How do I REMOVE the 16:9 screen?
 

I'm looking at various documents about trying to remove just the screen on the 16:9 navigation, but its not very clear, it seems like there are 4 screws holding it, but I only have access to 2. None of the docs I see say you have to take any interior panels out. Do you? They also mention about a "cover frame" just sliding out to expose the 2 back screws? What portion is this? Nothing I see here seems to allow for just pulling it out. Any help?

checke these articles
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/M...e%20inputs.htm
and
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...n-removal.html

Hmmm... thanks, those links are what I was looking at before. I'm not sure if its different for a 2005 E46 M3, but I don't see how that frame comes off at all. All I can get to are two small screens on the side of the screen that are holding the hinges to the monitor. If I spread the hinges apart a bit, the screen tilts out a bit more. The frame looks like its one piece with the monitor housing. Argh... The monitor is tilted at such a small angle, I dont see how the frame "pops out".

I also don't have torx screws in the front two screws, but regular philips head screws.

I didn't know you were asking for E46 M3,
well check this thread then
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpos...9&postcount=16

Thanks wuzin! that thread looks a lot more like what I'm dealing with :). Question though, I don't want to replace the whole unit, but just the screen itself. Does that require removing the whole unit?

not a problem,
however I'm not sure for your another question, you should go to www.e46fanatics.com and try to find your answers.
good luck!

yes, you have to remove the whole unit (but make sure the screen is in the open position, open, then remove fuse) then remove the top of the unit, the unscrew the panel (the screen) from the hinges, then unhook the ribbon laed from the motherboard.

I take it you are upgrading from tape to cd...

No, I'm just trying to replace a scratched screen :rant:

I am interested in upgrading from Mini Disc to CD.
- Will I need a dealer to recode or something?
- Will it just work plug & play style?
- Could th CD reader be MP3 capable?
- Anyone interested in buying (or swapping) a good second hand Mini Disc unit?

Thanks

No, You should be OK.

Yes, just plug and play.

No, its a dumb cd player.

where can I get the CD head? and how much do they cost? I would love to have an indash CD player...I cant stand my worthless tape deck

The CD head is $900 from the dealer.

wow that is lame...i guess I will just have to take one out of someone elses X5

Yeah, the "cd head" is actually more then just a dumb CD drive... it runs the monitor, connects it to the car, etc. plastic frame and so on...

Don't ask me how I know it costs $900... :banghead:

Make sure you save the 4 little black screws that hold the monitor to the old housing... Again, Don't ask me how I know... :banghead:

Final word of warning, installing a new housing and/or screen means taking apart the housing into little itty bitty pieces to run the new ribbon cable to the motherboard. Again, Don't ask me how I know... :banghead:

Thank you ccfj1, very clear answer.
I will start offering my MD head unit in eBay, see if I can recover part of the investment.
Regards

Yes! I was originally going to get MD fitted but my dealer couldn't get one - reckoned it was German Market only (total tosh)

What vehicle is it for? Is it an X3/X5 or E46 (3 series)

It is a E46, built July 3003, German Specs, in case that matters ...

You have a Private Msg!

Hi SledgeHammer

I am trying to remove my CD reader and screen assembly as well, and, in spite of the instructions posted higher up in this thread I am getting stuck in the very first steps of the process. I see you have managed to sort out the same problems I’m stuck with, and maybe you can coach me around them:

So far I have removed the decorative strips over the glove box and over the monitor assembly, as well as two screws holding the monitor assembly, plus two screws holding the AC central vents.

And I am stuck at extracting the vents.

I understand I have to pull hard, but the thing does not even move the smallest fraction of an inch. What is holding it in place? Where should I take a hold? What direction to pull? Downward? Upward? Horizontally?

Strangely enough I have not been able to find an official BMW Service Information Bulletin on the subject amongst the many laying around.

Thanks for your help

P.D. I sorted it out. Seems the thing is fast to the air ducts and you have to pull real hard. I used old credit cards to protect adjoining parts and levered with an extra wide flat piece of steel.