this is not a straight forward install, please explain
 

How was this done? some type of modification to the raido Frame had to take place

Normal position of single DIN install
 

this is what the normal 1 DIN position is

space
 

This is how much space you have with the MID in place. IF you notice the CD player is like 1/2 DIN

I know the answer!
 

I actually spoke to this owner a few months back when i was interested in the same thing. He said the retractable cover was actually removed and rebuilt on the inside to pop on and off to "hide" and "show" - no idea how sturdy it may be.

Also, he said when you remove the retractable cover it exposes enough room for a single din radio to be inserted - he said he used a modified bezel and altered the frame.

Also, he kept the power to the factory radio alive so when the cover is on the new radio, it looks factory. Pretty neat concept.

Similar (or maybe same?) setup here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...m-fotos-3.html

Hope this helps.

I have a picture of the entire frame. With the bottom MID unit in, there is no way a single DIN will fit above that without major reconstruction, unless I am missing something. I am really interested in how he modified the frame for the single DIN unit to fit. I took the picture to a car stereo shop and they said said " no way" it can be done.... So now I am really stuck on this. The bottom has to be elevated up to hold the bottom of the single din bracket and the top of the fram has to be cut out to house the single din unit

My initial thought would be that he eliminated parts of the old frame and constructed something new using multiple brackets.... seems doable with some time and creativity.

Another option which I actually like better but haven't found the time to try it is here: http://www.soundgallery-incar.co.uk/...stomscreen.jpg

What they did is left the retractable cover connected with the original radio and used an Alpine system.... direct from the company:

"The BMW X5 we did used an Alpine flip out screen, where we could split the unit putting the lower half in the ashtray and the main part of the screen in the existing din slot, we removed the old bmw radio facia and cut a slot for the screen."


This is actually allows the retractable cover to work as it currently does. I wish I had the guts or the time to try this.

Basically reconstructive surgery on the bracket, which is not a simple install IMHO, and according to several installers. The upper part of that bracket is very thick and I don't see how he cut through it to allow for the space. I wish we could get someone to reply on how this was actually done.....but since noone ever replies to these threads :rolleyes:I doubt it will be here that we find an answer. I may ask over at an installer site like carsound. I guess I just figured someone would have an answer here for us... The 2nd install I have seen in other cars, great concept, but i can't imagine trying to replace the flip out unit after it breaks. I think the newest way , with less hassle to do a flip out screen will be using the Stock Z4 nav screen, idk. BUT I am still interested in making a single DIN install iin the upper half of this frame, as it looks stock, it is stealth from looking eyes, and give access to some great head units with navigation. Even if I could figure a way to remove this frame, it would be a start (see my other thread with no replies). I have seen some stuff on the e39 board, so maybe I will start there.