Re: Radio repair - NOT RADIO ! (archive)

Anyone knows where I can repair original BMW 540i radio?
Dealer only wants to replace the whole radio for $600.
Radio is fully functional, but display is broken needs to be replaced.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Fred

Assuming you are referring to an E39, the "radio unit" does not have a display. The radio itself can not be seen, and is the back part of the cassette unit.

If you are talking about the display area below the cassette, that is a separate unit called the Multi Information Display (MID).

Although it is hard to see the line, it is a totally separate component from the casette/radio unit above it.

The MID simply gets data from the other systems (radio, OBC of the instrument cluster, telephone) and displays that data.

So if that it the unit that is failing to display you need to identify further.

Is it failing to display data from one of the components only - as in radio data? If so it could be a communications problem with the radio.

Or if it is just a problem with the display circuit in the MID then you can verify that before going further.

Need ot do a MID display test as follows:

MID - with ignition off, press & hold the first & last menu keys. Turn on �accessory� power ( ignition terminal R ).
Following readouts/tests are available:
1. Identification of unit ( Hardware - 2.2, Software - version number, etc.
2. Displays
3. Key functions - press to get alphabetical readout.
4. Volume sensor - 00-36
5. LED�s.

It is the "Displays" that you want to test.

If there are any display characters missing then you either need to replace the MID or find somebody who is good at looking for a circuit board fault (but it will probably be a defective display board).

BMW shuld make these orderable parts - but not so far.

Cheers
Jim Cash

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