Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
On Board Monitor System: Notes
The On-board Monitor System was introduced as optional equipment on the E38 and E39 for the 1997 model year. It uses the latest advances in electronic technology to bring new levels of comfort and convenience to the driver and passengers for control of the audio/communication systems.
Subsequent models such as the E53 and E46 also incorporate navigation and board monitors functions as well.
In addition, the Navigation system (Mk-I through Mk-III) is incorporated into the total scope of On-board Monitor Control.
The On-board Monitor is essentially a control and display unit. All data processing and calculations are carried out by the individual system control modules. The display data is sent to the On-board Monitor over the various bus interfaces.
The On-board Monitor is mounted in the center dash console. It replaces the Radio/Tape Player, MID and DSP control panel (E38) if equipped.
It consists of control knobs and buttons for programming and operating the various systems.
Depending upon the year and model, there is a 5 1/4 inch, color LCD screen for display of all system functions on the E38 and E39. The E46 and E53 models used a 5 inch screen.
Later models with Mk-III navigation, adopted the "wide screen" on board monitor which has a 6.5 inch screen. The wide screen was available on the E38 and E39 from 9/00 production. The E53 uses the wide screen BMBT from 1/01. The E46 models adopted the wide screen configuration starting with 3/01 for the convertible and 9/01 for all the other E46 models.
The tape player drive is also part of the On-Board Monitor unit. However, the radio receiver/amplifier module is now mounted in the trunk. The audio system is controlled from the on-board monitor.
Additionally, the systems controlled and programmed through the On-board Monitor include:
- On Board Computer
- Navigation system
- Telephone
- Code Function
- Set (on-board monitor setup)
- Digital Sound Processor (DSP)
- Auxiliary Ventilation
- Emergency (provides vehicle location and automatically dials telephone for help).
- Monitor Off (Switches the monitor off).
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.