Although BMW is not thought to be the most reliable car ever, it's made for comfort and luxurious driving. And the audio system plays an important role in the overall comfort of the driver and passengers. But we should say that the BMW radio system glitches regularly and makes drivers think of how to reset it.
In different generations of BMW cars, the reset of the audio systems may be completed in various ways. We'll tell you about the easiest and the most effective ways to do this. We'll also tell you what you should do if the standard way of resetting the BMW radio isn't working and you still have problems with the system.
Let's get started!
The easiest way to reset the BMW audio system
The easiest way to reset the system in your BMW is just as follows:
- Turn on the ignition or the accessory mode. You may also just start the engine.
- Press the power (volume) button on the BMW audio system and hold it down.
- Hold the button for at least 30 seconds and then release it. The radio should be off.
- Now, push the power (volume) button again and release it.
- The radio should be on and the reset should be completed.
This will not reset the audio system to its initial settings. But it will clear all possible glitches and errors in its work. So, after this simple and straightforward procedure, the BMW audio system should be working well.
But this won't help in all cases. If the system has a strong glitch, you will have to act differently.
Another way to reset the audio system in your BMW
The audio system in BMW vehicles is always connected with other systems and may malfunction because of other glitches in the vehicle. So, you can try the following:
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Open up the hood and locate the battery.
- Loosen the fastening bolts or nuts on the terminals.
- Take off both cables from the terminals and make sure the metal brackets don't touch the terminals after that.
- Leave the car like this for at least 10 minutes.
- Then put the cables back to the terminals and fasten the bolts or nuts.
- Start the vehicle and turn on the radio to make sure everything works well.
If this doesn't help, then there is the only possible way of solving the problem - you should go to the specialist and have your vehicle diagnosed. But let's figure out why these problems get on your nerves and how to deal with them.
What may go wrong with the BMW audio system?
BMW audio may malfunction in dozens of different ways. It may stop turning on, freeze, glitch, not save settings, turn off unintentionally, change radio stations, etc. If you experience one or several of these problems, you may not cure the system by simply resetting it. In some cases, repair or even replacement will be needed.
Here are some of the common reasons why your BMW audio may malfunction:
- water damage - electronics may not work properly after some water got inside;
- overheating - sometimes, the system just overheats and some components burn;
- wiring issues - if your BMW suffers from wiring problems, this issue may have affected the audio system;
- fuses - one or more fuses may be burnt, so just locate and replace them;
- other audio system breakdowns.
Whenever your BMW audio system experiences these kinds of problems, you will have to go to the dealer or to the repair shop and have the system diagnosed. Even if it's all about one fuse, a good diagnosis will help.
If you need to replace the BMW audio system, the best way to do this is to buy the new OEM system from a dealer. Of course, this will cost you a fortune, but you get the best system that comes with the warranty. Aftermarket systems are also good, but you should choose between them wisely.
We don't recommend used OEM audio systems because they may come with all those problems you are trying to solve. In many cases, these systems are problematic and that's why they are sold online.
Final words
So, now you know at least two ways of resetting the BMW audio system. Be careful and never do anything you are not sure about. Your BMW is quite a technological and up-to-date vehicle and it needs some knowledge and experience from anyone who's trying to repair or maintain it. If you do something wrong, you can easily burn the audio system or any other component in your vehicle.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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