Pulled the Trigger on Xtron 10.25 unit
 

Finally pulled the trigger on Xtron Android unit with the 10.25” screen. My buddy just installed it on his 05 4.8is and I instantly fell in love. Installation wasn’t too bad either. Sound quality and functionality are excellent. It truly looks like an OEM unit and takes our almost 15 year old cars into the modern day. I tried to upload some pics from my phone but couldn’t figure out how to get it done something about security tokens.

:worthless:


haha. I did a search and came out with this https://xtrons.com/bmw/bmw-e53-android-car-stereo is it any of those?

It’s similar but I have the 10.25 inch one that’s the widescreen. I wanted as much screen real estate as possible.

I think that is the design Crystalworks went with although I'm not sure what manufacturer he went with.

Yea same style he had. My biggest concern taking the plunge was oem feel and of course sound quality. I had a dynavin in the past and wasn’t crazy about the sound quality or the touch screen. This has dsp settings similar to factory. So we did a side by side test with my buddy using the same settings. They both sounded almost identical but xtrons was able to go louder. It was loud enough to the point of ruining the sound quality.

Dynavin uses the Burr Brown 24 bit DAC and that is the one thing all the Dynavin users say is the one advantage they have. Never had one and can't comment on it either way. Everything else about the Dynavin is not very appealing. The closed operating system really limits your options.

4.8isguy. A question. How fast does the radio boots up when you turn on the car for the first time that day? Mine takes about 40sec, and it bothers me lol

On the Xtrons, just choose different settings for boot up. This used to drive me nuts as well. I changed the system sleep or some setting or another so that it doesn't power all the way down. I get in and the thing is booted and ready. If I had my radio here, I'd share the steps, but its... uhhh.. it's bz. :genius:

BTW, thanks for that link with the new Xtrons units in it above. :banghead: I have ordered the 9.0 OS version of the same unit I have now. I had been looking for a reason to upgrade the NAV in the white 4.4. Now I see the octa-core with 9.0 and it's done. I'm pretty sure the unit is plug and play swap for the Xtrons in the blue one. The white one from OE Nav will be a bit more involved like the blue one before it.

I was thinking of buying that same one you mentioned, the only thing that's holding me is the wiring harness that goes to the back. I do have one current but it looks like the wiring changes. I would still do it for the sake of upgrading.

Well, dagnabbit.. can you show the differences that you see? I looked and my old memory fails from one screen to the next.. I was hoping my octa core in the blue one to this octa core would be the same harness? No? I don't wanna have to run that cable, but I suppose I will if I have to. :(

It was listed there... this one?

https://xtrons.com/bmw-x5-e53-android-8-0-pt1853b

How does it look with sunlight around?

I don't know if there afe any difference. But it look like the new one has the steering integration in the unit. Mine has a small unit plug into it in the trunk for that.

Steering integration? Please share!

I wish mine had that, the ability to use corner lights dependent on the steering input instead of turn signal command and bending lines in the back up camera?

I have to know more. :thumbup:

:DMy bad. What I mean is being able to use the steering buttons for the radio or music, and being able to lower or raise the music volume.

less than a year ago, I installed one of these Xtrons wide screens (Android 8.0) in the X5 my 18yr old son drives. He promptly BLEW both speakers in the rear doors with the goddamn music too loud.. I didn't see a plug and play upgrade so I replaced them with OEM speakers....which are getting harder to find.

We both like all the extra screen and it seems to function well.. But I still occasionally listen to audio CDs and you lose the CD/DVD player on these models. The lack of buttons also makes it difficult to quickly turn down the volume.

A month ago, I bought the traditional 7 inch xtrons unit (Android 9.0 model PA7953BIP $260 on Amazon) and put it in my other X5, replacing an early eonon unit that lost its touch screen. Easy plug and play installation, and so far it works and sounds great, except radio reception which I have to tinker with.

My bet is that the pictures represent what you get with the purchase. The extension cable would be an added item so the connection for the steering controls is not shown on the page. Of course, I can't *know* this until mine shows up.

BTW, I ordered this direct from HK on eBay and saved over $100.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Android-9...oAAOSwNoBdsWON

I paid 343 for it on the Xtron website. Steering wheel volume does work. It takes about 3-4 seconds for it to boot up. I could definitely see blowing the speakers easily happening if your not careful. It has a decent amount of glare to it but it’s still always very visible. You can control brightness on the screen and it also has night mode.

