Dynavin D99+ -, Pioneer AppRadio3- users are you happy with your purchase?

PandaTrader · #1 10-29-2013, 12:24 PM

Hey guys,

I am interested in changing my OEM Navigation Head Unit. I want some fresher and newer look of the head unit controls and displays. I would like to be able to use the music on my iPhone, have better navigation screen, listen to Pandora etc. Including a head unit upgrade, I want to install a rearview camera and maybe if I can park distance control.

I have been reading about Dynavin, how to install it, but haven't come across how you like the product. I reall like the factory look of the Dynavin. I haven't seen any pictures of the Pioneer Appradio 3 installed in a X5. But it seems like it won't have the same appearance.

I want to keep the original factory look, I don't like for example how Kenwood Excelon DNX9990HD looks like in an X5. Here is a link of a video I saw for the Kenwood 2005 BMW X5 Kenwood DNX9990HD Radio Navigation Car Audio Upgrade Al & Ed's - YouTube

If this is the only way Kenwood Excelon is installed, I don't like that the X5 dashboard doesn't have it original apperance. The frame is completly gone. I hope you understand what I mean.

Thanks for any advice, review, pics or pointing me in the right direction.

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e30cabrio · #2 10-29-2013, 01:27 PM

http://www.xoutpost.com/949540-post51.html

My Appradio3 is there.

I like it alot.

PandaTrader · #3 10-29-2013, 02:08 PM

Thanks, factory look is what I look for. I don't like the appradio 3 doesn't look factory. I guess dynavin is the only option to go. Any experience how it performs?

e30cabrio · #4 10-29-2013, 02:11 PM

No clue but I can assure you it is nothing like having your phone in your dash.

PandaTrader · #5 10-29-2013, 02:13 PM

Yeah that is cool and I'm sure the functionality rocks. But I just want to keep the factory look.

PandaTrader · #6 10-29-2013, 03:07 PM

Actually, now that I am looking at your pics on a larger screen, it doesn't look so bad.

Are there any Dynavin user with feedback?

Sweep_the_Leg · #7 10-29-2013, 04:12 PM

Any double-din unit you get is going to look pretty much exactly like that Kenwood setup in the video you linked. Mine has that exact same bezel, it's just flipped so the narrower part is across the top instead of the bottom. I originally had it oriented like the Kenwood, but I think it looks better reversed.

I have had an AppRadio 2 installed for several months now. It was cheap with the rebate (effectively $280), but the functionality out of the box was actually really disappointing to me. First of all, you have to plug the phone in, then click through approximately 237 warning screens just to get to the apps screen (not really, but it seems like that). If you're using an iPhone, then you will be limited to full-functionality of Pioneer-approved apps (there's a list on their site). I listen to music almost exclusively by streaming it through Spotify, which isn't an Pioneer supported app. So, I decided to jailbreak my iPhone 4S and install AppRadio Extensions, which is a VERY cool Cydia tweak that essentially allows full mirroring of your phone's screen to the AppRadio. Here's a good video showing how it works:

Pioneer App Radio 2 & iPhone 4 Jailbreak - YouTube

If you run an Android phone, you're in luck, because there is an app called ARLiberator available which obviously doesn't require a jailbreak. Since I don't have an Android phone I'm not sure about its full capabilities, but it seems to do everything that AppRadio Extensions does (and maybe even more).

If you're wanting the dash to look as close to factory as possible and you still want to upgrade the factory system, then you might as well forget about anything but a Dynavin (or Eonon). Since I've never played around with a Dynavin, I can't say whether it would be better than an AppRadio (or another similar touchscreen double-din). But it probably doesn't offer quite the same flexibility that the AppRadio does.

4.8isguy · #8 10-29-2013, 07:59 PM

I had Dynavin on my previous e53 and after having the factory radio in my new to me 4.8 I'm going to have to say I prefer factory. Dynavin does look almost identical to factory and the Ipod interface is great. My dislikes are the very poor CD display/use. Not that I use CD's much but it looks very outdated. Hit a small bump and it skips. The touchscreen isn't the greatest. When using the Navi I would have trouble typing in certain addresses. Sound quality was pretty good. Overall if your primary focus is to have a decent Navi with a great Ipod friendly radio then I would go with Dynavin otherwise I would stick with stock for me.

PandaTrader · #9 10-29-2013, 08:02 PM

Thanks, I have seen people doing MK4 Navigation Firmware updates. Is that possible and will the navigation look a little better?

4.8isguy · #10 10-29-2013, 08:07 PM

I've heard of people doing them. I'm planning on asking my local Indy if he is capable of doing it as well as adding in a backup camera. I haven't done ipod hookup yet. I've been meaning to research if someone has a way to keep the factory cd changer and allow use of Ipod. My navi has a Cassette player behind it.

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