2010 iDrive Navigation DVD Movie Playback

[ABMW]

My 2010 iDrive plays all movie DVDs while in park.

Naturally, the moment the vehicle starts to move the DVD screen turns black with a message noting that video is disabled for safety. However the soundtrack remains.

Is there a bypass for this? I've searched the forums and the Internet, but it doesn't seem like much is available for 2010 iDrives.

In fact, I'm finding that many owners are not even aware their vehicles will play DVD movies while their SAV is stopped.

I'm aware that there are bypass modules for most factory devices, but haven't found anything for the 2010 iDrive system, as of yet.

Anyone find anything that works, without splicing wires, or without major modifications?

[z2g]

Usually, there are video bypass modules that can be installed that will cost about $500-1000. Or, if applicable, you can disable the connection to the parking brake which will require opening up the center console and some splicing.

For the X5, I wouldn't recommend doing either. I just wouldn't want to give the dealers any reason to try to nullify your warranty.

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by z2g

Usually, there are video bypass modules that can be installed that will cost about $500-1000. Or, if applicable, you can disable the connection to the parking brake which will require opening up the center console and some splicing.

For the X5, I wouldn't recommend doing either. I just wouldn't want to give the dealers any reason to try to nullify your warranty.

Thanks for responding. I did find others who tried the parking break grounding trick with little luck. It won't work due to the way all the systems are integrated.

Just wondering if there were any modules floating around, that were plug-and-play.
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In any event, I'm a bit bored, so I'll respond to the last section of your post, about a company's ability to void a warranty. So, without further adieu:

In terms of BMW voiding the warranty of a customer's X5 or any company voiding the warranty on any product they manufacture, it's very difficult to do so. In effect their when they attempt to void a warranty, their voiding a contract with their customer, that is strictly regulated by most states and in terms of emissions controls, by the states and the federal govt.

There is a plethora of case law on this and companies rarely are successful in doing so, regardless of the language in the contract, which you can all read in the materials that came with all of our X5s. What a company can sometimes get away with, is to void a specific narrow aspect of the vehicle's warranty.

For example if you splice into the electrical system in an irresponsible manner, or a manner that is inconsistent with accepted automotive repair techniques BMW USA might have a shot at attempting to void the warranty for the system that you've worked on.

Though even then, it's all but impossible, according to court opinions that BMW would be able to avoid responsibility for your car's suspension, or emissions system, etc., because you chose to install your own electronics. Must BMW warranty your work? No. Must you pay BMW to repair your vehicle or have your vehicle repaired by an authorized service center? No. You can just as well repair every aspect of the vehicle on your own, take it into your dealer, without worry whatsoever that you're warranty could be voided. Is it a good idea to keep written record of the work you've performed? Absolutely! But, in terms of a company's ability to void a warranty for a particular product, it's very difficult, expensive, and simply because a company says "we're voiding" your warranty, it does not mean that they will be at all successful to even a minor challenge of their "opinion."

Manufacturers of many different types of products, including automobiles, have attempted to void warranties for years with little success, in the vast majority of cases. More often than not, the law firms that represent automobile companies, use scare tactics to make customers "think" their warranties are voidable. Consumers usually think they're out-of-luck, due to lack of consumer education and complicated legalese.

Generally when an educated consumer responds to such bullying with an attorney of their own (a $300.00 letter, etc.) or seeks a court remedy, more often than not, the company in question is responsible for attorney fees, repair costs, and can often be responsible for punitive damages.

Moral of the story: if your dealer ever threatens to void your warranty, which to me is laughable threat, contact an attorney and learn your rights.

For more info you can google and read the The Magnuson-Moss Act and visit the FTC's website.

[X5 Meister]

It's a shame BMW can't keep up with the latest technology. See this Top Gear episode @ 0:33

YouTube - {HQ}BMW X5M Vs Audi Q7 V12 and Over Finch Range Rover on Top Gear

Also:

"The 2010 Range Rover also gained new visual display units as also seen in the Jaguar XJ launched a weeks previously. This change consisted of a 'glass cockpit' LCD screen replacing the traditional instrument cluster- instead 'virtual' gauges are projected onto a single screen in front of the driver. This allows various sets of information to be displayed as required- for example navigation and map information can be displayed instead of engine readouts, whilst when one of the off-road driving modes is selected on the Terrain Response system the 'gauges' are reorganised to provide space to display the schematic of the vehicle's suspension, steering and transmission systems. The other display unit is fitted to the centre console and uses a bi-directional screen to show different images depending on viewing angle. This allows navigational information to be displayed to the driver, whilst someone in the front passenger seat can use the same screen to use the onboard DVD player at the same time, for example. This system also contains a state-of-the-art multi-camera system from Valeo Vision Systems in Ireland, which allows the driver to see around the vehicle during manouevres and which contains multiple overlays and views."

[nynd]

That Range Rover screen is awesome... is BMW sleeping?

[Ag4.8]

Not to restart the debate (has been discussed before) but why would anyone want to watch a movie while driving. I guess one could argue it is for the front passenger. I don't know for sure, but I would guess driving and watching tv is illegal so more than your warranty could be voided if an accident occurs.

By the way, watching a DVD while in park is possible in '09s too. I think it started when ever they switched from the CD changer to the DVD changer.

[Sarge]

Has anyone found a way to display video on the front nav screen?

I'd like to tie the rear seat DVD/iPod system (OEM) to the dash screen.

Unsafe? Safety is up to the driver. TV doesn't make the car unsafe, only the driver does. If you sit and stare at it instead of the road, you're a moron. Since I'm not a moron, I'd rather have the choice to look at the screen when it's safe to do so. I.e. driving across UT, NV, WY, MT, etc while playing Caddyshack, you don't have to do more than glance at the screen now and then to be reminded what's going on. If anything, it improves safety by keeping you awake on long drives.

Any solutions? Usually euro cars have 'euro tv tuner' options that allow A/V input - I'd think BMW would have something like this, even if it's not for sale in the Nanny States of America...

[ArmyOfficer]

I just found out the same on mine. I threw in a DVD for the heck of it and walaaa, it played :-) I haven't tested it while driving though. It'd be great for traffic to keep the wife and son entertained :-) I'd be interested if there was a plug and play type module to overide the current shutoff...

[grover432]

Well the audio portion is of some value. I have a music concert I love listening too (and watching) - perfect for the audio only feature while on the road.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by ArmyOfficer

I just found out the same on mine. I threw in a DVD for the heck of it and walaaa, it played :-) I haven't tested it while driving though. It'd be great for traffic to keep the wife and son entertained :-) I'd be interested if there was a plug and play type module to overide the current shutoff...

I find that, with the built-in Nav screen, that it's not worth even trying to watch DVDs on it -- especially in daylight hours. I really like my DVD changer though -- I have hundreds of MP3s that I've put onto DVDs -- don't have to connect my iPod or iPhone to get music.

If I want to watch a movie the car, when I'm waiting somewhere for an hour or so, I much prefer to watch it on my iPhone 3G.