^The viewing angle on those "tablet" style ones like you posted Prop is probably worlds better than the one I have. Looks amazing in dark situations but has a bunch of glare in the sunlight (like most do). I wish I was okay with that grafted on tablet look... I have to have it sit into the dash like the OE screen does. Stupid OCD gets me again!

Prices are coming down too. I think when I ordered mine it was $450ish... but I ordered with ebay's $50 off promo and another discount that I forget so my total was ~$375. Came with the long extension cable already in the box too... though the seller did try to upsell me the cable after the purchase. I'm guessing the cable comes with all of them, but that is just a WAG.

The more I read ab this unit, the description does say that CAN bus is included. I read some other units use the power plug to integrate the CANbus now and it's no longer a separate unit. My hope was that I could just swap the unit in my car now for this one, but I cannot know until at least tomorrow when it delivers. Tracking says tomorrow before 1030. We shall see!

And I go wedge this new unit in while it's at the spa this week. ;)

If posible pleaase report back with findings.

Looks like it'll be tomorrow at the soonest. :(

Edit:

It arrived bright and early! Off to the shop for a test fit! :popcorn:

I've got the factory DSP and from reading a lot of reviews from years past, there was no real workaround in new aftermarket headunits that could successfully connect to the DSP continually or with quality results.
Can you use this one with the DSP system?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

^ It's going to have the same limitations. You'll need to use the resler USB interface for the ibus and pay for a license. Then it will work.

I've been procrastinating on putting one of these units in my truck, so I'm also curious to hear your report on this latest Xtrons unit.

AM.

Will I NOT need this since I don't have DSP?

AM.

I currently have the Dynavin N6 in mine and looking to change it out. Not happy with the unit at all... keeping a close eye on this for future plans..

I have factory DSP in my car with the Android system and as Propellerhead points out, you will need the Rolf Resler iBus adapter and app running on the Android head unit. My DSP works perfectly, with even better sound than before so if you are thinking about making the change, don't worry. Tried and true functionality.

The Resler iBus adapter and app are not needed in your non-DSP application to send the DSP signals but you should still have the app for resetting the OBC values such as time, average MPG, average MPH, etc. Not to mention some cool coding options like halos as DRL, right and left fog lights as cornering lights and triple blink turn signal functionality.

You won't need the resler interface and iBus app for the DSP (since you don't have DSP) BUT you'll want it for all the other features it offers, such as giving you back most BC functions - like being able to the set the time and date on the car! ;)

And much more...

Beautiful. I already installed the Ressler USB adapter connection, so I can use Navcoder but I would need to buy and install a Ressler license on the Android HU hey?
Good to know and glad you like the functionality of this brand.
What model did you buy and I assume you had to run wiring to the rear somewhere?
My Ressler connection is in the left rear panel where the CD changer would be.

I also installed the JL speakers like many others here and have an external amp/sub to help out and it's a great stereo as is, I feel now, but...better sound quality, phone calls from stereo Bluetooth, maps, music files at the headunits instead of using my GROM unit and a newer look...I'm super teased by this idea.


Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

The problem with the iBus adapter in the back is running the USB all the way to the head unit. Personally if you have to tap into the rear, just run the 3 wires up to the front and have the adapter plug directly into the USB cable at the head unit. The license is tied to you VIN not the unit so you will provide the VIN of your X5 when ordering the adapter and license.

I wanted to purchase the ressler as well but couldn’t figure out what exactly I need for my 2006 with dsp. Can you let me know what you needed to purchase to make everything work?

Android head unit with the iBus app and adapter is all you need along with the DSP license. Only 3 wires on the adapter (12V, GND and k-bus) to wire in to the car and an open USB connection on your head unit. The Avin Avant-4 harness is already wired for the iBus adapter. :thumbup:

So I am going to download the app once I get the Xtron installed. Purchase the DSP license, the Resler Adapter (Old or New Version?) and do I need to buy the USB interface adapter? Do you buy everything from the ibus website or is there an alternative site? Thanks!

I got everything for mine through Avin but this is the site to use for other Android systems.

https://shop.ibus-app.de/en/shop/

I coulda SWORE I wrote this long ass review of my test fitting and now POOF. Gone. Ahh well. :dunno:

Anyway, I am happy to report that the extension cable I have in place from my year-old unit fits perfectly onto the back of the new one. The new one used an adapter with the red CANbus adapter. Not only did the radio power up, the steering wheel radio butttons for volume and next station worked! CANbus included, indeed!

