E39 Sat Nav problem

E39 Sat Nav problem

Author
Discussion

trimbo

Original Poster:

1,079 posts

224 months

Monday 3rd September 2007
quotequote all
Hello, I've got a year 2000 X Reg E39 535i with the full comms pack. I've had it for 4 years and it's been a great car.

The 'Sat Nav' option has disappeared from the menu list and there is no power light on the Navigation CD unit in the boot, although I can still feed and eject the navigation disc. The unit takes the disc (even though power light is unlit) then I can hear some whirring for about 10 secs before it spits the disc out.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Or has the unit just had it, and should I be looking on ebay for a replacement?

Very grateful for any help



[TW]Fox

13,241 posts

247 months

Monday 3rd September 2007
quotequote all
If you replace it, go for a MkIV navigation computer over the MkIII you currently have. It'll be faster, better, nicer, take the DVD discs, and feel like you've got an upgrade for your money.

Dunk76

4,350 posts

215 months

Wednesday 5th September 2007
quotequote all
Check the fuses - there'll be a 5amp and a 15amp which run both the stereo and the Nav module in the boot.

Some of the Nav modules are also fused on the unit in the boot.

Additionally, the ignition module plays havoc with them (so I'm told) - it's a high resistance piece, and prone to failure. When it fails it plays havoc with the MF steering wheel and causes the whole sat-nav system to play silly buggers. Think it costs £26 or so from the dealers.

Alternatively, the Nav module may have failed completely?

ccfj1

88 posts

218 months

Thursday 6th September 2007
quotequote all
The MK3 is very sensitive and requires a constant clean power supply, did you have all the doors open before the nav unit died? (like you were washing/polishing the car with the radio on?).

Most likely, you've ran down the battery (just enough to force the nav unit to shutdown) which in turn killed your Nav Drive.

Ejecting the disc is a classic sign of a damaged MK3.

Also, your stereo may cut out after 2-3 mins, after you turn is back on, it will do the same thing again.

If both of the above are happening to you, then you likely would need a new Nav drive, upgrade
to the MK4 if you can (approx £300 of ebay).

hope this helps.

trimbo

Original Poster:

1,079 posts

224 months

Thursday 6th September 2007
quotequote all
thanks for the very helpful replies, have bought a replacement MK4 from eBay, will be fitting it over the weekend, fingers crossed.