Cassette Player - Howling, Dull Bass/Reduced Treble

Group 65
Radio and Accessories

Bulletin Number
65 10 91 (3345)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
September 1991
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Care of Cassettes and BMW Radio/Cassette Players

MODELS:
All

Complaint:
Howling, dull bass and reduced treble response during cassette playback.

Situation:
Dirt and paper remnants were found on the playback head, capstan and pinch roller on a large number of radio/cassette players which had been returned following complaints. This soiling results from the use of low quality or carelessly treated cassettes.

Remedy:
BMW radio/cassette players are fitted with a high quality long-lasting playback head which ensures optimum performance. In order to guarantee trouble-free operation, we suggest observing the following recommendations regarding the care of cassettes and car radio/cassette players:

- Only C60 cassettes should be used. If only cassette tapes made by reputable manufacturers are played, the tape drive stays cleaner longer and optimum sound reproduction is maintained.

- Metal, ferric oxide, chrome dioxide and ferrochrome cassette tapes are all suitable.

- Cassettes should always be stored in their original cases or other protective cases to protect them against dust, dirt and direct sunlight.

- Temperatures exceeding 50°C (125°F) or below freezing may affect the running of the tape so that the playback may be uneven or there may be skipping. Consequently, ft is advisable to ensure that cassettes are at room temperature before being used. Should cassettes be exposed to excessive heat, the case can become warped or the paper label can come loose and affect the function of the cassette player.

It is normally possible to clean the drive components if they are only affected by everyday dirt with the regular use of a wet/dry cleaning cassette. Please consult your local cassette outlet for further information.

Running problems and sound distortion may arise after approximately 100 playing hours, depending upon the quality of the cassette. This is caused the coating of the tape rubbing off onto the playback head and the pinch roller. Should these parts be very dirty, they should be cleaned with a cotton swab which has been dipped in alcohol. Never ever use hard objects to remove dirt or paper remnants from the cassette drive.

Warranty Status: Information only