Just got a 4.6is! May be one of my best car deals ever.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by x5Alpine

The bluebus is the only way to go in my opinion. If you want a massive ugly screen then buy a new car but for these keeping them as original as possible is the best way to go.

You can put in a head unit with the same size screen as the original stock nav head unit. If you didn't know any different you'd think it was the stock unit. Gives you lots of functionality not originally available with a stock look. I recommend the Avin Avant 4 with the IBUS app and dongle. Been very happy with mine.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by x5Alpine

The bluebus is the only way to go in my opinion. If you want a massive ugly screen then buy a new car but for these keeping them as original as possible is the best way to go.

They're not going to appreciate in value so why is it important?

[Corellian Corvette]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

They're not going to appreciate in value so why is it important?

You really don't think so? All the early BMW High Performance cars seem to be going up in value - even the non-M cars like the e38 740i Sport versions.

And a 4.6is just sold on BaT for $18K like 3 months ago. I'd say that's a big leap from a standard V8 X5.

I do think they are going to go up (not like the M cars for sure) but the fewer people keep them original, the more an original car will go up. That's my take anyway.

FWIW, that's not the primary reason I got this car but I do think a lot of people modded these cars (or didn't take care of them) so to find a nice original example I'm going to do my best to keep it that way.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by Corellian Corvette

You really don't think so? All the early BMW High Performance cars seem to be going up in value - even the non-M cars like the e38 740i Sport versions.

And a 4.6is just sold on BaT for $18K like 3 months ago. I'd say that's a big leap from a standard V8 X5.

I do think they are going to go up (not like the M cars for sure) but the fewer people keep them original, the more an original car will go up. That's my take anyway.

FWIW, that's not the primary reason I got this car but I do think a lot of people modded these cars (or didn't take care of them) so to find a nice original example I'm going to do my best to keep it that way.

Eh. Just stick with reversible mods. That original NAV system is garbage. I had it new in my first E46 M3, and it was crap then.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

Eh. Just stick with reversible mods. That original NAV system is garbage. I had it new in my first E46 M3, and it was crap then.

+1 on the original nav system. The screen was crap too. A replacement head unit like the Avin with the smaller screen looks exactly like the original nav, but with tons more functionality.

[crystalworks]

Nice pickup OP. Great price for it too especially with the goodies on it. Happy modding, lots of options for audio upgrades in today's market.

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I didn't go with a stock looking unit. I wanted a bigger screen. I was concerned it would look weird but to me it looks like factory install

I'm not a fan of that unit as it sticks out of the dash like a grafted on tablet. Though I'm sure visibility on it is better than the one I run which suffers severely from sun glare.



As for appreciation, as with all enthusiast BMWs, the 4.6 and 4.8 will go up. Has already started. Don't think they will ever be truly a collectible high dollar vehicle excepting collection quality and mileage examples.

With enthusiasts, tasteful mods won't devalue the vehicle either. Which is nice. Seems we all tolerate "resto mod" vehicles very well when shopping, much like the classic muscle guys do now.

[Corellian Corvette]

FWIW - I have used all these systems in various cars Avin, Dynavin, Eonon and they all have various benefits.

For *this* particular car, much like my M5, I'm going to keep it stock. The current system is working great and I'm not going to press this car into daily driver duty so my preference is to leave it original. The BlueBus will work perfectly for music and phone calls.

If the screen or nav unit was bad, for sure I'd swap. I have the AVIN unit in my X5 3.0 which my wife and I drive regularly and I love it.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Corellian Corvette

You really don't think so? All the early BMW High Performance cars seem to be going up in value - even the non-M cars like the e38 740i Sport versions.

And a 4.6is just sold on BaT for $18K like 3 months ago. I'd say that's a big leap from a standard V8 X5.

I do think they are going to go up (not like the M cars for sure) but the fewer people keep them original, the more an original car will go up. That's my take anyway.

FWIW, that's not the primary reason I got this car but I do think a lot of people modded these cars (or didn't take care of them) so to find a nice original example I'm going to do my best to keep it that way.

Nope, do not. I don't think the demand is there. A possible exception might be a low volume color with a low volume interior, around 25,000 miles on the clock, original paint, clean Carfax, one owner, complete maintenance records, all service done at BMW dealer etc. Even then I think one would have to find a collector as the vast majority of those interested in old X5s want a driver rather than garage queen. Even if the 4.6 does start to appreciate one will likely be holding on to it for years. All that time it is taking space in the garage, running up insurance costs and has cash tied up.

[Purplecty]

I had a very similar situation when acquiring my 02 imola 4.6iS DINAN S2. It has everything but the supercharger. I hope you still own this!