mybimmer.net Custom molded Bezel
 

Alright the more I look the more I think I know why the double din decks do not look as good as the e46 monitor set ups. I think the molded monitors look much better in Rich's custom X5 Bezel than the double din set ups. Thus I think I want to add an Alpine Vehicle Hub set up. The Double din set ups just don't blend in and flow as well as the touch screen monitors for some reason. I always like the touch screen computer monitors from the carputer set ups, but I think over all the Alpine set up will now work very well.

Alpine TME-M740BT 7 inch touch screen monitor
Alpine VPA-B222 (required) Vehicle Hub control monitor
And any one of Alpines navigation systems and DVD player from the Blackbird to the all new Sat Navigation system

like this
 

I like the way the monitor is recessed posterior to the bezel. To me this will give a more OEM appearance than the double din units

I would agree. 2nd picture looks awesome!

But i still think the e53 is too flat for my taste
 

I agree with most people and feel that it is too flat to look OEM, and it need to look more like the e46 Bezel.

Agreed, I wrote an email a year ago to the website owner who makes the bezels when I was considering putting in an AVIC-Z1 in my X to see if he could make one with the recessed line like the e46.

I never heard a response and didn't want to stare at the flat bezel when I was driving. It's too bad there isn't a really good bezel out there that looked oem with a knob for volume (which wouldn't be too hard to do w/ USB) to control volume. That would be hot.

Well I sent Rich an email, and he did not agree with my thoughts. He is not an X5 owner so I'm sure if he actually took the time to poll us he would re-model his flat bezel like the one pictured above, IMHO. Here is his reply to my question about making it with a line.

"No sorry. I modeled my bezel after the X5's oem NAV which doesn't have a line.



Rich"

Yeah, I can see why he did it, but his bezel would look good too if there were buttons and knobs on the sides. If the buttons could be tied to a car pc or different functions that would be awsome.

Without the buttons it would be better with a line.

I'm currently working on a more attractive bezel for the X5. I'll be offering a discounted upgrade price for anyone that ordered my original X5 bezel.



Rich

Attached is a picture of my install

Jim

I wonder if this can be done for an E38 2000 740IL