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.

NOTE: The six cylinder models of the E39 and E53 with the On-board Monitor option are equipped with the high version IKE and On Board Computer functions.

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.

Fig 1: Identifying Board Monitor E38/E39 Style

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

Fig 2: Identifying E46 On Board Monitor (Small Screen)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.