This message is marked as Important.

Subject: 1st Draft of some text. Please give me all your feedback... Author: Brian (moderator) : member since January, 2005 : 8547 posts Posted on: 2006-03-06 14:00:20

This still needs to insert some of the picture and part number details, but we can cover that with the final version. Let me know how you think this reads and if we have covered enough of the key information...

_________________________________________________

I. Buy Smart—It is easy to make mistakes

Two common threads on this bulletin board are either someone asking if a navigation computer is right for their upgrade or someone who is looking for validation of a nav computer they already purchased. Many people have done navigation upgrades and retrofits, so it is well understood and easy to buy the right stuff. But there are also a lot of misidentified or misunderstood navigation computers out there that can leave buyers stranded. This post is an attempt to clarify and identify the different BMW navigation computer available and the ones that are right for your project.

II. Four types of BMW navigation systems

There are four major types of navigation systems that BMW uses:

* Original (Color or Professional) MKI, MKII, MKIII, and MKIV systems
* Monochrome (“Radio” or Business) MKIII and MKIV systems
* “Optional Accessory” (SZ) MKII and MKIII systems
* NAVI01, NAVI02, and NAVI03 systems.

The original MKxx system is the one installed in all US-Specification and some Europe-specification E38, E39, E46, X3, and X5 cars. The defining characteristic of this system is the 4:3 or 16:9 LDC screen in the car dash. The Monochrome navigation systems were installed in some E38, E39, E46, Z4, Z8, and possibly others—the least is known about these systems. The defining characteristic of the Monochrome navigation system is the simple The SZ MKxx system is an add-on that can be fitted into many models. The defining characteristic of this system is the screen mounted on a stalk up front. amber, 4 or 5-line display on the radio or separate panel on the dash. Last, the NAVIxx systems are installed in the newest generation 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series. The defining characteristic of NAVIxx: iDrive!

In general, the components from these systems are not interchangeable. However, it is very common to see someone selling a Monochrome or SZ computer as if it could work with the color 4:3 or 16:9 system (sometimes the seller knows, sometimes they do not). It is also common to see someone selling a NAVIxx computer but calling it a MKIII or MKIV. If you buy one of these computers by mistake, you pretty much got yourself a paper weight. It may be valuable to someone else, but it will be worthless to you. All of BMW’s navigation systems are upgradeable, but the key is knowing which parts go with your environment.

III. BMW Navigation System Upgrade Paths

The following diagram shows you your possible upgrade options, based on the computer you currently have installed in your car. For example, look up your current computer in the purple column, and the green cells to the right will tell you which computers you may upgrade to.

{Insert jcarey’s compatibility table here}

IV. Color/Professional MKxx Navigation Computers
Buying a Color/Professional MKxx requires the greatest care. The vast majority of people who buy one of these is fine, however this is also where people tend to make the most mistakes. The problem is that the Color/Professional MKxx nav computers look physically identical to the Monochrome computers, and the faces look very similar to the SZ computers. Fortunately, there are plenty of good part number lists for these, and people on this bulletin board will usually be able to help if you are wondering about one.

Key physical differentiators of the Color/Professional MKxx navigation computers:

* True DIN form factor. (The NAVIxx computers are actually a little taller than a DIN form factor and the housing extends about 3/8” below the face.)
* Disk eject button on the left side of the face. (The NAVIxx computer have the eject button on the right.)
* If MKI, four flat pin plugs with a 3A fuse arranged in a square configuration.
* If MKII or higher, two plugs (one blue and the other either burgundy or yellow).

The MKI and MKII navigation computers requires a separate component called the Trimble module that handles the GPS satellite reception and translation. With the MKIII and newer units, the Trimble module is internal to the nav computer. There is a MKI version of the Trimble module and a different MKII version, and the two types of Trimble modules are not interchangeable. So, if you are replacing or upgrading a MKI or MKII navigation computer, be sure to get the correct Trimble module with it.

From the front, the MKI and MKII navigation compuers look identical. They are chararized by a square disk eject button. The MKIII and MKIV navigation computers also look very similar from the front. These have a ¼-circle disk eject button, but the key difference between the two is that the MKIV has “DVD” printed on the center below the disk slot.

Example pictures and part numbers of MKI computers and Trimble modules.

{insert MKI and Trimble part numbers here}
{insert MKI and Trimble pictures here}

Example pictures and part numbers of MKII computers and Trimble modules.

{insert MKII and Trimble part numbers here}
{insert MKII and Trimble pictures here}

Example pictures and part numbers of MKIII computers.

{insert MKIII part numbers here}
{insert MKIII pictures here}

Example pictures and part numbers of MKIV computers.

