Standard Radio to Nav
 

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 :D... 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?

Do you have the GPS antenna? :rofl:

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

Wiring harness and gps antenna

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?

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

Since I was shopping around for an M3, I was looking at the possibility of adding nav to a car if everything else was ok...

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). Theres modifications to the center console of course, redirecting the air conditioner to the bottom cubby hole, modifying the trunk liner, installing the GPS antenna, installing the GPS computer, tons of wiring harnesses, etc. The FULL list of parts will run you AT LEAST around $2500 - $3000.

Its not possible for you to do the entire installation yourself. You'll need to go to the dealer to code everything correctly.


Lucky for me, I ended up finding an M3 with nav :thumbup:

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

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.

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