Of course, every OTHER freaking adapter is different. Speakers? Yeah different. USB harness? Yeah, direct to USB on the unit now. Of course WiFi antenna and GPS antennae are the same. Camera harness is also different.

Having said all of that, most of the connections for these adapters back to the radio are right there. It seems a simple matter to remove the old ones and plug in the new ones. the speaker harness certainly was. Unfortunately, I did not plug in the amp power signal so I did not hear any music.

A 5 minute walk around the unit revealed what I perceive as faster performance than my current one. The interface was different of course, but switching between and launching apps like Waze was noticeably faster.

Friday or this weekend, I will try to cajole a buddy into swapping the new unit in. This may be the moment when I do a test fit on the white one with the old unit. Since it doesn't have DSP, I think I will be able to just plug the damn thing in. And if it's that easy, I will be overjoyed.

By the way, this is an Android radio discussion... WTF is Crowz so he can talk ab Secaine! :popcorn:

That old slacker moved on to the E70. Pffftt. No loyalty... :nanana:

Got mine in today as well. Ordered car play and resler adaptor with obc license so will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Planning on doing the install on Saturday. Maybe I’ll even install the bsw subwoofer I’ve been sitting on for the past year.

Gave his wife the E53 if I recall correctly.

Didn't he have like 3 of 'em? Lort.

I mean.. ya have 3 or 4 of these and you cant just drop em! :p: I think I'm on #'s 3 and 4 now. :D

Hi all,

My first post here as I just returned to the BMW family with a purchase of a two-owner 2005 X5 3.0i with 165,000 miles. I have been lurking and reading as much as possible the last week or so as I hunted for my X5. Thanks for all of the great info!

So, my X5 is in awesome condition except for unreadable pixels on the Business CD sound unit. I would like to replace my non-navigation unit with an Android unit but I am struggling to process all of the various iterations out there. I am looking for ease of installation in addition to functionality.

The Avin Avant 4 and Extrons 7 inch 8.1 units are my best choices from what I gather, as I want functional steering wheel buttons, OBC functions, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay. I would also like to add a backup camera. Any suggestions as to which is easier to install? It appears that either way I need an iBus adapter and app?

Thanks in advance!

I recently installed the Avin Avant 4. I love it. I replaced a factory Nav unit, so the installation is a little more complicated than it will be for those replacing a business radio as the factory Nav units place the radio and Nav controller in the rear, so cabling has to be run from the front head unit to the rear.

You will need to buy the IBUS app and they will send a box for that. It plugs into the harness they supply. They will also send a Canbus box that plugs in. That maintains the steering wheel controls. I also purchased the Carplay dongle. I tried using it, but I quit as it basically over runs everything else that is running when you use it. You can't switch between it and an app on the Avin unit. Carplay will just come back on. Most all of the apps that are on my phone that I would use in the car are available from the Playstore in an Android version. My recommendation is to not waste the $100 on Carplay.

You will also need to know if you have DSP. If you do that is another part of the IBUS app you will need to purchase.

Good luck! You will definitely be happy with whichever you choose a replacement for the business radio.

Thanks for the feedback. I am ready to buy the Avant but a few questions remain. My X5 has the Business CD without NAV and without DSP. I am going to skip the backup camera.

Do I need to add the DSP chipset option?
Do I need the Torque Compatible BT OBD2 option or is there a better option elsewhere?
I already have TPMS monitoring so I assume I do not need to add it to Android?
Any opinions on the iGO GPS mapping?

Thanks!

No DSP? Then nope, you don't need the iBus DSP option the regular iBus app license.

Almost any BT OBD option will work - pick one. Note that this will only provide basic ODB diags - not full BMW diags.

Sounds like you can skip the TPMS. Do you have the pressure monitoring TPMS or just the FTM (Flat Tyre Monitor) that runs off the ABS wheel speed sensors?

Almost any Android Nav app will work. I use Navmii on Android devices - works well for me.

I actually have FTM (Flat Tire Monitor) and not TPMS. Just read the manual ;-)

No DSP, you don't need the chipset option.
The IBUS app and dongle they supply will provide you most everything you need. It even allows you to do a little coding with lights and some other things.
If you want TPMS you'll need to add that as the e53 doesn't have it.
I purchased the iGO, but so far haven't been able to get it working. Doesn't really matter though as I use Waze all the time and it ahs the advantage of being free and providing real time traffic data and directions based on that data.

