The you may have the issue I found where the connector doesn't connect the earth for the video signal back to the video module. Then you just need to remove the connector bracket from the rear of the module between teh two front seats and solder the connectors to bridge the the two earths together. I am at a loss as to why this was done this way - I checked other X5's in Australia at least and they were all like that ??? Vintage ~2004

cheers,
seedar.

The AV-In video shield is isolated at the video module to prevent earth loops that cause noise and hum.

BMW never imagined that the AV-IN would be connected to a device like an iPod that was fully floating (independent) from the rest of the vehicle.
The available video sources at the time all required power from the car, and thus the video gound was automatically connected to vehicle ground in the video source.
Eg: the BMW Video Cassette Player that plugged into the AV socket and cigarette lighter. This got it's power and ground from the cigarette lighter socket.

What BMW did is simply good design practice in the early 90's (when the system was originally designed)

Well I agree and disagree - if it was a connector on a harness to connect built in devices such as those you mention that makes sense. But to wire it that way for temporary plug in and unplug devices such as it is, still seems the wrong way to go to me. Yes iPod is a recent addition since the design but digital cameras, camcorders etc were common and that's the type of device I heard of people trying to get working unsuccessfully due to this design. I understand the earth loop possibilities but even with this there should have been some documentation or even service bulletin or something to BMW service centers so someone was aware of the issue. My dealer had no clue why it wasn't working. I had to diagnose and work out for myself.

cheers,
Seedar.

Why don't you write to BMW and tell them your ideas, so that they can improve their service?

(In my experience, the fact that a dealer had no clue is not always improved with service bulletins)

I've been trying to find out what they have done on their new models - anyone know ?

Cheers,
Seedar.

Hy, I have E39 2001god with TV tuner and DSP, I connect Ipod video to the TV tuner by diagram. Video and audio are connected to TV tuner.

Problem is: picture is good but the sound is "shallow".(not like the cd or radio).

Whether there is any form of solution?

The sound is in mono, not like cd/radio/tape (which is stereo), if you don't like the mono sound, then you need to get a stereo input lead, these are very expensive, have a look over on ToysInYourCar.com - Home

__________________
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 always knew the E39 was a good car... :-)

The BMW AV input has no tone control

So use the tone control on the ipod

Thank you for your answers,

my sound is bad (as if he's missing something). I thought that the ipod guilty.

1.Whether the DVD will be better sound than the Ipod?

2.Can I connect the sound to the aux,at the same time watching the picture on tv.?

Regards!