Z3 business cd 43

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Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

I have problem only with reading cd...

The problem is most often when it warms up and then works with interruptions and there is no sound quality!

When I get the radio out of the case and turn it upside down, all is ok!

Is this problem with laser?

How fix this probem ?
Does anyone know where to get a laser?
Is there somebody have this radio in parts?
LaRy
Joined: Mon 12 Nov, 2018 17:47
Posts: 149

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by LaRy »

I would start to buy a lens cleaner disc set, sometimes in combinations with some fluid. It looks like a cd with a soft brush.
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lebigmec
Joined: Sun 17 Oct, 2010 13:04
Posts: 221

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Downham Market, Norfolk.

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by lebigmec »

I would recommend that you first try a commercially available CD lens cleaning disk, but if that doesn’t work, get some isopropyl alcohol & very gently clean the lens with a cotton bud dipped in that.
Are the cds you’re using copies or originals? Some copies aren’t always read properly by these early CD players, such as CD-R or CD-RW etc.
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

The unit is a BMW badged BLAUPUNKT head unit for which Laser assemblies will be available as replacement item if the cleaning does not work.

These units are now showing their age and your next move may very well be to contact a reputable in car audio specialist who would be able to diagnose and correctly fit a new Laser assembly. There are many other straight forward faults such as cracks in printed circuit tracks,failed capacitors and poor solder joints that can cause odd problems.
This unit was also fitted by other makers including Rover during the last years of BMW ownership so a used unit should not be too hard to source.

Regards & happy new year
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

Thanks for answers!

I was cleaning with alcohol and nothing better!
All my CDs are original...

Business CD from Rover have the same lens ?Which model and year?
Do I need that whole part with a replacement lens?
And where buy used?Or new?
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lebigmec
Joined: Sun 17 Oct, 2010 13:04
Posts: 221

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Downham Market, Norfolk.

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by lebigmec »

Regular alcohol will damage the lens further, or leave a deposit, which could make matters worse.
Just do a search on eBay for BMW business cd & you will see a huge variety of them, you are bound to find the correct model for your car. I think it’s CD43??
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

Yes,CD 43!
Prices on ebay are too high for old part!
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

OK

BMW did not make car audio units,they bought them in from a number of makers.
CD43 was fitted to high end Rover models such as Rover 75,production finished with end of Rover in around 2002-2003.
Unit was a badged Blaupunkt with a different logo on case front.
If I was fault finding unit,I would firstly suspect the flexi ribbon on the cd Laser sled,may be cracked or torn,also since you state that fault appears more when warm,look around circuit board solder joints under audio amp ic and Voltage regulator ic as these are subject to thermal cycling and bad solder joints may show a classic ring mark where solder has cracked.
The Laser unit should be carefully inspected & checked but is just one cause of faults,a replacement should be available from a specialist but my instinct is a dry solder joint/s.
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

Thanks!

But when I get radio out of the box and turn it upside down all is okay !

Laser?
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

Realistically, there is a limit to long distance guessing /diagnosing but you have explained your problem very precisely:

Head unit works but then gives trouble when warm.
Only the cd function is affected (are you certain that the AM/FM radio works when cd function is showing fault?)
When you remove head unit from dash and invert it (upside down) it functions ok again?

It may well be the optical Laser pickup assembly at fault,not a simple lens but a complex unit containing motor,drive mechanism,sensor & lens which will have a thin flexible ribbon which is subject to extending and shortening and fatiguing and cracking the tiny traces due to age.

I spoke of components that heat and cool when used and then switched off,the unit was not hand soldered by Boeing or NASA but was wave soldered on a machine-this soldering is very subject to repeated flexing both mechanically and by thermal cycles of hot & cold.

We know that the Blaupunkt CD43 is a good design by a leading maker and a competent car audio specialist should be able to advise in more depth.
Poor solder joints can be problematic to trace,if you have the knowledge of likely trouble areas as previously written,it saves much time and frustration.
A replacement optical Laser pickup assembly should still be stocked by specialists but most require electrical adjustment in a workshop setting,ie the pickup current.

I took an hour earlier to view other vehicle fitment of the CD43,they were seemingly specified in :
BMW E38 7 series ,E36 3 series, E34 5 series , E32 7 series ,E31 8 series, Z3M roadster These will be BMW badged.

