New Member with 525D radio problems

[Marconi]

Hello all.
Found this site after trying vainly to find out why my 2001 525Dse Saloon Radio has suddenly went blank!

There's certainly a wealth of info on here.

Tried the fuses in the boot, in the glovebox, even removed the radio using guidance on here and checked it's fuse (ok) then checked for power to the back of the radio.Ok.

There a 6 CD changer in the boot and it ejects and loads.
Lord knows where the amplifier is, but given that there's 12V to the back of the radio, surely it should at least light up.
Nothing, zip, no display.

Is it a goner, and if so, where can I source another one.?

Please don't say "the dealers" aaaargggh.

[Marconi]

After reading this learned forum, I tried the radio with the sidelight on and the buttons light up.
Can it really be down to a lighting module or worn ignition switch?
Or is the radio just Blown?

How is an aftermarket conversion done? I think from reading the forum that the head does not have an amplifier, this is sited elsewhere (in the boot somewhere) and an alternative head unit can be used, but may not control the BMW CD player.
Would it work with the steering column controls?
I can see conversion facia panels on Evilbay but the conversion Head cables won't do, they're round pin instead og the flat "uplift" model ones mine uses.

I can see me going to the dealer just to find out what's wrong.
Bet that'll cost...

[RoadsterMadness]

to the WERKZ!

[Marconi]

Whom does one have to grovel to , to obtain a 525DSE wiring diagram?

Car goes to Local garage tomorrow...

[Marconi]

Radio still unserviceable.
Ignition electrical block changed.
Darn thing still won't start at times until the fuel filter was emptied of diesel and refilled.
Wonder if I have water in the fuel, or is it something electrical?

I may have to brave the dealership....

[dannyb]

Welcome, hopefully someone here will help out

[Marconi]

Tried this link in my hunt for information.
BMW E39 5-series information and links

Lots of Handy information, but not the bits I need.
Always the way.

Still no Wiring Diagram for the E39 2001 525Dse uplift model (M57 Engine).
Plenty of others and DIY things as well. Very informative.

Even the comprehensive radio section doesn't feature mine. Business radio
C53. I still can't find the Amplifer and lord knows I've looked Aaaaargh.
Still no display or sound on it.

As there were no fault codes found at the local garage for the starting issue and the Ignition block has been changed, I'm looking more at fuel contamination (with water) as a possibility.

I may have to face up to a trip to the dealer, at £90 per hour.

I would only put up with all this for a car as good as this (otherwise) is.

[taferg]

im having problems with my 00///M5 6 disc changer. the magazine ejects properly, but when i switch from radio to cd the they wont load. it sucks that i dont have ma' musik.... advice n e one

[Marconi]

silly question, are the CD's the correct way around...I only ask because....

[Marconi]

Local Indie seems to have fixed the starting problem on the 2001 525 DSe.

Seems if the LP fuel or HP fuel pressures are low on cranking, the injectors don't get told to fire.

Causes reported in here are :
leaking injectors dropping the Common rail pressure (expensive)
Weak LP pump (medium expensive)
Weak or knackered HP pump (expensive but rarer)
HP or LP fuel pressure sensors gone (reasonable cost but rarer)

Looks like mine was simpler. After replacing the fuel filter, it's difficult to tighten the BMW hose clips properly.
Mine weren't tight enough and after sitting a while, the fuel all drains back to the tank from the supply line.
Starting involves allowing all this to fill and purge again as the pressure will be low until filled and purged.

Fitted standard fuel hose clips and so far (fingers crossed) she's not failed to start once.

All the other fixes would have been expensive.

Now to get the C53 radio problem sorted (amp inside head!)