Radio static and sound connection unavailable.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
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Radio static and sound connection unavailable.
As I was driving a few days ago my radio did not receive the staions clearly anymore and developed a static noise. I turned the radio off but the static remained and it said something sound connection unavailable. I then parked the car at my destination and had lunch. When I drove back to worl it was fine. This is the first time this has happened. What could be the problem and possible fix. Thanks for the input and Happy Holidays!
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From: NJ
2007 E350 Sport
I had something simlar happen once. There was a lot of static and in about 10 seconds, the audio system just shut off. Then it came back on and it was fine. Hasn't happened since (3 weeks)
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From: TX USA
I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has had this problem and would like to know what it took to repair it.
My 2004 E320 has been a nightmare so far. On an almost daily basis I have an electrical or electronic problem. The most common is the radio begins to crackle (static) and gets progressivly louder to the point of being uncomfortable. The power or mute buttons have no effect - I literally can not turn off the power. The NAV system usually crashes (screen goes blank) after about 30 seconds of this. In order for me to make the noise go away - I have to pull over, turn off the car, wait a few seconds and restart. Sometimes it quits on its own after 1 to 2 minutes (about the time I've gotten off the freeway so I can restart!).
This happens on average 1 to 2 times per day (I've had maybe 4 days without any problems at all).
The car is 2 months old and has been to the dealer's shop twice (both times it was kept for a week!). The command unit was replaced the first time and the instrument panel replaced the during the second visit (I had 2 instances where the instument panel went dead - speedometer and tach quit working, all the idiot lights came on, etc.).
If anyone knows of a solution - I'd sure like to hear from you. I just picked up the car from the dealer's service department 2 days ago (after 1 week in shop) - I was assured it was fixed, 24 hours later the radio/nav problems have returned.
The only options on the car are NAV, Zenon's, sunroof, and a CD changer. I have not added any aftermarket items (although the CD changer was dealer installed at the time of purchase).
Thanks for any help.
My 2004 E320 has been a nightmare so far. On an almost daily basis I have an electrical or electronic problem. The most common is the radio begins to crackle (static) and gets progressivly louder to the point of being uncomfortable. The power or mute buttons have no effect - I literally can not turn off the power. The NAV system usually crashes (screen goes blank) after about 30 seconds of this. In order for me to make the noise go away - I have to pull over, turn off the car, wait a few seconds and restart. Sometimes it quits on its own after 1 to 2 minutes (about the time I've gotten off the freeway so I can restart!).
This happens on average 1 to 2 times per day (I've had maybe 4 days without any problems at all).
The car is 2 months old and has been to the dealer's shop twice (both times it was kept for a week!). The command unit was replaced the first time and the instrument panel replaced the during the second visit (I had 2 instances where the instument panel went dead - speedometer and tach quit working, all the idiot lights came on, etc.).
If anyone knows of a solution - I'd sure like to hear from you. I just picked up the car from the dealer's service department 2 days ago (after 1 week in shop) - I was assured it was fixed, 24 hours later the radio/nav problems have returned.
The only options on the car are NAV, Zenon's, sunroof, and a CD changer. I have not added any aftermarket items (although the CD changer was dealer installed at the time of purchase).
Thanks for any help.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 926
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
Originally posted by psh1959
I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has had this problem and would like to know what it took to repair it.
My 2004 E320 has been a nightmare so far. On an almost daily basis I have an electrical or electronic problem. The most common is the radio begins to crackle (static) and gets progressivly louder to the point of being uncomfortable. The power or mute buttons have no effect - I literally can not turn off the power. The NAV system usually crashes (screen goes blank) after about 30 seconds of this. In order for me to make the noise go away - I have to pull over, turn off the car, wait a few seconds and restart. Sometimes it quits on its own after 1 to 2 minutes (about the time I've gotten off the freeway so I can restart!).
This happens on average 1 to 2 times per day (I've had maybe 4 days without any problems at all).
The car is 2 months old and has been to the dealer's shop twice (both times it was kept for a week!). The command unit was replaced the first time and the instrument panel replaced the during the second visit (I had 2 instances where the instument panel went dead - speedometer and tach quit working, all the idiot lights came on, etc.).
If anyone knows of a solution - I'd sure like to hear from you. I just picked up the car from the dealer's service department 2 days ago (after 1 week in shop) - I was assured it was fixed, 24 hours later the radio/nav problems have returned.
The only options on the car are NAV, Zenon's, sunroof, and a CD changer. I have not added any aftermarket items (although the CD changer was dealer installed at the time of purchase).
Thanks for any help.
I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has had this problem and would like to know what it took to repair it.
