuses in glove compartment >> OK
Checked the radio fuses in trunk >> OK"

I purchased the Bentley manuals on eBay yesterday so they'll arrive in a few days.

None of the buttons nor the knob on the LEFT side of the mkiv radio work. No light.

I've pulled the battery, I've pulled 4 or 5 different fuses related to the radio and reinstalled. I checked the BMW OE fuses and I saw the wire spread across them signifying they are good (right??). I've unplugged and reseated the Nav headunit up front, the amp in the back, Nav Disc reader in back and CD changer - all those connections have been reseated.

JimLev shipped me a known good amplifer to try - still the same issue. I understand from my reading that I do not need to code/set up a replacement amp to the car.

Is there a radio module or something in the car that needs replacement?

I have a DMM. I have a test light. What can I do to figure out what the heck is going on - very frustrating.

[edjack]

Substitute a known good head unit.

[schatzy62]

As noted in the thread you linked to. Have you checked the radio unit in the trunk? Dash is screen for NAV, Radio and OBC. So if only the radio functions are not working sounds lika an issue with the radio module.

[TecNickal]

Was carrying understanding the radio module = amp. Apparently not? Now to find out where the radio module is in a touring. Radio, CD and tape are not available nor functioning, nor are the left hand side of the screen buttons.

[schatzy62]

Radio unit is mounted under floor cover near the spare tire. #4 in the diagram below.
20171020_231016.jpg

[TecNickal]

Thank you very much for the info. Will try radio module next.

[schatzy62]

There may be a fuse on the radio itself. If there is it would be right next to the wiring harness connector.

[TecNickal]

Ok Well we can consider this case closed - thank you schatzy62.

The Navigation system is functioning as is the regular audio in the system!

A blown 10amp fuse on the "radio module" was preventing the following:
-left hand side of navigation unit functioning (knob, buttons).
-No amber light on control panel
-and with stated above - no ability to check Am/FM/Tape/CD. No response from steering wheel controls
-no route guidance via radio

So now for future reference - the E39 consists of an antenna amplifier (since no external antenna), a radio amplifier (standard with 2 plugs, DSP with 3 plugs), a radio module which has a 10 amp fuse (navigation system only?) , a navigation module with disc reader, and cd changer if equipped, also the radio/tape/cd/nav setup in front.

There are no fuses to be found on the radio up front. There are no fuses to be found on the radio amplifier. None on harnesses inline. No fuses on the navigation module that has the disc reader. There is only one fuse outside the fuseboxes that controls the radio functionality - and that's on the radio module.

All fixed!!! Thank you all very much.

[schatzy62]

Glad you got that sorted out and everything is back to normal. FYI with out NAV, radio is built into cd/tape player in the dash.

NAV screen and radio control unit is basically just that - display and controls. Without NAV display is again just a dislpay unit with buttons to control the other modules of the system. It is called the MID (multi information display).

[TecNickal]

Nice - ok good to know.

Nav screen is a glorified remote control - sounds like some of the Ford stuff I have, same concept. Glorified remote at the dash, the "business" happens on various modules in the rear of the car.

Stock system doesn't sound terrible.

[lisaliyan]

Hi,
Glad you have solved this problem.It's really helpful for others.

[BystwnE39]

Hi There!

My sedan is having the exact same symptoms. I pulled it apart last evening: checked all fuses, did a battery disconnect, etc. Still no "Audio On" amber light or DSP in the Nav menu.

Next plan of attack is the AMP or maybe a relay - What do you think?

Thanks!
Michael

[Rickfit91]

TecNickal I have the same problem and I replaced the mini 10a fuse that’s located in the radio module but still nothing 😩

[Rickfit91]

I can’t access the AM-FM or Mode options on the left side and can’t get the left knob to work. No Audio or navigation

[ordpete944]

I can’t access the AM-FM or Mode options on the left side and can’t get the left knob to work. No Audio or navigation

Where is the radio module located on the car? Im having a no audio situation also. Thank you.

[Craig540i]

The radio module is located under the boot floor or in the LH side of the boot.


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