Stay away from Eonon radios
 

In March of this year I purchased the Eonon DV5166X radio for my 2001 X5 at $300 shipped. I thought it was a good deal and really liked the original OEM style, boy was I wrong. I have had issues from day one. Supposedly plug and play unit but, radio stays on when parking/headlamps are on, volume doesn't go down when turned to lowest setting(can't carry on a conversation due to this) I have to mute it to talk AND now the rear speakers have quit. Trying to get help from there service dept and all I get are emails wanting videos of the problems. I asked for them to replace it because of the issues. Does anyone else have these radios and issues? Been going on since April. Wish now I had done more research. From my experience so far, I'll never buy another from them.

You know what they say if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is too good to be true ($300 for a full function unit, come on:yikes:). I like the concept of the Enon head unit but the quality of those units are sub-par to the average head unit. If a reputable company like alpine, clarion, pioneer etc. made these units then most people would have had a much more joyful ownership experience.

Unfortunatley I didn't do enought research on them. I asked for a warranty replacement but I guess I'll have to get PAYPAL involved, since this is how I purchased it.

Let me first say that none of these Android/Windows CE head units are perfect..some have more bugs than others, but if you can work around-or with-those issues, they can be great head units for the money.

I currently have an Eonon GA5150F in my '04 330i ZHP. This is the full Android 4.4.2 based head unit, and overall it works very well. I cannot use the automatic headlight mode on the LCM, as leaving it in that mode keeps the head unit on at all times. That's not a big deal with me, so I just manually turn the headlights on and off. Besides that, I haven't had any real issues. All of the functions work properly. The FM/AM section does leave a lot to be desired, and I am using the correct antenna adapter with the proper power connection for the antenna amplifier in the C pillar. I don't listen to much FM so it isn't a big deal with me.

The D5166X looks to be the older unit that was based on Windows CE, if I am not mistaken. I do hear many complaints on the older Eonon head units that are on the Windows CE platform. In general, the Android based units are newer and seem to operate better overall. I don't think anyone here has mentioned it, but Eonon has a brand new head unit available for the E53...the GA6166F that runs Android Lollipop 5.1.
Eonon GA6166F | BMW E53 Android 5.1 Car DVD | BMW E53 X5 Navigation | Android 5.1 Car GPS for BMW E53

After I get the motor replaced in the '01 X5 3.0i I purchased for my wife, I plan to install one of these once all of the other primary issues are attended to. The X5 has the low end factory head unit, so it should be an easy swap. Once that is installed I will try to update everyone on how it operates.

So long story short...in my experience, stick with the newer Android based Eonon head units. They aren't perfect, but they are better than the previous models they offered.

I tried one. I did like it but it was a bit glitchy with my DSP system, so I returned it. Had no issues at all returning it to the eBay seller, full refund including return international shipping.

I wouldn't rule them out completely in the future, but I've since gone with the Dynavin. It has a couple glitches of its own, but it's a better unit. Twice as expensive better? The debate is out.

At least you did not loose a boat load of money on the purchase.

I don't have any experience with Eonon, but I used an AVIN unit that was real similar with no issues other than a few quirks that is to be expected from aftermarket units. I think I paid about the same for my unit. Maybe it's just the expectation from a 300-500 unit and a $2000+ audio upgrade direct from BMW. :dunno:

Are the Eonons, Dynavins and Avin units that much different?

FWIW I have heard terrible things about the Windows based Eonon units while great things about the Android based ones (shocking isnt it?)

Good experience for me.
I have had the GA5166F Android 4.4.4 unit for over a year now and all has been pretty much spot on.
I had business CD and no DSP, so install was straight forward, after cutting out all the dash mounting brackets etc.
All works as expected, apps download and work well.
Slight adjustment to the lighting color and it is an exact match to the dash.
Radio is good, sound is impressive (I do have after market speakers and a sub).
I've retained the MID in the glovebox, so all log features still work.

I had to do one factory reset over a year and reinstall everything, but that was the only glitch I have had.
One thing I don't like, is that I can only control volume from the steering wheel in third party apps. I might be able to set this up, but it's not obvious on how to do it.

I have thousands of songs running off a micro usb card and use it daily.
For me, it has been a great unit and unbeatable for the price.

I havnt had an issue with my eonon. Infact i just upgraded to the latest firmware and sold the old one on.
They work great. I notice all the units that were buggy were installed rough and not with care so that may have something to do with it

Only good experiences with my Android Eonon, I did have a faulty CANbus module, but it was replaced under warranty. It's been in the vehicle for more than 18 months now. I have it working wirelessly via a 4G LTE modem (mounted in the glove box) so internet connectivity on the move. My only issue now is that Apps get updated they grow in size, and I am running out of base memory. (Only 8Gb on the earlier model) I can run the Torque app via bluetooth OBD adaptor to view most of the onboard computer data, plus other data not available via OBC display. I relocated my MID to the rear left hand side hatch, so have full access if I need, to set clock, reset consumption etc.

Neil i had the same problem. 8gb memory has filled up just by apps and system. That, and the fact that over a year or 2 it seems to slow down just like any android system nowadays.

Use a wireless modem in the glovebox/boot and its really an awesome upgrade

I fitted a twin USB in place of the dummy torch socket on the right hand edge of the glove box. The modem plugs in there, with an external antenna running out of site to the edge of the windscreen. Leaves a socket to charge a phone or whatever.

I just installed the Ga5166X in my 04 X5 with DSP. So I had to get the 5 meter Cable and run it to the back of the car. These unit are buggy but you can work through them. I found that you need to set the volume to the middle, your EQ to flat and DSP off before you remove your old unit. On my install I found that the antenna cable that was apart of the 5 meter cable that runs from the back to the front was bad and I had to rerun a new cable to the front. Big pain in the ass. I bought my unit on Ebay and they refunded me the difference for the new cable. Hear is another helpful hint. It says it only can support a 32gig SD card, however my Costco only sells a 64gig. I reformatted the card on my Mac to FAT32 and it works great. My recommendation if you need to use the 5meter cable test it first at the back of the before you run the cable and also run a least two high quality wires with it, if you find a wire that fails you can replace it.

Good info on the settings Before taking the original unit out...I didn't do any of that! I'm working on keeping the oem unit in the back so I can use the auxiliary heat function....hopefully I'll get both things done soon enough.

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

Ok so, tried to do an update but couldn't get the file to load to the SD card. I did a reset per EONON and for now the rear speakers are working. Still trying to load the update to a card. I will keep posted.

Just a follow up on the lack of memory for Apps. It was only 1 Gb on the first generation Eonon (8 Gb total) dedicated as user memory, which as you and I both filled quickly. I have been playing around with the partitioning of this memory and have been able to expand my user memory to 4 Gb. Took some tinkering and sweaty palms, but I got it done. There are software tools freely available on the net which pull apart the image file, enabling manual editing of the 'parameter' file, which contains the partitioning details. The image file is then re-assembled and loaded to the Eonon. On re-boot I now have 4 Gb and so far, no hassles. I had to reload the apps I had plus many more.

so ive got the 5166x as well. works pretty good, sounds incredible.

steering wheel controls work, but not quite right.

had to get better maps program, but figured it out.

worst problem is the radio reception is horrid. borderline unusable. In
fact, we replaced our 4.4 with a 3.0, and I havent installed the eonon yet
because of the radio

Is the radio reception improved on the newer android units?? dynavin
claims to have circuitry designed to work better

Have you tried to go into the factory settings?
I also had bad radio reception when I got mine and I went into the factory settings part and saw that the region for radio was set incorrectly from the factory.
Even though the band range was still the same, I switched it to the correct region and that made a huge difference.
It's still not as good as factory was, but instead of not being able to listen to it, you can listen fine now, bit staticy sometimes but good enough.

i have upgraded to a new unit now anyway,i have a xtrons android 7" screen. i do believe xtrons and eonon are basically the same, the units are identical in every way,both have good support aswell. xtrons seems to be located in the uk though and responses i get from there are in good english.

I have installed a fair few of these now, and they seem to be getting exponentially better. The latest one i have purchased and installed is very stable and swiping down and past pages is very fluid and not buggy like past models.

Before you install this PLEASE setup on on your bench first to make sure it works before you start disassembling your MID and cd player. Simple setup with a battery and using clips from +ve terminal onto the yellow wire(B+) and red (ACC), and the -ve terminal onto black(GND) on the iso plug. I have had failed units before and doing benchtests will save you alot of time and also damaging the unit while installing will become apparent.

yes, all settings are correct. The radio does work somewhat, probably about 50% as well as the factory mid

has the radio reception improved as well?

yes, its spot on. I changed the radio region preferences in 'factory settings' option as it was set to some other location, even thought the frequency ranges were the same, that made a little bit more 'HD' like but out of the box it is identical to the stock unit.

They now come with the correct plug and play antenna adapter for the x5. There is also a wire that loops from the cars existing wiring to the new harness which gives the antenna the appropriate boost that it would get from the stock unit.

How do you keep the BC functions with this? Looking to upgrade to one myself.

currently I have an issue with the bc from the mid, might just skip a fix & just upgrade.

OP should change the headline to this thread...I think it was concluded that android eonon does work as it should but not the windows based one.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I was actually looking to buy the Eonon GA6166F for my son's E53 (no DSP or Nav). His current radio reception is not great with the factory MID and was hoping the Eonon's unit amplified the FM signal a bit.

