E60COYOTE

Update: So I unplugged my TCU (just the white plug and no optical jumper) and it appears the popping and cracking is gone. In fact, the overall radio reception appears much better. I'll give it a few more days to make sure that it doesn't come back to be sure. The problem is that I lost my Satellite radio complete (option is gray in iDrive) and the left side speakers sound muffled when using the AUX input. I'm assuming the sat radio is not working because I've broken the fiber optic loop and need the jumper but why would my AUX input be effected?

pauliehcfr

Its the TCU. I had the same temperature related problem. Switched out the TCU, problem solved.

E60COYOTE

I think I am in agreement. Mine's been unplugged for a few days now and the issue has not returned. I fixed the AUX input problem - operator error - I didn't have the cable plugging in all the way! I also fixed my sat radio by plugging the 2 fiber optic cable ends into the existing fiber optic block. This completed the loop with needing the jumper.

I'm now thinking that I might replace the TCU with a Bluetooth enabled one since my car is pre 3/04 production.

impex4

had this too. amp was replaced under warranty

KEDA

So, I can unplug the TCU and I should be good to go?

Now, what is the TCU and what does it do?

E60COYOTE

The TCU is in the trunk and controls the telephone functions like BMW assist and Bluetooth. I unplugged the white main connector and the optical plug (both on the bottom of the TCU). I disassembled the optical plug and connected the two ends into the connection block just above the TCU. This way I did not need the optical jumper. Just search TCU Removal and you will see some nice pictures and instructions.

So far I still have not experienced the popping cracking with the TCU unplugged.