Dynavin Q's for those SME's out there?

[X5Ghost]

The 4.8 is finally here after 3 weeks of delivery by DAS. The worst shipping company ever! 6 days sitting at origin before loaded on a truck and 12 days sitting in Chicago waiting for the next truck to MN. Customer service was giving me a bunch of bull so I emailed the CEO! The truck left that night!! Anyways,

I researched and read a lot of info on the Dynavin system but before I purchase, I wanted to be sure. I have an 04 4.8is with factory nav and DSP, from what i gathered, I will need:
1. Dynavin E39 - D99 model? Some ebayers have a year associated in their ad titles but not sure what this means?
2. Need an extension kit for the nav? Does this cover the DSP needs? Or do I need the Fakra cable for DSP?
3. Is there a way to identify unit ver? 2012 vs older models?
4. How does the nav work? Do I need to tether to my iPhone or can it be a stand alone?
5. Finally, can you pls recommend a good source to buy with lower prices?

Thanks! Sorry but there so many threads and I'm guessing some had to do with older technology that perhaps now improved to address shortcomings!

[fmugur]

You have NAV and DSP. That makes it very difficult. Do a search on this forum for Hualingan and DSP and you will get an idea if you still would like to do this change.
The way the audio system is build in BMW is that each component in this setup has to know the presence of each other. So, if you remove the NAV or the radio DSP amp will not stay on. The easiest way would be to replace the DSP amp with an aftermarket one.

[blkxer]

Hey X5Ghost,

I'm in the same situation as you, I have an 03 X5 with factory 16:9 nav + DSP. As fmugur said, after much research and thinking, I decided to go the route of replacing the DSP amp with an aftermarket one. Going this option, you have to also consider crossovers as you probably have 3 component speakers for each LF/RF and 2 component speakers for LR/RR. If you're keeping the factory speakers, then you'll want crossovers that will closely match the frequency ranges for each component speakers (e.g. http://www.xoutpost.com/31858-post1.html). Also, you will need a wiring diagram to identify the wires from the factory DSP amp harness to tap into to wire with the new amp.

To answer some of your questions:
1. Dynavin E39 - D99 model? Some ebayers have a year associated in their ad titles but not sure what this means?

The E39 D99 unit is the latest version (denoted by D99). You have 2 options for this, windows CE or Android. Windows CE offers navigation through the Windows CE. For the Android unit, you have Google Maps available for navigation; however, this requires a wifi connection (e.g. tethered internet connection through your smartphone)...also more flexible to install any apps available in the Android market.

2. Need an extension kit for the nav? Does this cover the DSP needs? Or do I need the Fakra cable for DSP?

Yes, you need the Fakra extension cable if you have the factory nav unit. But the DSP problem is another issue, as noted above regarding the interconnected nav/radio/DSP amp system.

3. Is there a way to identify unit ver? 2012 vs older models?

Not sure.

4. How does the nav work? Do I need to tether to my iPhone or can it be a stand alone?

Windows CE version works as standalone like any other nav unit out there. For the Android version, if you use the included Google Maps navigation, then you will need a wifi connection (so tethering). The other option for the Android version is to purchase an Android navigation software that also works in offline mode (e.g. maps downloaded to the unit).

5. Finally, can you pls recommend a good source to buy with lower prices?

I recently purchase my Dynavin E39 D99 Android from Jeff at J&T Distributing Store (| J & T Distributing Store). They're an authorized distributor in the US. There are other online sites that you can purchase from, but I did not really find that much of a price difference. The big plus is that Jeff is very responsive on inquiries and pretty active in the various BMW forums to provide support for his product/customers. That was the main reason why I purchased from J&T Distributing.

As an idea, this was my parts purchase list for the project I'm embarking on for this upgrade:
1 x Dynavin E39 D99 Android
1 x Fakra extension cable
1 x 5 channel amp
1 x Amp wiring installation kit
3 x RCA audio cables (FL/FR, /RL/RR and 2 channel sub)
4 x 3 channel passive crossovers
1 x Rear view camera unit (optional)
1 x USB extension (optional)
1 x RCA/Aux plug extension (optional)
+ various speaker wires to connect the amp audio out to the crossover and extending the speaker wires to the crossover

I'm planning on replacing the factory subwoofer in the near future as well, thus the 5 channel amp

It sounds really complicated, but if you do your research and plan out your install, it's pretty straight forward. At least in theory, since I haven't had time to start my install yet (very soon!)...lol

[X5Ghost]

Thanks fmugur! I appreciate your quick and helpful tips!!