Does Google maps work well? If I understand correctly, using GPS doesn't require a wifi connection. Is that also correct?

Also, how is the screen in terms of brightness for use on a sunny day? The angle of the dash in that area has me concerned with sun glare washout. Anyone have any feedback on that topic?

The radio antenna that came with the unit is useless, I'm ordering a stronger one from eBay (following a recommendation from a forum member).

My unit requires an sd card containing maps to be inserted for it to work off the GPS antenna (or just use WiFi). I haven't used either option yet other than just checking connectivity using WiFi upon installation...and that works fine.

As for the screen beightness, it's not the best when hit with sun light but better than oem in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

the sun doesnt hinder it as much as you think it will. The screen can go quite bright if you change the brightness in the android settings, and once the parking lights are switched on it automatically dims down and the button lights turn on.

As Awntchi says you can either use google maps + wifi or you need an sd card with preloaded maps which slots into the front left of the unit and a gps app that can use those maps to operate the gps standalone with no wifi.

regarding radio reception its a hit and miss, mine worked fine when plugging in the adapter that came with it, others seem to have reception issues. I was extra careful with the antenna adapter cable since i know in the past these break often. You cant bend the cable too much it can damage the inner core and thats where the reception interference happens.

Although I am very happy with the performance of my Eonon, it is something you can't universally recommend as satisfaction levels seem to vary among users who have fitted one and perhaps seems to be vehicle dependent too. I came from a no OBC, no Nav, no DSP, no reversing camera environment from the factory, but have been able to cover all those shortcomings and gain some extra features by fitting an Eonon. My navigation program is called IGO, which runs without issues and I also have google maps installed, which runs perfectly while I have internet access. I have my Eonon working via wi-fi to a USB modem with a 4G (LTE) sim card fitted. I have an external antenna for the modem running up to sit almost invisibly on the left hand (passenger side for me) A pillar trim. This enables me to run music streaming apps (apple music) as well as an internet radio app (tunedin). I can also run youtube and any other android app I find useful. I have a weather app and also Torque Pro, which covers most of the OBC/MID functions plus more. I re-installed my MID unit behind the rear left hand side luggage compartment hatch, but rarely access it. Torque can display a multitude of sensors simultaneously. Consumption instant and average, speed, gps, coolant temps, MAF, etc etc. Even does timed acceleration measurements. Any ECU sensor can be displayed. It will highlight which sensors are outputting readable data. I have thousands of MP3's on a SD card for those times when I am outback with no mobile coverage. Will also play DVD's, but I rarely use that feature as eyes glued to a screen is not recommended!
The Eonon I have is the first generation (8Gb) version. I believe the later model has 16gb and higher screen resolution and runs Android 5. I modified the storage partitions of mine to create a larger user data capacity for apps. (4Gb now) Previous to that, mine was full and I could not add any more and even updating the existing apps was problematic. My unit had 1Gb for apps, the newer model has 2Gb.
Fitting it was straight forward. Modifying the space and cutting out framework took some time, but the effort was worth it. Not sure about the radio reception complaints I have read. The unit does not come with an antenna, but it does come with an adaptor so that the vehicle antenna is utilised. There is a wiring connection that presumably powers a receiver/booster as part of the factory antenna system. Obviously that connection has to be maintained to continue to received an amplified radio signal to the Eonon. I have fitted an after market reversing camera, with gridlines. It is a combo rear number plate led and camera unit. It covers the ball on my towbar and rearward and enables me to reverse with accuracy I never possessed previously. I can back up to a trailer without fear of any ugly misjudged 'bangs'. The camera works seamlessly upon selecting reverse. Handy in shopping centre car parks for judging vehicle length. The steering wheel buttons are a small issue. Volume up and down works at all times, next and previous work for MP3's on the music option, but not on 3rd party apps. No big deal to use the touch screen tho. GPS voice output can be either switched to the speakers exclusively or blended with any currently running audio. Day time glare is an issue with any screen in any car, but this is no worse than any phone/tablet or GPS I have viewed. The unit can have backlit buttons to perfectly match the orange glow of factory interior lighting. The torque app can accept any number of themes, but I have chosen one that matches the main instrument cluster. The unit displays a pulsing BMW logo at boot up. All very nice. As I stated, I have not experienced the factory screen, but I know it doesn't match the features I enjoy.

Great write-up, Neil,and thanks for the insight! I think I'll go ahead and grab one of these for my son. :)

Here's a few photos of my Eonon, running Car Home Ultra homepage, Apple music, Torque Pro etc.

Hey Neil, Which Bluetooth adapter do you use for the Torque app, and do you always leave it plugged in?

mmmmm, boost.

Did you need a module to connect to the obd or does it work by using the factory harness?

I connect using a generic bluetooth ELM327 adaptor from eBay. Torque will run via bluetooth, no cables required. I did modify mine to include an on/off switch as generally it requires to be unjacked and re-inserted to sync up to the X5's ECU's. I leave it in situ all the time.

Nice great idea. I knew the elm 327 would come in handy sometime

Ok, I have another question about the install. How is the head unit secured into the dash? I have contacted Eonon and they are telling me they don't have an installation manual available for physically installing the unit into the dash. How can that be?? LOL

Surely there has to be hardware securing the unit into the dash so it remains in place and doesn't become dislodged, right??

Yes you are correct, there are 2 metal mounting brackets supplied. It requires some trial and error to get them positioned and possible re-drilling of the bracket to ensure you are secured to some plastic framework. There are only 2 screws for the unit itself. Top left and top right. These are capped once inserted . I built up the support of the body of the unit with a piece of carpet covered timber which takes the weight and correctly positions the unit. The 2 mounting screws just provide extra anchoring, as the angle of the dashboard opening and the unit itself result in it sitting in the preferred position. I took a few photos at the time. I can search for them and upload.

Neil

Ok, gotcha. Yea, if you can find the pics of the bracket install that would be helpful to wrap my mind around the configuration. Thanks!

Red arrows = drilled holes to find plastic framework.
Yellow & green circles = Eonon front mounting screw holes.
Green stars = Carpet covered timber battens hot glued to factory framework.
Framework has been cut with butane powered hot knife. Not pretty, but necessary.
I think I also had to file some metal from the front edge of the brackets, so they sat deep enough into the enclosure and made sure the Eonon faceplate was flush with the dash.

Good luck!

Thank you for that, Neil! Very helpful getting that visual going forward.

I ordered the GA6166X over the weekend. Anyone have a recommendation for a Bluetooth OBD2 reader that works well with it? I'd like to get something reasonably discreet that can be installed full-time.

I have this one, and it is relatively low profile.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It have the Eonon for the E46, and I use OBD Fusion with no issues.

Let us know how your install goes and if everything is functional. I'll be doing my son's with a GA6166F in about a month. Thx!

Perfect - just ordered it. :thumbup:

Absolutely. Somewhat off-putting title aside, this is turning into something of an Eonon megathread. I'll add my experience as soon as I get it installed.

Did you receive your unit yet?

I read on the Eonon website that any OBDII bluetooth dongles that require a password are not compatible with the Eonon android headunits. Did you have any issues connecting yours to your Eonon headunit using the password (usually 1234)?

Scroll to the bottom of the page under the "Bluetooth" header next to OBD-2.
https://www.eonon.com/Android-Car-GP...S/GA6166X.html

It came in today - Fedex toook it on a rather bizarre trip around the world. :)

I haven't mapped out the install yet but I am impressed with the packaging and thoroughness. TThe unit has a great feel in my hands, very OEM look and a solid out-of-box-experience. My only gripe is Eonon now has a large and rather obnoxious logo on the bevel, just below the screen. I'll need to figure out a way to sand that offf without ruining the finish to keep the OEM feel.

Shipping and Screen Type
 

So I assume you ordered it coming from Hong Kong? Did you have to pay any additional import taxes/fees aside from the purchase price of the unit? I've been in contact with Eonon about getting one from the US stock in New Jersey, but although the Ebay auctions show they have them on US soil the Eonon rep is telling me otherwise. Either way, it sounds like you got the unit in about a week which isn't bad... just curious if you were out anymore dough for the import.

Quick question about the screen - is it a glass high gloss screen or is it a subdued computer type screen? I'm trying to determine if there will be a lot of glare on a bright day. It won't really make a difference on my decision to purchase because it's the only really good option it seems.

Thanks!

No shipping fees, no customs, no sales tax. Total travel time was seven days including a weekend - Hong Kong to Taipei to Tokyo to Anchorage to Memphis (WTF?) to Seattle.

I haven't peeled the screen protector off yet so I'm not sure if it's glass, but I doubt it. It's a matte screen and while I haven't used it yet nothing I'm seeing leaves me worried about glare.

Thanks for the info on shipping. I think I may just go ahead and buy one too for my son, although it is a Christmas present and may not be installed for another month or so. I was going to get the GA6166F but apparently they just discontinued that model and replaced it with the GA6166X that you have. They did tell me the only difference is the X model has the 5.5m extended harness, which I actually don't need, but everything else is identical.

