problem seems the same with original disk or copy. as for breaking the seal, this safeguard is to assure that the failure isn't caused by a stupid end user tinkering with the electronics and causing the problem. in my case the problem existed before i opened it. since BMW is aware of that, it shouldn't make a difference.

you are right about the NAV unit not being very robust. it is nothing more than a cheap DVD drive with a very simple (& small) computer main board in it. probably doesn't even cost them $100 to have manufactured. i can assure you they do not repair them!

thanks for all the input!!