Entertainment & Communication - Overview - E38, E39 & E53: Other BMW 5 series E39 facelift

Entertainment and Communication

Model: E38, E39 and E53

Production: Start of Production

Multi-Information Display

The Multi-Information display (MID) is a part of the overall driver information system. It is also a part of the overall design objective to create a more simplified and tranquil interior. The MID is used on the E38, E39 and E53 models as standard equipment (instead of the optional On-Board Monitor Navigation).

The MID on the E38 is only used available until the 98 model year. Beginning with the 99 model year, the On Board Monitor Navigation system is standard equipment.

The MID allows the following design goals to be achieved

1. Overall reduction in buttons and controls
2. More simplified operation
3. Displays which are easier to understand
4. More precise driver information
5. Higher visibility of text
6. High quality appearance

The MID incorporates the controls for the audio system, telephone and the on board computer. Since the same format is used to control each of these systems, operation is more convenient.

The MID does not perform any calculations. It is an input request/display unit using the bus network to communicate with IKE/Kombi and other systems.

There are two versions of the MID, one for use with "high version" clusters and one for use with "base clusters". Also the E38 MID differs slightly in design with the E39/E53.

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The MID is designed with two displays

1. Main Display - A 32 character display presentation for primary information.
2. Menu Display - 6 small displays for labeling function buttons.

For the purposes of this training module, the MID shown will be the E39/E53 version. The E38 MID is operated in a similar fashion and has the same controls.

The MID also uses the following buttons and indicators

1. Menu Buttons - The buttons are designed as rocker switches having a left and right side contact. The function of each button changes as the different systems are selected.
2. Selector Buttons - These are used to select the desired system such as Audio, Telephone and the Clock/BC functions.
3. Search Button - Will activate the search feature for the Radio, Tape and/or CD.
4. Volume Control - The volume control know provides two functions. As a pushbutton, the know is used to turn the audio system on or off. As a rotary knob, it is used to control audio system volume (also for telephone "hands free").
5. LED's - There are multiple status LED's which are as follows: A red "fan" symbol indicates the status of parked car ventilation. A set of three colored LED's to indicate phone status

Due to the increased size of the main display, information from more than one system can be displayed at the same time (i.e. radio station and time).

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MID Comparison

Both the "High" and "base" MID are used for control and display of the radio/tape/CD changer and clock.

If installed, the Digital Sound Processor (DSP) will also be adjusted and controlled through the MID.

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On Board Computer (BC)

The processing and display of the on-board computer functions is carried out by the IKE/Kombi. The IKE/Kombi receives and evaluates all of the BC required data. The BC functions can be called up for display on the MID or the Instrument Cluster matrix.

The following BC functions are available for display

1. Time
2. Range
3. Limit
4. Average fuel consumption
5. Date
6. Distance
7. Code
8. Average speed
9. Arrival Time
10. Timer/Stopwatch

All of the above BC functions are available with the "high version", some of the functions are not available with the "base" BC.

The outside temperature measurement is no longer a BC function. The temperature is continuously displayed in the instrument cluster and is used to activate the freeze warning.

Entering Time/Date

1. Press clock button
2. Set time with menu buttons
3. Press set button to start the clock - Date is automatically displayed, program date with the same procedure.

Programming Functions

1. Call up functions to be programmed
2. Using menu button
3. Press "set" button - menu switch to numbers for entering data
4. Program function
5. Press "set" button to acknowledge data

Code Functions

Because of the Immobilizer module installed in the E38, the code function is modified. The immobilizer module is utilized when the code is set. The KL 50 circuit is deactivated and driveway protection is engaged.

With this change, the alarm horn is only activated when the third incorrect code number is entered. The alarm is deactivated by entering the correct code and pressing the "set" button.

Emergency deactivation: If the code is forgotten, the function can be cancelled by engaging the emergency deactivation countdown. The 10 minute countdown is activated by disconnecting the battery for one minute and switching on KLR.

Audio Systems

The audio systems available for the E38, E39 and E46 include a standard 10-Speaker system as well as an optional 14-speaker (E38) or 12-speaker (E39/E53) system with Digital Sound Processing (DSP).

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These system are controlled via the MID or Board Monitor (if equipped).

Radio/Tape Or CD Player

This unit houses radio electronics, tape or CD player, treble, bass, fader, balance adjustments. From 2001, models without Navigation have the option of an in-dash CD player. Up until 2001, only the tape player was available.

The MID contains the controls for ON/OFF, volume, station selection, DSP control (E39/E53).

On the E39/E53, if the DSP system is installed, the audio button in the MID has a second position to activate the controls.

Except for the number of memory positions for DSP programming, all of the features of the separate E38 DSP switch panel are incorporated into the MID. The memory feature of the E39 DSP has two memory positions whereas the E38 has three.

Amplifier

The amplifier is mounted in the trunk on the left hand side. The standard audio system uses a 200 watt amplifier for the 10 speaker non DSP audio system. The optional 14 or 12 speaker 440 watt amplifier for the DSP audio system.

CD Changer

The optional 6-disc CD changer is mounted in trunk if equipped.

MFL Controls

The Multi-function steering wheel controls are used to control volume and station/track selection.

