I apologise, I am a novice with a soldering iron. I have completed the new Laser-install (did a search for SFHD4 on Ebay and found a new one for $20), but I've run across an issue / question -

Please can someone explain the purpose of the two 1mm blobs of solder called 'solder bridges'.

After studying the 2 blobs on my new laser unit, it looks like they do NOT 'connect' across two 'wires', therefore suggesting to me that I don't need to remove them.

I've done some basic searching today re. 'solder bridges', and I'm concerned that I'll make a mess of it, and melt the ribbon, if I get the soldering iron anywhere near the ribbon. I do have the solder-removal braid.

What's a foolproof way to remove 'solder bridges'?

Help please....

Thanks, Simon Nevill

A solder bridge is a short circuit. It connects two things together electrically.

To remove one, melt it with the soldering iron and - depending on how heavy it is on solder - you can either break the bridge and share the solder between the two places, or use copper braid to wick excess solder from the item. In this case, I would strongly recommend some braid, it's available at any place that sells solder and irons.
http://www.jestineyong.com/wp-conten...solderwick.jpg

Do you have a good macro picture of the ribbon you can post? Ribbon cable melts very very easily. I've been soldering in a lab for 10 years, working at 0201 level under a microscope, and I still flinch at the idea of soldering a ribbon cable.

updates: drive unit changed on my mk4, the new one looks a little bit different (as hw) then the old one...however, works incredible...there is a huge difference between reading speed on actual dvd unit compared with older one (even in "glory" days...), unit cost me around 85 euro, witch is pretty fair for an entire unit (in my opinion)...just 4 screws and 2 ribbon cables :)...i'm happy again

Nice one mate, got any details?? mines running good at the moment, but any info is always great.

hi m8, pn for dvd unit is the one on last post: 65 83 9 241 764, bmw price is around 85 euro, +/- few euros depending on bmw dealer, mine was running ok also until this summer...somehow i'm glad because i knew is going to die someday...

Hi zeronoo, where did you buy this part from? From getbmwpatrs or from elsewhere?

Hi, from a local bmw dealer, but you can ask for a quotation on any bmw dealer, the price sould be approx the same everywhere...

Anyone get their DVD Drive replacement done at the dealer? I've considered doing this myself, but hesitant. If anyone is in St. Louis, MO and wants to help great, I doubt it though. I spoke to a BMW Mechanic and he wasn't familiar with this procedure but after showing him a printout of this thread and talking with the parts manager he said he'll do it but has no idea how long it will take. He said he will find the SIB and do the work. I guessed about one hour of labor? Any ideas or links, copies of relevant SIB info? I did see the SIB on an earlier page about the newer DVD drives on later models.
Thanks,
J

hi, if you want to replace the DVD Drive (65 83 9 241 764), all labor is about those steps:

1. extract MK4 from its location and remove blue and (kind of) purple connector from behind - AFTER power led comes (and remain) off (about 30 - 40 sec)
2. open top case with a little help from a screwdriver (no screws at all)
3. remove (only) top 4 screws that lock dvd drive in place (TX10 as i remember)
4. gently extract dvd drive from mk4 case then remove 2 ribbon cables (one easy, other a bit tricky...have a lock)
5. connect ribbon cables to new dvd drive then put dvd drive back on case
6. put back screws and top case, put blue and purple connector back then reinsert mk4 on it's place
7. drink a beer and enjoy your well done job (along with an almost new mk4)

P.S. total labor time ~ 10 min

This procedure is described on the BMW TIS DVD and is file RA 65 90 550. The dealer parts guy could probably print it out for you. That is if the dealer is helping you. The project is very easy. Be careful unlatching the ribbon cable plugs.