Onboard Monitor
Onboard Monitor System
The Onboard Monitor is used to control the audio, communication and navigation systems. It is available on all models except the Z3 and Z8.
A color LCD display screen used to display various system functions. The screen is a 5" (E46/E53) or 5 1/4" (E38/E39) with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The tape player drive is part of the Onboard Monitor unit. The radio receiver is remotely mounted in the trunk or cargo area.
The systems controlled and displayed by the Onboard monitor are:
- Onboard Computer
- Navigation System
- Telephone
- Code function
- Set (onboard monitor setup)
- Independent ventilation
- Emergency
- Monitor off (switches monitor off)
Widescreen Onboard Monitor
The wide screen on-board monitor replaces both the 5 1/4" versions in the E38 and E39, and the 5" board monitor from the E53 and E46. The wide screen display has a screen size of 6.5" and an aspect ratio (length:height) of 16:9.
The benefits of the wide screen design are:
- Larger display area and higher resolution (400*234 pixels).
- Improved display screen technology (Ad-TFT LC).
- Bigger text size.
- Soft keys replace country specific audio function keys.
- Used for all board monitor applications in all markets reducing variants.
- Larger display area makes split screen and magnification features possible
Component Overview
The wide screen on-board monitor consists of:
1. Monitor housing with cassette drive
2. Display screen
3. On-board monitor control panel
Cassette Drive
The cassette drive is located behind the on-board monitor screen. In order to access the cassette, press the "eject" button, the display screen tilts forward to uncover the cassette slot. The images will remain displayed on the screen.
After pressing the "eject" button again or automatically after 15 seconds the display returns to its normal position (cassette must be completely inside or removed). The tilt mechanism for the display screen utilizes anti-trap, if the board monitor detects a sudden change in speed, the display will reverse direction.
Display Screen and Control Panel
The display screen has a diagonal width of 6.5" and an aspect ratio of 16:9 compared to the previous monitors that had a ratio of 4:3. The screen also uses a Ad-TFT display (Advanced Thin Film Transistor). This type of screen uses ambient light in addition to back-lighting in order to illuminate the display. The advantage is a constant contrast and brightness level at all ambient lighting conditions.
Onboard Monitor Service Mode
The navigation system provides a service mode display function. These screens provide system hardware/software identification numbers and status of Board Monitor and Navigation specific functions for use as a diagnostic tool. The screens are accessed as follows:
- From the Main Menu select "Set".
- Once in the Set function, press and hold the menu button for 8 seconds.
- The next screen to appear is the SERVICE MODE menu.
The first accessible function is "On-board monitor". Pressing this selection calls up the version screen which provides identification of hardware/software specific index versions for the installed system
Pressing the functions key at the bottom continues into additional screens including the Key Functions and Brightness controls.
Key Functions tests the key input on the BMBT. Input status (1-25) will display in the window.
The brightness control allows the display illumination to be manually adjusted.
The next accessible function is the NAVI/GRAPHIC ELEMENT.
This screen identifies hardware/software specific index versions for the installed system.
The Video module selection is not functional since the US version navigation system does not utilize the video module.
The next available selection from the service mode menu is "GPS".
This display provides the GPS receiver module hardware version number and date of programmed software.
Pressing the functions button in the lower right corner of this screen provides a sub-selection menu.
GPS Status provides information on the exact coordinates of the vehicle based on the calculations of the GPS receiver module.
GPS Tracking provides information about the individual satellites currently sending signals to the GPS receiver module. Though interesting, this display provides data which is not usable for BMW service technician scope of diagnosis.
The next selection available from the SERVICE MODE menu is "Sensor check" which provides:
- Wheel speed input
- Number of satellites detected.
- What mode the GPS receiver module is currently in; (i.e.: Search)
- The Gyro status provides the milli-voltage value the Nav computer is utilizing for the current vehicle position. This area also includes an icon representing what direction the vehicle is heading in.
- The direction status indicates what gear is selected (forward or reverse).
The Sensor check display is intended to be used while test driving the vehicle.
The last selection available is the Telematics entry display.
Service Mode for Wide Screen On board Monitor
Access for the radio, on-board monitor and navigation service modes is available through the on-board monitor screen.
NOTE: See Radios for a list of the tests and settings available in the radio service mode.
To enter the radio service mode:
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (KLR).
- Turn the radio on, then off, then on again.
- Press the "INFO" button. From the selection list choose "RDS".
- Press and hold the on-board monitor control knob for at least 8 seconds.
- The audio display window will show the radio serial number as the first display.
- The station search < > buttons are used to scroll through the various settings.
- Turn off the radio to set any changes made.
To enter the On-Board Monitor and Navigation Service Mode:
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (KLR).
- From the Menu screen select "SET".
- Once in the Set screen, press and hold the "MENU" button for 8 seconds.
- The Service Mode menu will appear on the display.
- Select "On-board monitor" for monitor specific tests.