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  #91  
Old 03-23-2021, 10:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SBBimmer View Post
I'm thinking about buying an Android HU, mostly for phone and Nav but am wondering if I should get a BU Camera while I'm at it. Visibility out the back of the X5 kinda sucks. The HU install looks pretty straight forward (I have the standard Business Radio and single CD now, no DSP or factory Nav so I think everything I have to do for the HU is in the dash), Im wondering how hard it is to string the camera cable to the back, where you mount the camera, and what does it take to connect to the transmission shifter for it to recognize reverse?

I'm leaning towards this XTRON HU, mostly because it's the only Octa-Core 4GB RAM unit I see.

All thoughts and experiences appreciated.
I went with the Avin Avant 4. I also installed a back up camera. It wasn't that hard. The toughest part is routing the wiring into the rear lid. The cable from the head unit can be routed down the right side of the truck under the edge of the carpet.
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  #92  
Old 03-23-2021, 10:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SBBimmer View Post
I'm thinking about buying an Android HU, mostly for phone and Nav but am wondering if I should get a BU Camera while I'm at it. Visibility out the back of the X5 kinda sucks. The HU install looks pretty straight forward (I have the standard Business Radio and single CD now, no DSP or factory Nav so I think everything I have to do for the HU is in the dash), Im wondering how hard it is to string the camera cable to the back, where you mount the camera, and what does it take to connect to the transmission shifter for it to recognize reverse?

I'm leaning towards this XTRON HU, mostly because it's the only Octa-Core 4GB RAM unit I see.

All thoughts and experiences appreciated.
The Xtrons brand is pretty solid. I haven't had any major issues with it aside from the terrible internal mic. It's mostly the IBus software that is funky.

I see that you are interested in the HU for the NAV capability. I too, was excited for that option. Now, not so much. Here's why:
Unless you opt for the cellular connection, you have to use offline maps. This is okay if you live in an area that has a large area covered under one "offline area" through Google Maps. Being in SB, you may have a large area covered. IDK? If not, the area that you DL must be updated every month or so. This just requires you are connected to the internet for the update. It's probably not an issue or chore for most, it just is for me.

And if you will be using it for calls while on the road, GET THE EXTERNAL MIC!

Not sure if all of the Xtrons units are the same, but the internal mic really sucks on mine.

Good luck!
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2004 X5 4.4 Build 01/04 Alpine White on Schwarz Dakota Leather, Anthracite Headliner
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  #93  
Old 03-23-2021, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by timmyc View Post
The Xtrons brand is pretty solid. I haven't had any major issues with it aside from the terrible internal mic. It's mostly the IBus software that is funky.

I see that you are interested in the HU for the NAV capability. I too, was excited for that option. Now, not so much. Here's why:
Unless you opt for the cellular connection, you have to use offline maps. This is okay if you live in an area that has a large area covered under one "offline area" through Google Maps. Being in SB, you may have a large area covered. IDK? If not, the area that you DL must be updated every month or so. This just requires you are connected to the internet for the update. It's probably not an issue or chore for most, it just is for me.

And if you will be using it for calls while on the road, GET THE EXTERNAL MIC!

Not sure if all of the Xtrons units are the same, but the internal mic really sucks on mine.

Good luck!
Does the xtron not have wifi? If it does, you can connect to a wifi hotspot on your phone. No need for cellular in the HU.
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  #94  
Old 03-23-2021, 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Fifty150hs View Post
Does the xtron not have wifi? If it does, you can connect to a wifi hotspot on your phone. No need for cellular in the HU.
That's what I do on my android unit. Couldn't imagine not having it tethered. Great for podcasts, youtube, music streaming, etc.
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2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
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  #95  
Old 03-23-2021, 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Fifty150hs View Post
Does the xtron not have wifi? If it does, you can connect to a wifi hotspot on your phone. No need for cellular in the HU.
It does. Maybe this is just a case of my ignorance on how to use the unit? I don't drive it much so I haven't really bothered to solve the problem rather than sweep it under the rug.

Do you use the hotspot for NAV?
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2004 X5 4.4 Build 01/04 Alpine White on Schwarz Dakota Leather, Anthracite Headliner
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  #96  
Old 03-23-2021, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by timmyc View Post
It does. Maybe this is just a case of my ignorance on how to use the unit? I don't drive it much so I haven't really bothered to solve the problem rather than sweep it under the rug.

Do you use the hotspot for NAV?
I use hotspot for just about everything. The one thing with an iphone is that you have to be on the hotspot screen on the phone for the HU to connect, but once it's connected you're fine. My understanding is that Android phones don't have that issue.

I use Waze for nav because of the real time traffic info that helps steer clear of problems when possible. It's available from the playstore for free. I've also got Pandora on there for Music and Podcasts that I run from the phone wifi hotspot.
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  #97  
Old 03-23-2021, 05:22 PM
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Thanks for all the tips. I plan on getting an external mic (probably mount it at the top of the A-pillar as that looks easier to get to than the center overhead light). The Avin is quite a bit more than the Xtron by the time you add the PX6 processor and "nav bracket". If it's really better that's okay, but other than processor these things appear pretty similar to me. Am I right?
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  #98  
Old 03-23-2021, 06:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SBBimmer View Post
Thanks for all the tips. I plan on getting an external mic (probably mount it at the top of the A-pillar as that looks easier to get to than the center overhead light). The Avin is quite a bit more than the Xtron by the time you add the PX6 processor and "nav bracket". If it's really better that's okay, but other than processor these things appear pretty similar to me. Am I right?
I'm not super familiar with the xtrons. I would look at support. It has been good for me with the AVin. I had to have my first one replaced under warranty because of a problem with the sd card reader. No problem. They also ship from inside the states so the wait should be a lot shorter.
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  #99  
Old 03-23-2021, 07:04 PM
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If you're looking for a backup camera, I'd suggest this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It looks very OEM when installed. It does require drilling but the end results are clean, OEM looks and perfect vision.
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  #100  
Old 03-23-2021, 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by X5only View Post
If you're looking for a backup camera, I'd suggest this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It looks very OEM when installed. It does require drilling but the end results are clean, OEM looks and perfect vision.
That does look good. Do you mount it to the side of the hatch release? I don't think you could put it in the middle.
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