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Adjusting viewing angle of nav screen

33K views 32 replies 16 participants last post by  BarryM  
#1 ·
Ok, here we go.

I attached a number of pictures, unfortunately, not of ALL actions that need to be done. But I'll explain these actions in more detail.

* The starting point: picture 1...

* Remove the cover with a flat screwdriver: picture 2. The cover is attached at the bottom line at 3 points, and at the higher sides of the left and right line. The cover is quite solid, you should not be scared to break it. I did put quite some force on it.

* Picure 3: cover removed...

* Remove the monitor from the car: picture 4. You should remove the 4 'yellow' screws. In my case, it were only 3, probably one got lost when I swapped from 4/3 to 16/9 (didn't do that myself...)

* Take the monitor out of the 'car': picture 5. Do NOT disconnect the plugs yet. You should tilt the monitor down(eject), and while open, remove the plugs. Remember, the time to remove the plugs is limited, since the monitor will claose automatically in 10 seconds or so.
So, best thing to do, is put a towel between the shifter and the airco controls (this should protect your screen from scratches). Push the eject button. Put the monitor down, with the screen on the towel. Remove the plugs. I guess once the blue one is removed, the screen won't wlose automatically. So, if you're not used to these kind of plugs, better start with the blue one. Pictures of the plugs: picture 6 and 7.
To remove the plugs (for those who don't know yet...), you have to push the plastic right near the black clip, and then move the black clip aside. The plug will come out automatically while moving the clip aside. Plugging back in, is the other way around, as you might have guessed :M5thumbs:

* Now, you're ready to open up the monitor. Go out of the car, to a place where you've got plenty of light, a table, and a chair, and some towels, or magazines, or anything to prevent scratching your monitor.

* Open the top cover of the monitor (sorry, no picture). I mean the metal cover of the monitor. There are 2 black screws at the back side, and 2 black screws at the top. Remove those screws, and lift up the cover. Without the screws, the cover won't just pop off, you'll have to use some force to lift the cover.

* Now under the cover, you'll see 2 "kupferfarbenen cables". I don't know the exact word for this, but I found this 'translation' a little lower in this thread. You know which ones I mean when you look inside, the 2 wide orange 'cables'. These should be removed. Again, no picture (these were the actions I was doing in the complete wrong order, when I totally lost confidence, and just focused on not ruining my monitor ouich )
To remove these cables, you'll have to lift the white plastic things, on the left and right side, and quitely pull the cable out. !!! ONLY THE CABLE !!! should come out, the white plastic stuff should remain on the green print!!! To be honest, this is easier than it sounds... I was a little scared starting to fool around with this stuff, but it really wasn't that big deal. And these cables are rather solid. I even jammed my cables (later on in the story, I'll warn you when it's about to happen), and everything still works.
So, if you got the cables out of the white plastic things (really don't know an English word to describe these, so I'll stick to 'thing' :hihihi: ), you should loosen them up (you see the holes at the side of the cables. The cables are attached to the black cover using these holes), and you're ready to go to the next step.

* remove the screen: picture 8. Remove the 2 screws on each side (now you see why you had to press the eject button...). Now you can take the screen off. The 2 "kupferfarbenen cables" can slide out, and will remain on the screen. If you're not comfortable getting these cables back in, using this tiny space, you can optionally remove the black cover using the 7 black screws. This might make it easier to get the cables back in place. I did this the first time, but not the second time. I think I got the cables through the tiny space in 15 seconds, so really no need to get the black cover off.

* Now, open up the screen: picture 9. Remove the 4 screws.

* Turn the screen around (mind the "kupferfarbenen cables"), and pull the buttons off: picture 10. These buttons come of rather easy. Just pull, no turning required.

* Now you can lift the cover off, QUITELY!! There is still a cable attached to it. Remove the 2 screws (picture 11). Put the cover in safe place, you'll only need it once you're finished.

* Current situation: picture 12.

* Remove the black rear cover. No screws, just lift the print out of the cover. It is a 'close fit'.

* Put the rear cover in a safe place, you'll only need it again when finished.

* Now, on the backside of the screen print, you'll see 2 rows of adjustment screws (picture 14). Find a screwdriver that fits these screws. Trust me, THIS is the perfect time to find that screwdriver. I used a tiny flat screwdriver, and that worked OK.

* The screws you need, are in the left row on picture 14. I used the first and second screw, starting from the bottom. I don't know if you need the first screw, the second one, is the one you really need.

* Now, you should make your monitor operational again, while having access to the adjustment screws...
Making it operational, means connecting the "kupferfarbenen cables". Now, to be able to reach the adjustment screws, you should NOT route the cables in the same way as they were routed originally. You should route them to the white 'things' :hihihi: from the top. (you can see the "kupferfarbenen cables" in picture 13.
Now, to connect the "kupferfarbenen cables", you should lift the white things, and put the cable in (one by one, you'll see for yourself which one should go first...). The blue line indicates if the cable is in deep enough. If it is in, press the white things down, and do the same thing for the other cable.

