2001 X5 Stereo Question

[Eugene Alava]

I have a question on the Stereo of the 2001 X5. I'm planning to replace the unit with an aftermarket Pioneer Double din DVD unit. I was planning to extend the MID cable to hide the unit in the glove so that i would still have the odometer working,
The CD player is not working and I was planning to remove it altogether. I noticed the the radio doesn't work without the CD player as the antenna, power and another cable connect to it. Therefore i assume that MID is basically the brains and the display. My question is, can i remove the CD player, and probably the amp at the back and not have any issues in the future? I was told that when i need to have the ECU checked for errors, the original radio has to be in place. I need to know if this is true or it is just the MID that is being read by the Diagnostics?

[Gregory891]

Odometer of your car is independent of your radio / MID / head unit.

Do you have a DIS system? Rear AMP (in the left storage area in the trunk)?

I am installating a JVC double DIN unit (Switzerland is moving to DAB+ digitial radio). Bad luck for me, I just redid the head unit dispaly and ribbon cable to resolve the pixel issues.

If you have the BMW business radio (one small white connector goes to thsi) and the separate upper CD unit (large black connector with double inputs), you need both plugged in to have a working MID. If your CD unit is dead, head unit radio would still work. I have a good working units that i removed from my car - plug and play vs. fabrication to achieve a professional installation AND have your steering wheel controls work with an aftermarket radio.

[Eugene Alava]

hi Gregory891
I read in the forums that removing the MID would disable the reading s on the dash, temp, etc. so I was planning to relocate the MID to the glove box. But just needed to confirm that I can remove the CD player and amp at the left storage area in the back.i was told that removing the MID would also be a problem is I needed the ecu checked in the future. I won't be using them but will keep them in place if it's needed in checking the ecu.
Thanks

[Eugene Alava]

I was able to put the MID in the glove box by extending the cables 18".

[Eugene Alava]

Finally got to "finish" installing my DVD system into my 2001 X5 3.0i.
System consists of:
Pioneer AVH P6650 DVD
Pioneer DEQ P7650 Processor
Coustic XM-5e Active crossover
Rockford Fosgate Prime R300.4 amps, (2 units)
Kicker ES65.2 component front speakers, (stock rear speakers)
Velocity 10" Dual coil Bandpass sub
Blaupunkt center channel
Pioneer DC 100 ipod interface
Pioneer steering wheel remote

I still have to install the rear view camera, front camera and rear view mirror monitor.
Its working perfectly.