Took apart the head unit for the third time. First to replace the original screen that worked but had numerous blotches. The replacement screen would not turn on. Took it apart again to verify connections and found the black wire from the screen to the board was pinched against the frame which shorted the wire to metal. Taped it up and reassembled. Still not working. Today, thinking maybe the new screen was bad or maybe fried, I put the original screen back in. Still doesn't work, so I guess I fucked up something internally, maybe the copper-colored ribbon cables. The first time I took the unit apart I couldn't figure out how to release the ribbon cables from the main unit, so I pulled them out with needlenose pliers. Only later did I realize I had to pop the ends of the connector up to release the cable. ooops! So I'm guessing I damaged one of those two ribbons, or maybe the white one that connects the screen to the board.

For now, it still works and I can stream from my phone to the bluetooth cassette adapter. But I really want this thing to work, so I might ship it to that German Audio guy in California before I go on a two-week work trip later this month. Anyone use him before?

Also installed a Rennline phone mount (without charging). Way overpriced but I hated parking the phone in the open ashtray. https://www.rennline.com/bmw-x5-e53-...t-sku-pm01-64/

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