Navigation for x3
 

Has anyone retrofitted a factory navigation system to an x3, or is it just a theory?

Retro Fit Sat Nav
 

This may not be exactly what you are hoping to here, but i have fitted a Tom Tom Go unit within the dash top storage bin.

The unit is hard wired in witha small hole under the rubber matting and the unit lays flat with the lid closed when not needed. It is a very tight fit, but the lid does close OK if the unit is laid flat,

I was a bit worried that the signal would not get through the storage bin cover when open, but it works very well and I usually have 100% strength. In and around the centre of London i do loose a bit of signal strength, but i guess this would happen anyway.

Tom Tom in UK at the moment are about £250, so this has worked out much cheeper than the BMW own unit, and suits my needs fine.

Can you post pictures?

Tom Tom in X3 dash
 

I am new to X3 world, so will do my best to attach a piccie.

Hope it comes out OK
DEF

BMW offers a nav retrofit kit for the X3. See http://www.x3world.com/showthread.php?t=9706

did you use the cars gps antenna ???

if yes where is the cable hidden ?

thanks

That's awesome cause the lid also acts as a sun visor for the GPS on those bright sunny days.:thumbup:

Tom Tom in Dash
 

There are no cables with the Tom Tom unit except the power cable.
I have drilled a hole under the rubber mat and fed the cable behind to pick up a switched live.

The unit is then on mains power as soon as i switch on the car, but does not drain the battery when switched off.

The Tom Tom does have an external GPS antenna if you want to fit the unit somewhere that does not have a clean signal, but fortunately the lid does not affect the signal at all. No other wires are needed which has made this a very easy addition to make.

The unit has a built in speaker so i have not had to worry about connecting to the factory stereo either.

good job

lukcy me tom tom does not support detailed greek maps at the moment

I like it.

It would be sweet if someone can retrofit this into the dash storage compartment.

http://www.garmin.com/products/sp7500/

Maybe one can cut a hole on the bottom of the dash storage compartment and mount the gps base. That way you can fold the screen down and still be able to close the lid.

I'm planning to do the same how did you get the switched live? I assume you must have wired in a cigarette lighter power socket to plug the TomTom cigarette lighter adapter into so you get the 5v supply to the unit?

I did use a cigarette lighter power socket to plug the TomTom cigarette lighter adapter into.

I actually used a double socket as i wanted a switched live for my Bell 550 speed camara detector which is mounted by the rear view mirror.

They both now switch on automatically when i turn on the ignition.

Where did you pick up the switched live feed from and where did place the doble socket?
Thanks for the info.

I ran the cable behind the dash, but fortunatley was having a phone kit fitted by someone.

They picked up the feeds they needed and also crimped the double socket into the harness at the same time. Sorry i can't be any more help.

DEF

Thanks DEF

I've worked it out. Ive just fitted an IceLink Plus and was able to pick up feeds off the wiring to that a quad socket into the glocebox along with the iPod docking cable and the ToTom power supply.

Just need to work out a better mounting for the TomTom in the dashboard tray so that it doesnt move when I tap the screen.

bloxy how much is that tom tom i got the navigon 4 from Germany but i move back to the states i need the US maps is about $400 to get the disc im thinking about just getting something else.you got yours installed without using the lighter? how?

The TomTom Go Ranges in price from £280-£550 depending on model, see www.tomtom.com for details and stockists.

You need to use the supplied cigarrette lighter adaptor as it gives the correct controled voltage for the unit.

I picked up a switched live feed (violet & white) and an earth (Brown) off the radio wiring harness (I was fitting an icelink+ as well) to a four way cigarrette lighter accessory socket (only use for low power items) which I located in the glove box, I routed the TomTom power cable through to the glove box aswell as my camera detector power supply and I can plug my phone charger in there aswell.

thanks

I like the way the tom tom fits in the dash board compartment, I am looking for the same thing. Do know if you can attach a reversing camera to your screen.

Here's my solution that works out great! The Garmin 2610 pictured is both extremely easy to see in all light/dark conditions (yes, including direct sunlight). With the touchscreen input and included remote it is very easy to manipulate the software, etc. This unit blows away the BMW factory nav. that was in my 1999 740i. I don't think I'll tie myself down to a factory installed unit again. It's nice to know that if technology changes you can simply upgrade to a newer design.

how did u run the power cable ? i got the a dell pda x50 w/gps but i dont like having the cables running to the front of the radio to the lighter.

I took the storage bin out, ran the power cable down through the dash to the glove box (really very easy). Once in the glove box I removed the rechargeable flashlight and replaced it with the OEM aux. power adapter. This gives you a 12V socket in which to plug the GPS power cable. The best part is that the cable is hidden (for the most part) AND the power is switched off when the doors are locked using the car remote. When unlocked, the power comes back up and the GPS locks on the the satellites before the car is started.

thanks ...now i have to drive 80 miles to the dealer to buy the adapter:tsk: but at least i wont have a spider web of wires in front of my radio:)