Advice on my Jap Spec Sat Nav unit

[neohkw]

It comes with a remote. Something like this: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=10573.

I have similar add-on for my kenwood system on the other car. But they are supposed to be 100% compatible. Not sure for our E39 screens.

 

[525i]

Do you find the conversion worth it? Because in my opinion..the BMW navigation is not that good anyway and not user friendly. I'm looking for the CD purely because I already have it in my car and wished to retain the functionality. Even here in the UK with a detailed map I still use the GPS in my phone when I wanna get somewhere.

If I haven't got it already installed I dont think its worth all the hassle but its only my opinion, but I do understand the frustration associated with having a function in the car but it doesnt work.

Worth it or not is actually very subjective. It does make the interior of the E39 much better but you are right when you say the navigation is hopeless. But do understand that this was around in year 2000 i think and the technology was then just starting. Now any handphone with a garmin chip is miles better than it.

But the GPS is not why I installed it. Having a BMW screen allows 100% compability with the steering controls. It allows (with other 3rd party equipment) mp3s to be played with all the info shown in the screen. It also allows video (again, with 3rd party equipment) to be shown in the screen and you can even hook up a reverse camera.

So worth it or not? For me it was.

 

[haywire]

Worth it or not is actually very subjective. It does make the interior of the E39 much better but you are right when you say the navigation is hopeless. But do understand that this was around in year 2000 i think and the technology was then just starting. Now any handphone with a garmin chip is miles better than it.

But the GPS is not why I installed it. Having a BMW screen allows 100% compability with the steering controls. It allows (with other 3rd party equipment) mp3s to be played with all the info shown in the screen. It also allows video (again, with 3rd party equipment) to be shown in the screen and you can even hook up a reverse camera.

So worth it or not? For me it was.

Yes I do understand what you are saying. And I have installed AV input to my car and waiting to install a reverse camera so I know exactly what you are talking about. Refer to my Showroom post for the DIY job.

btw my previous comment is only referring to the GPS module and not for the whole original BMW widescreen installation (Screen, TV tuner etc)

I'm totally love the BMW widescreen, in fact it is one of my requirements when I bought my car

 

[525i]

In that case, what about getting a Garmin, connect to a multimedia interface like those available for E60s, and have it showing on our factory screens? Do we have anything like that for our E39s?

Yes there is. It's this http://www.tvandnav.com/bmw51.aspx This is what i use to have video and the reverse camera on the screen. It has a RCA plug (yellow) to accept your input so all you need to do is to connect your garmin to this and it will show on the screen. But you will still have to control the garmin from the garmin though. And no audio. The audio is from another source.

 

[bimmerholic]

But the GPS is not why I installed it. Having a BMW screen allows 100% compability with the steering controls. It allows (with other 3rd party equipment) mp3s to be played with all the info shown in the screen. It also allows video (again, with 3rd party equipment) to be shown in the screen and you can even hook up a reverse camera.

So can a 3rd party screen too right bro? Nowdays, these guys have all kinds of connectivity for not losing the steering wheel control so with a 3rd party screen, it could just well do the job couldn't it...

 

[haywire]

Yes there is. It's this http://www.tvandnav.com/bmw51.aspx This is what i use to have video and the reverse camera on the screen. It has a RCA plug (yellow) to accept your input so all you need to do is to connect your garmin to this and it will show on the screen. But you will still have to control the garmin from the garmin though. And no audio. The audio is from another source.

I bought my AV adapter for much cheaper about £35 (GBP). But it is for different use, not for the integration of Nav unit but more for using the AV channel on your TV for any video/audio input (in this case an external GPS module also can be connected - but WITH audio and viewed through the AV channel) and also for the reverse camera. The cable that I bought do not unlock the video-on-the-move but I have unlocked that with a diagnostic tool software/hardware that i bought.

This is my DIY post in my Showroom thread in case anybody hasn't seen it:

This DIY is to enable me to have an AV input in my car, whether video from my iPod or a portable DVD player to play through the car's head unit display and using the car sound system.

Here we go again:

This is all the modules in the boot of my car - from bottom: CD changer, TV tuner, GPS module, something Bluetooth on the top (I think for the phone, but I'm not sure because havent explored that yet) and radio tuner on the side towards the rear light.

Install the AV adapter bought from eBay (£35). Plug and play.