Just a heads up about cutting the OEM radio bracket, AVIN USA posted an install guide for their unit (which appears to be identical to this unit in form/fit) so it may help with your install. Apparently you don't need to cut all the brackets and AVIN spells it out pretty well which to cut and which to leave alone. Here's the link to the pdf AVIN created...

https://avinusa.com/media/mconnect_u...tion_guide.pdf

Sounds great about the screen composition. The angle of the OEM radio/CD player is already tilted a bit upward so a matte screen will help minimize glare.

In 2014 I put an Eonon GM5150 into my E46 with factory Nav and connected a backup camera as well. There were a few initial software glitches but the tech rep on the E46 fanatics forum responded quickly with firmware updates and I am a happy camper with the unit for the price I paid.

I rarely listen to the FM radio side of the unit but when I do the reception is fine. The METRA 40-EU55 antenna adapter is what I used per an E46Fanatics.com DIY. Many people using the Eonon supplied adapter reported problems. :dunno:

Here is my installed unit:

https://youtu.be/gKfVR90aIRY

PS: I changed my factory fuse in the fuse box to a 15 amp from the OE 5 amp to match up with the fuse size of the Eonon head unit.

My E53 Factory Nav screen is still doing well so I have been holding off on replacing it with the D5166XU for $275. I'll buy it via PayPal and if I have any problems I'll return it.

Eonon 7" Car DVD Player Monitor GPS BT Digital O BMW E53 Touch Map DAB+ DVB-T | eBay

Mike

I have the old Enonon D5124f installed in my E39 way back in 2013. It's been working fine and looks very oem. Only complaint I have is that the radio reception is not as good as the ancient factory stuff I threw out.

When you say radio are you talking about the radio reception?

I received an email from Eonon this morning saying they forgot to include the DSP extension cable in my order and offering to either ship a replacement or give me a $10 refund if I didn't need it.

On the one hand, this is a pain as I'm going to have to delay my install (already delayed due to other issues) until it arrives, but I'm impressed they caught the error and proactively offered to fix it. They had also sent a follow up email about two weeks after my order to see if it was installed, if I needed any help, etc.

I'm impressed with their support operation. My work is in customer experience management (I'm with Xbox) and I can absolutely say this sort of proactive outreach/problem-solving is not easy to pull off. Their presentation isn't always ideal for a western audience - some obvious spelling and wording issues from translation - but so far the spirit and execution of their support has been incredible, even compared to US tech companies I deal with.

Oh pardon me, yes.

OrangeFurious,

I got the same email today for my unit which was just delivered yesterday. I actually don't need the long cable because my son's X5 doesn't have DSP, but it was nice to see them own the error, proactively, and offer to promptly fix it.

You mentioned you've had some other issues... may I ask what they were? The GA6166X I just received is a Christmas present for my son so I won't be installing it until after then, so if you have any install issues I would love to get a heads up, if possible.

One question I did just send to Eonon was where to install the two brackets that were supplied with the unit. Mine didn't come with any documentation and while fitting the cables is easy breezy, the mount bracket location is not popping out at me. What are your thoughts?

Oh, ok. I'm thinking I'll grab an in-line signal booster and try that. Poor radio reception seems to be a theme with the factory radio and the Eonon's. Thanks for the heads up!

My other issues were a transmission and alternator replacement - nothing to do with the Eonon. With the X5 in the shop getting mechanical sorted I've had no time, so I'm doing the installation in a week or so.

I'm not 100% sure where those brackets go - my guess is along the area where you cut the bracket to do the install. If you haven't already take a look at this Dynavin thread for an incredibly detailed install of a very similar head unit. Another relevant thread on a Eonon install is here.

Given that the OEM antenna system is active (meaning it's powered) maybe removing the OEM radio is affecting the power to the antenna system, although this would likely affect the key-fob remote also, as it uses the same active antenna module.

I'll have a closer look over the wiring diagrams and see if removing the OEM radio would cause a lack of power to the antenna system, although I already know that the active antenna is primarily powered from fuse #86 in the trunk.

*update* There is a connection from OEM radio (module N9) to the antenna module (module N8) that appears to enable or power the antenna module in some way. One of the connectors on the radio (N9) connector X18126 has a pin (Pin #13) labelled "Antenna Supply". This may explain the general poor performance of after-market radios in these cars.

I have not yet been able to determine exactly what signal or voltage is on this wire, so I cannot recommend a possible solution. Yet. ;)

Make sure wires labelled 3 & 4 in this diagram are connected together.

OrangeFurious - How is the install coming along?

Eonon sent me this video link for the bracket install. Helps a little...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSgUjotSD2s

Thanks, that's helpful. I have the unit in now and am getting used to it - feedback in detail and pics coming soon. Some first impressions though.

1) Eonon logo on the unit breaks OEM look.
2) It looks great overall and perfectly matches the dash style and lights
3) Will mount without the brackets but sit a little loose on the bottom.
4) Depending on how its run, extension harness may be too short. Had to extend mine.
5) The unit is great. Android sucks. I'm an iOS user so this is subjective, but holy crap is it just an annnoying OS. I knew that coming in though so can't fault Eonon.
6) It really benefits from an LTE hotspot. Lots of OS and app functions assume always on data and don't work right without it.

Not in front of mine now, but enter the factory options menu and set the BMW logo. Password is 126 from memory.

UPDATE I'm over a month in now and want to tweak my original commentary. :)

I’ve been running the Eonon for a bit over a week now and feel ready to give a more detailed view of my thoughts. I’ll break this down into a couple sections - hardware, software, and misc thoughts.

TL;DR I really like it and I'm glad I bought it. Some Android and app stuff is really irritating, but it has features I wish my E93's NBT system had and it's good enough I will eventually get another one for my E38.

Hardware - A+
The overall look and feel of the unit is very OEM. Photos don’t really do it justice until you see it in person - the lighting is a perfect match to the BMW red/orange, the style is similar (but in my opinion a bit nicer) than the OEM units, and overall it’s a very clean look. Pictures at the end, random thoughts in bullets:

• As mentioned earlier, the unit isn’t sitting flush with the dash - the bottom wants to come up. I know this is an install issue and something for me to figure out, but it’s irritating nonetheless. These are not as intuitive to mount as I’d hoped. Update: I was able to solve this by remounting the unit with partially tightened screws and careful in-dash cable clearance. It's not quite as far inset as I'd like but everything looks good and stays put.
• Eonon put their logo on the hardware itself, which bugs the crap out of me. I’m going to figure out how to sand that off or otherwise mask it.
• The screen is very responsive and feels good, but does get a bit washed out with bright light. It’s not bad and I feel it’s always useable, but I don’t necessarily want to watch a movie on it if I can avoid it - not enough contrast. I feel this is more an issue of brightness than it is angle - the delta between full-dim and full-bright is almost imperceptible.
• I really want to click/depress the right (tuning) nob. It doesn’t do anything. The left one clicks to shut the unit down. Just feels weird to me the right doesn’t have any similar function (the OEM Nav unit clicks)

Software - C
I don’t like Android, so I won’t even pretend to be subjective on that front. I feel the UX is poorly designed, the mandatory hooks to Google invasive, and the OS/app ecosystem is generally unreliable and malware prone due to heavy fragmentation and poor software certification (have you guessed I work at Microsoft yet?). I’ve seen a handful of products that get around Android’s fundamental crappiness (Samsung Galaxy, Amazon Kindle) by heavily reskinning and reengineering it. Eonon didn’t do any of that - just a straight up install of Lollipop. There are a handful of Android UX constructs that just don’t make a lot of sense on a car’s nav screen - e.g., hitting the menu bar to cycle through apps, software volume slider (in addition to a hard button and steering wheel controls), required Android apps (Gmail, Google Settings, calendar, etc). Every single irritation I have in daily use stems from awkward Android stuff that really should have been stripped out for an automotive install - unnecessary apps, apps trying to update at random, app crashes, performance lag (e.g., turn the volume nob, wait 2-3 seconds for the OS to catch up), on-screen keyboard quirks, crappy widgets, etc. Some of the auto-specific apps are very well done (e.g., Radio) while others are half-assed at best (Bluetooth music streaming)

Griping aside, it’s manageable just nowhere near as polished as I’d hoped. It’s not all bad though.

• I installed Waze for my GPS system and can launch it off the NAV hard button. Default was Google Maps. Waze is kinda awesome and sync’s with my phone.
• I installed Skype and Skype for Business (work conference calls) and can run them off the dash, including seeing presentations. Freaky but convenient.
• I can watch Netflix or Hulu or use any of the other various streaming (video or music) apps.
• Just like a tablet, I can rearrange all the icons and widgets to my preference and set backgrounds, logos, etc. Very customizable.
• Update: I eventually identified the audio-lag referred to above is related to resource intensive apps having network connectivity problems - the entire unit grinds slow when something like Waze is trying to switch networks or establish a connection to my phone's hotspot.

Misc Thoughts

• You WILL want a hot-spot. The software just wasn’t really built to be in an off-line only mode. Update I'll tone that down. You'll want occasional connectivity to keep your stuff up to date, but a constant hotspot is only necessary if your app library relies on it. Very personal preference.
• Spend some quality time setting up your apps and removing everything you don’t want (that you can). Very much worth it.
• Expect some app performance problems and just be ready to deal with it
• The unit will do a distance overlay on your backup camera, which is much better than what most cameras provide. If you’re buying an aftermarket camera get one without the overlay.
• Apps will occasionally fight with each other over audio functions - e.g., the backup camera silences music as the unit just reads a video feed. GPS and radio will occasionally pause each other. Etc.
• My iPhone doesn’t like being controller by the Eonon BT app. I use the phone to make all my selections and have the Eonon passively accept the audio. Not quite a hands-free experience.
• BT phone quality has been sub-par so far, but that might be my mic configuration.

