Anyone install the new Aftermarket navigation system for the X3 yet?

[ufokillerz]

i read this and was hoping for a upgrade from the stock bmw nav system

[2k328ci]

I wished it had a backup camera integration and iPod/iPhone integration as well.

[x3oiler]

With respect to "One (1) set A/V input for auxiliary Audio/video devices" the GPS might switch to AV display automatically once AV is present at this input (hands free). So if the reversing camera is tied to the reversing lights (using a relay to switch 12volt to the camera based on reversing light activation), the rear view will appear auto magically on the GPS . . . maybe. Other units I have looked into do this.

[rick chi-town]

Hey fellas, just thought I'd check in to this thread as I just got rid of my X3 and really, really liked the car...
I actually have the Dynavin unit in my 330Cic, and really like it. I just thought I'd jump in here, the Dynavin unit DOES have iPod integration in the form of a dedicated cable. I cannot imagine they would produce this unit fo any different model w/diff specs,so you should be good there. My only complaintcof the unit is the fact that there is no Sirius tuner built into it, so you hve to have a stand-alone unit which I've never cared for. Otherwise, for the money, you absolutely cannot go wrong with an aftermarket unit that looks really good.

[jeffb325]

the dynavin E83 is not like the other dynavin units, it is an "add on" unit, the OEM stereo stays in the dash. It has its own built in speaker for bluetooth and navigation commands. It can interface with the OEM stereos Aux In to play audio through the cars speakers. Because it is not a radio replacement it does not have an ipod interface, just a very basic USB media player.

Just wanted to clear that up.

[Gadgets4U]

The Dynavin unit is great. Plug n Play with the factory stereo. The interface is good, the Maps installed on mine are the IGo ver 8 and they are readly updateable, with versions for Australia & New Zealand. I've had no problem being able to read the screen in the NZ sun. The Media play is good I have a few movies on a 32GB stick drive which is great for those time when waiting for a shopper to finish. I've install a reversing camera on it, which work great. Overall the fit and build quality is impressive it really does look like the OEM product but for a fraction of the price. I'd recommend it.

[2k328ci]

How does the reverse camera work? Will it automatically kick in when reversing? Any DIY threads anywhere, especially how you routed the reverse camera wires? Which reverse camera did you get for the X3?

[Gadgets4U]

I have the camera directly powered by the reverse light (no errors via the LCM) and as soon as the reverse camera input on the Dynavin senses the video signal the display changes to the camera. The camera I'm using is a small unit that mounts in one of the number plate light fittings, it comes with a bright white LED to replace the illumination of the incandescent lamp that gets removed.
Routing the cable was a bit of a mission, but with the skins off the tailgate you unplug the the left handside rubber cable duct next to the top hinge, take off the left rear skins in the luggage area, pull off the tailgate/door seal near the left rear head lining. Using a straightened metal coat hanger or cycle brake cable outer sheath, feed the cable down the LHS tailgate to the openning where the rubber cable duct fits in. Then feed it through the rubber cable duct, with the headlining slight loose with the rear seal off you can easily grab the cable from the metal hanger or cable sheath. Routing from there is relatively easy down behind the left hand side luggage area covers, out the rubber gland behind the LHS rear seat fixed swab and under the door well kick plates to the front of the car. Sorry I don't have any pictures from when I did mine.

[2k328ci]

Thanks - its that chore of running the cable from the back to the front of the car that has me scared. Did you find a thread on how to remove the trim? (where to pull and where the fasteners are? - I've had bad luck with breaking the clips!).

Nice to know that the reverse camera function works well. Which reverse camera did you go with?

[Gadgets4U]

No thread sorry, just experience with my E39 540. Some of the clips on the sill plates cracked on them, but with the X3 I guess they're a bit younger and less brittle and didn't break. I don't tend to use a tool, just my fingers that way you can feel where the clips are. My technique, go underneath the plate on the carpet side, locate the first clip and carefully pull up, move to the next clip.
The Camera was a no brand name device from mainland China, supplied via the Dynavin agent in NZ. It was releatively cheap but it does have a Sony sensor in it and not a CMOS, so the image quality is good, even at night.