Possible Navigation computer problems: MKII or MKIII?
 

Hi everyone,

I may have a problem with the navigation computer (with DSP) on my 2001 3.0i X5.

I just noticed recently that the 4x3 display would flicker in sequence between the main menu screen, a blank/black screen, and the radio station screen. I also noticed that the radio or CD would stop playing and/or the nav/radio buttons would lock up.

I did search the forums for similar problems (one started by KP1 under the thread "Navigation failure: First intermittent, now not working at all"), therefore I'm assuming that it is also a problem with my nav computer.

I have a couple questions I hope any of you could answer:

(1.) Is it safe to assume based on similar experiences that it is a problem with my nav computer? Or is it my battery? or a bad fuse?

(2.) I think I have the MKII based on my year and make, but would the MKIII be compatible with my X5?

(3.) Can anyone in the general Los Angeles area recommend a shop that could offer a replacement computer- which I would assume would cost much, much less than going directly to the dealer for this type of service/replacement?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses!

Only the 2000 model year X5's had the MkII, you more likely have the MkIII. See http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...ystem-faq.html for photos of the two different types of nav drive to determine which you have.

Wow :wow:, there's a blast from WestFest past :D How ya doin' stranger?

Hey SG... It has definitely been a long time!

All is good with me and the X, except for the recent Nav problem.
I even had the battery replaced during a scheduled non-dealership service last week. I thought that fixed the problem with the nav and the occassional radio going out, but it didn't. :dunno:

I'm thinking of bringing my X to this place called FAST TRACK ELECTRONICS (http://gofte.com/AutoRadio.htm) in the Santa Monica area near work. They have a repair or rebuilt exchange program. They'll probably be a less expensive alternative than going to the dealer, too.

Anyway, until I go to them I'm still open to suggestions or recommendations which may help resolve what seems to be a nav computer/radio issue.

I wish I could help, I have no clue.

My 08/2000 production date X5 has the MKII (female voice).

And yup... according to Santa Monica BMW's ($150) diagnostic check today, the MKII Nav computer is dead and needs to be replaced. They quoted a price of $3,350 for a new one with installation. :yikes: But they were 'willing to do it for me as good will' for $2,850. That's still too frickin' steep for a MKII! :wtf:

I declined and told them I'd rather go to FAST TRACK (located in SM also) as noted on my earlier post. FAST TRACK even quoted that I could get an upgrade to the MKIII for $1,500 installed. I wonder if this is probably the same place SM BMW was going to get the replacement MKII, anyway and make some fat cash from me. I'm no sucker!

Here's the kicker... SM BMW cracked my NAV MAP CD!!! I knew the CD was not cracked because I checked it in the morning before I dropped off the X for the diagnostic appointment. It pisses me off that they didn't even bother tell me when I picked up the X. :angryfire I just happened to notice it this evening when I got home. I'm going back to the dealership first thing in the morning and demand that they replace it with the latest CD MAP!

Thanks UCrewX5 and SG for the links and trying to help!

Wow :wow: Let me know if I can help you out with a new map CD ;) Good luck, and definitely get the new MKIII!

I have the same problem. I have seen quite a few working replacement units on ebay for $400 and I am told it is plug and play with the same computer. However, for about $1000 I can upgrade to the newest MkIV.

check these guys out

http://www.bimmernav.com/

First off, I checked all fuses in the car relating to NAV/OBC and Radio and they're all okay.

Secondly, THANKS for the suggestion to check Bimmernav.com for the MKIII, but it doesn't look like they have it. And as tempting as the prices may be I don't want to take the risk of purchasing a bad one from eBay so I went to FAST TRACK instead (especially since I had a real good experience with them a little over a year ago when I exchanged my bad CD changer for one that worked).

This time FAST TRACK actually took my bad MKII to run a more thorough test on it until Friday before I buy and upgrade to one of their MKIII units with warranty. Therefore, I'm driving around the next day or so without an onboard/nav computer. The radio still works, but still cuts out after several minutes.

Assuming that the MKII is dead and a good MKIII fixes the nav problems but not the radio issue, is it safe to assume that I also have a coincidental problem with my DSP AMP, too?... :dunno:

Excuse the long-winded explanation & details, but I'm just trying to make sure I'm on the right track to a resolution... and hopefully provide more info for other people who will go thru this same inconvenience.

Additional comments/suggestions are welcome. Thanks, all!!!

I hear you. I just can't pony up $400-$500 when I can upgrade to a MkIV for $999.