BMW X5 Audio Problem PLEASE HELP! - BMW Forum

2005x5Woman · 04-22-2009, 07:04 AM

Hi, I just purchased a 2005 X5 3.0 L from a private dealer. For whatever reason, the audio system seems weird. When the radio is on, it appears that the volume randomly goes down and then back up every minute or so. It doesn't go to mute or anything that drastic, but it goes down noticeably (like two clicks on the steering wheel volume control). I tested to see if I was a speaker issue, but when I turn off the rear speakers, the same thing occurs...and vice versa when the front speakers are off (and left and right as well). Has anyone else had this problem before? Am I crazy? Thank you!
Melissa

marti5 · 04-22-2009, 02:31 PM

Either there's a loose connection to the radio unit which I presume is in the boot/trunk or a loose connection to the amp or the amp is on its way out.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 04-22-2009, 03:55 PM

is this at a stop or while driving? you may just has the speed sensitivity way up the radio automatically bumps the volume up when you accelerate and lowers it when you stop.

2005x5Woman · 04-22-2009, 07:46 PM

Thank you to you both for offering me some suggestions. Question: how do I change the speed sensitivity? I've never seen or heard this happen before, so it has completely thrown me a loop. Thank you for your responses.

Melissa

witeshark · 04-22-2009, 08:23 PM

On some car stereos, the speed volume adjustment is one of the toggle options in the bass, treble and fader etc.

2005x5Woman · 04-23-2009, 09:05 PM

Hi,

What if the speed sensitivity is not there? Where else could it be? Thanks!
Melissa

mrgeemoney · 05-06-2009, 10:36 PM

Check the amp in the trunk, it could have water damage.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 05-06-2009, 11:48 PM

I'll check how to change it on my 7(same setup as the X5) tomorrow and i'll post back how

2005x5Woman · 05-11-2009, 12:16 PM

Thank you to all of you who have posted!

How do I check to see if the AMP has water damage?

And yes, I do think that the audio system is affected by acceleration and deceleration. Also, I think it is affected by getting too close to other cars and going under bridges? Does that make sense? Also, I think the radio is affected much more than when a CD is playing.

So complicated! THANK YOU!

AlpineSixAndSeven · 05-11-2009, 03:21 PM

Sounds like an antenna Reception issue....

But i believe the volume going up and down has to do with the Speed sensitivity being to high Test it by accelerating to 35-40 for a couple seconds then slowing down to a stop for a couple seconds do this couple times (on an empty road of course

) and listening to the radio does it go up and down as the speed changes?

toromac · 03-21-2011, 08:26 PM

I have a 2003 X5, 4.4L with the exact same problem.

I noticed it when I purchased the car a few months ago. Since then I have installed a Dice Media bridge which goes in place of the CD player and also installed BSW speakers. It still does it, so I rule out the CD player and the speakers.

The loose wire is a good theory but I have experience with that sort of thing and it just doesn't sound like that. There is absolutely no distortion, and it doesn't happen when the car shakes or goes over bumps, it just sounds like a volume change.

It seems to do it intermittently when I speed up or slow down. This makes me wonder if could have something to do with a voltage regulator for the SAT NAV. My think is that: slowing down usually involves brake lights (voltage drain) while speeding up increases engine speed (higher alternator output).

I thought the amplifier having water damage was a very interesting comment. Just this morning on my drive to work I noticed that the volume was going up and down more than usual. It was a very damp morning with a bit of drizzle. However, on the drive home the weather dried up a lot and the volume was very well behaved. I didn't notice any volume change at all on the way home.

Does anybody know where exactly the amp is on a 2003 X5? I have the SAT NAV system but I do not have DSP. I am not even sure if my vehicle has an amp.

Radcliffe9 · 11-30-2011, 04:44 AM

And yes, I do think that the audio system is affected by acceleration and deceleration. Also, I think it is affected by getting too close to other cars and going under bridges? Does that make sense? Also, I think the radio is affected much more than when a CD is playing.

toromac · 12-07-2011, 02:49 PM

I have fixed this issue on my 2003 BMW X5, with Navi, non DSP.

I found out through research that BMW has integrated a speed dependent volume control into the stereo system. Basically, this is how it works: when you speed up the volume increases to compensate for road and wind noise. When you slow down the volume returns to the set level.

Unfortunately you can not turn this feature off, BMW did not incorporate an override into the programing of the stereo. However, you can adjust the sensitivity through the service menu (different than user menu). There is a range from 1 to 10, 1 being the least sensitive and 10 being the greatest. I adjusted mine to 1 and the automatic volume adjustments are almost undetectable. I can barely notice it now and it no longer bothers me.

I did this a few months ago and I no longer remember exactly what keys to press for accessing the service menu. I remember that it was very simple to do, and it doesn't require and special tools. I think you just hold down a key or maybe a combination of keys and the menu appears on the display. I am sure I found the procedure by searching the internet through Google. I remember downloading the manual for the stereo but I am not sure if that is where I found it. Anyway, now that you know what you are looking for it shouldn't be too hard to find.

Good luck

Jack Dabsy · 12-08-2011, 11:01 AM

Loving that response ;-)

Juliann · 09-20-2012, 12:33 AM

i would suggest you to check the wires as i think the problem is related with the wires as this problem aroused with me also and the problem was with the wire and after tightening the wires it got ok