Speaker Buzz with Radio Off

[J312]

I got back into my car after a short trip to the ATM and my speakers were on and buzzing with the car off and key in hand. I tried to start up the car to see if it would go away, turned off the radio, unplugged the iPod, Turned off my phone (suspected noise), and nothing helped. Turned the car off again and waited 1-2 minutes. Drove home with all the speakers still buzzing loudly. Tried the radio and CD player, which worked but were masked with tons of noise. Turned the car off. Went inside for a few minutes. Came back and the noise was gone. Has anyone had anything similar (noise, interference) like this before?

[eunosracr]

This happened to me two times. I never figured out the root cause. I just simply left the car and when i came back a bit later the noise was gone.

[ORIGIN M.]

I think there is a ground issue. It may be in the plug that goes to the i-pod. Unplug that plug, and plug it in again. The plug might be grounding oddly, and to R&R it, may fix it.

If not talk to a dealer tech. Good luck!

[kristiec]

i've had the same problem, but can't really pinpoint the cause and can't replicate the problem so i can't bring it up to the dealer.

if you find the solution, let me know!

[jkp1187]

I've only noticed this happen with the car off, when the water pump (or whatever it is that turns on for cooling purposes) activates.

[BBBluey]

next time you open the door to your car, put your ear right up to the door speaker and I'll bet you hear it buzz slightly. My car does it and I noticed every other 1 I've tested as such does it and that's equal to about 5 different set-up's i.e. with or without CA/I-drive/premium audio etc...all 09 models.
It's just weird. But yeah, My car did the loud buzz once also.

[mpukas]

My car buzzes too. A couple months ago I had it into the dealer for a couple odds and ends and told them of the problem. At first, my service tech said it could possibly be the hard-wired radar detector cable causing a short, etc. Later they found out BMW had issued some sort of bulletin ackowledging the problem. They said they fixed it, but it still buzzes. Sometimes worse than others. Soemtimes it drives me so nuts I have to turn the stereo up so loud to drown it out. PIA the ass w/ a passenger and the radio off trying to have a conversation. I'm bringing it back to the dealership next week and will have them look at it again. IMO anyone having this issue should have their service techs take care it. mpp

[stevedore]

Same issue with my new 135i. Front speakers have been humming and crackling, driving me nuts. Been going on like this for the past week or so. Anybody finally get an answer to what has possessed our cars ???

[deepsix]

I know this is an old thread but my new to me 2011 128i has had a buzz or high pitched tone from the speakers anytime the key is in.

I ended up solving it by pulling the radio out and unlatching the main harness with the little plastic lever and latching it back in. It seems the latch can come a tiny bit loose at the back of the radio over time and cause the buzzing issue.

[RGP]

I just did to to my 2011 120i cabrio. Pulled the radio out and unplugged it, put it back on and the annoying buzzing sound is gone. Thanks for sharing deepsix.