{insert MKIV part numbers here}
{insert MKIV pictures here}

V. Monochrome/Business MKxx Navigation Computers

The Monochrome/Business navigation systems present the greatest challenge, because the look physically identical to the Color/Professional units, and there is no exhaustive parts list to help identify these. Further complicating the purchase is that some sellers believe that a navigation computer can be recoded by the dealer to switch between Monochrome/Business and Color/Professional modes of operation. There is a great deal of debate on this subject, to tread with caution. The general consensus is that a MKIII unit may not be able to be recoded, but maybe a MKIV can be recoded.

Key physical differentiators of the Monochrome/Business MKxx navigation computers:

* No discernable physical difference from a Color/Professional computer
* True DIN form factor.
* Disk eject button on the left side of the face.
* Two plugs (one blue and the other either burgundy or yellow).

The Monochrome/Business navigation computer displays its routing information on a simple, 4 or 5 line amber monochrome display that is either part of the radio or a separate component on the dash. The pictures below show example computers and what the display looks like.

{insert Monochrome/Business part numbers here}
{insert Monochrome/Business pictures here}

VI. “Optional Accessory/SZ MKxx Navigation Computers

The SZ navigation computers are a little bit easier to identify from the Color/Professional computers. If it is a MKII, the face looks silver-ish instead of the matte black color of all the other BMW navigation computers. The MKIII looks the very same. Second, the connections on the back are totally different from any of the other navigationcomputers.

{insert better descriptions of the physical appearance and plugs on the SZ nav computers}

Key physical differentiators of the SZ MKxx navigation computers:

* True DIN form factor.
* Disk eject button on the left side of the face.
* xxx plugs (describe size and color).
* MKII unit has a silver-gray face
* MKIII unit has a black face, like other BMW nav computers

VII. NAVIxx Navigation Computers

The NAVIxx computes are the easiest to differentiate from the others, yet the are often misidentified in sales. There are two styles (the in-dash version and the trunk mounted version), but the in-dash version is very different looking from everything else and rarely mistaken. The trunk unit looks similar to the others, but it is bigger than a true DIN, it has the disk eject button on the right side, and the plugs are different.

The in-dash version is used in the new 5 Series and new 6 Series. The trunk version is used in the new 7 Series.

Key physical differentiators of the NAVIxx navigation computers:

* Taller than a standard DIN (7 Series version)
* Small unit with just an exposed CD or DVD slot (5 Series and 6 Series version)
* Disk eject button on the right side of the face.
* 2 plugs (one smaller green plug and a slightly larger black plug).

VIII. Key questions to ask about the unit before you buy

These are just a few key questions to ask prior to buying a navigation computer to help identify what it is.

* From what kind of car was this removed?
* Was this unit used with the in-dash color, LDC screen or with the monochrome screen on the radio?
* Was this navigation computer used with an add-on display mounted to a stalk?
* What are the BMW part number, HW version number, and SW version number printed on the part label?
* Was this navigation computer used with a 4:3 display or a 16:9 display?

IX. Credits and Acknowledgements

This represents a collective effort from a number of folks. Jcarey initiated the idea, and silber98, joel, Roy in GA, tdaniely, dragnet, brian, and others all contributed significant content. If I left anyone out, please forgive me.

