Center Console DVD player- plug & play?

[M45xATL]

The DVD player in my '08 M35 has given up the ghost. I'm wondering if I buy a replacement unit from a totaled 09 M45 would it be compatible? Or would it need to be programmed?

[Ilya]

Should be just plug'n'play but don't quote me on that. I don't see any reason for it to be car specific.

[TRbassix23]

How about a m35 that doesn't have a DVD player to begin with?

[Larz]

If your car didn't come with a DVD player in the console, you're car is missing the optional 'package' that included the player. Your car may be pre-wired for it, just doesn't have the player installed. However, that optional package also included other things that may be linked to the player and required to make the player work properly. I suggest going to an auto shop that specializes in audio / visual installations and buying everything there. That way, you can get a better model that has improvements and options the factory player did not have.

[M45xATL]

My M is a 2008 M35 with the Sport Package, Advanced Technology and Premium Packages (rare combo I'm told). This has the rear DVD screen and my kids love it. I love it even more b/c it keeps them occupied and I enjoy the blissful silence when they're watching a movie. I have about 124K miles on it and the DVD player has started displaying a "Read Disk Error" message whenever I pop in a DVD. The disk loads normally, spins a bit, and then shows the error message. I'm wondering if I take it to a car audio electronics specialist if they can fix it easily (100 bucks or so), or just replace the DVD unit with one from a donor vehicle. I found one for about $145 on eBay. I wonder if the players themselves are "plug and play" without any surprises...

[Larz]

I apologise. I thought you were adding DVD to a non-DVD model (dunno why, because your post clearly indicated your car came with DVD). My 09 has that same rear entertainment package with the reclining and temp-controlled seats and audio controls. It is indeed rare.
It's probably best to do what you're doing. Get another DVD player from a donor vehicle. That way the wiring harnesses should match and it should be plug n play. But to your point, an aftermarket shop might be able to steer you to a repair facility that can replace / repair what's gone wrong in your player. Maybe your dealer also has a shop they can recommend. I doubt the dealer actually does refurbishing on these units.

[M45xATL]

That's the course I'm considering. I figure if I take the current unit to a specialist, I will incur at least a bench charge and some diagnostic work on the unit and they will tell me that there is a small part in there that simply cannot be replaced, or is not worth the time/effort and I''l wind up having to get a replacement unit anyway. I did speak with a specialist and he did confirm that these units are indeed "plug and play", with no special programming required. After 8 years of use and thermal cycling, I'm sure the most rugged of these electronics would eventually fail.
I do wish that my M had those reclining climate controlled seats that yours have, but a few techs told me that those were not an option on the Sport Package with the Rear Active Steering (HICAS), although it was possible to option the Rear Entertainment System. This was the rarest option combo on the M's they told me....

[Larz]

I do wish that my M had those reclining climate controlled seats that yours have, but a few techs told me that those were not an option on the Sport Package with the Rear Active Steering (HICAS), although it was possible to option the Rear Entertainment System. This was the rarest option combo on the M's they told me....

That last bit always makes my face squinch. All car makers do that. You can't have a particular car color with the tech package, or 20" tires cannot be added without black seats selected, etc.
The two items have nothing to do with each other! I assure you my interior color couldn't give a right tart's nip which wheels I select. Anyway, I hope you are able to find a replacement unit for your DVD player. Even an old donor from a junk yard might do. If the previous owner never use it, I reckon it will last a good while longer.