BMW BM54 Becker radio DIY repair

[jiholm]

I managed to repair radio of my E39 2003 touring. Radio is made by Becker, model BM54. Same radio is used in X5.

Symptoms:
Radio loses power almost daily, with cracking sound in speakers. Removing cable to BM54 module brings it back to life for a while. Sometimes it manages come back to life on its own. There isnt orange light on the navigator when radio doesnt work. This hints that BM54 is out of electricity.

I tried to resolder all components that go thru the PCB. Now the radio has been working for several months without problems, so I would call this successful repair.

I didnt take any photos during the repair. With relaxed mood, it took me two hours. If you know soldering, I would call this easy DIY. Here are the instructions:
-Remove BM54 from the trunk. With touring, I had to loosen plastic parts around radio.
-Remove PCB from the steel chassis. You need Torx 8 screwdriver. Other parts you can pry with flat head screwdriver. Remove leaf spring that pushes amplifier chip to mechanics. I removed all plates connected to PCB, but no really sure if it is necessary.
-Look at the soldering points at the back of the PCB. There is additional PCB, which is 90 deg from the main PCB. Its solder joints are prone for cracks.
-Solder all joints at the back of the main PCB again. Add new solder to add fresh flux. Watch out for making bridges between points.
-Assemble radio mechanics together and then back to car trunk.
-Happy listening!

[MarcoZandrini]

Good job!

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

It always feels good when a DIY repair works well !

This issue of 'Dry Solder Joints' in the BM54 has been well known for many years now. Various specialists will do this fix as a service. There's one place in the UK which will also upgrade the power amplifier components to provide more RMS power output as well.

Now this aspect is resolved, the other modules in the OEM multimedia setup all have common, multiple points of failure as well, so longer term, you'll need to spend more to keep them all operational unfortunately.

Cheers, Dennis!

[Gofast1358]

Hello i am new to bmw just got an 03 x5 and haveing a few probs please help or direct me where to post.. So i believe its running on the hot side.. well i know it is.. i replaced the thermostat and did a flush and maid sure no air in system.. prior to doing the raditor flush the aux fan would only come on when ac was turned on. Untill last night was the frist time it came on when i turned car off and it has not worked again since.. now this REALLY WORRIES ME.. i have mented wires starting from back by cd player and looks to be going up to front of car. Has anyone had this prob..

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

You need to look for any similar posts on the E53 X5 section, this one is for car audio and associated electronics. You should also take your car to a local reputable and trusted mechanic so that they can look at your car to try and determine what the problem(s) is/are.

Cheers, Dennis!