Blkxer, that got to be one of the best responses to a thread I've ever read!!
My hat to you my friend Very thorough and answered all my questions.

One last Q, I like your list of options and materials, what is the total cost you estimate if you don't mind me asking?

I'm mechanically inclined but not electronically especially when it comes to amps! Are you planing a DIY? That would be the first for X5 with nav and DSP write up? If you do , I might opt to wait

Thanks again for your very thorough response!

[blkxer]

Total, I think I spent about $1,600 for everything. Mostly the Dynavin E39 D99 Android unit costing $849, Fakra cable $55, and 5 channel amp $400. Also, I plan on re-selling all the factory 16:9 monitor, MKIV DVD nav, CD changer, and DSP amp to recoup some of the costs...hopefully get $500+ for everything (based on sold prices I've researched on eBay)

Yup, I'm planning on installing it myself. Figure I could save myself probably about $400+ in installation cost if I can do it myself. Worst case scenario is that I'll have all the wiring done, and will need to take it to a reputable stereo place to do any final config if I can't get everything working properly. I have the Bentley manual and have been reviewing quite a few DIY youTube videos on various stereo installations that I can apply to this project (see the various BSW install videos for the iPod and subwoofer, extremely helpful on giving you blueprint on what and how to remove pieces and running wires).

Really, the only thing I'm concerned with is wiring from the crossovers to the factory speaker wires. Everything else is pretty straight forward I think, just alot of panels and carpets to remove (the BSW ipod interface video runs through this in detail).

I plan on working on this project this weekend, assuming I don't get distracted with other stuff to do. I'll let you know how it goes.

Btw, I'm not the first to replace the BMW nav and DSP. In my research, I came across an article on the E39 forums where someone replaced the same for a Dynavin on their M5

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by blkxer

Btw, I'm not the first to replace the BMW nav and DSP. In my research, I came across an article on the E39 forums where someone replaced the same for a Dynavin on their M5

Yeah, but you are the 1st with an X5 with DSP+Nav on this forum, right?
Best of luck and let us know how it goes? Thx again!

[blkxer]

Here's the M5 thread replacing factory nav + DSP I was referring to: My Dynavin All in one Thread for M5 - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

[blkxer]

Okay, started the install today. Taking pictures along the way, so I'll do a write up as soon as I'm done.

Turns out the antenna extension cable that came with the Dynavin E39 D99 isn't long enough for the X5 (should've compared it up to the Fakra cable beforehand; Fakra cable length is plenty). Have to go pick up a few more feet of antenna extension cable tomorrow to connect.

[Dazza66]

http://uk.mg5.mail.yahoo.com/ya/down...Inbox&inline=1

Fitted this in my X5 November 2011.....! Removed radio / tape deck & had all this fitted with in 2 hours.....! Great Spec

[blkxer]

Okay, got all the wiring in the front and leading to the back done. Connected the Fakra cable and the radio antenna. Prep wires for 5 channel amp. Wasn't able to tap into the speakers today as I ran out of time, will have to finish up this next week.

The unit is powered up and played with it for alittle bit: accepting wifi internet connection and capable of internet surfing, accepting Bluetooth connection with iPhone and pulling up contact address book, receiving radio stations with radio broadcast data (e.g. artists/song titles). But because speaker wires haven't been completed yet, so no volume on any features yet.

So if you're doing this install, DEFINITELY buy a longer radio antenna extension cable. I think the one that came with the Dynavin is only like 10 ft; best to just buy a new one that's 18-20 feet and use that one instead.

Also, I was looking at the factory mounting bracket for the DSP amp to see if it would fit with my Alpine amp. Not surprisingly, the mounting holes don't line up. So I'll have to either drill 4 new holes on that mounting plate or look for another means to mount/secure the amp.