* Ok, now you're ready to go back to your car, and do some adjustments. Make sure the towel is still in place, and you bring your screwdriver with you!!

* Go back to the car, and, before you plug the 2 plugs back in, make sure the screen is exactly in the right place. BEWARE!!! As soon as the plugs are connected, the monitor will try to 'close'. If you're not holding the screen correct, you might jam your "kupferfarbenen cables". I warned you! But relax, I didn't expect that, and mine isn't broken either zzzzz

* Ok, now, put the key in the ignition, and turn it to position 1 (or any position where the monitor will work). Now plug in the 2 plugs. Pay attention for the closing monitor!!

* Now, put the monitor in about the same position as when it is installed (see picture 13). Make sure you SEE anything. If the screen remains black, you didn't connect the "kupferfarbenen cables" correct. Unplug everything, go back inside, and reconnect the cables.
Ok, assuming you can see anything on the screen, lift it up, and do some adjustment. Do small adjustments, 1/8 of a turn at once (the complete range is about 1 complete turn). Put the screen back in the right position, and check if it is better or worse. MAKE SURE YOU'RE IN THE CORRECT POSITION while looking at the screen (or you end up like me, and have to do it all over).

* Once satisfied with the adjustments, take the monitor back out, disconnect the plugs, and go back inside, to put everything back together.

* Leave the top cover open. This allows you play with the "kupferfarbenen cables" if there is a problem when you install the monitor again.

* First put the back cover on the screen (make sure the "kupferfarbenen cables" are routed through the opening, and make sure no spare piece of these cables is left inside the cover, you'll need all the cable at the other end, for reconnecting it).

* Then put the front cover back on. First you'll have to attach the sensor again (picture 11). Then add the 4 screws again in the back.

* Now the "kupferfarbenen cables" should be routed to the white 'things' again. This time they should be routed correctly! Once the cables are routed, you should place the screen in it's correct location. If it's in the correct location, you won't have to hold it all the time, and you'll have your 2 hands for connecting the "kupferfarbenen cables". Make sure they are connected very good this time, because now it is for real!!

* Now go back to the car, and take every spare part with you.

* Plug the monitor back in. Make sure it works (otherwise, go back inside, and fix these "kupferfarbenen cables")

* Press the eject button, and disconnect again. (mind your "kupferfarbenen cables"!!)

* Fit the screws at the sides again (picture 8)

* If you feel more comfortable, connect again, to test if it still works.

* Put the top cover back on.

* Connect, and see if it works.

* Put it in the correct place, and fir the 4 'yellow' screws again.

* Put the finishig cover back on.

* Smile!! You're ready!

cherrsagai Have a drink, you deserve one :cheers:
 

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#3 ·
FANTASTIC write up. Kudos for taking the time to take pictures and write this up for others.

I know, with absolute certainty, that you speak at LEAST one more language then I do, perhaps two more- but maybe I can add a few english terms that would clarify? Check your PM.

Nice work!

A
 
#4 ·
Excellent post indeed! I am very tempted to do this... I suppose with proper effort and diligence there is little risk to damage the unit.
 
#6 ·
Sucess!

I followed Frits' instructions and adjusted my monitor today. It really was easier than i expected. Frits, you instructions were good. I took a few pics, i posted a couple below, mostly of those Kupenwhatever cables. They look more like little ribbon cables, and plug into a connector on the board of the monitor. The other pic shows the screws to adjust. I used the second from the bottom, as Frits suggested mostly, and did a minor adjustment to the bottom one, which seemed to improve the color after i brightened it. It's still largely invisible with polarized sunglasses, but that is ok, it looks many times better out in the sun than ever before. I pulled the car out of the garage, windows and sunroof open, to do the adjusting.
I can't believe i'd lived with the monitor the old way for so long!
Mike
 

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#7 ·
This is great stuff. Thanks for everyone's help. I should be getting my 16:9 screen any day now and when I install it I'll be sure to see how things look and make adjustments at that time.
 
#8 ·
mottati said:
I followed Frits' instructions and adjusted my monitor today. It really was easier than i expected. Frits, you instructions were good. I took a few pics, i posted a couple below, mostly of those Kupenwhatever cables. They look more like little ribbon cables, and plug into a connector on the board of the monitor. The other pic shows the screws to adjust. I used the second from the bottom, as Frits suggested mostly, and did a minor adjustment to the bottom one, which seemed to improve the color after i brightened it. It's still largely invisible with polarized sunglasses, but that is ok, it looks many times better out in the sun than ever before. I pulled the car out of the garage, windows and sunroof open, to do the adjusting.
I can't believe i'd lived with the monitor the old way for so long!
Mike
Good to hear all went smooth, Mike. Hopefully next weekend I get to try it too, especially if the difference is that noticeable.

