Help Mark IV NAV Radio Rebuild service

[higreenx5]

Hi

Search does not work on mobile so I need to ask
Are there any places specialized in repairing the Mark IV radio nav unit?
I tried to just replace my screen that was spotchy and the 1st screen I bought was too wide
The second screen fit but I damaged the ribbon cable to the screen
3 cables later I got one that was close
The lower screw holes that hold the clam shell together are broken because of the 1st screen
The small white wire got cut somehow and I tried to solder it but I failed to mark left or right since I thought 1 had markings all the way down.
The screen is still blank and I am DONE TRYING TO FIX IT.
Who is reputable to do this repair and not charge me more than this POS is worth?

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by higreenx5

Hi

Search does not work on mobile so I need to ask
Are there any places specialized in repairing the Mark IV radio nav unit?
I tried to just replace my screen that was spotchy and the 1st screen I bought was too wide
The second screen fit but I damaged the ribbon cable to the screen
3 cables later I got one that was close
The lower screw holes that hold the clam shell together are broken because of the 1st screen
The small white wire got cut somehow and I tried to solder it but I failed to mark left or right since I thought 1 had markings all the way down.
The screen is still blank and I am DONE TRYING TO FIX IT.
Who is reputable to do this repair and not charge me more than this POS is worth?

I went through some of that myself. Got a new screen, installed it, but damaged one of the ribbon cables. Got replacements. Fixed the problem. Problem now is that the viewing angle is wrong. It's a Sharp replacement with the same part number, but the viewing angle is off. I'm trying now to figure out if one of the screws on the back of the screen adjusts the viewing angle. Given the cost of a new screen and paying someone to repair it, you might be better off putting in an aftermarket replacement head unit. There's lots of them out there and they offer a significant upgrade in usability. I'm contemplating this option now.

[higreenx5]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

I went through some of that myself. Got a new screen, installed it, but damaged one of the ribbon cables. Got replacements. Fixed the problem. Problem now is that the viewing angle is wrong. It's a Sharp replacement with the same part number, but the viewing angle is off. I'm trying now to figure out if one of the screws on the back of the screen adjusts the viewing angle. Given the cost of a new screen and paying someone to repair it, you might be better off putting in an aftermarket replacement head unit. There's lots of them out there and they offer a significant upgrade in usability. I'm contemplating this option now.

How so?
It only goes in 1 way.

But you had a blank screen and itwas solved by the cable.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by higreenx5

How so?
It only goes in 1 way.

But you had a blank screen and itwas solved by the cable.

Actually I didn't have a blank screen. The screen worked, but none of the buttons worked. I got the buttons back after replacing the damaged ribbon cable.

Yes, the screen only goes in one way. Unfortunately, apparently there are sub part numbers that differentiate between screens that go in a 5 series, a 3 series or an X5 of the same vintage. The screens in the 5 and 3 series sit lower and you look more down at them than you do with an X5. The screen I purchased worked fine, but to see the display properly I have to lean forward. After I discovered the issue I removed the screws and tilted the head unit out at the top (changing the viewing angle) and it became quite readable without leaning forward.

[higreenx5]

So I think it is something stupid I got an D type cable instead of an A ND I flipped it to work. Well they are backwards now and 1 is at 24 and 24 is at 1. Will get the 4th cable and try 1 more time.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by higreenx5

So I think it is something stupid I got an D type cable instead of an A ND I flipped it to work. Well they are backwards now and 1 is at 24 and 24 is at 1. Will get the 4th cable and try 1 more time.

Are you talking about the ribbon cables? I ordered these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Alpine-...72.m2749.l2649

Worked fine

[higreenx5]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Are you talking about the ribbon cables? I ordered these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Alpine-...72.m2749.l2649

Worked fine

I actually damaged the grey one going to the screen.

But I am saving these in case I do something else stupid.

[amancuso]

There's a company called BAVTEK that replaces the screens on our head units for $250.00.

https://www.bavtekinc.com/

[e39_touring]

Originally Posted by amancuso

There's a company called BAVTEK that replaces the screens on our head units for $250.00.

https://www.bavtekinc.com/

2nd that - just got my cluster and MID back from Tomas at Bavtek for dead-pixel repair. Both looked good, and he turned them around same day.

Give him a call and describe your problem, and he'll walk you through what he can do. I do believe they repair the nav screens, too, but not sure if they've been fiddled with or bungled beforehand.