575 hifi amplifier problem

I have been getting a real education reading everyone’s posts and finally need to ask a few questions. My ‘03 575M is equipped with the optional HiFi stereo and has developed a strange problem. The head unit plays well in all modes for 5 – 10 minutes, then
1. Front speakers go silent;
2. Sound becomes muffled in rear speakers; then
3. Rear speakers go silent.

The display works but there is no sound for at least 5-10 minutes. Sound will then return on its own or after I turn the unit off/on. Disconnecting the CD player has no effect. Amplifier becomes warm to very warm. I sent the radio to Becker but they report that it is functioning perfectly and believe that the amplifier is faulty. Their techs claim that they have never encountered this problem before. They were unable to offer a solution aside from buying an OEM amp ($1,800!) or having a stereo shop rewire the system for an aftermarket amp. I plan to maintain the car’s originality, but wanted to get some advice before taking the plunge on a new F-car amp (part#184680 by ASK).

Has anyone encountered this problem?
Is it possible that the amp is not the issue?
Do any of you have an OEM amp for sale?

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the quick response, but as I stated Becker cannot help with this amp problem.

 

Thanks everyone for your advice and experience! It's great to know that I'm not the only one with this problem. I drove the car today and the stereo worked fine for the first time in a month (crazy isn't it?). I am still going take your suggestions and check/clean the electrical connections and find a shop that can repair the amp if needed. Becker has done a great job repairing several Mercedes radios for me in the past and I was hoping that they could help. However, they seemed a bit confused by this malfunction and didn't really want to get involved with the amp. Hopefully a new one won't be necessary. I am really enjoying my 575 (awesome machine) and being a member of the FChat family!

 

Oops...I knew something was missing from my post. My car is:
2003 57M F1 #ZFFBV55A830131532;
Assy# 48577 / Engine# F133E 73514;
Grigio Titanio with Nero Daytona seats, carbon fiber pkg, leather shelf, hifi stereo and shields.

My stereo problem returned today so I'll be breaking out the tools ASAP. Does the amp connector slide off, pull off or have a latch or screw that holds it on?
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Thanks Taz -- fortunately everything else about the car is perfect.

Scott: Thanks for your offer of assistance. If my repair attempts are unsuccessful I'll need to take you up on that.

Markus: Thanks for the suggestion. It doen't sound like you are describing the amplifier. Is the front cover you mentioned on the radio or the CD changer?

I was able to unplug and remove the amp to clean the contacts. Now the fun begins.....

 

Hi Markus

Thanks for the detailed illlustration! I have cleaned the contacts and will check for loose connections before giving her a test drive.