Overhead & portable DVD system (BMW OEM)

[ripp222]

In researching options to add a DVD based monitor for the rear seat passengers, it appears there are several options. As I like to stick with OEM solutions, I found 4 different possibilities for those with the standard (non-panoramic) sunroof.

1. Overhead DVD entertainment console w/ 7" LCD and integrated DVD player
2. Front seat headrests w/ 7" LCD and remote mounted DVD player
3. Front seatbacks w/ flip-up 7" LCD and remote mounted DVD player
4. Portable overhead entertainment console w/ 10.2" LCD and integrated DVD player

#1


#2
- need photo -

#3


#4

OR


My thoughts...
The overhead version w/ 7" LCD seems a bit bulky, mostly due to a DIN sized DVD player. If you're tall, it would actually obstruct your view in the rearview mirror with the motion sensor mounted on the underside of the unit.
I don't like the look of screens in the back of the headrests, staring at you while you travel.
The seatback version has LCD's which can be flipped down, giving a cleaner look, but they also appear bulky.
So I investigated the portable overhead solution (plus you get a bigger screen and a portable DVD player!)...


Here's the parts rundown for those w/ the anthracite (black) headliner.
65 12 0 406 331 Install kit for Portable DVD system
65 75 6 928 429 Ultra sonic module, 04/2004+
51 44 7 068 306 Headlining console, front, black,
51 44 7 114 071 ULS cover, black
65 12 0 398 187 DVD system, Portable
65 12 0 411 757 Docking Station, black
65 12 0 411 776 Cover for portable DVD system, black
65 12 0 405 116 Mains cable USA NEMA
65 12 0 406 659 Alarm system install kit for portable
65 12 0 409 788 Retrofit kit, aux in portable DVD


Speaking with my BMW Dealer, list price for all of the above is a bit over $3000 with tax!!
Anyone out there have this system installed? Any feedback on the quality??

[ripp222]

After more research, and getting some used parts... I may be able to get the parts for more like 1/2 list price.

Anyone out there want to be the "beta" tester for this system?

[X5 Meister]

Hey rip222 how did this ever work out? I'm curious, the portable DVD player that docks, who makes it and what is the model number?

[ripp222]

So far, it's not working out. I looked into ordering some of the the parts I listed above and my Dealer got the dredded "illegal to order in US". He's gotten that before and after working some magic the parts got to the US about a month later. We'll see...

There's always Roveractive from Ebay, but you pay full list and sometimes an uplift on top - that's not the pricing direction I'm looking to go.

DVSystems, model VXM-3000 - http://www.dvsystems.com/products.html

[X5 Meister]

Awesome work! Keep us updated. That portable has a huge screen, how much was it by itself. Also, do you have BMW's original press release announcing this unit? If not let me know. BTW, on your 1st post you should include a photo of the 4 different options so that people know what they look like.