• Roy, Brian, Silber98, Martin, David and other Nav gurus - jcarey 2006-03-02 11:20:56 (400 views)
  • 1st Draft of some text. Please give me all your feedback... - Brian 2006-03-06 14:00:20 (782 views)
    • Brian, good stuff, I'll copy and paste this into a draft post for further review - jcarey 2006-03-07 01:21:23 (176 views)
      • Your original PN & Picture post was pretty excellent. - Brian 2006-03-07 10:36:41 (171 views)
    • I'll try to get some pics for the MKII (SZ) computer. My digital is barely work - Dragnet 2006-03-06 14:16:37 (151 views)
      • Thanks a ton. Any pictures you can provide would be very helpful. - Brian 2006-03-06 14:53:05 (141 views)
        • Here you go Brian, thanks for the work guys. Pictures of MKII SZ computer... (pic) - Dragnet 2006-03-06 15:16:15 (339 views)
  • Do you think that it would be possible or legal to post those that are ripping - kepdan 2006-03-06 12:31:50 (201 views)
  • Navigation Upgrade compatibility Chart - comments? (pic) - jcarey 2006-03-04 20:15:17 (608 views)
    • Oh yeah, and also include the ''Monochrome'' MKIII and MKIV computers (nt) - Brian 2006-03-06 09:02:07 (211 views)
    • There is also a MKII-SZ, and MKI to MKII need cable 61.12-8 377 432 (nt) - Brian 2006-03-06 09:00:45 (235 views)
    • E39 Sedan - MKI to MKIII/IV - 61 12 6 915 132 (pic) - joel 2006-03-05 17:23:57 (404 views)
      • Got it, thanks (nt) - jcarey 2006-03-05 18:44:19 (151 views)
    • MKI to MKII needs a different adapter cable to get to the GPS - Roy In GA 2006-03-05 00:43:37 (190 views)
  • Nav computer Part numbers and photos by generation listing (pic) - jcarey 2006-03-04 14:38:05 (1541 views)
    • Re: Nav computer Part numbers and photos by generation listing - kgtg 2006-03-06 18:16:20 (224 views)
    • Let me know when this is finalized and I'll add it to e38.org (nt) - DavidC 2006-03-06 04:58:21 (133 views)
    • John I am working on the corrections to these numbers. Several of them! (nt) - Roy In GA 2006-03-05 22:22:11 (152 views)
    • Good job on the pictures, I'll compare my number list to yours tomorrow. (nt) - Roy In GA 2006-03-05 00:39:41 (139 views)
    • I forgot to include the part no for the MKIII-SZ computer - jcarey 2006-03-04 19:29:10 (177 views)
      • Re: MKlll-SZ pics as requested. (pic) - maximundo 2006-03-07 02:47:53 (287 views)
        • Thank you. And this is not what I expected at all. - Brian 2006-03-07 06:35:13 (140 views)
          • Is there a cable that I can use???!!! - maximundo 2006-03-07 08:08:30 (143 views)
            • I don't think so. - Brian 2006-03-07 08:49:44 (112 views)
      • By the way SZ translates to Optional Accessory (nt) - jcarey 2006-03-05 15:32:56 (140 views)
  • Can someone post pics of the ACCESSORY nav computers ? - tdaniely 2006-03-03 10:39:22 (180 views)
    • Now you tell me what not to buy! Your about 5 years too late... - Dragnet 2006-03-04 03:12:06 (199 views)
    • Dragnet has one and posted some pics earlier. We can hit him up for more. (nt) - Brian 2006-03-03 12:37:14 (121 views)
      • There ae 2 types I think. The SZ and the one for 602 system. (nt) - Roy In GA 2006-03-04 00:32:47 (173 views)
  • I do not mind trying to organize and write it, but others have most of the data - Brian 2006-03-03 06:24:10 (171 views)
    • A good outline Brian, I have a supercession list for MKII and MKIII - jcarey 2006-03-03 10:04:06 (232 views)
  • We need pictures of the e65 units also as X5 world doesn't have them. I'll try - Roy In GA 2006-03-03 01:35:10 (176 views)
    • Can I help with E65 DVD images? - cliffwilliams 2006-03-04 07:19:26 (177 views)
      • Cliff I think I have a shot of the E65 version (pic) - jcarey 2006-03-04 10:38:18 (299 views)
        • Is that a trick question? They are both the same !! - cliffwilliams 2006-03-04 11:14:13 (614 views)
          • Oops, I thought one was the MKIV most and one was the NAVI 01 CD. - jcarey 2006-03-04 11:56:37 (176 views)
            • I know BMWNA were swapping out CD for DVD units - cliffwilliams 2006-03-04 12:48:51 (186 views)
              • CD unit is NAVI 01 and DVD unit is NAVI 02 and both have green and - Roy In GA 2006-03-05 21:03:02 (182 views)
    • Roy and silber, what are some examples you know of yellow-plug nav computers? (nt) - Brian 2006-03-03 06:30:14 (137 views)
      • Just the early MK2 Nav computers like the one that came from my 01/98 740IL. (pic) - silber98 2006-03-04 07:38:11 (238 views)
      • I have only seen 2 and they were early MKIIs. Calypso had one of them and - Roy In GA 2006-03-04 00:30:22 (136 views)
  • Here are some high res photos of MK1, MK2, MK3 (pic) - tdaniely 2006-03-02 15:05:23 (500 views)
    • Do you have some picture of the back that are not so close up? More like the - Roy In GA 2006-03-03 01:31:14 (134 views)
      • Yes, will post those in a bit (nt) - tdaniely 2006-03-03 08:35:51 (145 views)
  • I'm All In! I will start organizing my thoughts. (nt) - Brian 2006-03-02 14:22:43 (162 views)
  • Agree, I would be nice to have pictures of front and back of the MK units to aid (url) - silber98 2006-03-02 13:17:20 (216 views)
    • Damn Silber98...we think alike, I just posted pics (nt) - tdaniely 2006-03-02 15:05:53 (149 views)
  • Yes, I will start looking up some more data. I put up a MKIV list afew days ago. (nt) - Roy In GA 2006-03-02 12:48:09 (192 views)