Install Hualingan on e39/e53 DIY

[fmugur]

The install on the non DSP cars seems to be plug and play. Below I put together a step-by-step DIY done on e53 with DSP and 17 connector. DIY for the DSP equipped cars using the first generation Hualingan unit.

This is the unit.


This is what you get in the box:


1. remove the MID and the radio and make the cut on the e53 or remove the frame on e39. Below is the cut I made, you might be able to find a better line but it worked well for me.



2. Connect the Navigation unit with the proper harness (17 or 40pin adapter). Below is my setup using the 17 pin adapter.

If you don't have DSP you don't need to do the following steps.
3. I moved the eom radio in the trunk beside the dsp/amp. Use a second connector (17 or 40) to connect the radio to the power, ground, iBus, power antenna and 12vcc switched.



Use a DB25 male connector. The newer models have a 54 pin connector. Identify the 12v switched and connect it to the radio connector.

4. Extend the MID wires to reach to the glovebox and move it in there. This way you will have the DSP, BC controls available if needed.
5. all done

Note that this way the HL unit will use the steering wheel controls as well as the DSP amp. So the volumes will be in series as you would have in a TV/sat Receiver home setup. If you get the oam amp too low using the steering wheel controls then the if you use the nav system to raise the volume then you will get distortions. So make sure you set the volume for the amp at a high level and control the audio volume using the steering wheel control.
I got a very good sound, I find it much better than the original radio.

I have done it this way because the dsp amp does not turn on by just connecting the HL unit. You have to trick the DSP amp to stay on.
I hope this helps for now. Hualingan is sending me a new harness to try it out.

[dkl]

Very Nice! Wished there was a better way rather than cutting up the frame (just in case I need to reverse the process).

[PersonaNonGrata]

That's the nicest double DIN head unit so far. It fits nicely and looks almost OEM, unlike even the better bezel kits. Nice job!

Now we need reviews of the quality and function of the unit.

[StartX5]

Florin, thanks so much for your writing. It's a great document! I didn't know that we have to cut the frame. New unit is double DIN no wonder.

[fullmetaljacket]

Hi fmugur, sent you quite a long pm of questions - hope you could revert. thanks!

Oh by the way, can you post a picture of what the iPod interface looks like on the screen of the Hualingan please please? Can you really access everything on the screen just like how you do it on the iPod - (by playlist, by song, by artist, etc..)?

[fmugur]

I love the unit, great sound and functionality. BT gives me some trouble with the voice quality at the far end. I am looking into that. Remember, if you don't have DSP the install is plug and play using a 17 or a 40 pin connector.

[fmugur]

Originally Posted by dkl

Very Nice! Wished there was a better way rather than cutting up the frame (just in case I need to reverse the process).

I thought about the same thing but when you see it installed there is no way you would like to go back to the outdated oam look and if you really really want to go back, it looks like the frame in e39 is removable and you can get one from a junkyard and install it.

[nigwhyrito]

Thanks for the wrieteup. very nice install. makes me want to go and crack open the piggybank.. its just weird that this company advertises the exact same model but states it is not the Hualingan
http://www.tv-in-motion.co.uk/bmw_headunit.html
I cant wait for the ipod pics, What about aux in or video out to connect to existing rear seat entertainment. straight from there website in QA
Q. Is this a Hualingan / Dynavin / D3 MMI BMW headunit?
A. NO.
liars.

[dkl]

BTW...how much is the unit and do you know where we can buy it in the US? Thanks.

[StartX5]

Florin, what year of your X? 2001? Did you change your interior trim recently?