e39 Radio sounds keeps cutting out

[Alistair H.]

As per title, My 2001 E39 with Sat Nav/TV option. The sound keeps cutting out at random intervals. Sometimes last hours, sometimes minutes. I just turn off and back on and it works again(for a while). Happens to all radio/cd/tape etc.. I get a sharp beep as it cuts out.

Any one got any ideas?

[miniman]

Any other electrical gremlins? If so, ignition switch.

[Hawmaws]

Yes, ignition switch, probably. I had the same problem for a while. It's not a big job to do..less than £100, so worth a try to see if it sorts it out.

[Alistair H.]

Are you sure? Only other electrical problem I have is my intermittent wipers dont work intermittent. Only on or off.

I dont lose power to radio/nav...sound just disappears. Screen stays on.

[MarkwG]

Might be the ignition switch, if so, simple & cheap fix, but could also be a dry joint in the radio: have a search here, should help; http://forum.bmw5.co.uk

[miniman]

Alistair H. said:

Are you sure? Only other electrical problem I have is my intermittent wipers dont work intermittent. Only on or off.

I dont lose power to radio/nav...sound just disappears. Screen stays on.

Yes almost certainly. My radio and wipers were the first things to go.

[peaktorque]

Ignition switch. Change it anyway, it'll go sooner or later.

[Alistair H.]

Is the ignition switch plug and play?

[peaktorque]

[Alistair H.]

Ok. I think I look at resoldering the radio module first...then change ignition switch.

[sparks_E39]

What's the best place to get an ignition switch from?

[miniman]

sparks_E39 said:

What's the best place to get an ignition switch from?

http://www.quarrymotors.co.uk/

[MarkwG]

...or www.cotswoldbmw.co.uk : from memory, they're less than £50 new anyway, there are two star or torx head screws, then just plug'n'play.

[sparks_E39]

Thanks, does anyone think the ignition switch could be causing me this issue?

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[MarkwG]

Its possible, but more likely the short journeys are killing your battery: e39s are quite sensitive to battery condition, & starting takes a hefty wack out of them. Personally I'd fully charge the battery off the car & see what happens then.

[sparks_E39]

MarkwG said:

Its possible, but more likely the short journeys are killing your battery: e39s are quite sensitive to battery condition, & starting takes a hefty wack out of them. Personally I'd fully charge the battery off the car & see what happens then.

Garage did that for me, may take it on a 30 - 40 mile drive tommorow