2001 E38 Radio AM Static and Backlight issues

[JimFa]

My NAV / radio has two issues. AM static - this is more pronounced when the signals are weak and does increase with engine speed. And second the NAV display backlite is not working.

Question. Is the AM static related to Noise Suppression Filter, loose coax or body ground cable? All or neither?

Question. Is there a fuse or bulb to fix the E38 NAV backlite? Or is this the signal from the power source or a LCD screen replacement?

Thanks,
Jim

[Matt at Pelican Parts]

I'm not familiar with the E38 on many BMWs of that vintage the rear windshield defroster doubles as the antenna so you can check behind one of the C-pillars for the connection.

As far as the NAV unit backlight goes, it may be all built into one unit.

[RANDY P]

No AM but weak FM is indicative of a bad ground and/or a dead antenna. If the car is totally stock I would assume either a bad antenna booster or a bad ground somewhere in the radio. Given this scenario I would swap the radio for a known good one since the screen is bad.

rjp