Pictures
https://1fjtcq-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

https://zqso3a-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

https://asc2fg-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

https://oakmxa-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

https://cgf7qw-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

Thanks for the review, OF!

My son has an iPhone so he will likely have some of the same OS struggles. The delay in volume increase when turning the knob is a real oddity and would annoy me as well. Turn the knob = volume immediately increases/decreases. Not rocket science and the hardware is supposed to be fast.

1. Do you use your phone as a wifi hot spot or did you buy the separate dongle for internet connectivity?
2. Did you mount the top of the unit to the dash and the bottom still moves around? Is there anyway to shift the bracket to slightly move the unit down some for a more secure fit?
3. Is the sound quality of the music streaming from your phone good? This should be easy for Eonon to get right because the technology is not new.
4. Where did you install your GPS antenna? How is the reception?
5. While listening to music and a call comes in, does it mute the radio appropriately? Also, when GPS is giving verbal directions does it mute the music entirely or just reduce the volume?

I'm looking forward to seeing the pics of your install as well. If you took one of the bracket install that would be awesome to see as well!

Thanks!

Ok, I refreshed the thread and saw the pics you posted.

So the bottom edge definitely should not stick out like that. Did you cut away enough of the interior plastic bracket allowing enough recession of the head unit? I've seen some installs where the unit sits back much better and the owner said it gave a snug fit.

The unit does look sharp, though! I like the fact that the lighting matches and I'm with you on having an option to remove the Eonon logo on the front.

*UPDATE* I found a link on how to remove the ink from plastics. I imagine the process would be the same, so no need to saturate the unit like the video shows and instead just put the nail polish remover (with acetone) on a rag and just rub. I've watched several videos on it in the last few minutes and the process seems simple and doesn't leave any residue or alter the finish of the plastic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5BdxdAAkHI

Thanks, that's a great find! My next move is to pull it out, reseat the brackets (I know they're not in right) and check the frame. I had Nav so no cutting for me (yet).

To answer your questions:
- I'm using my phone as a hot spot now. It gets the job done but I'll likely pick up a dedicated one for the X5 and travels with my kids.
- Music quality is excellent.
- Calls mute the radio and streaming music fully - it basically gives full audio to the app that demands it most recently, including the BT call app. Because only one app at a time gets the speakers voice instructions are a full pause to music, not a dim/mix.
- GPS is in the back of the dash and works out just fine. No complaints.

Quick note - the volume lag with the hardware is rare and associated with the android so lagging, usually due to an app being finicky or looking for wifi connectivity. When the OS isn't bogged down its instant.

Am I the only one who finds it hilarious that this thread was created by someone attempting to smear Eonon over a bad experience (not only on this forum, either), and it's turned into a pretty positive thread? I mean, overall, users seem pretty pleased with their units.

Not in the least - I find it amusing every time I hit this thread. That said, I actually think this is one of the more informative threads on them and hope the title doesn't scare people away. :yikes:

Im actually planning to put a GM5150 into my girls E46, I had installed one into my friends M3 a year ago and was quite happy with it, glad to know you enjoyed yours as well.

She really doesnt need all the fancy little things it can do, so I don't mind not getting the latest and greatest for the car. I may install one or an Xtron in the E53, but debate is still on whether or not to just save for the NBT as I am doing for the wagon...

Thank you for all of the tips everyone.

As the white growth on my nav screen continues to populate I decided to get one of these units for my X5 w/ DSP. Curious, on my AMG an adapter is available to connect the Android unit to the factory GPS antenna. Is such available for this unit? Or am I stuck using the supplied antenna for GPS?

Is this the latest and greatest available? Is there a better unit?
Ebay link

Thanks,

That is the newest Eonon unit for the E53. Let us know how your DSP mod install goes. I have a DSP X5 as well (no Nav) and am contemplating an upgrade.

I also just ordered the latest version for my E53. It's scheduled to arrive tomorrow and I'm planning on installing tomorrow night so I'll post an update once it's done.

This thread was a great resource when deciding which unit to purchase!

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-40-EU55...iglink20945-20

I think someone on here posted this up earlier, but its supposed to be better than the supplied one and will help radio reception greatly..

Is there a good oe-like fit reverse camera that works with these?

The unit I purchased on eBay includes a back up camera, I'll comment on the quality once I have it installed.

Can anyone comment on how difficult the actual install was and how long it actually takes?

This one right?

http://www.eonon.com/upload/product/...19/A0119-7.jpg

Someone did a write up for the Avin install and it was a few hours.

Yup that's the one.

Install time is definitely going to depend on your OCD and how many options you are adding. With my writeup the install took the better part of 4 days. Another gent did it in 4-6 hours I think... including DSP mod.

Hey all. Anyone have shots of the bracket position when installing to a machine with factory NAV? I've had no luck with the bracket positioning and the video that Glassjoe found is helpful, but too blurry/distant to really see where they go.

I'm assuming with factory nav I don't need to cut the cage - the unit sits flush and mounts to the factory points, it just bulges out the bottom side of the dash.

Mine sits flush with the dash, no cutting required if you have the factory Nav. Just make sure you push everything in the back out of the way before inserting the unit. I had the lower edge sticking out also in the beginning but noticed there was a thick rubber hose/strip that I forgot to push aside (up to be more precise).

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I spent an hour or so fiddling with it today and still no luck on the fit. There's nothing in the way or interfering with fit, and it fits perfectly until I tighten the screws to the factory frame. Once they tighten the top of the unit is pulled back and the bottom tilts out of the dash. If I leave them half-tightened it will sit flush but vibrate back up to the tilt position while driving. I think the next step is finding longer screws and putting some washers in to stop the top from pulling so far back.

My GA5166F still working fine. Radio reception is shit but I don't really care about the radio.

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ac&oe=58E98BBA

I had to use some small pointy wood type screws of a similar length to those provided. They were a little wider too get the biggest you can fit in the stock holes up the upper corners of the hU. The machine screws they provide won't work there is nothing for them to grab on to. The small wood screws will grab the side of the plastic frame. Hope this helps you.

Do you get radio reception?

Good advice. I'm getting decent grip, just not enough length to fit through the unit, spacers/washers (to avoid the pullback/gap) and then catch in the frame.

Radio reception is actually better than OEM.

My unit sits very tight without the screws, tried going over bumps and hard accelerations without issues...it stayed in place. I've put the screws on anyway just to be safe...I tightened them enough to be able to put the caps back on. I was lucky with this I guess.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I bought the XTRONS PF7239BA Android Based head unit for my E53 and I've never ever had a ounce of trouble since I bought it.

Run Spotify through it on it on a daily basis tethered to my mobile.

I've been trading emails with Eonon on the fit. They're friendly and responsive - better support than I expected by far (professional curiosity of mine). That said, their answers are pretty much what's in the thread - move cables, careful with screws, stuff something under the back to support the weight. Not bad advice just not a magic bullet.

Has anyone here tried both an Eonon and an Avin? I'm going to need a new HU soon and have used the Avin (liked it), but was interested in some comparison info.

This is how I supported my Eonon, the mounting screws just anchor the top and are barely tightened. I have had no issues with it moving forward. One photo will show how I anchored my factory brackets. All looks a little ugly internally, but it works. My unit is the previous Android model (5166)

Finished appearance

Neil,

Did you have a non-Factory Nav install?

Is that why you had to build the platform?

Or do those of us with factory Nav not have this platform support issue?

Mike (factory Nav and considering the Eonon)

I had a MID installed, I don't know the layout for a factory nav installation. Mine sat ok without the platform, but I figured it was putting some strain on the brackets to hold it in place.

Tru dat Neil!

I have read that there is some bracketry "modding/cutting" required for the mid install. I've seen no such comments for factory Nav installs.

Looks like a well supported mod you got there.

Mike

Read all my posts it is somewhat involved. You will need to solder a bunch of wires with factory NAV or pull apart your interior to run the super long extension cable.

Yeah, I've pulled apart an E46 factory Nav interior to install one and I'm not looking forward to doing it again on the X but I do enjoy the Eonon GPS functionality that I get from iGo8 and the DVD/video capability.

I'm currently using a Dice/Audiovox Mediabridge to bring BT streaming and aux -in capability to the factory system via the CD changer plugs and my factory Nav screen is still in perfect shape with no missing pixels.

So, I've been procrastinating on the upgrade.

Mike

Does anyone have any recommendations for the GSM compatible usb dongle? I am on ATT.

What I did to avoid any non-compatiblity issues with the Eonon USB port was to fit a USB wifi modem in the vehicle, essentially creating a hotspot. I fitted a twin USB socket where some have the torch socket, next to the glove compartment. The Eonon works over wifi to the modem, as can any other phones, tablets being used. The modem I use has external antenna ports, which I used to run coax up to the windscreen trim where I fitted mobile frequency range aerial.

This makes my want to get one for one of my e53s. I was going to go with Dynavin, but for half the money this will work. One thing, it seems like it is a best practice make sure the unit has access to mobile broad band or wifi to work best. I really would prefer not to do that since I do not want to pay unlimited data on my phone or pay for a separate mobile hotspot charge. Has anyone been happy with the unit with it not having access to hotspot or wifi?

