Yeah, I still have my DSP and will keep it, it just ends up costing me about $500 for the Avin Avant-3 that is DSP compatible.

No DSP, you got it made. You have so many choices in Android unit replacements at prices less than you can even repair the nav screen much less a replacement amplifier. There are some threads on here covering most of the most popular choices. :thumbup:

This covers the install I did on mine with an android stereo and keeping all of the dash functions too.

BMW X5 E53 Radio | Crowz Nest

You need to link the 140 page My 2005 X5 Aftermarket Radio Install Thread
Good reading! :wow:

I started to but I figured he might get lost in there :)

Well I started reading Gone With the, sorry, these radio installation threads. I'm not really much of an audiophile - I just listen to AM radio more than anything else.

A couple thoughts: if I buy a $300 Android radio with 8.0 where will I be in 5 years? Will it be like owning an IPhone 4 today? Will I need to buy a newer radio then like how it works with cell phones?

What about going with a Windows CE unit like: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Car-Ra...8~~m:rk:1:pf:0

Am I going to be disappointed in the functionality?

I still want to pull the amp out of the back of mine and see if I can resurrect the circuit board as some others have done. At least if I could get the existing system back to functioning, I might have a better idea where I want to go with upgrades.

Changing subjects.... I decided to be a guinea pig and try the Rock Oil TF-0870 transfer case fluid available on Amazon for $27. I've been using the Ravenol fluid in my E83 with no issues, but it has crept up in price recently. I wouldn't be surprised if the Rock and Ravenol are identical fluids, but who knows. It just slays me to think of paying $50 for a bottle of oil! :soapbox:

https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Oil-TF-0.../dp/B07B8WH5HN

AM.

Yes. Absolutely get the factory system working before any upgrade. It would be really hard to diagnose any issues related to the retrofit. If it was all working before the head unit swap then it must be something related to the head unit swap. If you just swap it out now, you won't be able to know if it it the head unit or something else existing in the factory system.

The unit you listed looks good but most guys like the android because of the open source operating system. It allows you to add a multitude of apps that can customize your features. Some members have linked their home security systems to their androids and can set lights, disarm alarm zones, open garage doors, etc from miles away as they head home instead of waiting until you get next door... Something to keep in mind. You are pretty much locked out of any custom apps with the WinCE OS.

You need to consider the Resler USB IBus interface as well. Once you pull your factory system, you have no way of setting time, resetting avg mph/mpg, etc. The Resler IBus app allows for this but I don't even know if it is available for WinCE.

That system looks like it has most everything else and the price is right but remember you need the optional 6m harness front to rear as you have factory navigation at the moment.

Are these Android units capable of receiving upgrades to newer versions of Android in the future? Also, how do they get live navigation info? Do they rely on your phone for communications?

I see a replacement screen for my stock unit will run about $100ish. Might be worth it so I could resell it. People are asking pretty high prices for functional OE units on eBay.

What was BMW thinking putting a CASSETTE player in there in 2004? Even my 1999 e46 has in-dash CD. Who even owns a cassette tape any more - even back in 2004?

Maybe I'll step up to an entry-level Android like this: https://www.amazon.com/XTRONS-Androi...r=8-1-fkmrnull

Seems like it would do everything I could possibly want.

AM.

Several of our members have that unit and are very happy with it. Most guys will tether the 4G from their phone and run apps like Waze or Google Maps for navigation maps. Others have a dedicated map program on a micro SD card that require no online connection :thumbup:

The radio is a Bluetooth device. The oldest Bluetooth devices known will pair to the newest phones. So the version of android on the stereo doesn't make any difference in the long run.

The oldest of the android radios I own still work fine with the newest phones I have.

Isn't windows CE already an obsolete product? I thought it had been removed from support years ago.


Personally, I went with a Grom bluetooth adapter and never looked back. I dont need a screen in my dash, and I do everything from my phone. But I didnt have nav and dont have a broken screen I needed to replace, either.



I'd love to hear about your experience with the Rock oil for the transfer case. I'll check back to see what you think.