** 95 e38 740iL RADIO Question....Need Help **

[BMW740iLGuy]

Hello all,

I have a 1995 BMW 740iL.

My 6 disc CD Changer (in trunk) works just fine......but for some strange reason, my radio only works some of the time! :-(

Have any of you ever had this problem?

Anyone know what could be wrong and maybe how I can fix this problem?

I would like to have a picture of what the Radio Module (that goes back in the trunk I believe) looks like for this year and model if you can direct me to that.

Also, if that ends up being the problem, can anyone of you direct me to where I can buy a used Radio Module? I've already looked all through the Classifieds section of this site.

Also, does anyone know where I can get a pictorial (online) of how to take out/off my radio inside the car?

I also heard there is a way to fix the pixel problem in the radio face without replacing it....anyone know how to do that?

Last Question: I designed a Signature for my posts on this site, but I see no place in my User CP to add a signature. Anyone know what I have to do to add my signature to my posts?

Thanks all and I hope I get some responses fast as I really need to take care of this radio issue.

webmaster@jbradenproductions.com

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[steve0suprem0]

I think you need a certain number of posts for a sig. For example, it's 15 for posting pictures. Dunno the requirements for a sig though

[BMW740iLGuy]

Thanks for info about signature

[martyanderson10]

The radio head unit in the dash is very easy to remove. There are two little doors one on each side of the head unit. Stick you fingernail or a thin knife and they hinge stowards the center of the radio.. Be carefull they break easy (ask me how I know) behind these doors are some allen head screws. Just back them out (they do not come all the way out of the faceplate). Then put your fingers in the cassette slot and pull out on the radio. The clip on the back of the radio is kind of unique. you actually slide it up and it detaches the harness from the radio.

[BMW740iLGuy]

I think you might be describing a different type of radio. My radio is seperate from my tape unit.

As shown in the picture I took below:

[IcemanBHE]

Actually thats the Multi Information Display or MID. That is simply the control unit for the radio (cassette player to you) BTW, these are actually Torx sz 8 or 10 (cant remember), not allen head.

You have to remove the radio (cassette player), then you can reach in and push down the metal tab on the center back of the MID unit and slide if forward. Unplug.

The pixel fix is about a 30% chance of success if your handy. Search for MID pixel fix here.

[BMW740iLGuy]

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hmmmm.........So if my radio only works some of the time, do I replace the tape player part or the MID below it?

Thanks

[IcemanBHE]

Tape player. Thats the radio. The MID is only a display/control unit for different functions. Think of it as a remote control.

[BMW740iLGuy]

Wow.....so that upper tape player thing, if replaced means I get my tunes back?

Also, when do I get to use a sig?

[IcemanBHE]

Its either the radio/cassette deck or the amp in the trunk.

If you have CDs and you have sound then its the radio deck.

Have you tried any cassettes? I dont own one, but you should be able to find something to test with.

[BMW740iLGuy]

My 6 disc Changer works perfectly!

Don't have any cassettes....haven't seen any in years. :-)

How would I know if it's the amp? It wouldn't be my amp if my CD Changer/Player works really good and loud, right?

Thanks for all your help.

[IcemanBHE]

I agree so far. Sounds like the radio unit. Thats why I was curious if a cassette worked.

Your welcome

[BMW740iLGuy]

Sorry to keep bugging you, but what would it tell you if a cassette worked or not?

[IcemanBHE]

I was just curious. Nobody with a failing radio checks that. And I want to know

[BMW740iLGuy]

hmmmmm........now you got ME curious.....I'll see if I can round-up a cassette and I'll try and then let you know.

p.s. I know someone who has a MID for my car and he claims that ALL the
pixels work. He want's $125.00 for it (used of course) do you think that is a good price, or should I try and talk him down?

Thanks

[IcemanBHE]

um...well. I was negotiating on a lifetime fixed one for that same price...

So if its original, I think cheaper. $75-90

Let me know if you get it. I need a spare MID to play with. Ill buy it cheap.

[BMW740iLGuy]

You mean, If I buy that one, I could sell you mine cheap?

Also, you think since his is used I should maybe ask $75 - $90 ?

[IcemanBHE]

yes. Im saying that I almost bought a lifetime fixed one with warranty for $125.

So his being used should be less. Like 75-90

And I would be interested in yours, for cheap, if you dont need it.

[BMW740iLGuy]

Ok, if I buy one, I'll sell you mine cheap...that way, you could get a new ribbon and then sell it for a profit! :-) That's fine by me...I don't really want to mess with a ribbon pixel fix....I'd ruin it for sure!

:-)

Where were you going to get a lifetime warranty one for $125? I'd be interested in that.

[IcemanBHE]

Thats the thing. Im not going to fix it. Im going to take the LCD glass off of it, and send with mine to Germany to get lifetime fixed. My LCD is cracked.

Thats about $300.

I broke mine doing the fix

Add the one I almost bought was on a salvaged car on here. He wanted $150.

[BMW740iLGuy]

I just emailed the guy and asked if he would take $75.00 for
his working (used) MID.

By the way, since you've convinced me that it's my "Tape Unit"....Do you know where I could buy one cheap?

Thanks

p.s. I'm assuming you don't know the answer to when I can use my signature I designed?

[IcemanBHE]

Oh I know. But its along ways off. Like 100 posts and 15 days membership.

Radio? No. Parts cars in the classifieds. See the sticky at the top of the forum page.

Or ebay.

[BMW740iLGuy]

Do you know the Real Official Full name for the "TAPE DECK" <-- hee hee so I can do a proper search?

Thank you so much for all your help!

[IcemanBHE]

Well....most call it the radio believe it or not.

OR cassette deck

Good luck

Im off

[skipv]

If it turns out to be the radio I would suggest replacing with a CD43 player instead. That will get you a total of 7 CD capability. The unit is a straight plug and play and has a better tuner.

I bought one overseas for $140 shipped.

Good luck!!