This adapter allows AV input to the head unit display, another bonus is that you can also install a reverse camera using the same adapter (Read: Probably my next project, reverse camera is quite cheap on eBay just about £24, might as well do it)

Test the head unit - new AV channel appears (not available before installation of AV adapter):

Test playing a movie through my iPod - everything works fine:

Next: Wiring from the boot to the front of the car - take out the back seat to reveal the wiring hole:

Run extension AV cable from boot through the back seat wiring hole:

Take out door sill trim and run wire under the carpet:

Extension cable ends at the front passenger seat (3m cable):

Take glovebox out:

Drill hole in the glovebox compartment and install the AV socket (I'm finding a lot of use of my Makita drill recently..he he he he):

Connect all the wiring together:

Install glovebox back and test - everything ok:

Tidy up the wires with cable ties and put everything back together:

This is how it works inside the glovebox compartment:

Basically how I will use it in the car to play movies/TV series/video clips from my iPod or portable DVD player :top::

As the AV adapter includes the functionality of a reverse camera, I am seriously considering installing a reverse camera to my car :rock: It is just a matter of replacing one of the number plate light with the reverse camera module and connecting it back to the AV adapter, and some minor wiring work and the rear view will appear automatically on the screen whenever the reverse gear is engaged. But this will have to wait as funds is running low, remember I'm a poor student in a foreign land hehehehe...summore going to Amsterdam in two weeks time so need the money.

Enjoy the photos guys, let me know what u think.

 

[525i]

So can a 3rd party screen too right bro? Nowdays, these guys have all kinds of connectivity for not losing the steering wheel control so with a 3rd party screen, it could just well do the job couldn't it...

Unfortunately no. the BMW I-BUS (where all the electrical stuff of the BMW is connected to and allows everything to "talk" to each other) is rather complicated and unless the 3rd party screen or player has this I-BUS compatibility it will not work with each other. Yes, you can have a individual player for example but it won't be able to be controlled by the steering wheel. It won't be able to dim when you on the lights. it won't be able to automatically adjust the volume when you speed up. It won't show you the OBC info etc... All these are controlled by the I-BUS.

There are a few companies making stuff to connect to the BMW I-BUS and if you stick to these then all is well. The Clarion CD changers for example, Dice/Intravee units to support Ipods. But I have never come across a I-BUS compatible screen for the E39. Nearest was when one of our forumers Yoke found such a unit but it turned out to be still in testing stage so no one knows if it will work yet.

And if you go and purchase one of those retrofitted steering wheel controllers that uses the player's remote control function, it specifically says it won't work for BMW's because it is not wired like normal cars.

Phew. That was long winded.

 

[neohkw]

Long, but good info!

Unfortunately no. the BMW I-BUS (where all the electrical stuff of the BMW is connected to and allows everything to "talk" to each other) is rather complicated and unless the 3rd party screen or player has this I-BUS compatibility it will not work with each other. Yes, you can have a individual player for example but it won't be able to be controlled by the steering wheel. It won't be able to dim when you on the lights. it won't be able to automatically adjust the volume when you speed up. It won't show you the OBC info etc... All these are controlled by the I-BUS.

There are a few companies making stuff to connect to the BMW I-BUS and if you stick to these then all is well. The Clarion CD changers for example, Dice/Intravee units to support Ipods. But I have never come across a I-BUS compatible screen for the E39. Nearest was when one of our forumers Yoke found such a unit but it turned out to be still in testing stage so no one knows if it will work yet.

And if you go and purchase one of those retrofitted steering wheel controllers that uses the player's remote control function, it specifically says it won't work for BMW's because it is not wired like normal cars.

Phew. That was long winded.

 

[neohkw]

So I guess wanting an integrated system to support bluetooth, GPS, TV/DVD/CD/MP3 plackback with OBD Display and superior sound quality is wishing thinking in Malaysia? Or rather an expensive affair I think...

Regards,
Neoh

 

[neohkw]

Hi 525i,

From your explanation, can we manipulate this BMW I-BUS then? After reading your comments, I am thinking that this is the culprit behind the failure of my attempt to install a Viper alarm system to match our factory remote.

I have since installed a 2 way alarm system from Viper as well, but I am really interested inchanging to use the other viper system which uses only our factory remotes.

Any advice here?

Cheers!
Neoh

Unfortunately no. the BMW I-BUS (where all the electrical stuff of the BMW is connected to and allows everything to "talk" to each other) is rather complicated and unless the 3rd party screen or player has this I-BUS compatibility it will not work with each other. Yes, you can have a individual player for example but it won't be able to be controlled by the steering wheel. It won't be able to dim when you on the lights. it won't be able to automatically adjust the volume when you speed up. It won't show you the OBC info etc... All these are controlled by the I-BUS.

There are a few companies making stuff to connect to the BMW I-BUS and if you stick to these then all is well. The Clarion CD changers for example, Dice/Intravee units to support Ipods. But I have never come across a I-BUS compatible screen for the E39. Nearest was when one of our forumers Yoke found such a unit but it turned out to be still in testing stage so no one knows if it will work yet.

