Oh and something I ran across that could save you some grief.

Avoid the new fangled amps that have Bluetooth built into them.

The concept looks good on paper but the manufacturers forgot to add pairing logic on all the models I looked at.

Basically anybody that has a cell phone can pair their device to your amp and hijack it. So they can play what they want on your stereo. That in itself isn't that big of a deal except that means they can turn the volume all the way up and play stuff that can damage your speakers.

Just something to avoid as its asking for trouble either way.

That looks like the gerneric of Eonon's latest that I have yet to install in the E46. I am replacing the dual core unit when the new cable arrives.

But oh, wait say the boys... New cable? Yes, dammit. For some silly reason, the new unit has *different* connections from the one I installed 7 MONTHS ago! :tantrum: But really, we know the reason: cheapest way to make the sh!t from people who have ZERO idea about upgrade paths, customer care, or anything that would make a real product successful for the long term. Making the same connections would have cost another 12 cents. That's rt. 12 CENTS. They're not in this for the long term though. The ODM's just want to push the shit out as cheap and as fast as possible. The changes to short antennae with soldered connections instead of a nice cable that twists on are perfect examples of these manufacturing shortcuts.

This isn't Eonon, Dynavin, Skyshadow, or any of the other crap brands that throw a decal and some firmware on these things. It's the ODM. They make it for less than $x, sell it for $x*1.5, and the boys with a website have to deal with the customer for the extra $x*3.5/unit. Consider that no matter what name is on it, you're getting the same hardware. Firmware, service of a dead unit, and the stuff you need to use it is what the decal gets you. If you can't figure out how to load a navigation map from the online community, then you're not doing it.

So having said that, buy one of these first on the objective specs the hardware brings: CPU/cores, RAM, Storage. Then consider that NONE of that matters at ALL with sh!tty firmware. It is absolutely no different from the bazillion flavors of Android on phones with cr@pware, bloatware, or annoying cell carrier sh!t that they try to block your own preferred use of your android device/phone. And then consider that an entire community likely exists around hacking these things to be what the user wants. (it does exist, I'm just not there yet) Just like the early days of Android on a phone. The OS doesn't care if it's a phone or a radio. Give it some firmware and solid code and you'll be off to the races.

So understand this: Go with Captain Nemo and you're on your own. At least the big boys have a 'reputation' inasmuch as it is. You b!tch ab China-Ware, Inc with EastEuro firmware daht ru and you're up for what you bought.

Which brings the next point: Unless you're just gonna start screwing with the thing even before you install it, it's totally worth another $30 to get the decal you'll eventually remove with acetone.

Now that I think of it, these things are like buying a used E53. :rofl: So buy one. Know that you're in for sh!t that doesn't work exactly like you'd have it. Expect very similar aggravations with regulators, banging transmissions, and SLS errors. But be happy the radio in your 17 yr old BMW pairs with your phone and plays the music you like. But don't expect things like high sunlight visibility, immunity from heat in the summer, or Wifi range greater than the doors of your car. Even if it's new, it's cheap and far from perfect. Accept that and buy knowing it. Or don't and choose an always on, always reliable retrofit that does exactly what the new cars do every time. One is $300. The other is WAY more expensive. There is reason. No one gets to b!tch when they take the cheap route.

The final message: Be cheap. Don't be stupid.

Who multi task while driving? I just listen to the radio or stream music from my phone while the GPS tells me when to turn. If you are composing letters or memo while driving you need to stop.

I haven't seen a lot of input from folks that have had aftermarket units installed for an extended period of time other than the Dynavin and Eonon. Seems like no installation is problem free in the beginning but over time things get ironed out for most. My perception is some Eonon owners continue to have problems and become dissatisfied. I don't recall reading about a Dyavin buyer that wished they hadn't purchased the product.

I called/emailed both Dyavin and Eonon about their products. Acknowledging I am far from an expert, I am convinced the Dynavin N6 is worth the extra money based on the custom designed software, fit and function, the support to iron out any issues quicker and that it becomes trouble free.

I will be purchasing the Dynavin N6 before long and based on the number of installs that have taken care of the early startup issues, I expect the install and startup to be a plug and play.

Remember you can kiss off resetting the mpg and trip meter if you go dynavin.

In most bmw's like the e46 I would never stick my nose into someone buying a dynavin as its just another Chinese head unit to me with usa support so to each their own. I have actually helped people that bought a dynavin with their installation before.

But on an e39 or e53 I would go with something with android operating system and at least one free usb port so you wont lose features by changing the factory nav radio or factory mid unit out.

The Eonon units allow you to keep your OBC function?

Interesting. Any special wiring or equipment needed? Hard to tell from the link. It looks like it's just an app that replaces OBC functions?

You need this piece of hardware to go with it.

iBus interface for BMW Navcoder

My radio shipped and claims 3 to 5 days shipping so I should have it by Friday at the latest. I will install it while doing a howto on that part.

Then I will order the app and that module since that saves me having to do the android io. No since in re-inventing the wheel and also means if someone wants to copy what I have they don't have to build the io board they can just buy that one and plug it in.

I will do a howto on installing it and showing how it works.

etc.

So radio installed this week and ibus interface the following week. I don't have time to go faster than that :)

Trying to get the front wheel bearing installed this weekend to be free to do the radio when it comes in.