Retro fit navigation on a 2007 X3?

[mwfitch]

Is it possible to retro fit a BMW nav system in a new X3? Or is this a rediculous thing to do and we should just purchase a large Garmin?
Thanks in advance.
Mark

[davidr]

Hi - it's certainly possible to retrofit - BMW have designed the X3 to be easily upgraded to prof sat nav, I retro-fitted using combination of new and secondhand parts to my 2006 X3 with no problems.

The kit can bought from a dealer or new from ebay.de, alternatively you could assemble second-hand parts from ebay. If you take this route make sure you get a new harness for the X3 and a very recent central info display unit. A Mk4 DVD nav computer can be easily found on ebay as can a CID radio control unit. Buy new brackets and screws rom dealer. Total cost should be around $2500 - $3000 for parts depending on what you find in auctions.

Installation is relatively straight-forward provided you're ok removing a few internal panels. The harness goes in very cleanly due to existing plugs and sockets that allow the radio harness to be extended. Much easier than for X5. Ask dealer to print off the retro-fit instructions first - study these before commiting to parts to understand scope of the DIY.

Installation for me was about 10 hours but I took my time using a TIS CD to ensure I knew how to dismantle everything without damaging parts.

Final point, if you do not have a pre-wired CD multichanger harness (fuse 42), installation is more complex requiring spliting of the fuse box to install the CD / nav power feed. All UK and US X3's have CD multi-changer pre-wire and necessary power feed for the nav system.

Coding can now be done using the tools on this site or by asking dealer to complete the installation.


An aftermarket unit is much cheaper and is portable but doesn't offer the seemless compatibility with the car's interior, phone, computer and CD/radio.

Happy to help if you need it - I'm in the process of writing-up the DIY instructions.

[SSG.Santiago]

I installed a pioneer dvd-navigation on mine, it worked really good.

[rbensmithX3]

Retrofitting the Nav is a ridiculous thing to do, especially since the technology is nothing compared to the Garmin Nuvi product. The Nuvi can be updated online, used in any vehicle, expandable for different countries, operated wirelessly and a small fraction of the stock Nav price. A bit of creativity mounting will give you years of pleasure. Get it from Costco.com--when the technology changes, you can take it back.

[MrX30si]

Originally Posted by davidr

. . . A Mk4 DVD nav computer can be easily found on ebay as can a CID radio control unit. . . . .

Installation for me was about 10 hours but I took my time using a TIS CD to ensure I knew how to dismantle everything without damaging parts.

Do you have to replace the CD/Radio unit with the CID radio unit?

Where can you get the TIS CD?

I was considering doing that upgrade myself after agonizing over A Garmin 660 or Pioneer AVIC-N3. I really like the way the unit opens and reveals the screen as opposed to having just a glove box. Also, everything matches as was intended. I didn't want silver or chrome anywhere on the knobs just for personal looks. I was thinking of having the Garmin secured in such a way that when I open the dash storage lid the Garmin would fold forward and lock in place. But again, another color, another blue tooth, drill through the bottom and hunt down power to keep the Garmin powered, etc. etc. If it can be done, I'll will take a stab at it. Again my only real question I had (without having seen the available connectors on the stock CD/Radio) is will it serve as a replacement to the CID Radio?

[davidr]

[quote=MrX30si]Do you have to replace the CD/Radio unit with the CID radio unit?


Yes - you need the extra right-hand knob to control the nav and the other buttons for switching between radio and nav etc

Either CID/cd or CID/mini disk. Z4 shares same part so lots available on ebay. Pop-up screen for Z4 and X3 are different having different mounting so make sure you get the X3 version


Where can you get the TIS CD?

ebay

[MrX30si]

Thanks for the info!

[Shane_Smith]

I have ordered my X3 2 weeks ago and have a very long wait as I live in Queensland Australia. So while I have been waiting I have been reading many a forum and decided I would Retro Fit the Sat Nav instead of getting it factory fitted this is a huge cost saving. However while I was at the Brisbane car show today I asked the sales rep at the BMW stand what the cost would be for me to get them to Retro Fit Sat Nav. He advised that it would cost $18,000 AUD. He claimed I would have to replace the whole dash as it doesnt slip straight in like the X5. My Question is:

Has anyone retro fitted a 2007 X3 or even a late 2006 X3 and if so was it a major operation or somewhat easy? It would be great if someone from Australia has done it and if I could contact you to ask questions if I get stuck that would be great.

Thanks in advance

Shane

[mhainen]

I use an older Garmin V and love it. I use it on my BMW touring bike, and all my cars. It is small, but easy to read the turn-by-turn instructions. It has nice back lighting when plugged into the vehicle power. I can even carry it as a hand held unit. Granted it is not color nor does it talk to you, but I only use it when I am looking for a specific address or restaurant in an area I am not familiar with. The other downfall is space to load a significant amount of detailed mapping. I just plan ahead and download area I am traveling too. I still like to use a map (I guess I am old fashion)You purchase these things for about $300-$400 (if they still make this model). 99% of time I never use it.

[davidr]

Originally Posted by Shane_Smith

I have ordered my X3 2 weeks ago and have a very long wait as I live in Queensland Australia. So while I have been waiting I have been reading many a forum and decided I would Retro Fit the Sat Nav instead of getting it factory fitted this is a huge cost saving. However while I was at the Brisbane car show today I asked the sales rep at the BMW stand what the cost would be for me to get them to Retro Fit Sat Nav. He advised that it would cost $18,000 AUD. He claimed I would have to replace the whole dash as it doesnt slip straight in like the X5. My Question is:

Has anyone retro fitted a 2007 X3 or even a late 2006 X3 and if so was it a major operation or somewhat easy? It would be great if someone from Australia has done it and if I could contact you to ask questions if I get stuck that would be great.

Yes I have - see attached pictures.

BMW sell a retrofit kit for the X3 and you can ask any dealer to download the installation instructions from their customer service portal tool.
The installation into the X3 is simpler than for the X5 - the harness is designed the be extended to include the Nav harness.

As for dash - this is the easiest part of the job ! Two screws to remove the flip-top storage compartment after radio, a/c control and air vent have been removed. Add a couple of speed nuts and simply drop in the flip up screen - this can be done in an hour or two.

Wiring takes a little longer since you have to tap into the speed line behind the instrument pod and reverse connector above the fuse box. A copy of TIS is needed here to help with glove box removal and to get behind the fuse box.

Routing the harness to the rear involves removing a few snap-in trim panels and carefully routing the cables along the left hand side of the car under driver's door trim, A, B and C pillers, behind rear seat to trunk.

Fit the nav computer bracket in the trunck using speed nuts and bolts.

Stick the GPS aerial under and behind the instrument pod and route cable to trunk with main harness.

Connect it up, to a new / secondhard CID radio, turn it on, drive around for 20 miniutes or so for Mk4 to calibrate and voilla - job done !

Next use navtweak, navcoder etc to upgrade to V28, customise to suit and tell the Mk4 it's in an X3.

Whole lot easily done in a weekend with normal tools.