jochen

Hi, I have a 2003 E39 touring & have fitted a Mk4 nav computer. It's working well except I can't permanently delete the addresses. It let's me delete them from the address book, but when I turn the ignition off & back on the addresses return. Any ideas?

Firstly: ensure you have the latest firmware version loaded.

Check top right of Settings screen: the newest version is 4-1/100, which displays as 4-1/00

If you don't have the newest version, then upgrade with a V32 OS disc.

If you have the latest version, try deleting other items like last destinations and see if that helps.

Hello Again

Forgot to tell you that the BMW 645Ci is a cabrio, so no C pillar available

So the physical location of the tuner module is different.

But everything else is the same.

Look up www.RealOEM.com and locate the tuner on your car.

I own a 2005 BMW 645Ci The car came from Florida and was imported into the Netherlands. I want to change the US freqeuncy 200kc to 100 kc. I have read a lot about this on all forums but got a little confused. How to do this, who can help a desperate Dutch guy?

kind regards

Theo

That car can only be changed through two methods:

1. Quick and dirty: Remove the radio tuner module (in the left-hand C-pillar), fit it to a Euro 645Ci, and program the Euro 645Ci using the BMW diagnostic computer. The tuner will be set to Euro mode. Refit to the USA car. NOTE: tuner will revert back to USA mode if you ever have your car reprogrammed (service, repair etc)

2. Permanent: change the Vehicle Order from USA to Euro, and reprogram the vehicle.

Much harder, not officially supported by BMW.

You MUST have access to the BMW diagnostic computer to do either of these...

does anyone know, if a car has a standard steering wheel, and you fit a wheel with radio controls is the wiring already there or does this need to be wired?

You may or may not need to replace the slipring, depending on the age of the car.

The slipring is the part that carries the wires and can revolve from hard-lock left to hard-lock right.

If the slipring with ibus and power is fitted, then simply replacing the wheel with one with the steering wheel controls - or even just replacing the blanks with with control buttons - is enough to make it work.

No coding required.

Another option is keep your eye on TradeMe.

I picked up an original BMW Trailer Module Control Unit for my E39, complete with wiring loom, for $60

Dirt cheap, and made my car complete :-)

Otherwise, a handful of relays is the way to go... they won't impact on the load as seen by the LCM

Cheers Jochen, I'm just trying to get a good price on a mk4 now.

I did on the weekend install a 16:9 screen in place of my 4:3 - didn't realise there was an plastic pipe in th way but heatgun sorted that It works fine but stays in 4:3 format, although for a moment when I first plugged it in the screen formatted itself for 16:9 but then flicked back to 4:3. Any ideas on this?

Caleb

If the 16:9 screen stays in 4:3 format then the video module fitted does not support 16:9

Video modules with firmware of (I think) v13 and higher have16:9 support, which means around 2001 and later

Solution is two fold:

1. Replace video module with a newer unit, or

2. Unplug video module (you loose TV function) and connect blue plug direct to Mk3 o4 Mk3 navigation unit. (Assuming you have Mk3 or Mk4 navigation fitted).

And the proper solution with the pipe was to fit a new pipe :-)

Hey all.

I know the windscreen mounted aerials aren't flash but the one on the e46 I have is ridiculous. I have better reception in my commodore that I snapped the aerial off and haven't had a change to replace yet.

I understand there is an amplifier on the aerial signal? Is it possible that this is damaged and needs replacement?

Depending on your E46 you will have 1, 2 or 2 FM antennas

If more than 1 FM antenna is fitted, the Antenna Amplifier is also a Diversity Switch

Multiple FM antennas increase the reception performance hugely, BUT the original OEM antenna amplifier can only be controlled by an original BMW OEM radio

Change the radio, and the 3 x antennas default to antenna #1. With no means of activating the diversity function.

The antenna amplifier also needs 12V power, check you have the power supply connected. Especially true when you have changed the radio.

The antenna amp can be powered from ignition power, it does not need to be powered only when radio is on.

And of course:

1. If a band expander is fitted, remove and destroy it

2. Check for cable continuity in the antenna coax cable from radio to antenna amp. Sometimes the center wire breaks off at the DIN plug behind the radio in the dashboard

but that kind of defeats the purpose of fitting LED's.

