Car Stereos: BMW328 stereo malfunction, constant power, car radio

Question
Hello,my car radio started turning off by itself, then If I have the chance to turn it on again, it asks for the security code. After entering the security code sometimes it works for just 2 min. and turns off, other times it lasts until I turn off the car. Then when I start the car again for example the next day, sometimes it turns automatically on (the way is supposed to be) but other times it asks again for the security code and others it just don't ask for the code or turn on. Please help!

Answer
Hi Ana,

It sounds like you've got a loose/corroded power or ground wire to your system.  What's happening is as long as the connection stays, it will work, behave as it's supposed to, etc.

As soon as it loses it, it turns off.

Then, when it comes back, it thinks it's been removed from your car because it's lost its 12V constant power, and thereby needs to be reset with the code.

If you're feeling up to it, you can try removing the deck from the dash, and make sure all the connections are clean.  If not, you can take it to a car stereo or local garage and explain the issue to them, they should be able to find it with a little work.

Good luck,
Justin