Help - Are there any differences in MK4 models?

pknguyen · #1 08-25-2007, 01:15 PM

Hi my name is Phoenix (an Australian), and new to the forums. Firstly I would like to say thanks. The information on this forum has been a great help so far. Much love!!!

Basically what I am trying to do is retrofit a widescreen monitor and nav to my 2003 X5 (currently has the buisness system) myself, since the BMW dealer quoted me $7000 AUS -_-.

So far I have managed to get the monitor, wiring/loom, brackets, radio module etc and now I just need to buy the gps unit. However I am having trouble choosing the right MK4 unit since there are so many different part numbers for them. I was wondering are there any differences between the various MK4 units? For instance are the connections/plugs on the back any different or does the loom I have (which is specfically made for X5 retrofit) basically connect into any MK4 unit, regardless of its part number. Also do all MK4 units work in Australia or are they for some reason region locked?

The MK4 unit which I am looking to maybe buy is part number BMW Part # 6590 6 948 983 and was ripped from a 7 series model from the US. However the retrofit kit parts list I got from the dealer, which I have been following, has the following MK4 unit BMW Part # 6590 6 942 908. Does the parts number really matter for the MK4 units or should I try my best to keep following the official parts list I have? I would appreciate any help I could possibly get on these questions since I'm stumped at the moment and don't want to buy a useless part that won't work with the rest of the stuff I have brought.

Cheers, Phoenix

UCrewX5 · #2 08-25-2007, 01:17 PM

The Mk4 from the newer 7 series is based on the MOST bus and will not work in an E53, which uses the iBus.

KiwiJochen · #3 08-26-2007, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pknguyen

I was wondering are there any differences between the various MK4 units?

No. The changes are basically minor improvements over time. Eg: hardware version 1.0 was improved in hardware version 1.1

Quote:

Originally Posted by pknguyen

For instance are the connections/plugs on the back any different or does the loom I have (which is specfically made for X5 retrofit) basically connect into any MK4 unit, regardless of its part number.

Connectors are identical, loom works on all Mk3 and Mk4 navs

Quote:

Originally Posted by pknguyen

Also do all MK4 units work in Australia or are they for some reason region locked?

They are not 'locked' but the nav does get programmed for different regions.
ie: a nav programmed by BMW for region=Australia will offer an annoying 'nag' screen telling you to watch the road and not to play with the nav when driving.
But if the nav is programmed for region=Europe, then you don't get the nag screen

Quote:

Originally Posted by pknguyen

Does the parts number really matter for the MK4 units or should I try my best to keep following the official parts list I have?

Part numbers don't matter, just make sure you get a Mk4, and not a NAVI03

pknguyen · #4 08-26-2007, 07:00 AM

Thanks for that advice UCrewX5, guess I won't be getting that one then.

Much love Kiwijochen!! You answered all my questions and cleared up the last of my hurdles. Now I just gotta buy a MK4 unit from ebay and get it shipped from Lithuania, where it seems cheap BMW parts grow on trees.

Cheers, Phoenix

Tobmag · #5 08-27-2007, 06:20 AM

pknguyen.

Thats right; keep on buying these stolen parts............
Will help ALL BMW owners in Europe.

Who knows, mayby you end up with my old one!!

//Tobmag