LEDs have 3 key benefits:

1. Ultra Long Life

2. Super fast on-time

3. Low current draw

Only item #3 is affected by fitting a load resistor.

You cannot change "flasher units" as there are none on a BMW.

The Lamp Control Module monitors the state of all lamps and controls them. When a trailer is connected, the Trailer Control Module checks the trailer lamps in the same way and reports to the Lamp Control Module via a databus if the trailer lamps are OK.

The only way the control units can check if a bulb is OK is to measure the load, and this is where LED lamps fool the system.

Experiment with a resistor wheel to find the highest value resistor (and thus lowest current drain and lowest heat dissipation) that you can use to fool the lamp checker circuitry in the car.

By fitting a resistor to the trailer, you make the trailer compatible with all cars, not just your X5.

Is it possible to change the japanese sat nav to work in NZ? The mini has it fitted and I was wondering if it can be changed to work in the NZ?

Non-iDrive Mini = EASY

iDrive Mini = HARD

Both can be done.

After conversion, you have a standard system identical to a NZ-New mini

NOTE: the Japanese radio in your Japanese Mini can also be reprogrammed to Euro mode, you do NOT need a band expander

Does anybody have the answer to the problems involved with fitting LED lights to a trailer towed by an X5 - ie fast flashing indicators and brake light on when tail light should be on.

Cheers

Shuey

Brake light vs taillight = you got the wiring wrong. Ensure the trailer connected is wired according to the standard.

Fast flashing indicators = this is the car telling you a bulb is blown, due to insufficient load. Fit a load resistor to the trailer to simulate a std light bulb

So I have a ipod video in my glovebox with a DICE unit already working.

If I wanted to play video through to this I can run an AV line from my glovebox back to pin 6 white plug?

Then I would have to get a ipod cable with AV in? and manually switch them when I wanted to watch something? or is there a better way?

You have the right idea, but mixing your ins and outs

You need an iPod cable that has AV-OUT

The TV tuner has an AV-IN connection (which you can choose to extend to your glovebox if you wish)

You connect the AV-OUT cable to the AV-IN connection

to switch to the TV tuner AV-IN, you select "Television" from the main Navigation system menu, and then turn the dial to AV-IN

The channel numbers go ...39, 40, AV-IN, 1, 2... etc

i dont seem to have the blue and white stripe wire, just the solid blue wire

john s, if your around, did your ariel go up even when the stereo was not set to radio?

In European cars, the radio is always active, so that it can receive Traffic Reports via the RDS-TP service

Also, for the nav systems, the radio continuously receives the TMC data so has to stay running

This is why every modern day radio with RDS keeps the radio part running (and the antenna up) even when you are listening to Tape, CD, Minidisc or iPod.

That's what I'm thinking

I have this one ...

You have to sacrifice the CD changer and fit an iPod interface in its place.

Readily available. Google is your friend

Why don't you put the car in your parents name and have it thru your parents insurance mate?...SOOOO much cheaper and they'll insure anything. Just have you as a "listed driver" and your Mum or Dad as a "Main driver"...never understood people who don't do this when they have trouble with insurance, It's all legit and I know plenty of people who are insured this way and have made claims etc...

But if the son is the main driver, then you have committed insurance fraud by deliberately deceiving the insurance company.

Reversing cameras can be fitted to any E46, E38, E39. X3. X5. and Z4

Only prerequisite: the car must have the OEM TV tuner (and of course LCD display) fitted.

Connecting the reverse camera is very simply, a relay connected to the reverse lamps is used to trigger the reverse cam switch on the TV tuner. And the rev cam video connects direct to the TV tuner rev cam input.

Definitely a pussy puller - although looks like only the chubby ones like to get close

what about trip computer, is that in there too?

Where would I find the Instrument Cluster?

It's in the space between the front bumper and the rear bumper.

Thanks so much for the info!

Yes its a US BM53 but was told that you can change the region from the service menu.

Do you have the parts numbers for the conversion cable? That online store 'bimmernav' sells a conversion cable but its really pricey at US$150.

So with the nav, I take it I'll be replacing the connectors on my existing wiring? Are there any more detailed instructions out there detailing this?

Caleb

Old gen to New gen adapter cabling

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=65&fg=07

How to access radio Service Menu and change Area:

http://www.ge39.com/files/ngradios.pdf

Retrofit of the navigation system:

http://www.e38.org/e38_nav_retrofit.pdf

The retrofit shows you the wiring for the Mk4 or Mk3 nav

The wiring colours are the same

If you get stuck anywhere, just ask.

