Standard Radio to Nav

[jhdobken]

Hey everyone,

My x5 has the standard radio and I just purchased the 16:9 screen, and the mk4 computer (and mounting brackets), 6 cd changer, as well as the dsp amplifier (and mounting brackets), and subwoofer on ebay ... in order to properly install the items, what else do I need? Also, is this a project that I can undertake myself, and how complex is it?

[xnsf]

Do you have the GPS antenna?

I hear this project is sort of complex, but can be done by yourself.

[mr brown]

Wiring harness and gps antenna

[jhdobken]

How much do you guys think the wiring harness and the gps antenna will set me back? And you're talking about the antenna that sits inside the trunk lid correct?

[xnsf]

Originally Posted by jhdobken

How much do you guys think the wiring harness and the gps antenna will set me back? And you're talking about the antenna that sits inside the trunk lid correct?

the gps antenna is located in the spoiler...i think

[jhdobken]

Originally Posted by SledgeHammer
Weeks of research showed that yes, it *is* possible to add nav to a non-nav car, but it requires extensive modifications to your car (part of which is gutting 65% of your interior).

I am willing to do all of the wiring myself. Is there somewhere that I can find the appropriate wiring/ interior assembly diagrams so that I wont have to go through a dealer to do it?

[SledgeHammer]

Originally Posted by jhdobken

I am willing to do all of the wiring myself. Is there somewhere that I can find the appropriate wiring/ interior assembly diagrams so that I wont have to go through a dealer to do it?

FYI: I did price the total install through a dealer... they were very leary of even attempting it, and told me parts + labor would run in the neighborhood of $6000 to $8000 which is why I gave up on it .

I only found guides for 3 series & 5 series... here are some links... you are a lot braver then I am if you attempt this retrofit ...

http://www.openbmw.org/nav/sys/index.html
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=203145

and most import check this link:

http://e46.mit.edu/BMW_OEM_Widescreen_NAV_Retrofit.htm

this link has a lot of pics of the process, so you can see the extent to which you have to gut your car .

As I said, even if you manage to put your car back together, you'll still need to go to the dealer to reprogram the computers. Good luck!

FYI #2: The retro-fit "kits" mentioned in some of these links are not sold and not available in the US. I've seen a kit or two sold on ebay, but I think those are using european parts.

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by jhdobken

I am willing to do all of the wiring myself. Is there somewhere that I can find the appropriate wiring/ interior assembly diagrams so that I wont have to go through a dealer to do it?

This is a very popular project that a bunch of people here and over on the bimmerboard have done. This post is pretty good and shows pictures along the way and everything. Also, I highly recommend that you get the BMW WDS (wiring diagram) and TIS (whole car assembly/disassembly) disks. Those will help answer questions if you get stuck somewhere.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...system-x5.html

[jhdobken]

Originally Posted by Brian-bmw

This is a very popular project that a bunch of people here and over on the bimmerboard have done. This post is pretty good and shows pictures along the way and everything. Also, I highly recommend that you get the BMW WDS (wiring diagram) and TIS (whole car assembly/disassembly) disks. Those will help answer questions if you get stuck somewhere.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...system-x5.html

The bmw WDS and TIS disks are not available for the public I have been told by the BMW dealership. Any ideas as to where I could snag them?

[ccfj1]

Gps antenna connects to the mk4 nav computer and is located so it can see tha sky (not sure on the x5, its on the parcel shelf in my e46).

Retrofit satnav harness should be available from dealer (they are in the UK), and approx prices should be
Harness: $200-$240 from dealer.
Antenna: $50-$60 from ebay,

You will need the radio module as well.
bm54 radio module (euro, I think that the US spec is called the bm53, but thats not 100% sure), you will need to check on that.

Radio Module: $400-$500.

CD changer harness should already be pre-insatlled in you x5.

Not sure about the dsp amp???

The only other thing is the TV module, this is used as the 16:9 monitor driver (as a backup) should the nav computer fail, its up you if you think its worth the extra $300-$400?

I'm from the UK, so all prices quoted are converted from UK pounds, so you may get them cheaper in the states?

Hope this helps