I guess one can easily do it alone, although a helper might come handy, especially when doing the final color/brighness adjustments.
 
#9 ·
cosioboy said:
Good to hear all went smooth, Mike. Hopefully next weekend I get to try it too, especially if the difference is that noticeable.

I guess one can easily do it alone, although a helper might come handy, especially when doing the final color/brighness adjustments.
No helpers needed. Not enough room for extra hands. I plugged the monitor in, slid the main unit in place with the screen only connected by the ribbon wires. You can sit it in position to look at it, then pull it away a couple inches to adjust the screw a bit. Here's a pic of the adjustment, it is so much better!
Mike
 

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#10 ·
Well I installed my screen tonight. I was told it was out of a 5 series. All I can say is it's bright and somewhat hazy from my view at the driver's seat. I suspect this was not in a 5 series but rather an X5.

To test that I wasn't being overly critical, I sat in the center of the back seat and leaned forward over the arm rest, then I leaned down with my face almost resting on the arm rest and the screen became darker and a lot more clear.

I then went back to the driver's seat and decided to turn down the brightness and all that did was make it darker and still hazy.

I am 100% certain I need to make screen adjustments. I'll use your method tonight Mottati. Thanks for the tip.

I have a ton of install pics by the way for anyone who is going to upgrade their screen from a 4:3 to 16:9.
 
#11 ·
1mpowerme said:
Well I installed my screen tonight. I was told it was out of a 5 series. All I can say is it's bright and somewhat hazy from my view at the driver's seat. I suspect this was not in a 5 series but rather an X5.

To test that I wasn't being overly critical, I sat in the center of the back seat and leaned forward over the arm rest, then I leaned down with my face almost resting on the arm rest and the screen became darker and a lot more clear.

I then went back to the driver's seat and decided to turn down the brightness and all that did was make it darker and still hazy.

I am 100% certain I need to make screen adjustments. I'll use your method tonight Mottati. Thanks for the tip.

I have a ton of install pics by the way for anyone who is going to upgrade their screen from a 4:3 to 16:9.
From the sounds of it, you do have an X5 screen. You can call the dealer and give them your part number, that's one way to verify (you can try realoem.com, but there are a zillion 16:9 widescreen part numbers, inexplicably why)... If you are seeing it somewhat hazy from the driver's position, then I'd say go for the adjustment.
 
#12 ·
@mottati: glad my instructions were good enough to get you going!

The weather is getting better and better here (finally! summer wheels are back on!). I've been driving more with the sunroof open, and with the bright sun shining right on the monitor. The image is still clear.
 
#13 ·
Well I blew it. How you can screw something up as simple as this is amazing to me. Everything went real well with the whole removal process and getting to the back of the screen to make the adjustments. I adjusted both the bottom and 2nd from the bottom pods and got the screen looking really good!

Then as I was reaching to disconnect the white and blue cables I must have touched the back of the screen in just the right way to where I got a good electrical shock and it made me jump causing the screen to come flying off with the two copper ribbon cables.

Getting my thoughts together I connected the copper cables again and the blue and *********** connections and the screen illuminates fine but now I cannot press any of the buttons on the screen and access the main menu or anything. The only thing I can do is turn the right knob to adjust the scale of the map that is shown on my screen.

I tried shutting the car off for awhile then turning the key back to position 2 and the screen lights up "BMW" and goes to the accept screen, then automatically without me pushing a button is goes right to the map again showing my current position. None of the buttons work.

Then I disconnected my battery after the nav computer powered down and waited 10 minutes or so (I checked fuses in the trunk to pass some time) and reconnected the screen and still the same thing.

I wonder if I've somehow cooked something on my screen to where I won't be able to use the menu or any of my buttons? I checked the circuit board and I don't see any burn marks at all.

I'm stuck at this point. My 4:3 screen has been reinstalled for now and I'm wondering if I have a 16:9 unit now that is ready for the trash.

Anyone know what's up here?
 
#14 ·
1mpowerme said:
Well I blew it. How you can screw something up as simple as this is amazing to me. Everything went real well with the whole removal process and getting to the back of the screen to make the adjustments. I adjusted both the bottom and 2nd from the bottom pods and got the screen looking really good!

Then as I was reaching to disconnect the white and blue cables I must have touched the back of the screen in just the right way to where I got a good electrical shock and it made me jump causing the screen to come flying off with the two copper ribbon cables.