Also fitted to Rover, MG & Land Rover, such as Freelander. Will be badged as Rover, MG or Land Rover.

I understand eBay buy it now listings for BMW CD43 Business are expensive,as a last resort,a used working unit from a UK manufacturer could have the BMW front fitted or be used as a parts donor. :wink: :D
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

Thank you! :)


FM working fine!Only cd is problem!(when is radio upside-down then is okay)!

Unfortunately I do not have much knowledge about it :(

Did anyone sell this radio with a pixel error?Is it best to replace a whole laser mechanism?
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

Seems that culprit is likely the optical Laser pickup assembly( Laser) These are a sub unit inside the head unit and are unclipped / unplugged etc and new unit complete installed,the sub unit is not normally repairable.

I only have hobby level knowledge of these electronic problems and have fixed many things like this myself,please respect the complex design of Laser assemblies and take careful heed to protect your vision if you open casing to examine while powered on.

Advice is given in good faith but you risk harm to this complex head unit if you go out of your depth!

Lastly,do not dismiss the thousands of CD43 units fitted by other UK & German car makers if you have to put up your hands in despair!

There are helpful electronic forums where you could register and ask for EXPERT help and guidance in the repairs section. One such forum I have suggested before is : www.eevblog.com/forum here there will be advice and hopefully someone who can point you to a supplier of new Laser and also give detail on fitment etc.

Good luck however you proceed with this,You will win eventually.
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!!☺

I hope I will solve the problem...


Mario
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

Thinking this through again during a night when not sleeping too well, it occurred to me that you make no mention of a boot/trunk mounted 6 disc cd multichanger,I am sure that the usual fit would be CD43 + Multichanger. Do you have the Multichanger fitted and if so,does that all function ok?
If no Multichanger fitted,check in boot/trunk for connectors - I think Alpine changers were rebranded and used?
It could be a way through this problem if you had a Multichanger and played the 6 cd's in that? Used Multichangers often sell for little money :P

Meanwhile I am asking on a different forum to see if Laser is available and possible suppliers, but you would need to know maker (probably Sony,Phillips,Panasonic etc) and the part number of the Laser.

I will also post to ask if there is a technical document manual as used by tech's as this is a bit like trying to shoot down flies with a pea shooter in a dark room without any detailed specific data on the unit.

Again,a good plan would be to find a good ICE or audio tech who could help.
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

The CD changer does not work since I bought a car (4 years)... The radio CD was functioning normally until recently :(
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

  blank

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

OK Mario- possibly a different battle plan to consider?

I deleted my Multichanger and fitted a Sony head unit in my car,from memory,there is a fuse on the rear of the multichanger that is known to break as my old one did,when renewed, the Multichanger worked. There used to be many posts on here regarding non working Multichangers.

It may be a good idea to look at why the Multichanger no longer works (if still fitted) and if no success,buy for a lot less money,a working changer.

My fear is that even if a Laser fault is to blame,a new one must be found and someone needs to fit it.

Think like this,maybe,not everyone survives open Heart Surgery,but many can live a long time with a little help from another helper (the head unit is alive and it may benefit from external life support!, if the CD43 does not survive Heart Surgery,all is lost unless you pay more to obtain another)

Like I said,you will succeed in the end,consider the options open to you..

Mike
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

Mike,

I found a laser from Rover...40€...Ok,or?
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

Happy new year Mario

40 euro is a reasonable price if you are sure it is correct fit,if nothing else it will give opportunity to check head unit for other problems like soldering.
If it was my CD43 head unit then I would buy it as it seems to be required and they will not be available for ever!
Have you managed to obtain technical advice or independant opinions ?

Mike
Z3Mroadster
Joined: Sun 24 Nov, 2013 16:02
Posts: 15

  M roadster S50

Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by Z3Mroadster »

Mike,

also happy New year 2019. !

I did not question anything further...
zedzedthree
Joined: Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:16
Posts: 39

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Re: Z3 business cd 43

Post by zedzedthree »

If you are sure it is the correct Laser pickup then no harm should come if you approach carefully and in a logical manner.
Maybe a good idea to ask for more local or expert help on fitment and any possible setting up info once you have the correct Laser pickup :rtm:
There must be many able persons local to you in Croatia or vicinity nearby.

Mike
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