Yeah, yeah, but the BMW boards that come up on Google search are loaded with similar problems with only other people replying "Oh yeah, mine too" & no solid answers.
So the radio in my 99 528iT does not work. When purchased the PO stated that shortly after it was detailed it began acting up. Some times it would work other times you'd here a popping sound. It is the Business Unit, tape deck/6CD changer. All functions on the display work & light up yet no sound is omitted. Because it turns on without sound I didn't suspect fuses so I checked the 2 in the trunk, swapped around & they were ok. Research also shows the ignition switch can do funky things. It wasn't that expensive so I swapped that out. Same thing, no sound. Now I don't know where I should look next. Some say the fuse in the radio or the glovebox, but because it's turning on makes me think it's not that. Possibly the amp? I want to get this working before spending the money on a new unit.
Thoughts, suggestions?
There is a guy that advertises on Roundel that fixes these. He always has an ad in the classified section and he is out of Florida.
I am away from home until the weekend, but PM me this weekend and I will look him up.
It might be worth checking with him, he will probably point you to the problem.
did you check the amp in the back?
In reply to mad_machine:
That is the next step I plan to take. Although I don't really know how to "check" it & I don't want to just install a new one to find the same problem.
Well the torx screw that loosens the latch to remove the radio from the dash is missing. What would've been a 30 second job will now be unknown as it looks like either the HVAC will have to come out & try to finagle the latches from beneath or the center dash will need to come apart some. Not pleased. I think at this point if it's coming apart to check a fuse I may as well just pick up another amp as well as a replacement 7" headunit & get it all done at once. 
I came into this thread expecting some radio show that discussed the finer points of E39's.
Leaving disappointed.
I figured if the pixels are working, you're good to go. 
step one: remove exhaust. radio fixed.
-J0N
