E53 vs E39 radio MID

[IgotBMW]

So I bought a used E39 radio MID. Both our X5 and E39 have missing pixels. The X5 much worst. The used MID is in great conditon no pixels missing. I was going to put it in the X5 until I saw that the X5 has a white plug but the unit I bought has a black plug.

So I coudn't use it on the X5 since it wil not hook up. The X5 has no DSP and the unit I bought doesn't have it either but my E39 has DSP and still plugged in as they bought had black plugs.

Could I get a black plug to replace the white on the X5 so I can use it on the E39 radio MID I bought?


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[Qsilver7]

Are you trying to install a MID that has a different button configuration than the original? If yes, then dont.

Only install one just like what came out. There are high & low MIDs & both can have DSP option. Again, only install the same exact option configuration.

[IgotBMW]

Only difference to the used unit is it doesn't have BC on the lower button. But it still had a black connector and hooked up to my E39.








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[white46]

In short answer, yes you can use e39 MID in x5.
If you look at close to black male connector on X5, the wiring is held by a plug. You can actually remove the plug and will fit right into the MID.
That's how mine is fitted too.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by IgotBMW

Only difference to the used unit is it doesn't have BC on the lower button. But it still had a black connector and hooked up to my E39.

I'm not sure my post was understood (or perhaps I didn't understand the question). Do both of your vehicles have the same type of instrument clusters? Or is one different than the other (one high the other low)?

It sounds like you are installing the incorrect MID in one of your vehicles. That's why I asked about the button configuration...which you verified...it DOES NOT have the BC icon on the lower right button.

You will lose some functionality installing a low MID (it doesn't have the BC icon on the lower right button) in an e39 or e53 that has a high cluster and came with a high MID.

That is the reason the wiring connectors may be different...it is NOT configured the same and will not perform all of the things you need it to do.

The high cluster which has the extended OBC functions (has 20 digit alpha numeric display)...requires the high MID. If you install a low MID with a high cluster...you will no longer be able to access the extended OBC features like the DIST/ARR/VENT/1TIMER2 etc.

If you have the low cluster...it uses the GRAPHIC DISPLAY to inform the driver of the check control system warnings (bulbs out/doors open/etc)...and it has the limited OBC that does use the turn indicator stalk to not only call up the FOUR OBC features but to reset the MPG etc.

Only install a high MID with a high cluster...and only install a low MID with a low cluster.

[IgotBMW]

Thanks for your help in clarifying the differences. Both our cars have the BC on them and the one I bought does not. Although it doesn't have any missing pixels guess I'll be selling it on Craigs.

Thanks again for your help.


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[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by IgotBMW

Thanks for your help in clarifying the differences. Both our cars have the BC on them and the one I bought does not. Although it doesn't have any missing pixels guess I'll be selling it on Craigs.

Thanks again for your help.


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No problem...and the same principle applies to the DSP (optional) button. If your vehicle does NOT have DSP...do not install a MID that does...and vice versa. If you have DSP...your MID will need a DSP icon on the top right button.