Sound System Problem - Crap Sound ;)

[B1G JV]

i noticed when i got my car that the sound system was pretty, well, crap!! but just assumed it had a rubbish sound system for such a big empty car, not up to the usual BMW professional sound class (although even the previous Harmon Kardon set up i had in my 3 series wan't 'brilliant' but very very good). However i paid little attention to it as i always had people and kids in the car, so it was off or turned really low, when driving it myself and turning the volume up it was shocking!

I decide to fiddle with the settings on the Nav screen and tried the usual fader front mid to rear......... nothing! no sound at all! from rear to front......sound (crap!) balance left..... nothing!! balance right............sound (crap!) tried the balance on the rear but obviously nothing again. Conclusion, some wires aren't connected somewhere. Then, with the music turned up and while driving it kicked in and the sound was actually not bad (1million percent better than a few seconds earlier) all speakers were on. Then off again.........then on..........then off............then..... you get the picture?

So, what could it be? surely there's not 1 wire that could be loose that causes all speakers except the drivers side front to operate?!?

i also have no idea where to start looking for potential culprits, so any advise would be more than welcomed

JV

[Sanj]

Possibly your BM54 Radio Control Module (RCM). Quick search will yield two potential fixer uppers (if it is indeed that module). Phone and advise them of your symptoms and they will be able to advise if it is the RCM.

[B1G JV]

Thanks Sanj, it certainly sounds like the common problems associated with the BM54 module/amplifier £180 for repair returned in less than 24 hours? someone's making a good living.

Where is this module located? is it in the boot near the sat nav dvd player?

Thanks,

JV

[Sanj]

In the boot under all the cr@p (technical term) - connection circled for the RCM, undo the bolt and pull it out (squeezes past the plastic and battery):

[B1G JV]

Thanks again Sanj, if i had been on here and not on holiday i would have realised that there's quite a few posts about these issues, so I'm catching up on them. Apologies for creating a new post for something already recently discussed.

I also can't believe everyone's module is failing around the same time! it must be something to do with the moon.......(or something...... )

[JimmySpeed]

Bm24's & 54's are always failing in the X5 for some reason.

Some say every time you see a ladybird, another Bm module dies…