Hi I've got a '99 740i from Japan and wanna get radio/nav working.

Have already bought a '03+ bm53 & was looking for round to flat conversion cable.

Now I'm wondering if I already have that radio module, any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

Also I take it I have to by mk3/4 nav module or does anyone have a list of part needed to upgrade from Japanese setup?

Thanks in advance!

Caleb

The 1999 E38 has an old generation radio, so BM53 will not fit without the adapter.

BMW sell the conversion cable

Note: BM53s are I think only used in the USA, did you get yours from the USA? It may locked to USA-only region. But you'll find out when you switch it on :-)

As for the nav unit, you need the Mk3 or Mk4, and the connectors + pins.

Connectors + pins can be bought from BMW

Item #9 here:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=61&fg=15

You may also need a GPS antenna extension or adapter cable, depending on what type of GPS receiver is in the Japanese car.

I have bmw e90 325i 2006 vin kx66252 ver.USA

radio Professional with cd and dvd Top Hi-Fi system

radio frequencies is USA I want reprogram on europa frequencies

''Terminal 30g ON

Switch off the radio

Switch on the radio again

Within 8s for a duration of 8s, press the button for manual station-search function

The radio switches into the Service mode''

it's doesn't work with my car ,maybe I doing somthing wrong

please help me, my ideas is ended

E90 does not use same procedure to access the Service Menu as the older ibus cars

You can get some service data but it does not help as you cannot change anything

Changes can only be done by dealers with dealer software.

> 2003 525 model jap import

Why is the transmission park light on 24/7 when not going is this alarm related?

This light normally goes out 15min after the car has gone to sleep. Ie: close and lock car, start a stopwatch. At the 15min mark, monitor the LED. If it stays on, the ZKE is staying awake, and you will have increased battery drain.

> why is there a faint fan/electrical noise coming from inside aircon dash controls area when key is off,all buttons are dead but something is going still?

That is the internal ventilation temp sensing fan still running. Could be related to the ZKE still being alive.

> japanese satnav dvd spins/grinds away 24/7 in boot when disk is in,(not thats it useful anyway but why when key is off?)

The nav is still alive, because the databus is still alive.

> do e39s have an alarm,manual describes one,how do you check possible gremlin

90% of the alarm is always fitted. But the rest of the alarm (bonnet switch, siren, tilt switch, and interior motion sensor) will not be fitted to your car, because 99% of jap BMWs have no alarm fitted.

To check gremlins, use software. My NavCoder software shows all the databus activity and helps you quickly see what is staying alive.

> have noticed few random times now that after locking car and returning later interior lights and satscreen are on, (went off when locking as expected)screen is grey and shows clock only,unlocking and relocking with remote fixes lights but screen stays on unless ignition is turned on and off again,

Same databus problem, OR you are not letting the system power down.

Tip: physically unplug the nav drive, lock the car and wait. See what happens after 15min

If the car shuts down, then the nav drive is faulty. You can leave it unplugged, the TV will takeove generating the graphics and the next bootup will be in standard Euro TV mode.

Tip: your radio can be reprogrammed to NZ mode at the touch of a button. No band expander or tools necessary

Tip: your nav system can be changed from Jap nav to NZ nav by changing the nav computer. Quite straight forward, can be a DIY job if you like tinkering.

Tyre pressures can cause the 1 & 2 but the 3rd fault is something quite different. If the tyre pressures are right it may have other problems and it will need to be diagnosed properly.

Hmmm... does the vehicle calculate the rate of turn from the difference in speed of the front wheels, and then cancel the indicator when the turn is complete?

That would indicate one of the front wheel speed sensors is not working, and that would be a commonality for all 3 symptoms

I would place my bets on an intermittent connection on a front wheel sensor, or a bad sensor.

Make sure the wheel sensor plate / disc is clean, and check integrity of the front wheel sensors...

Also, check the security of the battery terminals, that they are clean and tight.

Don't forget the earth strap that connects the battery to the chassis of the car, this came loose on my 540i

hello

i have question

what is this "Terminal 30g ON"

sorry i dont write wery well ang.

30g is ignition power

Turn on 30g means turn the ignition on to Pos1.