The early production E38 utilized a separate MFL control module as an interface with the I-Bus, later models omitted the separate MFL control unit and the MFL button pads contained the necessary electronics for the I/K-Bus interface.

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Digital Sound Processing

DSP gives the user the possibility of selecting from three preset acoustic environments (concert hall, cathedral, jazz club). Or the user can custom tailor three environments on the basis of acoustic parameters such as room size, reverberation time and equalizer characteristics, and capture them in three memory settings.

There's also a DEMO function to demonstrate the system's capabilities.

On the E38, there is a separate DSP graphic equalizer in the dash. The E39/E53 have the DSP functions integrated into the MID control panel.

Both audio systems have the same main audio panel integrated into the MID, the same upper control-panel cover, and a further refined diversity antenna system with a total of four antenna circuits for improved FM stereo reception.

The DSP is an available option that cannot be retro-fitted to the vehicle. The system includes a different wiring harness, DSP amplifier and speakers for audio system operation. The DSP control panel and DSP amplifier are connected to the I/K-Bus for data communication with the audio system.

Anti-Theft Feature

The new MID/BMBT based audio system consists of individual components dispersed on a network. The audio system is therefore rendered useless in any other vehicle. Therefore the previous anti-theft radio feature has been omitted from this system.

Antenna Systems

Antenna Diversity

The antenna systems used on BMW vehicles use a diversity antenna system. This is a multiple antenna system, with a diversity switching module which continually monitors and selects the best antenna signal.

One antenna is connected for the AM band and three separate antennas for the FM range. The three FM signals received are switched in the diversity amplifier through to the radio cyclically via the RF line. The radio sends a feedback signal relating to the quality of the received antenna signal (the intermediate frequency signal) to the antenna diversity system. The antenna diversity system decides which of the three antennas has the best reception quality at present and switches this antenna through to the radio until the next measuring cycle is carried out. The antenna (FM1) arranged vertically in the rear window is used in the case of interference in the intermediate frequency signal.

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Each vehicle uses a different antenna configuration. The AM and FM antennae are integrated into the rear window glass.

On vehicles such as the E53 and E39 sportwagon, the side window glass and rear spoiler are also used to house antenna system components.

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Telephone Systems

The E38, E39 and E53 have the capability for telephone integration due to the layout of the bus network.

With the exception of the E38 750iL, the phone is a dealer installed option. The E38 750iL is a factory (port) installed phone system.

Depending upon the model year and specific vehicle, there have been numerous phone system configurations used.

Upon introduction, the E38 was equipped with CMT 3000VR. The CMT 3000VR was specifically designed for the E38 7 series. As with the other subsequent phone systems, the CMT3000VR phone system is integrated into the vehicle. This integration is possible byway of the I-Bus allowing shared functions of the MID, MFL and instrument cluster.

Many of the CMT 3000VR features will carry over into later BMW mobile phones such as

1. I/K-Bus Interface - The telephone is linked to the IKE/Kombi for display of telephone numbers in the Matrix display. The MID also allows telephone number display and system control. The MFL provides for control at the steering wheel and the Radio/ Amplifier provides for automatic muting and audio system speaker use when in hands free operation.
2. Road Speed Sensitive Volume - When in hands-free operation the volume of the telephone will increase slightly with an increase in road speed. The Eject box/PSE receives Speed signal "A" from the IKE for monitoring vehicle speed.

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Beginning with the CMT 3000VR in 1995, there have numerous cellular phone systems used with various configurations.

The phone designations indicate some of the features available. For instance, the CMT 5000 VR telephone designation indicates the following; the CMT indicates Cellular Mobile Telephone and the VR designation indicates Voice Recognition. The CMT phones are integrated into the vehicle, but are not portable. In other words, the handset cannot be removed from the vehicle.

On the other hand, phones with the CPT designation are portable. The handset can be removed from the vehicle and used as an independent cell phone. Once plugged into the vehicle, the phone is then fully integrated into the vehicle.

Some of the phone systems used include

1. CMT3000 VR - The CMT 3000 VR is a non-portable analog cellular phone system used from approximately 95 model year until late 97. This is a Phase IV phone system in which the I-Bus is directly connected to the eject box. The handset is integrated into the center armrest and is not removable from the vehicle.
2. CMT 5000 VR - The CMT is a non-portable analog cellular phone system used in 1998 model year vehicles. The CMT 5000VR is a Phase V phone in which the I-Bus is not directly connected to the eject box. The handset is integrated into the center armrest and is not removable from the vehicle.
3. CPT 6000 VR - The CPT 6000 VR is the first portable integrated phone in the BMW model line. This system uses an analog Motorola handset.
4. CPT 7000 - The CPT 7000 phone system uses the digital Motorola StarTAC(tm) handset. This system is also capable of utilizing voice recognition technology. The Voice Recognition System (SES) is a separate module and not part of the handset. The system uses a Portable Support Electronics unit (PSE) to allow the handset to interface with the vehicle. The CPT 7000 phone system is used on 2000 model year vehicle.
5. CPT 8000 - The CPT 8000 phone system utilizes the Motorola Timeport(tm) portable phone. This system is designed for use in 2001 model year vehicles. This is a digital Telematics system which utilizes a TCU rather than the previous PSE box. This phone system also incorporates SES functions.