My 2004 E320 has been a nightmare so far. On an almost daily basis I have an electrical or electronic problem. The most common is the radio begins to crackle (static) and gets progressivly louder to the point of being uncomfortable. The power or mute buttons have no effect - I literally can not turn off the power. The NAV system usually crashes (screen goes blank) after about 30 seconds of this. In order for me to make the noise go away - I have to pull over, turn off the car, wait a few seconds and restart. Sometimes it quits on its own after 1 to 2 minutes (about the time I've gotten off the freeway so I can restart!).
This happens on average 1 to 2 times per day (I've had maybe 4 days without any problems at all).
The car is 2 months old and has been to the dealer's shop twice (both times it was kept for a week!). The command unit was replaced the first time and the instrument panel replaced the during the second visit (I had 2 instances where the instument panel went dead - speedometer and tach quit working, all the idiot lights came on, etc.).
If anyone knows of a solution - I'd sure like to hear from you. I just picked up the car from the dealer's service department 2 days ago (after 1 week in shop) - I was assured it was fixed, 24 hours later the radio/nav problems have returned.
The only options on the car are NAV, Zenon's, sunroof, and a CD changer. I have not added any aftermarket items (although the CD changer was dealer installed at the time of purchase).
Thanks for any help.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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I have a friend (a lawyer) who pursued the lemon law (not on an MB) in new york. basically, unless the car is undriveable, the law doesn't apply. if for example, you take your car back for a radio problem 20 times, your aren't going to get a lemon law victory, my friend says you only find how restrictive the law is when you travel down the path.
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From: Long Island
'07 Porsche 997TT
I have been suffering with this problem as well. Funny thing is that my pre-nav car had none of these problems. I am also having problems with my V-60 phone disconnecting from the system. Anyway, I brought it in a month ago and they did a flash upgrade to the radio, which was supposed to cure both problems. On my way home ( a 10 minute ride) the phone shut off 3 times. The next day I got the radio static. The only way to stop it is to shut off the car and remove the key.
One thing you may want to try (which is ridiculous) is when you first get in the car, don't turn the radio on for 2-3 minutes. It seems that if you turn it on right away, it happens more often. The other thing I noticed is that if I happen to get out of the car to run into a store, come back and start the car up again, the radio will act up. Again, I need to wait a few minutes before I turn the radio on.
It is absoultely amazing to me that a car costing this much you need to think about when to turn the radio on. Radios have been in cars for how long?
One thing you may want to try (which is ridiculous) is when you first get in the car, don't turn the radio on for 2-3 minutes. It seems that if you turn it on right away, it happens more often. The other thing I noticed is that if I happen to get out of the car to run into a store, come back and start the car up again, the radio will act up. Again, I need to wait a few minutes before I turn the radio on.
It is absoultely amazing to me that a car costing this much you need to think about when to turn the radio on. Radios have been in cars for how long?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
My radio/audio gateway tends to have problems after I've been listening for a long time ~2+ hours or in very hot conditions.
Pulling the #6 (I think) plug in the trunk fusebox is the ghetto fix to reset the system.
c'mon guys... what do you want for your 50-60 grand - a radio that works 100% of the time
j/k 
I asked my dealer to update the software - haven't had the problem since. We'll see.
This is a beautiful car - but I don't think I'd want to keep it after the warranty expires.
Pulling the #6 (I think) plug in the trunk fusebox is the ghetto fix to reset the system.
c'mon guys... what do you want for your 50-60 grand - a radio that works 100% of the time
j/k I asked my dealer to update the software - haven't had the problem since. We'll see.
This is a beautiful car - but I don't think I'd want to keep it after the warranty expires.
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Super Member
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Originally posted by cte430
I am also having problems with my V-60 phone disconnecting from the system. Anyway, I brought it in a month ago and they did a flash upgrade to the radio, which was supposed to cure both problems. On my way home ( a 10 minute ride) the phone shut off 3 times. The next day I got the radio static. The only way to stop it is to shut off the car and remove the key.
I am also having problems with my V-60 phone disconnecting from the system. Anyway, I brought it in a month ago and they did a flash upgrade to the radio, which was supposed to cure both problems. On my way home ( a 10 minute ride) the phone shut off 3 times. The next day I got the radio static. The only way to stop it is to shut off the car and remove the key.
The only problem I have with the phone is that sometimes I plug it in and it either won't activate or after activation if I try to place a call, it doesn't do anything. Sometimes if I remove and re-insert the phone it starts working. Seems to only happen if I insert the phone after the car is already on..
