Sam...thanks, will keep you posted. I guess i should mention more background:

This is the second E53 i've experienced this issue with(both 4.6iS). Both systems were ordered through and installed by dealer. Regarding the setup on the first X...about 3 years later the exact symptoms we're discussing revealed itself. I was convinced it was due to use over long road trips (and as per manual). A buyer was interested in the X5 as-is so i didn't look further into it and sold it.

My current E53 was a gift from the Missus...i had been looking into the 4.8iS and supercharging but no major tuners were pursuing development...only on the 4.6iS. I specifically set out to find a low mileage 4.6 that didn't have any performance or electrical work done (i.e audio/video/radar) so i could build my dream X5. Long story short, the Missus found a needle in a haystack and i had all my dream mods installed (except SC) then heard rumors of X5M...obviously, new pipe dreams began. The results of the dealer diagnosis was a "bad module" in the DVD player...no issues with battery or other components.

I'm slightly out of warranty so i'm on my own. Coincidentally, there's a fella that's been interested in purchasing my X so the search for a remedy may depend on potential buyer.

Sam curious you never posted your results with the aux in cable. I remeber you posting saying you was going to buy 1. I also listed the pinout for you. As the standard red,white and yellow cable wont work. BMW changed the pins.
My thinking is that aux 2 or aux 3 will work in color and fine.

aux 2 is the video input jack on the monitor. aux 2 is separate video on each screen so try both screens and post results with a pic.
aux3 is global meaning both screens will display aux 3 at the same time..
shared video. My aux3 is currenlty just audio for hd radio so i can hear it or let the back passangers have they own radio.

We are going to make a cable that you can plug into the monitors as aux input 2. The pinout for the bmw cable is kinda of reversed.. you will need a 3 ring headphone connector.. and like pigtails to connect to rca.. this adapter from bmw cost 21 bucks.. not sure why.
okay the pinouts for the bmw are just like this webpage


Getting Video out of an Apple iPod with a standard Audio Video RCA Cable - Scott Hanselman

• Tip - Left Channel white signal
• First Ring - Video yellow signal
• Second Ring - Ground all grounds
• Ring closest to the cable - Right Channel red cable

if you look on this webpage it also tells you what the ipod uses. so then you can make and adapter to work with IPOD.

Again this is just to verify that the monitors are good and possibly the dvd is hosed.

this is what i use to give you and idea of what it looks like
http://img102.exs.cx/img102/357/p10100141ng.jpg

Holy shid... Sam I think I might know what it is.. It all makes sense .. the previous owner changed the reigion code. The firmware is accessed through the monitors .. Unfortunately I never figured out that hidden menu. Read this email from a forum member to me a while ago.

"> Subject: RE: 1 more question regarding the BMW rear seat entertainment monitors
> Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 09:16:15 -0400
> From: > To:
> Wow you really impress me. Find the hidden region code menu in the software and I may hire you to come work for me. If you would like to call me to discuss we can, but the answers I have for you are corporate policy so please don't get upset with me after I answer them. Promise? Ok! Shoot me a call when you have a chance.
>
>
> National Account Manager
> Audi / BMW / Porsche Division Lead
> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
> Automotive Systems
> PO Box 470
> Celebration, FL 347
> P 877.
> D 407.2
> GV 407.
> M 407.
> F 407.>
> W Rear Seat Entertainment
> This e-mail transmission contains information intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above. Further, it contains information that may be privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message from your mail system. Thank you for your compliance.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> FROM> Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:41 PM
> To: > Subject: 1 more question regarding the BMW rear seat entertainment monitors
>
> Sorry to bother you agian. You have been so helpful.
> I found the hiddem menu by holding down the menu key for more then 5 secs. It lists a firmware.
> Is there any way possible to upgrade the firmware, or create a screensaver. Reson being if i switch to aux 2 or 3 and there is no video source the monitors stay on blue which is normal. I currently have a hd radio connected to aux3 and aux2 so my passengers can have there own hd radio.. Only drawback no video is on the screen so it just bright blue.. If there is a firmware upgrade maybe there is a screensaver or abillity to turn monitor off and still transmit the sound through the wireless headphones or lcd head phone jack.
> thank you have a great day.
"
Sam
Reasons I think that. 1. it comes on correctly the blue startup screen then you stick a movie in and it starts the rolling.. because it cant play the movie because your movies are reigion 1 USA. Maybe that player was bought or shipped from overseas. Man I really need you to test that aux inputs now to confirm my theories.

But thats my new guess. Also what version firmware you have. When they replaced my monitors (bmw) under cpo warranty the firwmare of the new monitors now gave me a black screen with only input flashing instead of annoying blue screen that could damage monitors .. So i almost got my screensaver wish.

Just listed: Factory Invision DUAL DVD headrest system

BMW X5 FACTORY INVISION DUAL DVD HEADRESTS BLACK | eBay

that ad is funny "low low low" (I bid 5 bucks )crap reserve not met.. lol. joking.. Good luck with the sell to be honest. I hardly use my dvd player too I use the aux 3 (wdtV) and aux2 (hdradio) all the time.