Mid and Board Computers
Multi-Information Displays, Audio Systems and Board Computers
The MID is used on E38, E39 and E53 vehicles. The MID performs no calculations itself, it is only a display and input unit for other components. The MID is responsible for displaying information associated with: Onboard Computer (High version vehicles), Radio and Telephone.
Onboard Computer (BC) excluding vehicles previous to E38
The calculations for the Onboard Computer are carried out by the IKE. The MID is used to display the information (high version) and send input requests to the IKE.
The following Onboard Computer functions are available:
- Time
- Date
- Reminder Signal
- Timer
- Independent Ventilation
- Speed Limit warning
- Distance and Arrival
- Fuel Range
- Avg. Fuel Consumption
- Avg. Speed
- Code (expanded immobilization)
Example: Operating the Onboard Computer to display the range
NOTE: Always refer to the vehicle owners manual for instructions on use and programming Onboard Computers as features and displays sometimes change.
Remote Control
The "BC" button on the turn signal lever can be used to call up information to be displayed in the matrix of the cluster. The sequence and particular functions to be displayed can be programmed. To program:
1. Press and hold stalk BC button until "Prog" appears in both displays.
2. Use the MID buttons to select functions in the order they are to be displayed.
3. Press SET on MID to confirm.
Emergency Deactivation of Code function
If the vehicle owner has forgotten their code, the function can be cancelled by activating the emergency deactivation countdown.
1. Disconnect the battery and after 2 minutes reconnect it back. The alarm will sound.
2. Place the key in position 1 (KLR). A ten minute countdown will be displayed in the MID.
3. After ten minutes start the engine.
Base Onboard Computer
On vehicles equipped with a Basic Cluster (Kombi) the Onboard computer display in the MID is not used, rather the Onboard Computer information is displayed in the instrument cluster center LCD display.
The functions of the base Onboard Computer are more limited than those vehicles equipped with a high version cluster (IKE).
The four functions are shown below. Time and date are displayed are displayed in the MID on E39/E53 vehicles, and in the cluster in the E46
To scroll through the functions the "BC" button of the turn signal lever is briefly pressed.
Two of the displays, "Average fuel consumption" and "Average speed" can be reset to start a new calculation. To reset, press and hold the BC button for longer than one second when the function is called up. The onboard computer will then erase the previous display and start to compute a new average value.
MID Self Test
Operation of the MID can be checked through the test function sequence on the MID panel. The following items can be checked:
Unit identification
The following information appears for approximately 3 seconds when the ignition is switched on
- Hardware number
- Software number
- Variant index
All other test must be started within three seconds, while the identification data is displayed. If not the MID will exit the test mode.
Display test
Activate this test by pressing the display menu button. All elements of the main and menu displays are illuminated with different check patterns.
Button test
Start this test by pressing the button test menu button. All buttons on the MID have been assigned an alphabetical letter that will appear when the button is pressed.
Volume control test
This test is carried out by pressing the volume menu button and turning the volume knob. Numbers from 01 to 36 appear in the display indicating each step of the knob's rotation.
Status LED test
Activate this test by pressing the menu button. All status LEDs are illuminated.