I'm with you Squidzilla :thumb up: Even better at $269 right now for the Win CE version

GPS NAV System 7" Car Stereo DVD Player Bluetooth Touch Map SD EA for BMW E53 X5 | eBay

At nearly 3X the price the GM5150 unit is working well for me in my E46 and I don't need the Android features, although, I must say that hooking it to my phone's hotspot would be a very cool feature to run Spotify or Pandora apps right in the unit.

Mike

tl;dr - You don't need a hotspot, but it's nice for some apps.

I've used mine with and without a mobile hotspot. It mostly depends on what apps you want to use for music and navigation. If I want to rock Groove and Waze I don't have much choice but to go online. Using Google Maps and bluetooth off my phone eliminates the need for a connection entirely.

I do recommend having at least the occasional connection though (garage, Starbucks parking lot, whatever) for app updates and maintenance.

Thanks Orangefurious for clarifying. I am sold on this.

Might do one on my 4.6is as well since it presently has some hack job pioneer touchscreen install. I like that is seems reasonably plug in play for the non factory nav cars.

** UPDATED **

Just finished the GA6166X install in my son's X5 (no-NAV/no-DSP) and it took me around 4 hours to complete. It got dark right before I was done so I'll take a few pics tomorrow and post them. I'm a tad OCD and practice "clean-as-you-go" techniques so it could have taken less time for those not as anal retentive as I am. :)

Ninety percent of the install was spent modding the factory plastic frame to accept the Eonon unit and allowing it to sit back like the factory MID unit that was removed. It was trial and error but I eventually got it there. The modded OEM plastic frame was not as "clean" as I would like, but it was a trial and error job with zero instructions from Eonon so I did the best I could using the following priorities: 1) fit/function and 2) appearance (nobody will actually ever see being it is behind the installed unit). Luckily, I did not have to use any screws to hold it in place because it is recessed into the dash like the OEM MID. For extra long-term security, I wedged a 1x2 between the modded OEM plastic frame and the bottom of the Eonon for extra support. It is rock solid in there without any play whatsoever.

Being his X5 didn't have factory NAV, modding the OEM plastic frame was a must. I had to cut out most of the top frame which was pretty easy with a dremel (and a small hacksaw blade for tight spaces) but the real pain in the buttocks was grinding away a portion of the frame face. If you leave the face of the frame untouched the unit will not recess into the dash allowing it to sit back like OEM and be stable for long-term use. So I removed approximately 1/2 inch from the face of the OEM plastic frame where it would contact the Eonon in the installed position. It was trial and error and took a heckuva lot longer than I was hoping it would, but the end result is fantastic.

On first power-up, I couldn't get the steering wheel controls to work. After doing some troubleshooting I found that Eonon pinned the SWC (steering wheel control) plug incorrectly. It is a two pin connector with a wire in only one location. The male and female connectors had pins in opposite ports so that was the culprit. I re-pinned the port and the steering wheel controls worked perfectly.

I read somewhere that you should set your volume control at 50% before removing the OEM MID unit so when you install the Eonon the volume levels will be normalized. I forgot to do that beforehand and thought the Eonon volume was too loud on first power-up because at about 50% the factory speakers were distorting. So I reinstalled the MID and set it to 50% like the instructions I read somewhere beforehand told me to and reconnected the Eonon. Unfortunately I had the same issue... volume was too loud on the Eonon. So I reinstalled the MID yet again and this time I set the volume to 0%. I reconnected the Eonon and now the speakers don't distort until about 75%. I can live with that. This process may be different for DSP sound systems, but for the standard sound system (Hi-Fi I think it is called), set your OEM MID to 0% volume before installing the Eonon.

Aside from those small issues, the install was easy breezy. I am an Android guy so the interface is what I am used to. My son is an Apple kid so we'll get his take tomorrow when I show him the ropes.

Pros
- Priceless upgrade from the antiquated OEM MID/CD player units and the factory aesthetic is awesome
- Radio reception is WAY better than OEM (I was shocked with this)
- Easy bluetooth and wifi integration to phone (no 4G USB dongle in use)
- Bezel lighting matches OEM perfectly
- Tons of options allowing you to customize your experience (live wallpapers are pretty sweet!)

Cons
- Eonon does not provide any installation instructions. I could not understand how this could be possible and was very suspicious as a result, and once I started the install I realized why they left them out... because mounting the unit is not an exact science. So while this unit is made to FUNCTION specifically for the E53, the whole FITMENT element behind the dash is a completely different story. While the wiring is "plug-n-play" and very straight forward, the mounting of this unit will pose a challenge.

So those are my initial thoughts on the unit. After a couple of weeks of use I'll come back and provide updates based on what my son tells me. Til then - CHEERS!

I've made a quick video so hit the link below!

https://youtu.be/wce7aS1x5fc

Anyone have experience with both an Eonon AND an Avin? We really enjoyed our Avant 2 and a replacement is quickly becoming necessary for the OE unit in the 4.8. I keep going back and forth between this new Eonon now and waiting for the new Avin Avant 3 to be released this year.

Having DSP is further complicating the decision... :(

Hi glassjoe,

Nice install that has me thinking about this Android version instead of the older WinCE D5166XU for a little less.

Quick question about your sub connection. I see that the Android GA6166X has only ONE sub output RCA line and I'm currently running a mono block amp that takes a left and right channel and mixes it. Connector #10 in the below picture:

http://www.sbo2.net/photo2/GA6166X/GA6166X-05.jpg

How did you configure your sub amp input connections?

PS: I also don't seem to see a reverse sensing wire in their diagrams for the rear camera :dunno:

Thanks,

Mike

semcoinc,

I bought a used E53 factory sub off of eBay and modified the connection terminal to accept 2L and 2R connections like a standard speaker box. For the amp I just spliced into the rear door speaker wires and ran them into the high/low inputs of the amp, so I'm not using the RCA sub output from the Eonon unit. If I had a good sub like the JBL Stealthbox I would probably do something better, but the OEM E53 subs don't put out enough to warrant the work of tearing up the interior to run an RCA from front to back.

Can you just add an RCA splitter?

Hi Glassjoe,

Happy New Year with your new Eonon unit!

I also got a factory DSP sub and connected it to a separate amp with hi level pickoffs for the audio input to the amp. The amp also has RCA level inputs and I would plan to use those with an Eonon upgrade.

http://www.xoutpost.com/members/semc...-coils-sub.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/members/semc...spare-tire.jpg

Since I have factory Nav, I'd be dragging a Fakra cable to the back anyway and cabling for a rear camera and also would drag cable for the sub amp and the FM antenna extension cable.

I get a decent enough low end for my tastes with the DSP sub set up, although I really should put a speaker grille in the panel cover.

I remain confused on how to bring RCA right and left channel from the Eonon Android unit since it only has one sub RCA output connection. :dunno: :dunno:

The WinCE version appears to have two RCA Subwoofer output connectors. :dunno:

The
Mike

Yes, a cheap RCA splitter will work fine for a sub output.

OK, Thanks guys!

This appears to be the solution.....DUH! LOL

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/j1YAAO...13/s-l1600.jpg

Mike

semcoinc,

Let me know if you notice any difference in the quality of the bass by going to the RCA connectors. My Rockford amp has RCA inputs as well and if there is a significant difference I may pull up the interior and do the same.

Separate question, how did you wire your 8 ohm subwoofers to have them come out to one terminal block? I actually made two terminal blocks going into the amp. Thx!

I'll let you know Glassjoe, I plan to leave the high level input connector laying to the side initially anyway so would be each to test both inputs, high and low.

My buddy is a professional sound and video guy and he told me to just connect the two positive sides of the subs into one wire and then the two negative sides of the wires together and bring it down into one connector like you see on the bottom of the factory DSP box. I also stuffed insulation into the back of the box behind the coils.

He told me to take a C or D battery to connect to the subwoofer leads and when you had the positive wire hooked to the positive of the battery the coil would move forward. If the coil moved backwards, you had the negative wire attached to the positive of the battery.

By doing this you confirm the positive leads to each of the DSP sub speakers so you can connect them together and maintain the proper orientation in your connector.

After removing the factory connector, I used a hole saw, IIRC, to open up the box to place the connector on the box.

Mike

Don't get one like that... get a single male to to female one. You won't be able to connect your RCA's to those unless you have barrel connectors, which most people don't.

You want one like this:

https://xoutpost.com/data:image/jpeg...RQAUUUUAf/2Q==https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....kL._SY355_.jpg
https://xoutpost.com/data:image/jpeg...RQAUUUUAf/2Q==

Hmmmmmm.............The Eonon output is a single female RCA. The amp inputs are two female RCAs :dunno: :dunno:

This would lead me to think that 1 male to 2 males would be the connection, assuming that my extension cord to the back has one male and one female? Or are you saying that the extension cords have TWO male ends?

I see extension cords have two male ends so yeah, I would need a single female to two males to make the connection in the rear hatch area.

Thanks for the heads up.

Mike

No problem, but just to clarify and be sure we are on the same page. The RCA cables (extension cords) have 2 male ends on each side. The eonon has 1 female output. So you will need a single male to two female splitter. :thumbup:

Glassjoe,

Can you tell me if your Eonon extension harness had the radio antenna extension incorporated into it? Or would one need to purchase a conventional antenna extension to reach the rear hatch area?

