Navigation retrofit question

[nigwhyrito]

So I read the retrofit manual and posts by jpuma.
My question is: 1. if you start the retrofit but dont complete it. Is it okay to still drive the X?

For example: I finish installing the bord monitor but the b53 is not installed. Or I install the mk4 but dont install the bm53. Or finally i got the bord and bm53 installed but the MKIV iis not installed.

Im worried about running out of time and then just picking off where I left at. Will the X start and still be drivable if one or any of the navigation components are missing. Will I damage anything if i just dont put the fuses in for the navi and cigar lighters.

[Brian-bmw]

No problem driving the X with an in-process nav retrofit. The nav and A/V components are kind of stand-alone relative to the rest of the car's functioning. The only real tie-in to other systems is the wheel speed sensor wire.

[nigwhyrito]

Another NAV question with pics for anyone...
1. Does it matter if the main audio connector is cracked and all the connectors are separate? is it possible to just get the outside plastic piece?

2. How do you tell the difference in the dsp amps. which is better for an 06 e53(phillips,loews,Alpine,Lear) I see a ton on ebay.

3. The red nav connector from my research is only for an mkIII? Does the MkIV need it? if it does need it where does it go.
I didnt buy a retrofit cable I bought the oem harness from an 05 with nav and DSP.

thanks for your assistance

[ccfj1]

Originally Posted by nigwhyrito

Another NAV question with pics for anyone...
1. Does it matter if the main audio connector is cracked and all the connectors are separate? is it possible to just get the outside plastic piece?

I would not recommend using the broken plug mate.

Get hold of an SOT lead off ebay (SOT-076, $15) and then cut and solder the new plug on, the smaller white and black 12pin plugs will go into the new plug without soldering or modding, so should the speaker (8pin part), that will just slot into the new one (take the other one out obviously).

The only soldering should be the power, switched power, gnd, Tel-on, I-Bus and a couple of others.

2. How do you tell the difference in the dsp amps. which is better for an 06 e53(phillips,loews,Alpine,Lear) I see a ton on ebay.

Don't know.

3. The red nav connector from my research is only for an mkIII? Does the MkIV need it? if it does need it where does it go.

Yes, the burgundy plug is used on both mk3 and mk4, its holds the speed sensor signal and the reversing signal, you will need them for accurate GPS location on the map, you can run the nav without them, but you will be working on GPS dead reckoning, which (thanks to the US military), is not 100% accurate.

I didnt buy a retrofit cable I bought the oem harness from an 05 with nav and DSP.

Thats going to be a problem then mate, the two looms are not the same. you can use the OEM loom but its a shit load more work, as you will need to run all the speakers wires too, and it will want to plug into plugs your car wont have.... so don't bother with it.

Sell it and get the proper retrofit loom.

thanks for your assistance

[nigwhyrito]

Thanks for the input ccfj1

I will take your advice and order that plastic housing (SOT) off ebay

As for the OEM harness. You say sell it. thats the part im not understanding.

Thats going to be a problem then mate, the two looms are not the same. you can use the OEM loom but its a shit load more work, as you will need to run all the speakers wires too, and it will want to plug into plugs your car wont have.... so don't bother with it.

Sell it and get the proper retrofit loom.

I thought the OEm loom was the proper harness for what Im trying to do. I am adding DSP and navigation to my car. I looked at the loom I have and I think i figured out where everything plugs in at.. 3 plugs for dsp amp + coaxial cable
1 or 2 cd changer plugs,DSP subwoofer BM53 plugs ( which i have to order the part for.What appears to be the fm radio tuner connector )
the seller even sent his blutooth harness even though i already have that.
I think I can make it work if i use the WDS site and the wisdom from this site. Besides I got it for a great price 140 bucks shipped. and its only 1 year older than my car. + 15 bucks now for new connector compared to retrofit harness price of 500 bucks.

I will use the wds site to track down where the wheel speed sensor is in my vehicle.

But you are right it will be alot of work. Im prepared to take my seats outs and take about weeks vacation ..

I just wish i knew what dsp amp to buy.

[ccfj1]

Originally Posted by nigwhyrito

Thanks for the input ccfj1

I will take your advice and order that plastic housing (SOT) off ebay

OK.

As for the OEM harness. You say sell it. thats the part im not understanding.

I thought the OEm loom was the proper harness for what Im trying to do.

Only when fitted from factory mate.

I am adding DSP and navigation to my car. I looked at the loom I have and I think i figured out where everything plugs in at.. 3 plugs for dsp amp + coaxial cable 1 or 2 cd changer plugs,DSP subwoofer BM53 plugs ( which i have to order the part for.What appears to be the fm radio tuner connector ) the seller even sent his blutooth harness even though i already have that.

It will have the correct plugs for adding what was in the doner car but your car may not have them, basically it will be a strip the radio loom out and replace it with the OEM loom.

It will probably require a interior strip out and maybe even all the doorcards off and some of the dash out.

I think I can make it work if i use the WDS site and the wisdom from this site.

If man can make it man can re-make it.

Besides I got it for a great price 140 bucks shipped. and its only 1 year older than my car. + 15 bucks now for new connector compared to retrofit harness price of 500 bucks.

By the end of it you will wish you had stumped it up mate, but good luck.

I will use the wds site to track down where the wheel speed sensor is in my vehicle.

From the binnical (on the retrofit loom).

But you are right it will be alot of work. Im prepared to take my seats outs and take about weeks vacation ..

Fair enough.

I just wish i knew what dsp amp to buy.

Sorry cant help with that I have a alpine imprint in mine.