bmw (1998 323is) l then proceed to smack it a lot and move around some cables behind the knob and then it works SOMETIMES.... im thinking about just getting a new cd player but im still trying to mess with the stock radio until it stops working completely.... this is one exactly like mine http://bmwradiorepair.com/Catalog_C3...
any advice?

l know if you do not have your key in you can turn on your radio and the radio/cd player will pay for 20 minutes before shutting off. Maybe it needs to be reprogrammed. Hope this helps a bit

l am afraid that your radio module is almost dead. l had the same problem and l changed it - everything became OK.

OR you can try to open it and look for micro cracks on the plate. if you will find it try to repair (VERY accurate)... Hopefully you will succeed..Good luck

Remove and check for loose or cracked wires sounds like its shorting out after car gets warmed up!!!(Try this first its cheaper than getting a replacement)..LOL..GOOD LUCK!

ANother prime example of the crap BMW builds today.