Switch to Premium Package Climate Control

[yeti]

Hi all, got a slightly strange question. About to take possession of an '03 3.0L, and I was curious if anyone had any idea of how to switch from the standard climate control to the premium. Is it primarily a control panel change, or is there a long and detailed install?

Also, I would be possibly interested in adding factory 16:9 nav. I have Premium DSP sound, but no on board computer. Can this be done?

TIA, and glad to have found x5world!

[dkl]

Originally Posted by yeti

Hi all, got a slightly strange question. About to take possession of an '03 3.0L, and I was curious if anyone had any idea of how to switch from the standard climate control to the premium. Is it primarily a control panel change, or is there a long and detailed install?

Also, I would be possibly interested in adding factory 16:9 nav. I have Premium DSP sound, but no on board computer. Can this be done?

TIA, and glad to have found x5world!

Swapping out the standard climate control for the automatic climate control is NOT a simple task. The standard climate control uses cables to control flaps, etc...where the automatic climate control uses motors to accomplish the same tasks. Thus, you would have to swap out the whole guts. Not worth the effort. Don't have an answer for your NAV questions...so someone else would have to chime in on that.

[Bavarian]

Look under the home page (http://www.xoutpost.com/) - there are several retrofit articles for the Nav system.

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by yeti

Hi all, got a slightly strange question. About to take possession of an '03 3.0L, and I was curious if anyone had any idea of how to switch from the standard climate control to the premium. Is it primarily a control panel change, or is there a long and detailed install?

Also, I would be possibly interested in adding factory 16:9 nav. I have Premium DSP sound, but no on board computer. Can this be done?

TIA, and glad to have found x5world!

The climate control is a long, complicated retrofit which no one has accomplished yet. HOnestly, it really isn't worth it, I would prefer manual climate controls!

[yeti]

Thanks for the replies on the climate control.


Regarding the nav issue, I have read through the how-to's, and am still somewhat unsure as to whether an '03 with Premium sound and no computer is capable of having the OEM nav installed.

[x5Monkey®]

yes, it can be done. but, it will be a minimum of $3500 in parts, probably more, and at least as much in labor...and that's if you are able to find someone who knows how or is willing to tackle the retrofit. It is a huge undertaking that basically requires the gutting of your entire interior. most dealers won't touch it. most people have found it more cost effective to trade their x in on one with navigation already.

Originally Posted by yeti

Thanks for the replies on the climate control.


Regarding the nav issue, I have read through the how-to's, and am still somewhat unsure as to whether an '03 with Premium sound and no computer is capable of having the OEM nav installed.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by dkl

Swapping out the standard climate control for the automatic climate control is NOT a simple task. The standard climate control uses cables to control flaps, etc...where the automatic climate control uses motors to accomplish the same tasks. Thus, you would have to swap out the whole guts. Not worth the effort. Don't have an answer for your NAV questions...so someone else would have to chime in on that.

Sorry about my previous post...as I have left out a MAJOR operative word and has been corrected (I meant to say that the climate control retrofit was "NOT" a simple task). Thanks to all whom had clarified things.

The manual controls are indeed what I preferred as well. The only down side that I can see is that it makes the interior looking a bit bland and basic (not very luxurious) and I can see why someone would want to "upgrade" to the auto unit (just for looks). I had to convinced myself to get over the simple basic looks of the interior in order to bypass the auto climate controls (that I don't want) when I ordered my X...only wished they had made the controls looking more elegant In the end, I chose function over form