E46 Satnav

[paoloh]

Is the newer wide screen just plug and play in place of older smaller screen?

[Fox-]

Sort of - yes it is but you'll also need to plug and play a newer Navigation Computer, either a Mk3 or a Mk4 if you dont already have one. I dont think the Mk2 will run the 16:9 screen.

[paoloh]

I thought the early wide screen also worked off CD drive Nav?

Are you definitely sure that I would need to replace drive also?

[Fox-]

It does but there is an earlier version of the CD based nav, the Mk2. I'm not 100% sure but certainly if you've got an E39 with a 4:3 screen it'll have the older Mk2 Navigation Computer. I assume it's the same with the E46.

Check the Nav computer. If it's a Mk3, just swap the screen IIRC

[paoloh]

OK.

I am planning to change the whole unit and not just the screen, can you just change the screen and leave unit behind?

[Fox-]

I don't really understand your question so I'll explain a bit about how it works and hopefully that'll answer it!

The screen in the dash with the controls, tape slot on it etc etc is one unit - you can remove it and it comes out as one unit. Then you can simply replace it with the 16:9. Physically speaking, it is a straight swap and will go back in nicely and look like its always been there.

BUT..

Unless you have a Mk3 or newer Navigation Computer in the boot of the car, the new screen won't work. The screens themselves are dumb - just screens. They are run by the navigation computer which provides the interface etc. So you need the right Nav Computer for it to work.

If you get a Mk3 Nav Computer and a 16:9 screen and swap both out it'll work fine and it's a simple plug and play job.

This, for example, will allow you to do the job:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-3er-E46-16-9-CD-MK4-navi...

Edited by Fox- on Friday 16th January 11:44

[paoloh]

That's better my soaping dodging friend

How do I know if I have the MK3?

[Fox-]

If the user interface looks so dated its like using teletext, you've got a Mk2! Mk3 looks a 'bit' more modern.

Mk3:



Mk2:



I'm reasonably certain that all E46's and E39's with 4:3 navigation have a Mk2 computer.