Anyone used the Bremmer radio upgrade?

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Losing the volume knob does suck. Flat out. Steering wheel controls makes up for that slightly... but it sucks not having a knob.

Having put 400+ miles on the X5 this weekend, I am certainly glad I have it. I use it a lot for iBus info, songs, maps, YouTube, etc. Maybe for daily driving you wouldn't view it as much, but I still find I use it frequently. The angle of it sucks though, and is washed out at certain times of day/direction of driving. If it was higher on the dash it would be much better (and safer) but I don't want one of those tablet style ones that you cut the dash pad to install. Trade offs to everything.

Yeah, it's useful. I like my AVIN a lot. I just wouldn't go all out on a giant screen when that location makes the screen limited use.

[Calipsoe]

You might want to check out these XTRONS units:
#1) 10" 1280*480 Display Android 11 4G/64G

#2) 9" 1280*720 Display Android 12 4G/64G
There are other higher and lower cost XTRONS units available.



Also for those wanting a volume knob there are a few Bluetooth options.

A) Volume Knob
B) Steering Wheel Mount Volume Knob

C) Cup Holder Volume Knob



I am in the process of installing #2 above and you have to be willing to do some research and have reasonable expectations. The basic installation and the steering wheel controls all worked without any issues. The one thing I will say is that the Android head unit with DSP processing connected to your stock amp and stock speakers will be a VAST improvement in sound quality. Deeper bass and improved stereo imaging will be noticeable over the stock business radio.



Some of the hurdles/issues I have run across so far include:
- There is no easy way to mount the radio to the dash. I will have to fabricate something. Although it does stay in place without falling out if not screwed in.

- The Backup Camera I bought is incompatible. I will have to try another!
- This XTRONS OBD2 Bluetooth scanner doesnt reliably connect to the X5's ECU. I will have to try another!
- The WiFi reception to my router is weak. Even with the X5 in the garage it could not receive a signal. I just tethered to my phone to make a connection.

- You only get 3 USB ports. 1 of those is dedicated to Car Play / USB Tethering for internet connectivity through your phone. The other two are not adequate to run more than 2 functions so I am looking to put in a powered usb hub. Things you might want to connect include:

• USB DAB+ Radio
• USB TPMS System
• USB DVR Camera
• USB Memory Stick for MP3 Library
• USB iBus adapter
• Any other USB accessories you might like to use

- I want to use the factory radio antenna into the DAB USB stick so I have ordered one of these splitters. The trick is you need to get an SMA male connector on the splitter.



Android Launchers is a topic on it's own. The short story is I installed VIVID Launcher which is very nice and simple but I lost the XTRONS stock launcher and some of it's apps such as the FM radio app. I found out that I had to turn off Google Play Protect to get the original launcher back as well as the apps because they were being blocked. But I still cant run the FM radio app from the VIVID launcher.

[plasstik]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

I will note that while the big screen is kind of nice, IMO, it's not worth losing the volume knob.

Keep in mind that the X5 screen location is flat out awful, so you won't be looking at it as much as you might think.

You have a good point.


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