E36 radio problem - BMW Forum

sportfishinyacht · 02-08-2012, 01:55 PM

I have had a few E36 and E46s. I presently have a E36 1999 and the other day the radio stopped working, no lights or power. I shut off the car for 5 minutes and it asked me for the code. I typed in the code and the radio started working again. The next day, same thing. The next day, same thing. Seems like you have to turn off the ignition to get it to reboot. I imagine the radio thinks it has been taken out, that is why it is asking for the code. Anybody ever experience this problem? What do I do from here? Thanks, Joe

Jack Dabsy · 02-08-2012, 01:59 PM

Try unplugging the connectors at the rear of the unit... Maybe double check the "permanent" live wire/fuse to it aswell.
Just an idea.

sportfishinyacht · 02-22-2012, 04:27 PM

Hey Dabsy, Unplugging it worked for a week. Now there is no power to the permanent live line. Is the fuse you are talking about in the fuse box or somewhere else? Thanks, Capt. Joe

Lord Vader · 02-22-2012, 09:55 PM

Check all the fuses. Its worth the extra few minutes to make sure everything works. Also check the wiring loom in the trunk by the hinge. It gets freyed over time and can short out. The 6 Disc CD changer and rear speaker lines are back their.

sportfishinyacht · 03-06-2012, 01:27 PM

Checked all that stuff, still nothing. Was able to get my hands on good HU and amp and put them in car, still nothing. Now I suspect wiring harness or connections. Have 12V all the time at the red wire and 10.7V at the blk/wht wire that runs as an exciter to the amp. Is that enough V? Anybody ever had a problem like this?

Jack Dabsy · 03-06-2012, 02:14 PM

Did you trace the wiring and their connections? And whether or not an in-line fuse was there?

sportfishinyacht · 03-06-2012, 02:20 PM

Have constant power at both ends HU and amp. Disconnected the battery and tried to ring out all the lines between the radio head and amp. But without a wiring diagram I'm not sure if the blk/wht wire to amp goes thru a relay or fuse. Blk/wht wire didn't ring out. Checked all the fuses I could find. Battery and under hood. ?

Jack Dabsy · 03-06-2012, 02:23 PM

TBH I am suprised it needs a code as BMW (and the majority of other car brands) trashed the idea in the mid-nineties !