X5 (uk England) Rear Entertainment Systems

[RichardPB]

I am due to take delivery of a new X5 (UK) and either while still in PDI or when I get it I wish to install a rear entertainment system. I am only keeping the car for 3 years so my budget is limited to about £1.0k (no self install though). I am looking at single DVD player with 10”/12” pop down roof mounted screen/player with IR headphones rather than head restraint mounts - but I’m not really sure what are my best options with a limited budget/life span for the kit – also would want to link OEM digital TV tuner to rear screen/system TV in motion I guess back monitor/s only though!

Some one with recent experience of doing this or anyone who knows a decent ICE specialist in UK Kent?

Thanks

Richard

[Laurence]

Richard,

I've just completed a full DVD/headrest system with with connection to the front screen and video in motion.

There are a huge amount of roof mounted systems available and as long as whatever you choose has a video output, you'll be able to connect it to the front screen (I am assuming that the '06 video module is the same/similar to the '02 one that I have).

Have a look here for some example roof units:
http://digitalsounddirect.co.uk/shop...ath/15_19.html

..and here for the TV in motion lead and aux video input for the tuner:
http://www.auto-connect.co.uk/acatalog/BMW.html

I used both of the above suppliers for my install.

It may be worth having a chat with your dealer to see if he can recommend a local fitter if you don't want to do it yourself.

I was quoted £1400 for a headrest DVD system - but did it myself for around £700.

If you use a fitter, be very specific about what you want - there are many ways of doing these installs. And it gets complicated if you want TV in motions and stereo audio through the HIFI - you need to start looking at aux inputs for the radio module etc.

Originally Posted by RichardPB

I am due to take delivery of a new X5 (UK) and either while still in PDI or when I get it I wish to install a rear entertainment system. I am only keeping the car for 3 years so my budget is limited to about £1.0k (no self install though). I am looking at single DVD player with 10”/12” pop down roof mounted screen/player with IR headphones rather than head restraint mounts - but I’m not really sure what are my best options with a limited budget/life span for the kit – also would want to link OEM digital TV tuner to rear screen/system TV in motion I guess back monitor/s only though!

Some one with recent experience of doing this or anyone who knows a decent ICE specialist in UK Kent?

Thanks

Richard

[avonside]

as it is a brand new X, you will not be able to have a roof mounted system due to the pano roof.The whole of the roof is 2 large glass panels.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by avonside

as it is a brand new X, you will not be able to have a roof mounted system due to the pano roof.The whole of the roof is 2 large glass panels.

In the UK the panoramic roof is an option. It is standard in the US.

[RichardPB]

Laurence - thanks for the excellent reply I will need to do some more research to see what my options are - I have not "specced" the sunroof as an option so a roof mount unit/s should not be an issue.

Thanks

Richard

[avonside]

Originally Posted by JCL

In the UK the panoramic roof is an option. It is standard in the US.

Sorry I didnt realise, looks like another good reason for me to export my 05 X home with me to the uk later this summer.

[dave_p]

I would not recommend a roof-mount screen. As, when it is in the down position, it will block your view of the road in your rear view mirror.

The BMW rear entertainment system (10 disc DVD etc) listed within the UK options catalogue moved away from the roof-mounted screen for this very reason. They are now offering headrest screen - much better in my opinion.

You can pick up a couple of headrest monitors (5.4" fits very well, but you can even go as large as 7") from ebay for next to nothing these days. Send your headrests away to have them fitted and start from there.

Regards.

[bozo]

Check on ebay for DVD systems and there are several on there that do the installs as well..Theres a place in Swansea that does it all for £1000. Ill get the names ASAP.

[RichardPB]

Thanks for all the feedback