Best Stereo Head Unit Replacements

[Salty_Dog]

After some research, seems there are a lot of options available to replace the OEM BMW Head Unit, whether you have the old style, or in-dash screen/tv/nav.

I appreciate there is already a very long thread about the Dynavin N6
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tall-pics.html

Seems to me, the biggest issue with these after market products, including Android and Win CE powered units, is the integration of the BMW OEM accessories, namely;

OEM DVB-T module
OEM GPS antenna
OEM mic for handsfree
OEM Reversing Camera and Activation when selecting Reverse.
Time/Date/Temp/Fuel Range/etc that is Displayed on the Instrument Cluster
Steering Wheel Controls (CAN-BUS)

In addition to the above, the OEM Head Unit and Radio Module does some sneaky work in the background.
Example being, the OEM unit powers up when you open the drivers door allowing bluetooth connection before the vehicle has even been started.
The OEM also doesn't drop out the Radio (or BT) when the car is started.

Some clever and very sensitive electronics to achieve that.


So after saying all of that, is the Dynavin N6 the best choice, for a total Plug and Play installation and solution?
Keeping as much of the OEM accessory integrated?


Personally, i am really loving the Android units coming out, as they offer a completely customisable environment.
Especially for IPTV and other Audio Streaming Services

I have seen some units that come close, but they all seem to fall down in the area of integrating with the X5's pre-existing hardware and/or OBC.

This Android Unit came close:

Seicane S12753 16G Pure Android 4.4.4 Autoradio GPS Car A/V system for 2000-2007 BMW X5 E53 3.0i 3.0d 4.4i 4.6is 4.8is with Quad-core CPU DVD Radio RDS Bluetooth Mirror Link OBD2 3G WiFi Steering Wheel Control

But, you really need to muck around to get full integration.

So whats the call from some of you that have been researching this longer than me?

Thanks

[ajstefanacci]

If your car was equipped with DSP like mine then I think your only option is the DYNAVIN unit...

None of the android units I've seen so far work with DSP. The android units are much cheaper though and much more customizable.

works with everything except DSP I think. Steering controls and TV

This one runs android

[Salty_Dog]

Sorry, i should have also mentioned the AVIN2

My vehicle doesn't have DSP
Its a 2006 E53, came standard with Nav and TV and Reversing Camera and Proximity sensors.

I can completely understand the upgrade if you had an older stereo without nav.
But, from my searching, there is just too much stuffing around with half baked mods and installs with these Third Party units, especially if you already have Nav and DVB-T.

Agreed, they will all be a vast improvement in Connect-ability and Mapping and User Enjoyment.
But at the expense of some other functions.

[Joshdub]

I was in the same spot when I bought my X5. I also have the factory Nav. Nothing on the market makes me feel like I can't live without it, especially since I have a large ass phone that is much faster than the head units available. I can't justify the expense for something I'd realisticly hardly use. If costs were about half I might think about it. For now I'll just use my AUX input.

[Salty_Dog]

Yeah, hearing you josh.
In fact, i find myself turning the screen off 80% of the time while driving, as it annoys the crap out of me when i'm not actually using it.

Yep, a simple Bluetooth Module soldered into the BM53 Radio Module on the Aux input lets you stream what ever source you like.

And as for Mapping and GPS, agreed, the old OEM units are a bit like using a Commodore 64
The ol Smart Phone tossed into the instrument cluster is handy for the short times you might need it.

Don't get me wrong, i love these new units, i just wish they were more of a complete plug and play solution for our E53 X5's without leaving loose ends.

[Ricky Bobby]

I have DSP and no factory Nav, Dynavin N6 is only option for me.

However, if I had factory MK4 navigation and updated firmware and latest maps, I'd probably just an an iPhone interface and/or bluetooth module and enjoy it. The factory Nav isn't that bad and I'll be honest I can't stand using my phone for navigation, the Apple maps are terrible, and I like having the map at my eye level.

However its not something I'm willing to invest $700 into just yet.

[Joshdub]

RB you know you can get Google Maps now right? Apple got over their little tempertantrum and let them back on the play store.

The stock nav is clunky for sure. By the time I look up destination on my phone and entered the address into the nav I could have ready been on my way. Not to mention the traffic, police, and incident reports from Waze that my phone gets and the nav doesn't.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

RB you know you can get Google Maps now right? Apple got over their little tempertantrum and let them back on the play store.

The stock nav is clunky for sure. By the time I look up destination on my phone and entered the address into the nav I could have ready been on my way. Not to mention the traffic, police, and incident reports from Waze that my phone gets and the nav doesn't.

You know, I prob am the only guy who uses like 3 apps on my phone. I'll have to hide the Apple Maps and download GM

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

You know, I prob am the only guy who uses like 3 apps on my phone. I'll have to hide the Apple Maps and download GM

Google Maps relies on a 3G/4G connection to work (although is my goto Nav 90% of the time..)
What is wrong with TomTom, Sygic,etc which require nothing?

TomTom on iPhone is brilliant, exactly the same as a stand alone TomTom unit.

[Ricky Bobby]

I did not know TomTom was avail as well, will have to take a look