Getting my thoughts together I connected the copper cables again and the blue and *********** connections and the screen illuminates fine but now I cannot press any of the buttons on the screen and access the main menu or anything. The only thing I can do is turn the right knob to adjust the scale of the map that is shown on my screen.

I tried shutting the car off for awhile then turning the key back to position 2 and the screen lights up "BMW" and goes to the accept screen, then automatically without me pushing a button is goes right to the map again showing my current position. None of the buttons work.

Then I disconnected my battery after the nav computer powered down and waited 10 minutes or so (I checked fuses in the trunk to pass some time) and reconnected the screen and still the same thing.

I wonder if I've somehow cooked something on my screen to where I won't be able to use the menu or any of my buttons? I checked the circuit board and I don't see any burn marks at all.

I'm stuck at this point. My 4:3 screen has been reinstalled for now and I'm wondering if I have a 16:9 unit now that is ready for the trash.

Anyone know what's up here?
Terribly sorry to hear of your experience, 1mpowerme! Not sure I can offer you any technical advice, it is tough to say from the description alone whether the screen is completely toast, or maybe some element needs to be replaced. Hopefully just the latter as you still have some functionality.

Wasn't quite sure of the electricity shock/charge you experienced - was it static electricity, or was it more lke touching a power wire directly?
 
#15 ·
The shock I received was not a snap sound like static electricity. This was direct current which seems to have given me a zap when I touched across two points in just the right way. In essence I became ground for a source that was hot. I did smell a slight burn smell after the incident but just figured it was my finger from the shock.

I just got this screen off eBay this past weekend for right around $575.00.

I thought at first I might have sent a surge to my nav computer and that was the problem area but once I installed my original 4:3 screen everything works fine again.

I wonder if I perhaps blew a small fuse of some sort on the screen itself but I don't see any fuses. I'm not a circuit board bench tester so I have no idea what to do to test and isolate the problem.

I would buy another screen and connect it to my tape unit but what if the problem is on the circuit board that the copper ribbon cables connect to.

I'm going to do some more searching on the M5 Board and see if anyone has had the same problem where they loose all functionality with the buttons but still get power to the screen and images.
 
#17 ·
Frits said:
Ow, terrible to hear 1mpowerme! I guess you already tried reconnecting the copper ribbon cables, just to make sure they are properly fit in the connectors?
The copper ribbon cables are a pain to get in real good and sometimes they do slip. Once when the connection wasn't so good I noticed the screen didn't even light up or at times if you shake the cable the screen would turn white.

Once they are properly seated, it seems like you get correct picture and from there I would think all the navigation buttons on each side of the screen would work. In my case they don't now. The only one that works is the right bottom knob and it will only allow me to change my scale. If I press down for example to bring up the navigation menu for more options, it does nothing.

I tried pressing the eject button too for example so I could attach the screen to the frame and that doesn't work either.

I posted a thread specifically for this problem but I'm sure no one has really had it so not much help. I went to X5World and Bimmernav to see if anything was out there and nothing either.

I'm fairly happy with my 4:3 screen, especially after I upgraded to an MKIV computer and have the V27 firmware and the latest 2006.02 DVD.

But a 16:9 screen would be nice too.

Thanks for your write up Fritz. I enjoyed the many times you said "Watch for those copper cables!"
 
#18 ·
Late but worth trying

I just came across this mod this weekend. I tried it out - I can say it was tough getting the two little black grommets that hold the copper cables back into position. I just skipped the little black pins that fit into the grommets. So far things look better. I still need a good nav disk to try everything out. I am awaiting a recode and this trick did not fix my horizontal 1 pixel line that goes across the screen. It did help with the sharpness of the picture. Thanks for the people suggesting this.

-MA
 
#19 ·
Frits, Thanks for the great right up.

I came across this post a few days ago and after reading and re-reading it finally attempted it today.

Everything was pretty straightforward, the most difficult part for me was getting the ribbon cables seated properly, but after a few tries even that was simple enough.

When all was done, the difference is amazing!! And now when I play DVD Video on the nav screen the picture is much clearer.

Thanks again Frits!!
 
#20 ·
Now I have to do this all over again for my 540iT once it gets the MKIV installed and 16:9 screen I picked up a couple months ago used.

This time I won't shock myself!
 
#22 ·
There is adjustments you can make which will actually make the screen more visibly clear and brighter based on viewing angle. Since the 16:9 screen is used in both the X5 and M5 and needs certain backlighting settings for the different viewing angles (X5 screen sits taller, M5 screen sits lower)....you can actually take a screen that was originally for an X5 and adjust it to look better in the M5.

This thread was mainly for those who upgraded from the 4:3 screen to a 16:9 screen and purchased theirs used.
 
#29 ·
Frits I got a quick question for you what year of the nav disc do you have because mine looks old and it's air view on the view that you have any help would be appreciated.