DIY: NBT retrofit on E53 X5

[jopecasa]

It’s been a year now, since I’ve been reading NBT retrofits on legacy BMW’s.

I’ve told myself, I want this system to work on my E53 X5.

How hard could it be?

This has been done before on an E53 by someone in Russia/Romania (???)…..but couldn’t find any info.

I’m not sure if he’s a member here.

You can also read/search about E46/E39 owners doing this retrofit.



So finally, I’ve purchased an NBT Headunit, CID and i-Drive controller.

These are the three basic parts to get me started.

Since these newer BMW parts never existed to work on E53…...we need to purchase an emulator to convert CAN to I-bus
protocol....more on this later on.


Now, if anyone out there is considering this NBT retrofit on an E53 X5…..please kindly share and assist with your knowledge and experience……..especially with E-sys coding.

E-sys is a newer BMW software… for vehicles using CAN protocol……which I have NO idea and how it works.

Due to the fact, I don’t have a newish BMW.

Okay….let the fun begins…..teaser pics.

[byM5]

You need to either buy a harness or wire the emulator first and foremost.
I believe people are placing unit in the left side panel.
The screen is trimmed out with a bezel which fits in the current Nav screen.
You will need to custom a screen wire because it's so long.
Controller goes in cup holder area.
Coding starts as a Friend series X5. Change primary language, screen size, location, etc.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

[Pekelicious]

Subscribed....
I'm also looking into this retrofit but since here is nearly impossible to get this parts i'll just have to get from germaniks...

Looking fwd to see how your install goes...
Good luck.

[jopecasa]

byM5,
Thanks for the info.

Pekelicious,
Germaniks will supply you an already coded NBT kit or just the emulator.

Yeah, hopefully it'll be a breeze and I don't damage anything on my SAV!

[X53Jay4.8is]

Its a worthy upgrade if your head unit is on the fritz. When the day comes that my head unit no longer works well I will switch over to the NBT retrofit. Om another note Germaniks provides a nice plug and play NBT retrofit.

[tmv]

I've come across some thread about retrofit NBT into an E39 and E38 on other forums. You can search for them for info.

[crystalworks]

Subscribing for your results. I've read a bunch on the e39 forums regarding the retrofit and I always reach the same conclusion. ~$2000 for a buggy version of an OE system does not compute. I keep holding out until they work out all the bugs and kinks as I don't mind the price premium so much as I do not having things work 100% after dropping all that coin.

So far, my best experience was an Avin Avant 2 in the E53 and that also had compromises and issues.

Wishing you the best of luck and I've got my fingers crossed for you as I'd love to do this to retain OBC functionality as well as playing well with the DSP equipment.

[04e53x5]

There is a page on facebook called fixels his name is Paul Martin he fixels pixels in clusters etc he put i drive in 2 of his e39s so may be a good place to ask!

[itsbrokeagain]

In for updates as well. On my list of things to upgrade...

[jopecasa]

Thanks fellas for the support.

X53Jay4.8is,
Nav screen has dead pixels and I really don't want to spend money on a new screen.

TMV,
Yeah, some BFC members have already done it and have been asking and reading a lot there.

crystalworks,
True....a bit pricey but it is the only OE system that can work with our OBC like you've said.

My old BMW archaic system has been functioning well and was totally happy with iPhone thru AUX.

I'm already exited to install the unit and have started buying miscellaneous Fakra cables.

I'll keep updating this thread with my progress.