How to set the clock?
 

I had a new battery installed today, and the clock readout is empty. How to set the time? The big nav screen in the center console does not work. I see a phone button there but of course can't see what pushing it does.

You need the NAV interface to set the clock. All of the OBC functions (MPG, Clock, Speed Limit Chime, Trip Distance, etc) are controlled by the NAV or MID.

Guys who upgrade to a new headend unit, lose this control.

You could try it blind, but someone with NAV would have to sequence the buttons for you - a difficult task but could be done if you have another truck with NAV right next to you :D

Ditto...if your nav screen is dead...you can't see what's called up or the next step.

Another tip would be looking at the owners manual for the nav...you could try walking through the directions in the manual if you don't have access to another bmw that has the same nav as you do.

The manual is in Italian, which I don't know. Sounds like I'm screwed unless I can get the Nav screen back up. :wow:

Nav used to work before the battery change. At least the screen was faintly there. Is there a fuse I should check?

When you say the screen was faintly there - it makes me think the backlight went out. Try this, shine a bright flashlight directly on the screen and see if you can make out anything.

Old trick I've done with laptops.

Xlnt trick! I'd never heard of that but it makes sense. Else, I'm dropping by the indy that did the battery replacement to ask if he can ID the fuse etc.

Not having a manual in a language that I speak sux http://www.xoutpost.com/images/smilies/banghead.gif

Here you go pal, your English is pretty good right? :D
http://www.pdf-archive.com/2015/12/3...39-e46-e53.pdf

Thanks you Tecn1k! Your tip worked. In fact, the screen is faintly visible when I first start up the car, but fades after a few minutes. So I was able to set the date and time using the screen before it faded out.

I speak native English, got a Spanish BA at UC Berkeley, picked up French from my wife and living here, and learned pigeon German by studying it on my own and buying stuff there. Whew!

Awesome. Glad it worked. Now get that screen fixed, it's easy!

Sharp 6 5'' inch LQ065T9BR51 LCD Screen Display Panel for BMW E38 E39 E46 E53 X5 | eBay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jRorExbnqI

Wow that is a big job. The guy making the video has some balls. But it's good to know that it can be done.