Will DSP still work without DSP head unit?
 

stupid question I know but will DSP still work if I have a non DSP button head unit?

my original head unit pixels were very bad (with DSP button) so I replaced it with a new one (without DSP button) the radio works and I can change bass and treble but am I missing out on better audio quality?

I'm not even sure how DSP works on an e53 so some clarification would be nice

IF it still works, IF... then it may be locked into the last settings you had on the old head unit. I'd suggest you look for another PROPER e53 (not e39) head unit with DSP./

What would be the difference between the E53 and E39 nav (with LCD screen) head units?

Mine has a fried LCD controller, but it still works, only I have no way to adjust the DSP settings. So keeping my eyes open for a replacement.

I think (maybe!) that the nav head unit will work with or without the DSP option, but I'm unsure if ordering the nav also got you the DSP audio setup or if that was a separate option.

There is no DSP physical button on it as the settings are done via the LCD and menu button.

^— Sorry I misinterpreted your original post thinking you have the nav head unit with the big screen, not the base unit.

I am told by numerous sources that the angle of the screens (both MID and NAV screen) are different between the e39 and e53. The e53 screen has more of an angle to it, apparently. I do admit, when I installed an e39 MID in my e53, the display was not as bright to my eyes from the drivers seat. So I found an e53 replacement and actually fixed the pixel on my bad e53 radio (and since sold it)

At this point I'd take my chances with one from an E39... None of the E53s I've found in the parts lots have had the nav head unit so far and they're expensive on ebay.

Edit: seems prices have come back to reality in the bay of e, found a couple under $200. But I hate buying stuff like that there because maybe the screen works but the faceplate motor doesn't, or the cassette drive is broken. Most of them are un-tested junkyard pulls. I'd rather find one in a yard myself, test it in the parking lot, and return it if broken. These do not seem to have any kind of theft code thing on them as I've removed mine a number of times without a problem.

I'd be surprised if there is a screen (angle) difference on the MIDs. The MID's dispaly panel is mounted parallel to the chassis front panel, at least on the E53. Photos of the E39 MID show that it appears to be the same.

Of course, you've had both in your hands so you'll know more! ;)

I know the whole MID is mounted at a different angle in E53, compared to the E39. This is what causes the viewing angle issues on the LCD NAV screen when swapping between E39 and E53 NAV screens.

But while LCD viewing angles can be critical, I'm not sure the MID's very simple display (basically big binary pixels!) viewing angle is that critical - unless the two different MID units have different display panels. :dunno:

The do age though and can also have subtlety different hues from unit to unit. I know my MID, IHKA and dash display are all very slightly different hues of orange. :rolleyes:

yeah im pretty sure you're right because the audio is pretty echoey from previous settings it up but I couldn't find anything to remove the echo :iagree:

generally asking would it be worth it to repair the pixels or just deal with messed up pixels (no way im buying a new head unit)

If the dead pix don't prevent changing the settings I'd just live with it. Look on ebay or find the BMW part number for the whole thing and search on that. Pull it out and there should be on a sticker on top of it with the PN.

Unsure what would cause the echo tho...

I'm assuming echo is from previous audio settings which I now cant change due to limitations of non-DSP head unit

probably gonna repair my DSP units pixles or live with non-DSP
Thanks for everyone's help :thumbup:

As a side note I can say the displays on E39 and E53 are different. For example the screen polarisation angle is different. On E39 you can't use polarised sunglasses because the screen would appear black. On E53 the screen shows normally with polarised lenses but does not if you turn them 90 degrees.