Pioneer web site, I have the Pioneer N3 (folds up) in my Z3, I love it. I'm not all that impressed with the OEM Nav in the X5, If I were to replace it I'd use the Pioneer Z3, which is what you are asking for ..... it has the ability to house a 80 gb hard drive that you can rip your CDs to etc..... super nice unit.

I do like that but how seamless will this connect with the car? Also does this sync with the steering wheel? Do you also have pics? That would be great. THANKS MUCH.

If anyone has any other options I would love to see them as well.

I know that Crutchfield has modules/harnesses that allow the use of steering wheel controls on some vehicles. You might want to check out what is available for your situation.

I like the suggested Pioneer. Kenwood has a nice unit, too. Modern GPS, bluetooth and good radio functions, that is all good.

I have a portable Garmin on a beanbag stand for my X, working through an auxiliary port. It has bluetooth, MP3 player and of course the GPS function. It is not nice and integrated in looks, but the steering wheel controls work and it functions perfectly. I upgraded the BMW GPS software and all that, but it still isn't satisfactory for me. Even a modest modern aftermart GPS is better.

The only seamless solution is the factory BMW solution

No other aftermarket nav will have all these integration features:

Blend in voice instructions over stereo system whilst only reducing radio sound (but not muting)
Display of vehicle trip computer data and outside temperature, range in fuel tank
Display navigation data such as distance to go, arrival time, etc in instrument cluster text display
Respond to steering wheel controls
Allow full phone integration with text messages displayed on the nav screen
Allow voice control of nav through vehicle phone microphone
No matter what screen mode you are on, the nav will show the next instruction as the highest-priority screen - ie: will switch from radio/CD/computer etc to nav screen for the duration of the instruction
Provide TV and video AUX-IN capability on same screen, but still have nav switch over and show next instructions when required
Provide seamless integration with the rear-seat controls, allowing the rear-seat user to control radio and TV and telephone

there's probably more but that's all I can think of

However at the end of the day it is a matter of taste

Remember, the X5 nav system is a 2002 upgrade to a early-1990s design
When comparing to a 2008 design, remind yourself that there is around 15 years different between what you see...

And with all that intergration you get ...... wait ....... wait ....... a cassette deck.... woohoo. But to answer your question. there is a unit called a PAC SWI-PS on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/SWI-PS-Sony-Pion...QQcmdZViewItem

I put one of these on my Z3, the Z3 doesn't even come with steering controls but I transplanted the controls from a 5 series, anyway it works just like the factory controls etc.... I have no issues with it.

Hello,

Thanks for all your help. It seems if I want everything to go seamless and what I am looking for the Factory one would be a ideal choice, however I did look at these and do tell me what you think?

Dual XDVDN8190

• General features:
• in-dash DVD player with built-in amplifier (17 watts RMS/60 peak x 4 channels)
• motorized 7" LCD video monitor with touchscreen controls
• fits single-sized dash openings
• A/V iPlug connector with iPod input, auxiliary input and audio/video input
• built-in navigation with millions of points of interest (uses SD card slot for map updates)
• wireless multi-zone remote
• Audio/visual features:
• plays DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3/WMA files on disc
• iPod controls available through touchscreen interface
• Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound decoding
• 24-bit D/A converter
• Expandability:
• Bluetooth wireless technology compatible with most enabled cellular phones
• inputs: rear-view camera input, A/V iPlug connector (iPod input, auxiliary input and audio/video input)
• outputs: one set of multi-zone audio/video outputs, 6-channel preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer, and center-channel)
• built-in Secure Digital memory card slot (up to 2GB)

Fits
Kenwood DVD/Navigation Package

KVT-512 in-dash DVD player KNA-G510 navigation system


Details:

• package includes KVT-512 DVD player and KNA-G510 navigation system
• KVT-512 DVD player
• in-dash DVD player with built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
• motorized, retractable 6.95" LCD video screen touchscreen
• direct touchscreen selection of DVD menu items
• plays MP3/WMA/AAC files on CDs, CD-Rs/RWs, DVD-Rs/RW, and DVD+RS/RWs
• plays DVD-Video and MPEG and JPEG files on CDs, CD-Rs/RWs, DVD-Rs/RW, and DVD+RS/RWs
• 24-bit D-A converter
• System Q Sound Control
• System E's+ Advanced Crossover system
• compatible with Kenwood TV tuner, satellite radio, or iPod connection cable
• inputs: USB input, rear-view camera input, navigation input, two audio/video inputs
• outputs: audio/video output, 4-channel preamp outputs (front, rear/subwoofer)
• compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
• warranty: 1 year
• KNA-G510 navigation system
• navigation system offers turn-by-turn map and voice guidance
• GPS satellite antenna
• built-in road maps of the United States and Canada
• over 5 million points of interest
• maps displayed on your DVD player's video screen
• voice prompts offer turn-by-turn guidance
• compatible with Clear Channel Traffic Message Channel and XM Satellite Radio traffic information services (subscriptions and extra components required)
• multi-destination route planning
• 2-D and 3-D map views
• SD card slot for map updates
• 4-1/2"W x 4"H x 1-1/2"D
• warranty: 1 year

It seems like the DUAL will also be able to play DVD's etc but not sure about how it'll sync with the steering. But then again there is always the PAC SWI-PS I could use for those purposes.

Any ideas?

Also can the factory NAV play DVD's etc.?

Thanks
MJ

I actually think I will go with the Factory navigation system after doing some research. Seems like it'll be the best option for me.

Thanks for your help!

I didn't quite understand the last part of your post. Are you saying that one can retrofit a 2008 nav system to an earlier model to overcome the deficiencies of of the "early-1990s design"? If so, I would like to know more about that.

If it would take a back-up camera without needing an additional expensive video module, that would also be interesting to me.

Yeah I would also like to know if you could retro fit a 2008 nav system into an earlier model. Also does anyone know where I would be able to find what I need to get this done and how much approx. the cost would be?

Thanks!

PS: Right now I have no Nav system in the SUV so I would need everything needed.