BMW tv module question
 

1) Is there ANY difference between the E39 euro tv modules from different generations of Nav (IE: MkI, MkII, etc.)?

2) Is there ANY difference between E39, E38, E46, X5 or Z4 (MkIV nav) tv tuners?

Yes there are differences. The early generation TV modules were 4:3 to match the screen format at that time. Later generation TV modules were switchable between 4:3 and 16:9. The latest generation TV modules also incorporate the ability to receive digital TV broadcasts.

Not sure about the Z4, but the E39, E38, E46 and X5 TV tuners are the same.

Interesting. Thanks. I am now wondering if all the 16:9 tv modules for MkIII and MkIV systems are the same, or at least compatible. Do you know how to tell if I'm looking at a newer or an older tv module? Or in the case of ebay, is there no choice but to rely on the seller?

A 16:9 TV module for a MkIII and MkIV i-bus system are compatible. A part number should be very helpful in knowing exactly what it is you are looking at.

You don't, by chance know the part number I SHOULD be looking for, do you? 2002 E39 w/ MkIV.

I have posted all of the VM P/Ns for the MKI, MKII, MKIII/MKIV, and also hydrid analog/digital on bimmerboard.com nav forum. Go and search under my post name.

props to the bimmerboard.com nav forum - like here, they are also a very knowledgable group of nav enthusiasts!

Does anyone know if it is possible, or has any one tried retrofitting a new Digital/analogue hybrid tuner. Does it work with the Mk4 nav with 16:9 screen?

Yup, folks are doing it all the time. Silber98 over on the bimmerboard has a newer hybrid digital/analog TV module installed in his E38 with a full MKIV system.

Thanks Brian,

Does anyone know if someone in the UK has managed this yet and what the BMW part number is?