Static/popping diagnostic help?

[askme]

I have what’s others on here call static or popping when the cars systems are powered up. I have seen numerous threads and hoping to get suggestions on next steps:

2008 e93 M3
Non idrive/CIC
Professional Radio
No Sat.
Got SOS error (but long since out of service)

Static and popping are constant and not effected by volume or even car started. Every few days, the whole system with issue a load buzzing and restart/reboot losing time and date.

I have tried new telemetry box and new amp (seemed easiest) and verified the CAN bus loop is complete. Didn’t see any evidence of water in the Amp, despite obvious vert issues.

Short of replacing the head unit or wire tracing for shorts I am stumped. Any ideas on ways to diagnose this further/process of elimination?

[Scrippy]

In my case this was a water damaged amp. Doesn't have to be water damage though, could just be a dead amp. Do you have static even with the radio OFF? I mean you can make sure all MOST connections are good before assuming this but prolly the amp.

[Redd]

Almost certainly the amp. It's a very common issue, apparently caused by heat degrading the circuitry. More so in early models. I hear the later model maps get a fan, but can also fail in a similar fashion. My 2010 with EPS had the same issue.

[powerbait]

My 2010 non-nav did this, at the time I had an extended warranty and let the dealer fix it, they tried reloading software and the such, ended replacing the head unit to resolve.