And if you go and purchase one of those retrofitted steering wheel controllers that uses the player's remote control function, it specifically says it won't work for BMW's because it is not wired like normal cars.

Phew. That was long winded.

 

[haywire]

So I guess wanting an integrated system to support bluetooth, GPS, TV/DVD/CD/MP3 plackback with OBD Display and superior sound quality is wishing thinking in Malaysia? Or rather an expensive affair I think...

Regards,
Neoh

I currently have all of the above in my car..he he he he :love:

1. Bluetooth telephone Check
2. GPS Check
3. TV Check
4. DVD (Can be used with a portable DVD player with AV input) Check
5. 6 CD Changer Check
6. MP3 (Aux In) Check

 

[neohkw]

Hahaha! That is why I am so drooling over your UDM!!!

I currently have all of the above in my car..he he he he :love:

1. Bluetooth telephone Check
2. GPS Check
3. TV Check
4. DVD (Can be used with a portable DVD player with AV input) Check
5. 6 CD Changer Check
6. MP3 (Aux In) Check

 

[haywire]

Japan Specs Radio Frequency Fix

Bro neohkw,

I have done a bit of digging around ans have possibly found the solution for your Jap specs radio.

Refer to this:

Long but it will help
Sound System, Cruise, Alarms, Monitors

November 2004
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Procedures to Enter the Radio Service Mode

MODEL
All vehicles produced afier 09/2001

Refer to SI B65 05 99 for information on how to enter the Service Mode on vehicles built prior to 09/2001.

PROCEDURES

E39 (5 Series) without Navigation system
E46 (3 Series) without Navigation system
E53 (X5) without Navigation system
E83 (X3) without Navigation system
E85 (Z4) without Navigation system
C53/CD53 (with or without MID)

1. Turn the radio on.

2. Within 8 seconds, press and hold the "M" button for 8 seconds.

3. Scroll through functions using the + and "-" keys or the "< >" buttons.

4. Turn the radio off to leave the service mode.

E39 (5 Series) with Navigation system
E46 (3 Series) with Navigation system
E53 (X5) with Navigation system
E38 (7 series) with Navigation system
BM53 with small screen Board Monitor

1. Turn the radio on.

2. Press and hold the "RDS" button for at least 8 seconds.

3. Scroll through the functions using the "< >" buttons.

4. Turn the radio off to leave the service mode.

E39 (5 Series) with Navigation system
E46 (3 Series) with Navigation system
E53 (X5) with Navigation system
E38 (7 series) with Navigation system
BM53 with Widescreen Monitor PRIOR to 9/01

1. Turn the radio on.

2. Within 8 seconds, press the "INFO" button.

3. From the Info screen, select RDS (choose PTY on E38).

4. Press and hold the BM control knob (right side knob) for at least 8 seconds.

5. Scroll through functions using the station search buttons "< >".

6. Turn the radio off to leave the service mode.

E39 (5 Series) with Navigation system
E46 (3 Series) with Navigation system
E53 (X5) with Navigation system
BM53 with Widescreen Monitor AFTER 9/01

1. Turn the radio on.

2. Immediately press and hold the "Select" button for at least 8 seconds. The screen will switch to Service Mode.

3. The screen will now show the serial number of the radio.

4. Use the "< >" buttons to select the desired service function.

5. Selections for the desired service function can be made by using the radio station preset buttons # 1-6.

6. Turn the radio off to leave the service mode.

NOTE :When selecting the country AREA, push the station preset # 1 repeatedly until AREA USA is shown on the screen.

When selecting the GAL level, use station presets # 1-6 to select level.

To turn off/on the RDS function on this radio, push the "INFO" button and select RDS off/on.

E52 (Z8) with Navigation system
C53 MIR radio

NOTE : After replacing the MIR on an E52, the replacement radio does not require coding. When the radio is first switched on, it automatically enters an initial Service Mode ("No Area" is displayed). Repeatedly press the "1" button until US Area is reached and turn the radio off. The normal Service mode can't be entered until this is performed.

