Navigation Info - Please
 

Hi All,

I'm new to the site but have to admit its very impressive the amount of info that’s on here.

I have recently bought an X5 late 2004 4.4L in Sydney Australia.

Essentially i have a couple of questions that im hoping you can help me with, i have done the searches and still have a few questions.

1. Are the 2004 cars prewired for Nav, i have the 16:9 monitor already installed (from factory) but am unsure if i buy the nav unit i can just find the loom and clip it in.

2. If i need to install a new loom is it just a simplified loom to the monitor from the computer, or do i need to replace the entire loom and connect all the bits and pieces, e.g. CD stacker.

3. There are some great instructions on here about doing the full install including the 16:9 install, does anyone have a link to doing a simple computer install and possibly running the loom?

4. Just trying to figure out if the Mk4 comp is that much better than the Mk3? Its twice the price on ebay, and seems to be just a little faster. Is there any real reason to spend all the extra money?

5. As soon as i connect the Nav computer will the monitor automatically give me the navigation options too?

Thanks and really appreciate your help.

That varies from country to country. I am in NZ, so I'll leave that Q for an Aussie to answer.

It is a new loom, but it goes from video module (in spare wheel well) to nav computer (rear of boot, left hand side)
You don't change anything at the front of the car.

Just read the applicable bits that relate to the nav computer!
Refer to the RetroFit instructions issued by BMW, they are very comprehensive.

Yes, lots:
1. The Mk4 is the best
2. The Mk3, whilst OK, is nowhere near as fast as the Mk4. If you hate waiting for the device to respond to the inputs you are giving it, don't get a Mk3
3. The Mk4 is a current production model, still supported by BMW. New software is still being issued for the Mk4. The Mk3 is no longer supported with software, the last update came out a few years back.
4. The Mk4 allows you to add extra POI data like speed cameras, the Mk3 doesn't.
5. The Mk4 is the best (did I say that already?)

Yes.

Thanks for the help so far, does anyone have a photo of the video module in the spare wheel well?

And is there a BMW catalogue number for the loom that i may potentially need from the video module to the nav computer ?

Thanks,
Mason