Questions on changing entertainment system

[cdonal]

Hi,

I just brought a 2002 BMW X5 with a VCR entertainment system for the rear passengers, I believe it is a Alpine TME 750. I am thinking about changing to a Alpine INA W900 system. But I have some questions. I hope you guys can help me. I have researched the threads to get some information but I still have some unanswered questions.

1. If I replaced the current nav/ OBC system, will the BMW techs be able to scan my car for trouble codes? I am not sure what other functions will be lost, if I replace the oem system.

2. Is it possible to connect to the current rear LCD screen and stream DVD videos with the new Alpine system.

I plan on adding a back up camera also.

I am not familiar with the vehicle and if I make all these changes. What will I lose from the current system.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[big bob]

The rear seat entertainment system, if factory fitted, uses the TV tuner Aux inputs and video outputs. Some vehicles were indeed fitted with a fully independant Alpine system.

If you remove the BMW headunit and rplace it with an IVA-900, you will need to make cuts behind the dash.

I would recommend replacing the VHS player with a BOA DVD player if you only want rear view DVD. I suspect it's just power and CVS and IR connections.

The OEM TV tuner has a backup camera input, and there is a spacve for a camera in the tailgate, or you can buy a mixed licence plate/camera from eBay for $50.

You need to take some pictures of the back of the VHS player.

[img]

[cdonal]

Big Bob,

Thanks for your reply. i think that you're right, If i can change the current VHS to a DVD system that should work fine for my passengers.

The nav system works fine but need to update software.

The current VHS system is operational but no sound. What so you mean by a BOA DVD paper. I dont know anything about wiring or stereo systems.

I hope that I have a OEM TV tuner connection for a rear camera. I'll take some pictures of the back of the VHS paper and post them tomorrow.

Thanks
Chuck

[big bob]

If you have the factory nav, you probably have the TV tuner. If not, there is a TV tuner retrofit cable for about $35. The tuner is about $150 used. Search for X5 backup camera retrofit guides on Google. You need to run a reverse wire (active high I think) - the reverse lights might be a good way to go. Again have a read around.

A BOA DVD player is a good quality brand (BMW OEM) that would be a choice against the more expensive Apline. BOA 85700 even supports USB. You have no sound because the IR headphones are missing. You may need to spring for some Alpine IR headphones from eBay. Do check first how the audio works. I believe there is simply a TME-750 brain somewhere that takes the audio and video and converts the audio to IR, might also be RF. Take pictures of the boxes you find around the TME brain. It may have been a dealer fit option and a fairly scruffy install.

[cdonal]

Big Bob,

Attached are photos of the VHS unit, wiring in the trunk and under the seat. I just brought the car a couple of weeks ago. So it was a exploration adventure for me. I am confused on what things are, so maybe you can enlightened me.

First, I checked on the BOA, but they aren't sold in the US or I couldn't find a site to buy one, what other DVD player will do.

Second, I do have one set of BMW headphones, I brought some batteries and the power ite up but they don't work.

I upoaded some pictures.

Thanks again,
Chuck

[big bob]

I see an Alpine VPE-V180A


I bet your headphones look like this



You can see the IR window for the headphones.

Here is the manual.
This manual is for the TME-750.

1) You need to find the brain for the monitor and see what is connected to the headphone output socket, with a view to fixing it.


2) You need to find both ends of these cables. They are the rear seat entertainment cables.

3) At the VCR end do you have a power, IR and AV connection - something not shown in the photos. If you have this all in one 13 Alpine RGB connector, you'll want an Alpine DVD player.

[Roy in GA]

US cars generally don't have video modules (TV). You have to add it and it will work for the camera and aux inputs but the TV won't work because of the US digital system which no one else uses.

[gitchies]

i am also in the same boat...i'm about to replace my factory head unit with something else. i have the factory navigation too...would like to know if i'll lose anything..
thanks....dont want hijack this thread...but i would prob get bashed for starting a new one...

[big bob]

Originally Posted by big bob

If you remove the BMW headunit and rplace it with an IVA-900, you will need to make cuts behind the dash.

Have a look around for X5 threads on fitting a double DIN head unit.