I've installed Offline Maps for Google. I haven't *used* it yet to navigate. But the system seems fine on speed.
One thing I think that is helping me is that I have been an Android phone user since I traded in my Blackberry from one job to the next. I even rooted my share of Android phones, so screwed up function is nothing new. Read a little here about these units and you'd have to be blind not to expect it. I've had the same Google Nexus tablet for over 3 years. I absolutely understand the operating system. I even sort of expect that open source stuff like this will have some pain.
So when it gets wonky on install- like offline maps did on me tonight- I can fiddle piss around and trudge through. Android's latest versions are WAY more stable than the early ones, and the apps that are on this Eonon are miles above the OEM function I had in this 2002 E46.
It's less than $300 in 2017, folks. The E46 Navigation option was $1500 when we bought this thing new 15 YEARS ago. What is the h@ll do you expect?
Anyway, so far I am absolutely FLOORED by the function in the E46. I haven't even installed the rear camera or put the antenna and mic where they go yet. Putting this tech into a 15 yr old car is nothing short of amazing. Since the unit is the same OS and hardware in the E53, it simply *must* be a similar experience.
Please, anyone within the thread your opinion is yours and that's fine. It can't be *wrong*. It's YOURS. But here's mine- so far:
(Absent the upgrade option of your choice like NBT) If you have an E series that has options for 5.x or higher Android car stereo installation options, you are an absolute FOOL not to try them. Tonight, I
- Dialed my phone by using the 'Ok Google' voice control from my phone.
- Streamed music over Bluetooth
- Hearing the simple difference a little bit more amps driving the head unit makes on both the factory HK and the new JL speakers
- Downloaded and installed Offline Google Maps for navigation
- Showed off the device to my wife (her car)
Now, I will say that the glare at sunset was unbearable. I couldn't see a thing on the screen. I did not install an antiglare screen on my Eonon. I will have to.
The unit restarted itself when my headlights turned on automatically the first time. I had to cycle the key to get a solid reset on the unit. That may be the first or it may be the last. If this is something that happens a lot, my wife wont use the system and the upgrade is sh!t. We'll see.
That's all for now.