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
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BTW, if I were to lay a guess, I would say something is probably damaged in the fiber optic cabling in your car. If they replace the different units and you still have the problem, I would suspect wiring. With the fiber optics, maybe some "bits get lost" when the different devices communicate due to a crimp or something. You mentioned it started after the dealer hand installed the CD Changer...maybe they screwed something up while installing..
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: UK
Hi Everybody! This is my first post, although I have been lurking for here for over a year!
I too have this static problem on my 04 E240. On most journeys I get a build up of static coming form the speakers, which usually results in the COMAND unit re-booting itself. While the static is on I can’t turn the system off. Once I pulled over, turned the engine off and removed the key but COMAND stayed on. I had to pull out the ‘radio’ fuse to switch it off (great fun!). I also find that sometimes the navigation display loses map data. All I’m left with is the location icon and GPS system display at the bottom of the screen. Only had the car for three weeks! Going to my dealer first thing in the New Year!
2004 Perlite Grey E240 Sport
COMAND Navigation / DVD / TV
Nokia 6310i Kit
Active Bi-Xenon Headlights
I too have this static problem on my 04 E240. On most journeys I get a build up of static coming form the speakers, which usually results in the COMAND unit re-booting itself. While the static is on I can’t turn the system off. Once I pulled over, turned the engine off and removed the key but COMAND stayed on. I had to pull out the ‘radio’ fuse to switch it off (great fun!). I also find that sometimes the navigation display loses map data. All I’m left with is the location icon and GPS system display at the bottom of the screen. Only had the car for three weeks! Going to my dealer first thing in the New Year!
2004 Perlite Grey E240 Sport
COMAND Navigation / DVD / TV
Nokia 6310i Kit
Active Bi-Xenon Headlights
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Long Island
E500
I have the static problem on my Dec '02 build non-nav E500. It's most noticeable on FM but occasionally shows up when playing a CD (I have the changer). Problem is intermittent and the dealer has looked at it three times with no fix. Going back in on Jan 19th for front end vibration problem so I'll have them look at the radio again.
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E320
The problem descibed here "is" a fiber optic cable problem.
Either an orange cable is damaged or a unit that connects with the MOST link is damaged. The dealer need to remove devices from the loop until the problem is determined.
Either an orange cable is damaged or a unit that connects with the MOST link is damaged. The dealer need to remove devices from the loop until the problem is determined.
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From: NYC
2003 E320
HAving the same issues with my '03 E320. Uncontrollable static at times. Will start off slow, then progress to full static and then will clear a few minutes later and then will come back. My guess is that it has something to do with the On-Star system, as I've had a lot of problems with that as well.
In addition, my sunroof has been acting up too! It closes 3/4 and then pops back open for no reason. No obstruction, just another electrical issue.
Any advice??? Should I go to BMW??
In addition, my sunroof has been acting up too! It closes 3/4 and then pops back open for no reason. No obstruction, just another electrical issue.
Any advice??? Should I go to BMW??
Super Member
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2004 E500
Originally posted by Rob Hephner
The problem descibed here "is" a fiber optic cable problem.
Either an orange cable is damaged or a unit that connects with the MOST link is damaged. The dealer need to remove devices from the loop until the problem is determined.
The problem descibed here "is" a fiber optic cable problem.
Either an orange cable is damaged or a unit that connects with the MOST link is damaged. The dealer need to remove devices from the loop until the problem is determined.
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
I would put my decision on buying a 04 E320 on hold, after reading this thread.
My car has no problem w/ stereo, sunroof, GPS whatsoever !!!, couple years old, but hey, same engine, suspension, steering, & transmission :-)
My car has no problem w/ stereo, sunroof, GPS whatsoever !!!, couple years old, but hey, same engine, suspension, steering, & transmission :-)
Originally posted by Gregg2gs
HAving the same issues with my '03 E320. Uncontrollable static at times. Will start off slow, then progress to full static and then will clear a few minutes later and then will come back. My guess is that it has something to do with the On-Star system, as I've had a lot of problems with that as well.
In addition, my sunroof has been acting up too! It closes 3/4 and then pops back open for no reason. No obstruction, just another electrical issue.
Any advice??? Should I go to BMW??
HAving the same issues with my '03 E320. Uncontrollable static at times. Will start off slow, then progress to full static and then will clear a few minutes later and then will come back. My guess is that it has something to do with the On-Star system, as I've had a lot of problems with that as well.
In addition, my sunroof has been acting up too! It closes 3/4 and then pops back open for no reason. No obstruction, just another electrical issue.
Any advice??? Should I go to BMW??
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this fiber optic cable system is one of those whiz bang things that I wonder why is needed on the car. with all the problems that these connectors cause, they have to be handled delicately during assembly, who needs this? what does it add? it certainly makes the entire system less reliable. I mean, static in the stereo system was something that was wiped out in the 1970s.
