Originally Posted by psychocandy

Took the unit apart today, accessed the laser and cleaned it with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol. Reinstalled it and still get the same "please wait'..." message. I think I will order and replace the laser unit and see if this fixes the issue.

Do you get the replacement laser from a dealer? I would assume so...although it isn't broken out into it's own Part # on realoem.com.

Originally Posted by KiwiJochen

Try a wet-type laser cleaner first (available at any hifi / music store

Otherwise, order a replacement drive:

Drive looks like this:


See here:
RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.4i Navigation computer drive

Part number 65839197611

Also available via other sources, such as here:
Elektronik-Idee

And here:
Navigatie-onderdelen.nl | Navigation par -

Around 143 Euros for the entire DVD drive.