XSeries-forum

My X5 has the small screen thing on the dash. If I wanted to put in the later side screen type is it a straight swap?

Yes, but you have to get one from and X5 (with the bezel) and not the e38 (7) or e39 (5), you will also need the module in the boot the galvanized box with the blue and white connector.

I meant wide screen not side screen.. what module?

The small screen headunit is a MK3 I believe, the widescreen one is the MK4, so you would need the MK4 DVD satnav drive that lives in the rear cubby.
Check if it's plug and play, there will be loads of info on the net, as it was a popular upgrade years ago.
Personally the expense may be more than half of what you could get an aftermarket unit which has 7 digit postcodes and iPod integration Bluetooth etc
I think the MK4 system is very very dated

The Mk3 and Mk4 refer to the Sat Nav unit in the left side cubby in the boot (Mk3 is CD based Mk4 is DVD) the head unit small screen or wide screen is plug and play and interchangeable whether a Mk3 or Mk4 Nav unit is installed. The aspect ratio can be changed in the settings, the TV unit if fitted (check in menu if the TV option is there) will most likely be analogue you can look for a Digital unit second hand but they tend to be silly prices a free view box is a cheaper option and can be simply fitted and work well.

Or if your not bothered about keeping everything original you could fit a more modern Dynavin or Android unit instead plenty of information here on that

Okay here are your modules:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw ... e&_sacat=0

As Greydog has pointed out you will also need the DVD drive:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E39-E46- ... SwhEla7zhW

The wide-screens are a mine field...you must get one from and e53 or you will have to start cutting the airducts to get the rear of the screen in and gaffer tape the the holes up...the e38 chaps have the same problem if they buy one for an e53...chop chop!

I'm not going to bother with those prices. I may look for one of those new touch screen things. Saying that, I rarely play CDs and never use a satnav.. it's just radio 2 or Kiss FM in my car.

There is no CD slot in the widescreen anyway, (CD's would still run from the 6 changer in the boot)...its a tape slot..so as you say retro fit a touch screen.