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When you talk about things like sound quality from the the CD changer to the speakers, fiber optics make a whole world of difference in how much loss you get in sound quality. If you notice most home theater systems now have a digital output port in which you plug in a fiber optic cable to the other units.
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sure, but what price are you willing to pay in reliability to obtain an improvement in sound quality that is likely not very discernable in a moving automobile? fiber optic connectors all over the car that are easily damaged during assembly, that dealers can't find and repair succesfully, and when the warranty is up, costs you a fortune to repair everytime static appears?
its an example of over-engineering in the car, and for the customer, its all about what you end up paying for, its a tradeoff. give me a normal stereo, an industry standard bluetooth interface for the phone, and make the car cheaper or make something like folding rear seats and power folding mirrors standard. some stuff that can actually be used.
its an example of over-engineering in the car, and for the customer, its all about what you end up paying for, its a tradeoff. give me a normal stereo, an industry standard bluetooth interface for the phone, and make the car cheaper or make something like folding rear seats and power folding mirrors standard. some stuff that can actually be used.
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
I agree that optical helps to bring audio quality to another level, as most high-end stereo systems how have digital in/output. However, if you notice, ALL of them state in the manual that "avoid moving" or assemble/disassemble the system unnesessary. Optical adaptor and cable need to be handled very delicately. No moving, no shaking, no vibrating.
Guess that ? The difference is that the car move and vibrate a lot.
Lexus doesn't use optical cable in their stereo, neither Acura. Yet, their sound systems are second to none. As the matter of fact, most publication rank them right at the top !!!!.
No doubt that mercedes and bmw are pioneer in applying the latest/most advance technologies into their products. The trade-off is that reliability take a nose dive, unfortunately, that's what car owners have to deal with directly.
Can someone remind Benz and BMW that car owners prefer not to "reboot" their cars every now and then to fix problems. Pleaseeeeee .
Guess that ? The difference is that the car move and vibrate a lot.
Lexus doesn't use optical cable in their stereo, neither Acura. Yet, their sound systems are second to none. As the matter of fact, most publication rank them right at the top !!!!.
No doubt that mercedes and bmw are pioneer in applying the latest/most advance technologies into their products. The trade-off is that reliability take a nose dive, unfortunately, that's what car owners have to deal with directly.
Can someone remind Benz and BMW that car owners prefer not to "reboot" their cars every now and then to fix problems. Pleaseeeeee .
Originally posted by abhansali
When you talk about things like sound quality from the the CD changer to the speakers, fiber optics make a whole world of difference in how much loss you get in sound quality. If you notice most home theater systems now have a digital output port in which you plug in a fiber optic cable to the other units.
When you talk about things like sound quality from the the CD changer to the speakers, fiber optics make a whole world of difference in how much loss you get in sound quality. If you notice most home theater systems now have a digital output port in which you plug in a fiber optic cable to the other units.
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From: NYC
2003 E320
This is probably one of the more intelligent conversations/exchanges that I has taken place in this forum.
In summary, I believe we all feel that there are flaws within the new E series that we are all quite disappointed with. We've paid strong money for an inferior product.
To add, last night, I was driving my E somewhat aggressively coming off the line and making a left turn and the car lost thr rear end (slip and slide on dry pavement) even though my traction control was on. This has happened quite a few times. I was actually accelerating off the line against the new 5 series. Needless to say, the BMW flew and never looked back..... I had to come of the gas to reallign the car with the road, although the gas retardation kicked in finally, at the wrong moment, of course!!!
Mercedes is a cruising machine that can not handle aggressive driving. It is something that I've always challeged Benz enthusiasts about in the past, until I finally became an owner last year. Now I just beat myself up for purchasing this extremely beautiful, but ultra sensitive and delicate over-priced car.
In summary, I believe we all feel that there are flaws within the new E series that we are all quite disappointed with. We've paid strong money for an inferior product.
To add, last night, I was driving my E somewhat aggressively coming off the line and making a left turn and the car lost thr rear end (slip and slide on dry pavement) even though my traction control was on. This has happened quite a few times. I was actually accelerating off the line against the new 5 series. Needless to say, the BMW flew and never looked back..... I had to come of the gas to reallign the car with the road, although the gas retardation kicked in finally, at the wrong moment, of course!!!
Mercedes is a cruising machine that can not handle aggressive driving. It is something that I've always challeged Benz enthusiasts about in the past, until I finally became an owner last year. Now I just beat myself up for purchasing this extremely beautiful, but ultra sensitive and delicate over-priced car.