Thanks,

Mike

I didn't have to use the extension harness, but I just took it out and see that the radio antenna is bundled into the extension harness so you are good there.

Just a note, even though the extension harness comes with the GA6166X, be sure to tell Eonon that you NEED it because they forgot to include it with my order and OrangeFurious's order. The harness is too large to fit in the Eonon head unit box I received, so it ship separately.

...sorry to go off topic but how does seicane compare to eonon or this other make??
Im searching around to find the best alternative but haven't really seen much on this

For those of you with nav,

How did you hook it up for illumination? I only have a single illumination wire in my harness when I think I should have two.

Also, is it too bright for anyone else at night? Mine doesn't dim. Maybe this is from not having the illumination wires hooked up.

I haven't seen anyone with that install but a few things that jump out at me that I don't like is 1) it does not look OEM, 2) there are no physical buttons, and 3) the resolution is not as sharp as the Eonon (480 vertical lines of res vs 600). They are all personal preferences, but those things would keep me from considering the Seicane.

I did notice there is no "auto" option for screen brightness, but you can always adjust the brightness control from 0-20 to your liking on the GA6166X. Find a sweet spot and see if it works in both conditions. Due to the angle of the unit installed, the max brightness setting is almost a must during the daytime so an auto-detection feature to adjust between day/night could be useful.

I'm curious if it's a perception issue or if there's differences in build quality - I see a small but inconsequential difference in brightness between full dim and full bright. Always usable, but I wish it was brighter with more contrast.

Yea, the difference between 0-20 on the brightness scale is minimal.

Thanks Glassjoe :thumb up: That's a great tip and thanks for confirming I won't need an antenna extension. One less cable to pull :thumbup:

From a couple years ago when I bought (just about three now since my GM5150 for my E46) my first Eonon unit for my E46. they seem to have upped their game.

I do like the improved resolution of the GA6166X and the BT 4.0 and despite it being an Android OS (personal preference) I really like the capability of being able to hot spot the unit to my phone for interconnectivity and also the ELM connectivity. Heck, I might even add a web based XM Music subscription to my existing "puck" receiver based XM Wx and Music account.

PS: I need to remember to check the BMW factory fuse for the radio, since I believe the new unit pulls power from that circuit which in the case of my E46 was only 5 amps, whereas the Eonon unit needs a fuse of 15 amps. One road trip jamming down the highway and everything went dead.......twas a blown factory fuse. Changed it to the same size as the Eonon (15 amp IIRC) and all has been well.

Mike

Anyone seeing icons disappear? I have a handful of icons (Settings, Netflix, EQ) that do not appear on any of my screens. The apps are installed and I can launch them indirectly, but after sorting my layout they disappeared. Android quirk I'm unfamiliar with?

The first day the home screen widgets (clock and current app) went missing but I rebooted the unit and they were back without any further issues. Google Maps was giving me some trouble trying to connect to my wifi hotspot, but I just closed that app individually and restarted it and that fixed it too.

Typically with Android you don't need apps on the home screens, but it looks like whatever versions this is (this is not vanilla 5.0), it does allow us to move them off the home screens. You'res is probably bugged. This ROM is poorly written/designed. I hope someone writes us a new one

Put the new GA6150 in my girls car today. Quality is nice and Bluetooth works for the phone but not hotspotting for navigation or even streaming music from my phone. Partly to blame is Nougat (7.0) glitches not working with 5.1.1. pair the gf's iPhone 6 and her hotspot hooks up no problems, Waze works fine etc. Still can't do BT music tho.

For once it seems ive lost this battle until Nougat has its bugs resolved.

My girlfriend and I are running 7.0 (Nexus 6 and Moto g4) and we have no problems with connectivity. The hotspot and Bluetooth connects instantly. Oddly I cannot teather internet to the headunt via Bluetooth.

Hmmm. Well I contacted Eonon, perhaps it's in the settings.

Eonon recommended a software update for my unit. Anecdotal but it seems to have improved my BT performance. Their instructions are below.

I may be accelerating the ditching of my Dice Mediabridge unit and doing the Eonon upgrade :dunno:

It appears that Eonon is offering their Android GA6166 shipped from HK for $278

Android 5.1 System 7" Car Stereo DVD Player GPS Navigator OBD2 for BMW E53 X5 E | eBay

Nice that they helped OrangeFurious with a firmware upgrade. In the early days of my E46 GM5150 unit from Eonon, they issued several firmware updates to address user issues.

Mike

OrangeFurious,

Did you ever try removing the Eonon logo? My son likes it so I won't be removing his.

Yes, just the other night. Magic eraser and nail polish remover - it came off instantly but left some residue I need to clean up. Will post a picture in the next day or two. Thanks again for the tip. It was shockingly easy.

Hmmm good to know! Will try this out...

Good deal! I'll remember this if I upgrade my DSP X5.

How well does it interact with the OBC? The OEM NAV system has the security feature to put in a PIN that will prevent the vehicle from starting. How does the Eonon system tackle that?

It doesn't. No aftermarket system has that capability as of yet as far as I know.

Surprising that it doesn't lock the vehicle out.

Well we went through one update so far from Eonon and not only did it not fix the problem, it shrunk the screen size by 1/3 and none of the touch screen buttons line up so it's like playing a guessing game seeing which one I'll hit instead of the one I want lol. Unit is now completely useless :-/

Going to give them another update or two before I sign myself over to the 'do not buy' list. Kinda bummed because I was thinking about one for my X and now I'm not so sure.

Rut Roh!

I just placed an order for one. Hope the firmware will be ok in mine :dunno:

Mike

Grrrr... just noticed a persistent whine when the Eonon is powered on. Pitch fluctuates with throttle. Ideas?

Mine does the same thing. It's faint but it's there.

Damn the man. It's possible it's been there but I think I would have noticed it. I tend to be aware of stuff like that. Also seeing some new mirror shenanigans when wet, so my mind was already disposed to electric gremlins.

Do you have your analog inputs in the back capped off?

Good thoughts Joshdub.

I'm thinking about these

8X RCA Plug Copper Caps Cover Noise Stoppers 24K Gold Plated Audio Top Quality | eBay

My unit arrives on Monday. My plan is to do the speaker upgrade this weekend. Lots of work next week on the Eonon and rear camera.

BTW, I have a GM5150 in my E46 with Win CE OS and I've been running and like the iGo8 GPS maps. Does anyone have an APK file for iGo8 or can point me to a link?

Thanks,

Mike

No spurious noise on mine, even at full volume. Obviously fewer induction sources on the diesel engine. I did have some mechanical noise from the chassis fan, but that has stopped, probably because the fan ceased spinning.

So Eonon sent me another update, which ironically is just the same update as they sent the first time.

Their instructions to recover the unit from backup don't work either, and I'm pretty handy with Android devices. Either they send me a new head unit or I'm sending it back for a refund, most likely will be the latter.

Shoulda kept it simple and just did the Grom add-on for the stock radio....

Received my unit today. I've got my work cut out for me this week :wow:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xK...=w1184-h888-no

Anyone with insight about the pink BRAKE wire in the Fakra harness (Pin #20) that appears to go to the CAN Bus box and whether that wire should be cut and grounded to allow DVD play while moving????

Thanks,

Mike

I didn't need to cut any pink wires. Mine is the previous version and I believe the override to play DVD's while in motion is a menu option.

Thanks Neil!

That's outstanding news! :thumbup:

Mike

I made some progress today on my Eonon HU install.

I am going to go around the floorboard front of the rear driver side and up through a wire channel that already exists in the center of the carpet. I will have to make a carpet cut in an area under the console to make it come out and then through the console channel on driver side. It will be hard because the carpet is molded and very tough to lift up but I will prevail.

Tested the unit and all seems to be working well except for BT music from my phone. Made a call through the HU with the phone and it worked perfectly but no music streaming.

My sub RCA cable came up short so I'll need another 36" or a little less.

Used home wifi to download iGo and trial maps. 2GB no problem on the home wifi, but I have an apple extreme airport in the garage and good download speeds.

Steering wheel volume buttons work.

FM radio reception is fine.

Sound fidelity is fine and sub volume is a great feature with full equalizer control.

Video is excellent played from micro SD card (MP4 format on FAT32 card)

The radio antenna cabling could be done a little nicer but big thanks to Eonon for putting the Antenna and adapter into their Fakra harness. Also if Eonon is listening, they should really include a sub and rear camera wire all the way to the end would be a nice touch.

Phone BT through internal mic on face of unit is reported as excellent by a person I called.

See my pics here

https://xoutpost.com/1100051-post17.html


Mike

Mine is coming Friday. Very excited! Remind me, do you have DSP and Nav or just Nav?

I'm located in Fort Worth, just down road :wavey:

Edit: Nvmd I see you just have Nav

I just have factory NAV no DSP. But I'm running a factory DSP sub with an external amp. Works nice for me and my tastes to give just a little low end bump.

I'm in Lewisville.

Mike

So you've got the same issue I have with the Bluetooth music streaming.

Eonon sent me a reboot file which fixed the screen, so now I guess I wait on orders from them on what to do next..

It would appear that we have the same problem. :pullhair:

What is the A2DP function all about? Isn't that a BT format as well?

