NavTV install in a BMW X5

Xoutpost · #1 01-09-2006, 11:05 AM

Contributed by: SilverBullet®

Finally got the chance to do a write up on the install. First off I like to
thank Ed for helpful tips and pointers. Next don't rely on the instruction
Nav-TV provided. It's basically a half page pamphlet. Well I call Nav-TV
directly and they admitted the instructions weren't all that great. I got the
idea from Ed to installed the TV tuner in the spare tire location so I
wouldn't have to cut the existing bracket and leave room for other toys in the
future. Moni from Nav-TV provided three extensions harnesses so no need to
splice and re-wire the existing harness, plug and play.

1st just remove everything in the trunk to get access to the battery and radio
tuner. Run the extension and tap the wire from the original Nav wire to the
extensions. I used a T-Tap, which required no splicing in such a tight area.
Next tap the radio tuner with the two wire inserts provided (2002 models and
above). Plug in both the blue and white plug. Snap the TV-Tuner in place next
to the radio tuner. Fits like a glove.

Ok that was a 30min job. Now the hard part. Installing the antenna took
literary 4hours. I tried installing the antenna on the roof spoiler but that
was a no go. You basically had to cut the rubber grommet and then snake the
wires all the way down through the body of the car and into the trunk area. My
friend who laid cables for a telecom company tried snaking it down there but
the wire ended up in the body panel. To avoid all this hassle, I installed the
antenna in the read hatch compartment. Much easier entry point, easier snaking
the wires and no cutting of grommets.

Just take apart the hatch like you were going to change the light bulbs. Then
remove the plastic plate and foam padding. Remove the metal plate where the
locking mechanism is. There is a place that the antenna will sit perfectly
flush.

Next snake the wires through this grommet. Remember no need to cut, just run
in through slowly because it's a very tight fit and you have to run 4 wires
through there. Wowla you got the wire into the trunk compartment. Next power
to the antenna. Thanks to Ed, he mentioned I could tap a purple and white wire
for power 12V led located on the rear passenger side fuse area. Only one there
so easy to find. Tie down all wires and run them so they are hidden and flush.
The reception was pretty much the same as installing the antenna in the
spoiler as I tested both location. And that's it. The instruction from Nav-TV
is very convoluted once again but with a little trial and error it should be a
fun project.

Reception is great when standing still but once I go over bumps or moving
about 40 miles it all goes to hell. Works well in the city but East and South
bay is a little spotty at times.

I purchased the Bluapunkt DVD-ME1 because
I could not find any other quality brand name for a mobile dvd player.

I tried to make the unit fit in the existing Nav bracket but that was
impossible without modification because of depth issues. So I got a couple of
bracket from Home Depot and installed it on the passenger side panel.

This took the greatest amount of time, as I had to cut and bend the bracket to
fit. Also you make sure the cover will not be hitting against any buttons on
the unit.

Then I just T-Tap the power 12V Led and ground and run the RCA cable down to
the Nav-TV unit. One tricky part was to get Right angle jacks for the RCA and
Remote eye. Again you will be working with very little tight tolerance.

The fun part was running the Remote eye from the coin box to the unit. Sorry I
lost the pic to this so use your imagination. What I did was remove the
shifter plate (where you shift for auto) and the e-brake cover.

Remove the coin box, run the wire to the shifter plate then under to the
e-brake and then find a gap between the center console down to the seats. From
there I ran the wire under the driver seat and all the side rails, all the way
to the back. You have to remove the plastic doorsills of the rear seats and a
couple of flat edges to hide the rest. Should be another fun DIY for people
who have NAV-TV.

Here's a couple of screen shots

Nav-Tv Reception

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