Aftermarket sat nav unit = loss of obc?

Imy · Post by **Imy** » Sun Jul 29, 2012 10:10 am

Hi all,

Iv got a pioneer DVD, sat nav, Bluetooth unit.

Iv read that fitting an aftermarket unit means you lose the obc functions... Now this appears to be the case with me.

The car came fitted with it so I'm not even sure what the obc should show me.
Some of the pixels are missing, but all I get I'd warning signs like check oil level etc but I not able to see mpg etc

Is there any way to rectify this so that I able to use the obc functions?

Thanks

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Sun Jul 29, 2012 5:35 pm

When going aftermarket, such as pioneer or alpine, etc then you do lose the OBC functions as they are controlled through the OE headunit.

However there is a way to restore them and keep the OBC functionality and that is to take the plug for the OBC etc to the glovebox and purchase the separate controller that come below the single (sort of) din headunits that have the cover panel.

Not sure if I've explained clear enough.

Imy · Post by **Imy** » Sun Jul 29, 2012 11:33 pm

Thanks Raj,

Not too clear about what you mean!

Where would I buy this control unit from?

Imy · Post by **Imy** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:04 am

Ok I just did some research and I think what your referring to is the MID unit?
I would need to purchase this in order to get my OBC functions back?

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:15 am

Yes that's right.

Perhaps you could do a 'how to' guide with pics to show us all how it's done?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:37 am

That's right, put a mid unit into the glovebox as per THIS thread.

I've gone aftermarket and did think about doing this but I've not been too fussed about the OBC as of yet.

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 3:54 pm

Hi IMY
I have an aftermarket Dynavin E39A D99. headunit, It has a screen for OBC display. The only problem was that you can't reset the MPG consumption 1 and 2's to zero then. The OBC display in the centre of the clocks in the binnacle still showed the MPG, range etc, but I wanted to be able to reset the MPG counters.
As i fitted the unit myself, and it was previosly a non satnav/media pack X5 I had a perfectly good MID so I extended the wiring and plug ( 5 wires ) from the original loom, into the glove box. Now I an reset the OBC when ever needed, also alter the binnacle display clock etc. If your X had the OEM sat nav screen, their would not be the wiring/plug in the loom for a MID to be wired in.

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 7:10 pm

[quote="Horizon"]
Hi IMY
I have an aftermarket Dynavin E39A D99. headunit, It has a screen for OBC display. The only problem was that you can't reset the MPG consumption 1 and 2's to zero then. The OBC display in the centre of the clocks in the binnacle still showed the MPG, range etc, but I wanted to be able to reset the MPG counters.
As i fitted the unit myself, and it was previosly a non satnav/media pack X5 I had a perfectly good MID so I extended the wiring and plug ( 5 wires ) from the original loom, into the glove box. Now I an reset the OBC when ever needed, also alter the binnacle display clock etc. If your X had the OEM sat nav screen, their would not be the wiring/plug in the loom for a MID to be wired in.
[/quote]

I didnt realise it was only 5 wires, I should have took a closer look when fitting my dynavin D99 unit. I think this will be a job for the weekend as the lack of function to reset the obc makes te obc useless.

Thanks

Imy · Post by **Imy** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:03 pm

Horizon,

Thanks for the response.

I don't think mine was fitted with a BMW comms pack. It's all after market but I wasn't supplied with an MID and to be honest paying £100 for one just so I can see my mpg just doesn't appeal to me at the moment. Might do when I get my end of year bonus though!

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:36 pm

Hi Gareth
The MID's original plug connector will be hanging around behind the dash, I used a metre length of alarm cable and cut the plug and a few inches of cable off, then spliced the extension wire in and then rejoined the plug end. I will extend it further into the rear cubby hole in the boot, so I can reclaim the glove box.
( i found access by pulling the climate control unit instead of the headunit, but can cause the press buttons to come off.) Good luck

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 8:41 am

[quote="Horizon"]
If your X had the OEM sat nav screen, their would not be the wiring/plug in the loom for a MID to be wired in.
[/quote]

Wonder if it could be possible to work out the 5 wires from the loom that were required as the OEM satnav screen unit still has all the functionality. The plug can be bought from the dealer for not much money.

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