[330eROI86]

I recently got a 2020 330e second hand. It has the common bass cut issue as well as random popping and drops in volume. It is still under BMW warranty so the garage I bought it off sent it into the local BMW dealer (it’s originally a Uk car but I’m based in Ireland). The dealer didn’t seem to be aware of any issue and all they did was upgrade the software. The issue is still there and I’ve days left on the warranty.

I see from other threads that a lot of dealers (mainly in the US) seem to replace the amp and booster under warranty. Just wondering if this was the same experience in the UK? Really annoying because the H&K system in my F30 never missed a beat.

[330Stevie]

Posted on this also, may help…

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2029914

[Beemer5to3]

Known fault and needs the amplifier replacing. I’d take it to the dealer yourself, and if they’re not playing ball then try another one.

[srbs73]

They finally replaced mine when I provided evidence I'd recorded. I think I had a couple of wasted visits where they insisted they had to try upgrading the software.

[330eROI86]

Originally Posted by srbs73

They finally replaced mine when I provided evidence I'd recorded. I think I had a couple of wasted visits where they insisted they had to try upgrading the software.

This is what I suspect. You would think it’s very common given the amount of complaints online and yet dealers are acting surprised about this issue. I was assuming I’d get a phone call telling me they’d replaced the amp. They were tying to imply it might have been an issue with my phone / CarPlay. I tried using the Spotify app only since but it’s come back and I switched to radio when it happened and still the same issue.

I find it difficult to record it because I’m on the road when it happens and it is very intermittent (but still totally unacceptable in a premium car). I’ve days left in my warranty but will get in touch today and see what happens. Really annoying because my F30 was flawless albeit the g20 is superior in every other way.

[RichardM]

It must be more effective to deal with the main dealer directly and then you can be more insistent. Take all the evidence you can of it being a known issue.

[srbs73]

Originally Posted by 330eROI86

This is what I suspect. You would think it’s very common given the amount of complaints online and yet dealers are acting surprised about this issue. I was assuming I’d get a phone call telling me they’d replaced the amp. They were tying to imply it might have been an issue with my phone / CarPlay. I tried using the Spotify app only since but it’s come back and I switched to radio when it happened and still the same issue.

I find it difficult to record it because I’m on the road when it happens and it is very intermittent (but still totally unacceptable in a premium car). I’ve days left in my warranty but will get in touch today and see what happens. Really annoying because my F30 was flawless albeit the g20 is superior in every other way.

The fact you lodged the issue before the warranty expires should cover you. Get them to confirm they can't run down the clock messing you about!

When it happened for me, the bass would go until the car was switched off. Sometimes it needed to be left for 20m or so. It happened when on the way home so was able to record a before and after.

Was your car manufactured within the window where the issue first came up? Mine was built Mar 2020.

[Beemer5to3]

330eROI86 here you go mate - this is from one of the various threads on the issue.

PUMA as of Dec 2020 for the failing H/K system with bass / sound drops. This is translated from German. A Service Bulletin should be making its way soon to the U.S. This affects a lot of models.

####

The PUMA measure for this is: DE 65463809-01 - 17.11.20

Only vehicles with the following special equipment (SA) are affected: ...

F40, F44, F90, G01, G02, G08, G20, G21, G22, G28, G29, G30, G31, G32, G38,

With the two special equipment (optional extra):

SA 6U3 BMW LIVE COCKPIT PROFESSIONAL

AND

S-0688 HARMAN / KARDON SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM

A diagnosis must be carried out in the event of a customer complaint.

If the fault memory entry in control unit RAM01:

B7F480 - Booster no connection

is present and no other cause can be found:

(For example loudspeaker noises or background noises originating from the end device ), the control device is:

Replace amplifier Top-Hifi-System with the following part number:

65 12 5 A38 AB8 amplifier top hi-fi system


!Important:!

The change index must be checked before installing the part number.

The new spare part must have the change index AI-02 or higher.

Only with these can it be excluded that the customer complaint will recur.

!Info:!

The control unit amplifier Top-Hifi-System 65 12 5 A38 AB8 with AI-02 is

expected to be available from December / 2020.


Only applies to vehicles with the production period: from March 1st, 2020 to November 1st, 2020

####


Here is the part, make sure the revision index is AI-02 or higher if your service center is ordering: www.getbmwparts.comhttps://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-top-hifi-system-amplifier-651022-65125a38ab8

[330eROI86]

Many thanks all for the responses. I’ll go at them with that PUMA item. Had assumed it was more of a U.S. centric thing.

[330eROI86]

Originally Posted by Beemer5to3

330eROI86 here you go mate - this is from one of the various threads on the issue.

PUMA as of Dec 2020 for the failing H/K system with bass / sound drops. This is translated from German. A Service Bulletin should be making its way soon to the U.S. This affects a lot of models.

####

The PUMA measure for this is: DE 65463809-01 - 17.11.20

Only vehicles with the following special equipment (SA) are affected: ...

F40, F44, F90, G01, G02, G08, G20, G21, G22, G28, G29, G30, G31, G32, G38,

With the two special equipment (optional extra):

SA 6U3 BMW LIVE COCKPIT PROFESSIONAL

AND

S-0688 HARMAN / KARDON SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM

A diagnosis must be carried out in the event of a customer complaint.

If the fault memory entry in control unit RAM01:

B7F480 - Booster no connection

is present and no other cause can be found:

(For example loudspeaker noises or background noises originating from the end device ), the control device is:

Replace amplifier Top-Hifi-System with the following part number:

65 12 5 A38 AB8 amplifier top hi-fi system


!Important:!

The change index must be checked before installing the part number.

The new spare part must have the change index AI-02 or higher.

Only with these can it be excluded that the customer complaint will recur.

!Info:!

The control unit amplifier Top-Hifi-System 65 12 5 A38 AB8 with AI-02 is

expected to be available from December / 2020.


Only applies to vehicles with the production period: from March 1st, 2020 to November 1st, 2020

####


Here is the part, make sure the revision index is AI-02 or higher if your service center is ordering: www.getbmwparts.comhttps://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-top-hifi-system-amplifier-651022-65125a38ab8

I printed this off and while they didn’t find the error they replaced the amp. Hopefully this resolves the issues. Thanks again

[willougs]

Blimey. That was quick. I have a friend that has just bought a nearly new 4-series. Had it for a week and it had to go back into the workshop with a (totally) failed amp... 6 weeks later its still there waiting for a replacement.

[330eROI86]

Well it’s still in the bmw dealer and I was led to believe I should be picking it up tomorrow. Hopefully that is still the case…

[225]

And balls all the bass dropped yesterday in my 21 plate m340 and is kaput. As if by magic less that a week after the warranty expired, I did the same and extended with 100 excess so will seee if bmw will good will covering it. Sounds really cr8p!

[The_Tok'Ra]

Originally Posted by 225

And balls all the bass dropped yesterday in my 21 plate m340 and is kaput. As if by magic less that a week after the warranty expired, I did the same and extended with 100 excess so will seee if bmw will good will covering it. Sounds really cr8p!

Was your car built before the amp module was swapped out because of this issue in Nov 2023?

[nil98]

Originally Posted by 225

And balls all the bass dropped yesterday in my 21 plate m340 and is kaput. As if by magic less that a week after the warranty expired, I did the same and extended with 100 excess so will seee if bmw will good will covering it. Sounds really cr8p!

And did they? There are a few plug and play upgrade options around.