Today I will focus on getting the cables placed under the carpet and exiting from under the console and bring the cables up to the HU using the console tunnel area as the main channel for everything. :pullhair:

This Fakra cable for factory NAV vehicles is the biggest PITA of the install :bang head:

Keep me posted on the fixes you receive.

I haven't explored the unit too thoroughly yet. Only just have set up the iGo GPS, confirmed WiFi and GPS reception, FM reception, equalizer, sub volume, MP4 video play and phone call BT.

More to come.

Mike

Are you guys using the included microphone? Mine sounds like absolute trash.

NO, I used the internal mic on the face of the unit and was told my phone call audio in the garage with the unit sitting on the tail gate was awesome :dunno:

I was standing about driver seat distance from the unit, engine not running and no road noise since the unit and vehicle were not moving.

I also use the internal mic on the face of the Eonon GM5150 in my E46 and it is decent as well.

Mike

I tired both the internal and external. The sound is so distorted you can barely hear what anyone is saying if at all.

:dunno: :dunno: :dunno:

How long have you had your unit Joshdub?

Mike

Less than a month. I figured the mics are just bad quality

Chinese New Year is just starting and from what I hear the celebration is about a week or so. I've just emailed customer support and will soon know if they are shut down or responding during this time. :dunno:

Please keep me posted on your fix results.

Thanks.

Mike

I emailed them too. I'm thinking about sending it back.

Couldn't fault you for that thinking. Maybe they would send you a replacement unit and credit you when the other one was returned.:dunno:

Mike

I have the external mic run up by the overhead console behind the grille where the factory one would have went.

Calls are pretty clear, I can hear my girlfriend quite well when she calls while driving. Doesn't even have to speak that loud.

Is your connection secure on the back?

The connection is secure. It's the same issue with the external mic and internal mic. I also tried different phones.

The mic thing isn't the only issue. I am more annoyed with the lag when trying to run maps/waze and either google music or Pandora. The thing is just incredibly slow when you have more than one app running. I am also irritated that I need to find a solution to make it sit flush in the dash, and find a way to hook up the illumination. It also has some annoying feedback when the car is on.

Honestly, I would send it back for sure if it wasn't so much work to take the wiring harness back out and the return shipping was cheap/free.

Here are my results from today after excruciating pain pulling the fakra and other wires up under the carpet and in through the console :pullhair: :pullhair:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1j...=w1179-h884-no

I might fiddle with it some more to get it a squeak better.

Mike

Streaming BT from phone is working! :thumbup:

It is in the A2DP app. Initially the stream was choppy but in a couple minutes it got really good.

Illumination of buttons works. No dimming with dash rheostat but that's ok by me.

Steering wheel buttons all work. Talking head goes to phone page.

Edit: The unit apparently has two level dimming NIGHT and DAY. There is no dimming wire to connect to the vehicle circuit in this GA6166 configuration. I don't know if the dimming is GPS time/position sunset based or if there is an actual sensor in the unit. :dunno:

Mike

Really?? Hrm this I must try out later on and see if that was the solution the entire time...

OK, so here is my approach to the running the dreadful Fakra wiring harness (and a couple other cables) from the rear of the E53 near the battery up to the dash for Factory NAV equipped vehicles.

I started here doing a test boot up of the GA6166:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4w...=w1176-h882-no

Here is the Eonon supplied Canbus box and the antenna connection

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8S...=w1176-h882-no

The driver side panel was where I chose to pull my cables

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xv...w=w662-h882-no

Using a wire hanger as a fish line I pulled the cables into the main cabin at the driver side rear seat

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Nf...g=w662-h882-no

I routed the cables around the front of the rear seat where existing factory wiring lies

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mF...A=w662-h882-no

Here comes the tricky part. I decided to run the cables up under the carpet and in under the console and from there up to the center of the dash where the HU lives. Crystalworks has an awesome DIY on how he tore apart his interior for an AVIN install and I used that as my guide on how to unmount the console enough to lift it (and support it by 2x4s) to do my cable pull. BTW, this is the same area that I used to run my Dice Mediabridge unit's cable for it to live in the console cubby. Here is crystal works DIY

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-detailed.html

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zI...=w1176-h882-no

In the above, you can see the slits I made in the carpet (under the console and out of sight) previously for the Dice and I needed to widen them a little to get the Eonon Fakra and antenna cable as well as my sub cable and rear camera cable.

The below pic shows the piece of frame under the console through which I ran my cables

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/o8...=w1176-h882-no

Here is where I see the carpet opening where I can grab my cables from the console cubby box and route them. The carpet slits are visible at the bottom of the cubby box.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jK...=w1176-h882-no

These are the cables that I pulled for my install. I chose to wrap the fakra harness with its antenna wire to make it easier to pull through the tight spaces and it helped me not get caught on anything.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a3...=w1176-h882-no

The rear carpet was extremely heavy and unmanageable to lift and move. It has a rubber reinforcing and I ended up using a 2x4 block to support it while I used my hand to route the cable up through my carpet hole. I was very careful with my slitting of carpet because there is a wire bundle under that area and there is some foam that I needed to dig out to make an access hole big enough for the Fakra cable to pass through.

Here is my success in getting the cables up through the carpet to begin their way forward.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/OE...A=w662-h882-no

Here is my finished access point in the carpet under the console

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/c3...=w1176-h882-no

I was happy with this finished result.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0N...=w1176-h882-no

I put my USB plugs in the ash tray

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tV...=w1176-h882-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--...=w1176-h882-no

With the removal of the console retaining phillips screws (thankfully identified by crystal works in his DIY) I placed my cable BEHIND the mounting tabs so they run in the inner side of the console

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/br...=w1176-h882-no

The cables take a little bit of work to massage into a nice way to lay for the unit to fit in the dash. I used the two top T10 screws to retain the unit.

I placed the hotspot antenna just below the unit in the center of the dash I believe on top of the box that holds the switch panel for PDC, rear hatch release, etc.

I placed the GPS antenna just slightly to the right side on top of the big tubular frame. I mounted it with 3M two faced foam tape because I felt the magnet could slip under a hard braking scenario. GPS signal in my garage was good going through my frame garage ceiling and roof and the plastic dash materials.

PS: 15' of RCA subwoofer cable is not enough and I came up a little short to reach my amp mounted on the driver side wall of the spare tire well. So, if you have a sub amp in the back, maybe consider 18'-20' :dunno: :dunno:

The supplied camera cable was plenty adequate, whatever length that was.

Mike

Yeah, I figured it out after looking at their Ad copy and the A2DP image is where they talk about their BT 4.0 benefits so I went to that screen last night and it was the jackpot! :thumbup:

Of course, this was after my phone was paired and connected.

Mike

Nice! Any specific reason you didn't run the wiring down the left side of the console and underneath the driver's seat similar to the Dynavin N6 DIY?

That way seems to be less troubling since the carpet is so hard to lift up

Yes, my reasoning for my particular console approach was not having to remove more trim along the driver side and removing the driver seat.

Could be debatable as to which is better or easier. I had to pull out my Dice harness anyway to salvage it for resale. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:

I also averted a lot of proximity to the battery cable and potential magnetic field issues :dunno: :dunno:

Mike

:thumbup: That seems reasonable, I'm installing mine tomorrow night, still not sure which path to take. I would prefer the console route but I know that would involve a lot more cursing and cutting up my hands than just running it under the driver's seat lol

Yeah :iagree:, my hands and shoulders are achey from the past two nights of battle but I prevailed :thumbup:

Taking it slow for me helped me get through it. :dunno:

Mike

Just tried it out now and SOB it works!:thumbup:

I owe you a beer.

Guess I get one for the X5 now. And prolly one for the E39 since my DSP took a crap last night and now I have nothing :(

I love it when a plan comes together! :thumbup:

PS: I'm a Shiner Bock and Spotted Cow fan ;)

Mike

Got the rest of the rear hatch back together and took some time to explore the GA6166 today. In general:

WiFi and hot spot reception remain good

I'm loving the browser app which will let me pull in weather radar during trips (and whatever else folks would like to see off the web in a bigger than phone screen).

Downloaded and installed Spotify into the machine's memory and the interface is, IMHO, nicer than the hidden phone screen or using the A2DP app.

Button backlighting on the GA6166 is, to my eye, spot on with the factory color backlighting.

The rear camera, after a successful test boot up prior to install, is not showing an image on the unit. The GA6166 does NOT have a trigger wire for the rear camera activation so it must be picking up on the video signal coming into the rear camera video in. My unit goes into rear camera mode and shuts anything going on in the unit down. I got some flashes of grid lines, then another time I got a green screen then another time I got sporadic color bars. Weird stuff. :dunno: Tomorrow I'll try the camera that came with the unit to see if the camera I installed died of infant mortality or what.

I did not detect any noticeable alternator whine at my listening volumes and about 10 on the unit's volume scale is plenty for me.

Overall, I think this is a phenomenal value/feature set for under $300 :wow: :wow:

Mike

So I got some feedback from my kid about his GA6166X experience and he said everything is perfect. Having said that, when I make a call to him, his voice is broken and distorted big time so the one problem I see thus far is mic clarity.

