That's a strange problem...
Pop the disk and see if it's correct, and readable. My experience of these Beemers is that the disk gets dirty in time and I generally keep the OEM disk and burn copies, throwing the copies away when they get dirty (or superceded). CDs read from the inside out so if you have any contaminants on the inner tracks, the disk can be unreadable. If in doubt, stick it in a PC and see if that reads it.
I think the way these cars piece together the various components that can be seen on display is through 'announcing' their presence on the I-bus. If the head unit can't 'see' the GPS system, it might be a problem with the connector or wiring - have you checked the wiring visually at the Nav Unit end?
Also - which head unit do you have: 16:9 or earlier? (When I bought my M3 in Sep 2001 there was no 16:9 option). Either way, the head unit is pretty easy to take out if you want to check the connectors are seated and locked. Have a look in the glove box and see if there's an Aux connector - sign that someone may have been at the wiring in the car.
Perhaps if you can detail exactly what the menu options are on the head unit that might help someone who has this year of car to assist. Also - do all other functions work from the head?

Both the nav computer and the TV module are capable of running the front display. If you have both, then normally the nav computer is the master and runs the screen. However, if the nav computer fails, then the TV module will take over.

My guess is that your MKIII nav computer is dead, and the TV module is running the display. MKIII failures are relatively common, if they are disconnected from power at the wrong time. If the previous owner disconnected the battery, drained the battery, or jump started the car, that can kill a MKIII nav computer.

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SOLD
2000 E38 750iL Highline Edition, Upgraded with the lastest 2006 X5 Electronics
MKIV Navigation, 16:9 Display, Bluetooth, TV/Video with Backup Camera, Sirius, and Aux Input

Thanks Moments , all other functions work.
I will try and take a picture of the menu and list it on the post

Brian-bmw by nav computer do you mean the unit in the rear that takes the disc or is there another unit like under the spare wheel ?

I'd have to concur with brian, the nav computer sounds like it's dead.

I'd also be tempted to upgrade it to a MK4, you can pick them up an eBay cheap enough (don't pay more then £300).

However go back to the dealer and say that you want them to fix it, it should form part of your cantract with them, under the 1984 sale of goods act, as its not fit for purpose.

You bought a car and the car has nav, now you have discovered it does not work when it should, they should help you get it sorted out (even under goodwill).

have a look here to see what you have http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...ystem-faq.html

HTH

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Sept 03, M3, Silver Grey. Retro-fits: Modded Mk4 DVD Drive, OEM Bluetooth, VR Control, Rainbow Speaker Upgrade, Sony SOT Amp, HK Sub, CCFL, Intravee II, NightMode.

Thanks Guys you were spot-on.
I thought I would take a chance and Buy a used Range Rover Mk3 unit off Ebay .
Fitted it and at all works a treat.
Thanks again for the great advice.

Don't want to dash your excitement, but you will unfortunately not be able to use any of the BMW firmware upgrades on a Range Rover unit! TBH you'd be best looking for a good used Mk4 and flogging the RR one on ... Am hoping that the unit you bought is as up-to-date as possible.

Good luck with it.

Got the Bug and just bought a Mk4 DVD unit (with no disc)
A friend has loaned me a late England/Ireland disc from a Mk3 CD unit.
Will it work on the Mk4 as its a CD and not DVD disc ?

Thanks

Now you can have 3d map view and custom splash screens.

yes it will work, If you can get hold of a DVD then you can add custom POI'S to the map disc, for eg, Speed cameras etc

No problem

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Sept 03, M3, Silver Grey. Retro-fits: Modded Mk4 DVD Drive, OEM Bluetooth, VR Control, Rainbow Speaker Upgrade, Sony SOT Amp, HK Sub, CCFL, Intravee II, NightMode.

I have aded custom pois to CD it works just fine on mk IV dont know about mk III