Hey all, I have a 2004 525 that I bought not too long ago.

Any time Im in the car for an extended period of time (20 minutes or so) The radio starts crackling and popping like an old 45 record.

Any easy fix, or is this going to be a dealer issue. This is a non CPO vehicle so if it is a dealer issue, its coming out of my pocket.

I tried searching the message board for any similar issues, to no avail.

Thanks for all your help.

 

Have you got the standard stereo or aftermarket radio installed? any LEDS in anywhere? you will need a ground loop isolator, I'm guessing try somewhere like radio shack but you will need to get it fitted or take it to a car audio shop..

 

I have the same problem. Seems to only do it when it is hot out though. I'm very interested if anyone has an answer to this problem.

 

I assume the pop sound comes from the speakers, may be you should try to narrow it down to which speaker...not an audio expert but may be the speaker itself is blowing soon, possible replacement needed.

 

I replaced all of my speakers with BSW stage 1 and still have the issue. I suspect its in the head unit or the TCU. It happens on all input SAT, FM, AM and AUX.

 

It's the amp.

 

How do you know it's the amp? Is that in the trunk next to the TCU?

 

Overheating amp I bet. Its in the trunk on the left side.

 

I grew up with a bunch of friends modding their car stereos. Even installed on a couple of my older cars. Most of the time that symptom came when the amp is giving out. I admit it's been awhile though but I still hear about this symptom and most of the time it's the amp.

 

Seems to make sense being in the trunk and exposed to heat. Does it need to be replaced or is there a way to fix it?