So before I bought the Eonon I had the GROM kit installed and I routed the GROM external mic into the forward overhead console hidden behind a small slotted panel. It sounded great with the GROM setup during calls but with the Eonon it sounds like trash. So when I demoded the GROM and installed the Eonon, I left the GROM mic installed because it was a pain to route and figured being the plugs looked similar I could use it. I did notice a difference between the two external mic male plugs, though (GROM and Eonon mics). The number of "rings" on the male plug were different. I'm not sure if this is the culprit or not and have no idea what those rings do, but I did notice the difference.

So my assumption is that with the external mic plugged in it will turn off the built-in mic on the front of the Eonon, correct? I'm thinking about disconnecting the GROM external mic in use and just use the built-in mic to see if that is any better. It has to be better than what he has now...

When I had my Dice Mediabridge, I put their mic in the ashtray hole that faces the cabin.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tV...=w1176-h882-no

Reports I received from callers stated that it was OK but definitely sounded like a speaker phone.

I'm a Jawbone headset guy and rarely used the unit's mic for phone calls, and my GA6166 internal mic is delivering satisfactory performance for my needs.

Mike

A bit off-topic, but I am really wanting one of these Eonon units in my no-Nav DSP X5, but I do NOT want to hot wire in the MID in the glove box to make it work. So....

Does anyone know what type of amp I would need to power all 10 speakers plus the sub so I can ditch the DSP amp? If the DSP amp goes away the GA6166 could sit comfortable in my dash. :)

Here is A2DP app playing BT music stream from iPhone

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Jd...=w1187-h890-no

Unit playing MP4 HandBrake video from SD Card

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WM...=w1187-h890-no

Unit showing GPS satellite signals with GPS antenna under dash on right side of steel tubular frame just at right outer edge of vent opening and this signal strength also has to penetrate my garage roof.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FX...=w1187-h890-no

Hotspot antenna reception is good (I have a Apple Exteme router in my garage) with hotspot antenna just under unit glued to top of switch box enclosure that houses the PDC, rear hatch release, etc. buttons. Phone hotspot is no issue either.

Mike

Just installed this same unit in my Nav with DSP e53. It was completely 100% plug and play. Everything works, steering wheel volume, song skip, R/T button, and talking head button. Button illumination with headlights and reverse camera all work. Didn't have to rewire or modify ANYTHING. Awesome!

Regarding the back up camera, didn't have enough length on the power wire to attach it to the hatch so I'm going to have to purchase a longer power wire.

Only issue is the sound coming through the speakers won't get as loud as the DSP system did and it will distort when I reach volume level 26-27 out of 30. I turned off the DSP setting prior to removal and also tried to get the volume level as close to 50%, by ear, as possible.

I ran 2 RCA cables with the Farka harness in case I plan on just going with a 4 channel amp in the future, which is looking likely since this distortion issue is bothersome.
I do have Focals and Memphis Audio drivers in the front, they are 4ohm impedance, so maybe that has something to do with the distortion I'm having. Not sure though.

Great news tiage! That is awesome news for the folks with DSP:thumbup:

Everything is working for me in my factory NAV set up except for the Eonon camera which is just a CMOS unit and is mirrored incorrectly as well as no video when the vehicle is running. I do get video, albeit with some interference, when the engine is not running.

I'm suspecting really poor camera quality so I have a CCD unit on order that I should have in a couple days.

Will see :dunno: :dunno:

Mike

Couple more observations (nits) after some drive time today with the Eonon unit:

Boot up time seems lengthy at about 30 seconds.

I could do without the Eonon logo brand flashing on boot up just before the BMW meatball. Eonon already has but their logo on the lower frame of the unit. One or both of those logos could be eliminated.

The screen could be placed further forward in the frame to help eliminate the visual cut of the edge of the screen and any web text that is on the driver side. The screen lays somewhat recessed in the frame and from the driver seat position you are looking down the side of the frame which blocks the left edge of the screen.

Minor nits to be sure.

Mike

Totally agreed on all of the above. That said, I'm told the Eonon logo at boot can be tweaked in the factory settings menu, and personal experience has taught me acetone and a magic eraser will get the hardware logo right off.

Are you using any OBD2 software? I can get my BT OBD2 reader to sync with the Eonon, but none of the apps I've tried see a scanner as connected.

Thanks OF. I'll have to try to find that menu option.

Yes, I have a WiFi ODB dongle and DashCommand on my iPhone, not all that impressed quite frankly, but it is a quick and easy way to clear the occasional 0440 (IIRC) emission code.

I'm wondering if there are any user reviews of Torque Pro or BMWhat from Carly?

I'm anxious to find something decent that will display on the new to me screen.

Mike

Update: Audio is working perfectly now that I'm streaming from my Apple music. Sounds amazing. I'm not sure what I was doing wrong initially, maybe it was that I was using bluetooth streaming.

I did get video interference with the camera they sent me as well, let me know which camera you go with as I will probably switch as well.

Regarding the home screen, I've never owned an android device so I'm not sure how to use it. Is there any way to change home screen layout?

Carly is not supported on the E53 using Bluetooth. Their support staff have a opposite story compared to their advertising department! Torque Pro is great for displaying sensor data, but does not find faults. (well never has on my 2005 diesel) Back on page 4 of this thread you'll see my Torque Pro screen. Can have 7 (from memory) pages of different data displayed. I haven't looked at my OBC dash display since I have had Torque Pro installed.

Thanks Neil,

I have a WiFi OBD dongle, would that work?

I may play with a few free ones before committing money to an app but Carly was very interesting from the coding aspects.

Mike

300 mile round trip with the Eonon GA6166 today and here are some more observations and nits:

1. Spotify App through phone hotspot sound is awesome as is BT streaming from the phone. About as high as I got on the Eonon volume scale was 13 or 14 and with Loudness ON and OFF it was a really full and good sound to my ears at 80mph

2. I replaced fuse #7 in the glove box with a 15 amp fuse (originally a 5 amp fuse for the Boardmonitor, Radio, and I think GPS). The Eonon is fitted with a 15 amp fuse so it will pull up to that amount and I didn't want the original 5 amp to blow.

3. When using the phone the unit is locked up in phone mode. I could not move to any other screen or App. Not Navigation, not Home screen, nothing. Not exactly convenient if you want to look at your NAV page to tell the person on the other end you are XX miles or minutes away from destination.

4. Camera interference remains during engine running. New CCD camera is enroute.

5. After naming the BT in my unit to X5 Eonon and connecting up the first few times, the unit boots up and now automatically calls itself "CAR KIT". I changed "CAR KIT" once to "X5 Eonon" and on a subsequent boot up it went back to "CAR KIT".....BT functions fine but where CAR KIT came from and why it keeps coming back is a goofy mystery.

6. Screen presses and subsequent finger smudges are quite noticeable in the screen. Possibly due to the glare in the screen and/or angle of screen.

7. In daytime, max illumination is needed and today wash't even a fully sunny day in Wisconsin. Night illumination at 1/2 brightness was fine for me.

I'll report these "quirks" to Eonon support and see what they have to say. Chinese New Year is on until about the 4th of February so I don't have much hope for any news until after that. I remain open to being surprised, however.

That's all for now.

Mike

I'll prolly place my order sometime in February for one. So far we've had little issue with the GA6150 now that we ironed out the quirks.

Those having backup camera issues... does it work fine with the engine off?

Yes, my camera works fine with the engine off! :dunno::dunno:

See my avin install thread. You are using the backup lights to trigger the camera directly. Problem is that it does not always output +12v. It varies voltage for some reason. I found this out after probing and searching trying to figure out why it works with engine off but not on.

If you use the reverse wire to trigger a relay however, you can supply your own +12v and avoid problems. Or, like I did in my install, you can use a micro relay to trigger the camera when PDC is used. This is optimal as you can press the PDC when you want to see behind the vehicle.

I maybe wrong .....but PDC button works only if speed is less than 35 mph?

Did you change coding?

No, you are correct. But you can trigger the pdc manually at stop lights, parking lots, and in traffic which I find helpful sometimes having the rear view camera.

Well since I'm not good with electricity (it's been years since I've studied physics lol) and since radio shack is dead, can one just but a 12v relay pre-made for dummies?

Thanks All!

Yes, I can confirm all the guidance on the relay is absolutely ON TARGET :thumbup: for our E53 lighting circuits.

I connected a relay today which used the reverse light positive in the wiring harness as the positive side of the relay activation (#86 in the below relay diagram).

Then I connected camera positive power IN to the LOAD side of the relay (#30 in the below relay image)

http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/user/D...ng_diagram.png

#85 of the relay goes to ground point and I placed the ground wire for the camera IN power on this tab as well (since I had already run the positive in power up to #86 of the relay, the negative was right there so I piggybacked off the #85 tab which goes to ground.

#87 of the relay went to a clean unregulated ACC power source nearby which for me was the purple with white stripe wire going into one of the connectors just forward of where the amplifier lives.

Upon completion, of relay integration, image is rock solid during engine running with absolutely NO interference lines.

Problem solved.

Thanks to everyone for their insight and guidance.

Edit: made another feature discovery today on the GA6166, apparently when you press the right side "Tune" button in, the unit screen will go to the Settings function.

Also discovered that you cannot move any app you choose to the lower screen app section, only selected apps (I believe the OS resident ones maybe) can reside there. :dunno:

Mike

Yes, as posted above. Any standard 5 pin relay (or 4 pin) will work fine. Glad the insight could help you guys, it was a definite source of frustration for me when doing my install.