1. To access service mode normally first turn the radio on.

2. Turn the radio off.

3. Turn the radio on.

4. Press and hold the "SEL" key for 8 seconds until the service mode is entered.

5. Use the "< >" buttons to scroll until you see area.

6. Use the preset buttons # 1-6 to change the area.

7. Turn off the radio to end the service mode.

E83 (X3) with Navigation system
E85 (Z4) with Navigation system
CID radio

1. Turn the radio on.

2. Press the "SEL" button immediately and hold for at least 8 seconds.

3. Scroll through functions using the "+" and "-" keys or the station search buttons "< >".

4. Switch off the radio to exit the service mode. E65 (7 series) with Navigation system


MOST bus radio

1. The iDrive controller is used to access the service mode.

2. RDS on/off is accessed via this menu.

3. From the main menu display, press the controller down for minimum 6 seconds.

4. Turn the controller 3 increments clockwise (to the right).

5. Turn the controller 3 increments counter-clockwise (to the left).

6. Turn controller 1 increment clockwise (right).

7. Turn controller 1 increment counter-clockwise (left).

8. Turn controller 1 increment clockwise (right).

9. Push down on the controller.

10. To exit the service mode, select the return arrow at the bottom on the left of the screen.


SERVICE MODE FUNCTIONS

NOTE :Functions vary between models.

Serial Number: Displays the radio serial number.

Software Version: Displays the radio software version (Calendar week/Year/Version). GAL: Speed sensitive volume control.

The speed sensitive volume control can be adjusted from level 1-6 using the 6 preset audio buttons. Radio volume increases more at level 6 and less at level 1 (road speed dependent).

Vehicles equipped with DSP do not use this feature.

Field Strength & Quality (F/Q): The station currently displayed can be assessed for field strength and quality.

An "F" number (i.e. 1-15) is used to indicate the strength of the signal being received by the radio. A high "F" number indicates a strong signal.

A "Q" number (i.e. 1-15) is used to determine the quality of the radio station broadcast including both the audio and RDS signal if applicable.

DSP: Digital Sound Processor

This function provides information about whether or not the vehicle is fitted with DSP. (1=Yes, 0=NO)

TP Volume: Traffic Patrol

Provides adjustment for traffic report minimum value. On some vehicles this setting can affect the NAV volume.

Refer to Service Bulletin B84 02 03.

AF: Alternative frequency tracking setting. Not used in US.

Area: Used to select the appropriate market setting (USA, Canada, Europe, Japan or Oceania).

Index: Displays the revision index.

I got into the service mode for the radio in my car by turning it on and immediately pressing the 'Select' button for 8 seconds. The area is showing 'Europe'. But i couldnt change it to anything else though.

If you're able to get into the service mode, scroll to 'AREA' and change to either 'EUROPE' or 'OCEANIA' by using the radio preset number and your radio should work perfectly.

Try this out and let me know if it'll work for you.

 

[525i]

Hi 525i,

From your explanation, can we manipulate this BMW I-BUS then? After reading your comments, I am thinking that this is the culprit behind the failure of my attempt to install a Viper alarm system to match our factory remote.

I have since installed a 2 way alarm system from Viper as well, but I am really interested inchanging to use the other viper system which uses only our factory remotes.

Any advice here?

Cheers!
Neoh

There are plenty of information on the Internet regarding the I-BUS but it is way beyond me. So I can't comment on your alarm problems. Sorry.

 

[neohkw]

No Prob at all 525i!

Thanks anyway.

Cheers,
Neoh

There are plenty of information on the Internet regarding the I-BUS but it is way beyond me. So I can't comment on your alarm problems. Sorry.

 

[neohkw]

Hi Haywire,

Tried but unsuccessful. Just saw another method which I will try again tomorrow morning...
Will post the results again.

Thanks and night everyone!
Neoh

 

[haywire]

Hi Haywire,

Tried but unsuccessful. Just saw another method which I will try again tomorrow morning...
Will post the results again.

Thanks and night everyone!
Neoh

Did you get into the radio service mode? There's 3 method for your nav screen, did you try it all?

 

[neohkw]

Tried all methods! But doesn't show anything... The instructions seems simple enough... but to no avail...
Thanks anyway, Haywire!

Cheers,
Neoh

 

[muss]

Hi Bimmer-ians, new in this forum...got my car for two yrs oredi...own 525i jap spec...looking at upgrading to UK/M'sia Sat Nav software soon...they were talking about changin CCC and interface behind the screen....too technical for me...i thot changing the DVD will work just fine...where can i buy m'sia/Spore version...can i just simply replace current japan DVD from the trunk?

 

[haywire]

Hi Bimmer-ians, new in this forum...got my car for two yrs oredi...own 525i jap spec...looking at upgrading to UK/M'sia Sat Nav software soon...they were talking about changin CCC and interface behind the screen....too technical for me...i thot changing the DVD will work just fine...where can i buy m'sia/Spore version...can i just simply replace current japan DVD from the trunk?

Hi man..as has been discussed in this thread, Japan Nav system simply doesnt work in Malaysia. even if you change the dvd/cd it still wont work.

Basically its a different system. You need to change the Sat Nav computer in the boot.