BMW Audio Issues - Rear Speaker Crackle/Popping
Discussion
I've been having intermittent issues with the sound in my E46 325 for a few months now. Occasionally, I was getting a popping or crackling sound coming from the rear nearside speaker. I had a bit of a fiddle with the contacts on that speaker and it seemed to make little difference, but was unpredictable as to when it would occur.
Recently, it has become worse, now crackling and cutting all sound from the radio/CD completely while it does this. This can go on for 30 mins +, which is particularly annoying when on the motorway in the morning with what sounds like mini fireworks going off in the boot!
A few self-help guides online give a few possible solutions of which I've narrowed down a couple which I think could be the problem. One is the grounding lead not being connected properly, therefore causing the speaker to short, possibly shorting the stereo at the same time. Another would be the contacts behind the volume knob on the stereo, which would involve spraying a cleaning solution onto the contacts from within the stereo itself.
I have a feeling it may be wise to try both, but my question really is whether anyone knows where the grounding lead would be connected in these, and whether anyone has experienced similar problems and how they went about fixing it?
Recently, it has become worse, now crackling and cutting all sound from the radio/CD completely while it does this. This can go on for 30 mins +, which is particularly annoying when on the motorway in the morning with what sounds like mini fireworks going off in the boot!
A few self-help guides online give a few possible solutions of which I've narrowed down a couple which I think could be the problem. One is the grounding lead not being connected properly, therefore causing the speaker to short, possibly shorting the stereo at the same time. Another would be the contacts behind the volume knob on the stereo, which would involve spraying a cleaning solution onto the contacts from within the stereo itself.
I have a feeling it may be wise to try both, but my question really is whether anyone knows where the grounding lead would be connected in these, and whether anyone has experienced similar problems and how they went about fixing it?
If it is just coming from one speaker it isn't going to be a volume control issue as this would not be audible from just one speaker.
It could be the wire grounding out or it is the speaker voice coil fusing it self together and altering the load on the H/U's amp causing the popping and cutting out.
Way to check for this is disconnect the speaker and see if it still cuts out etc. If it does then it's more than likeky wiring. If it stops dropping out then remove the speaker and gently press the speaker cone in and release, if it is stiff and noisy to move that is a voice coil issue, replace the speaker.
That's actually the issue I have. I'm looking to sell and am preparing it to be advertised. I don't want to advertise it with this fault as although it is probably simple, it is very frustrating while driving.
E30M3SE - I appreciate that advice. I had planned on removing the offending speaker this weekend to see whether it made any difference, so will do this first to eliminate one possible cause. If not, I will need to go on the hunt for the grounding lead, and also check the battery terminals before doing anything further.
I'll let you know how I get on, as it could be a solution for others having the same problem (if any).
E30M3SE - I appreciate that advice. I had planned on removing the offending speaker this weekend to see whether it made any difference, so will do this first to eliminate one possible cause. If not, I will need to go on the hunt for the grounding lead, and also check the battery terminals before doing anything further.
I'll let you know how I get on, as it could be a solution for others having the same problem (if any).
Hmm. Ok, so the problem continues.
Spent an hour or so at the weekend removing the speaker (which in itself was a pain in the backside) and disconnected it. Took the car for a 5 minute drive, and while turning in the road, the stereo sound continued to cut out completely, particularly whilst on full lock to the right. Very odd.
The sound is brought back again oddly by manipulating the volume control knob, which I had read about previously. I'm also wondering whether it is a problem with the grounding too, as when putting the speaker back in, it still crackles, but when at a standstill and the sound is on, the speaker sounds fine.
The cone, as suggested is a tiny bit stiff when depressed, but doesn't seem any different from the left rear speaker.
Any other suggestions to try, as this is beginning to become a bit of a labyrinth!
Spent an hour or so at the weekend removing the speaker (which in itself was a pain in the backside) and disconnected it. Took the car for a 5 minute drive, and while turning in the road, the stereo sound continued to cut out completely, particularly whilst on full lock to the right. Very odd.
The sound is brought back again oddly by manipulating the volume control knob, which I had read about previously. I'm also wondering whether it is a problem with the grounding too, as when putting the speaker back in, it still crackles, but when at a standstill and the sound is on, the speaker sounds fine.
The cone, as suggested is a tiny bit stiff when depressed, but doesn't seem any different from the left rear speaker.
Any other suggestions to try, as this is beginning to become a bit of a labyrinth!
mini1380cc said:
do you have the HK speakers? I have the same problem and some people seem to be pointing the finger to the built in amp below the CD changer.
I have the CD Changer in mine, but don't have the HK speaker set up in mine. Standard business radio/CD Changer set up. I really don't want to have to spend more on it this month if I can help it!Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff