I just picked up a 91 M5 yesterday and have a few issues with the stereo. First off I have interference in the frt driver side kick panel butt no sound out of the fronts at all. The tweeter on the frt deck is receiving a signal but it is faint. This should rule out the wiring harness to and from the receiver to the amp and finally to the speakers.

Also, the factory CD player has power but the headunit will not recognize it.

Do headunits or amps usually go out in these? This would be my possible problem with the system.

Thanks for any help.

Jimmy

The headunit on the E34 is probably the worst component of the car. e34net calls it "an embarrassment to BMW engineers", and I agree. I don't think they designed it, though, but I digress...

They're well known to crap out, yes. I recommend buying a DIN-sized aftermarket CD player. Unless the M5 has some weird sound system, you'll be able to hook it up, and everything but the fader will work.

I really didnt want to have to go aftermarket. I like the clean look of the stock players but without having to spend a ton ala cd43.

Has anyone upgraded the dash speakers? Both of mine are blown.

Jimmy

Aftermarket radio will be best solution. I have a Eclipse CD7000 but it is a very expensive deck. But the illumination is the closest I've ever seen to factory bmw amber. Replace the radio and dash speakers. Check out bavarian soundworks or replace them with factory bmw speakers from the dealer. After replacing the radio see what problems still exist and go from there. If you want to stick with a bmw radio, you can try one from a newer bmw but you will need someone who has lots of experience wiring bmw audio system. The new radio will have a newer harness behind it and your car is the old wiring. You will need to find a reverse harness to plug into the newer deck and then hardwire it to your m5's audio wiring. It can be done.