Show me your non factory Nav solutions

[nrgetic99]

I know, the 16x9 is the only real way to go but I just don't have funds right now to retrofit the factory 16x9 to my 03 4.4i.

There are some very nice proclip mount options out there that sit whatever device you have right in front of the center level vents.

I am thinking for now of a Nuvi but will not mount with a tacky looking windshield mount. Anyone have and aftermarket set up set up and do you have pics ?

Thanks

P.S. How much is the BMW retrofit kit ?

[acattaneo]

I have just the thing for you! This company makes custom holders for just about anything. I have one in my X and one in my Saab to hold my magellan NAV 750.
Here is a link to their site :

http://www.kudausa.com/

Just took a quick pic for you.

I could hide the wire, but I hide the head unit under the seat when I park.

[robjae]

I did the Nav retrofit and wish I would have saved my money. It is just ok, and a pain to input destinations, update, etc. I open my Nuvi and put the antenna into the center vents, works fine. I got the tip somewhere else, so I can't take credit, just passing it on.

[EKS PYB]

Originally Posted by robjae

I did the Nav retrofit and wish I would have saved my money.

hey robjae...how much did it cost to do the Nav retrofit? So basically, a nav retrofit is taking an x5 without nav and putting in the OEM x5 nav in it, correct?

[Bimmer360]

it cost me $2200 to do the retrofit on my E46, and $1645 on my friend's. It depends on where you source your parts. I did mine from ebay (except the harness, cost me $310 from BMW Stevens Creek). My X came with it already so i didnt have to do anything but i'm sure its somwehere within that range.

Also, you will have to remove driver's seat, side panels to run wires and tap into the intrument cluster and the fuse area. I have done it in 3 BMW cars and takes me less than an hour to finish it without any issues since i became familiar with the trims.

Originally Posted by Blk03X5

hey robjae...how much did it cost to do the Nav retrofit? So basically, a nav retrofit is taking an x5 without nav and putting in the OEM x5 nav in it, correct?

[robjae]

Originally Posted by Blk03X5

hey robjae...how much did it cost to do the Nav retrofit? So basically, a nav retrofit is taking an x5 without nav and putting in the OEM x5 nav in it, correct?

Tried to reply but you mailbox is full.
Blk03X5 has exceeded their stored private messages quota and can not accept further messages until they clear some space.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by acattaneo

I have just the thing for you! This company makes custom holders for just about anything. I have one in my X and one in my Saab to hold my magellan NAV 750.
Here is a link to their site :

http://www.kudausa.com/

Just took a quick pic for you.

I took at that website for as I'm looking for a better way to mount a Garmin nuvi in my wife's MB SUV. The website navigation is not good but there appears to be some interesting solutions such as this one (3 pictures):






There does not appear to be a way to order the "bracket" shown in the bottom picture --- one can order the knob. And it's not clear what cars the bracket will work on or what colors it comes in. I've sent them an email.
[IMG]file:///E:/TEMP/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

[Bimmer360]

to each his own i guess. Personally, i prefer indash OEM, neat looking and intergrates with the car. Its less messy and avoiding visible wires hanging or sitting on your center console. The cleanliest i have seen is the BMW Portable which looks like the thin garmin nuvi for i think $800 from the dealer.

[Bimmer360]

Here is the picture:

http://www.imakenews.com/perillobmw/....cfm?x=b11,0,w

[robjae]

I like my small Nuvi, which is the same that was linked to as the BMW portable gps. I also like the way the dash looks with the factory nav, but, as the OP stated, it is $$$. There are better, much less expensive, solutions. I can also put the Nuvi in our E46, as the vents are the same, haha.