I decided to skip iGO and TPMS but I did order CarPlay. I am an Apple guy so this whole Android Auto thing has me out in left field. When you use Waze, is that on your phone or on the Avant 4?

I'm trying to find an Android Auto tutorial on how to set this up once it arrives later this week.

I have waze on my phone, but I also downloaded it onto my Avin. The Android system has access to the Google play store which is where they have all their apps for Android. I downloaded Waze and run it on my Avin. The only thing it needs is a wifi hotspot, which my phone supplies.

Your X5 didn't come with DSP so you don't need the iBus adapter to make the sound system work but you should get the adapter anyway to reset OBC values like time, date, MPG, trip, etc.

Also for the DSP chipset question, you don't need it but for another $29 it is worth it for the better sound tuning of the Avant unit. The DSP chipset they offer has nothing to do with factory DSP.

Android Auto is basically a head-unit screen/interface for your hand-held Android device. If you don't use a hand-held Android device (phone or tablet) don't worry about Android Auto - you probably won't be using it.

From Wikipedia... "Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features from an Android device, such as a smartphone, to a car's compatible in-dash information and entertainment head unit."

You might want to check out CarPlay though... :-)

Again, from Wikipedia... "CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or head unit to be a display and a controller for an iOS device. It is available on all iPhone models beginning with iPhone 5 running iOS 7.1 or later."

Looks like you need an optioanl external adapater to connect a mobile device for either Android Auto or Apple Carplay - but others can confirm this.

Not loyalty but issues with the kids. One moved back from a few states away and I have been getting them setup in my old house. The other did a break up with her boyfriend and I had to help her get setup in a new place. I figured when they left home that was it. LOL it has cost me more time and money since they "grew up and moved out" than it did raising them......

Yep Ive got three of them.

2001 E53 6cyl sport model - Use it for offroading

2005 E53 6cyl wife got that one

2013 E70 6cyl turbo - The one I drive normally

I plan on doing an android install in the 2001 probably in January IF my kids leave me alone long enough :)

I haven't picked the model yet but I will be doing the tablet type this time just to try something different. The Seicane I put in the 2005 is still working flawless. If my wife cant tear it up its pretty indestructible.

Welcome back Crowz!

+1

+2! :thumbup:

Thanks !

+3

See? Now if we could just cajole Ricky Bobby back into action. Where'd he go? :(

Life happens... ;)

Oooo! Did he have a baby! That'd be SOOPER cool! :thumbup:

No idea, sorry - I was just suggesting that stuff happens that diverts our attention from things X5. Like kids needing help setting up house... :D

Ahh.. Well darn. I was hoping for one nest to be filling up while the Crowz nest had emptied. Ours is getting closer to empty at every passing day. Having a car we'll call 'her's' in the driveway sorta makes this even more readily apparent. :(

I know the feeling - I've got one daughter getting married on the same day her younger sister starts university. And poof! - the babies are gone. :rolleyes:

The Crowz nest seem to be filling up again. (with kids) :dunno:

My Avin unit arrived the other day and I hope to tackle installation tomorrow. A few remaining questions before I begin...

How do I install apps, software/firmware updates to the unit? WiFi via hot spot? Thumb drive? It seems iBus app is updated frequently.

Are the coding options in iBus for things like fog lights as cornering lights and turn signal changes pretty obvious in the app? I haven't seen a thread devoted to programming options but I probably missed it.

I was planning to run one of the USB cables into the glovebox for easy access and the other behind the climate controls for CarPlay access through the ash tray. Other suggestions for USB cable routing?

Everything is pretty straight forward to install but I am not sure what you currently have (factory nav, DSP, etc.) and will define your installation.

One of your USB cables will go to the iBus adapter so I would select the shortest one for it and route the other 2 to your glove box area so you can easily access them later. You can load apps via WiFi, any USB or the microSD slot in the front of the unit. Once you have apps loaded, any updates like the iBus app, AutoPlay (CarPlay/AA) and camera software are done online via WiFi internet connection.

As far as iBus app features like cornering lights, triple blink, DRL, etc. are easy to understand but if you need assistance, we are all right here to help. I am in Lake Norman and would be happy to lend a hand if you need help. PM me and I'll give you my phone number, I can provide a experienced lifeline if needed. :thumbup:

Thanks for the advice and offer to help!

I just went back and reread the entire thread (post #44) and see you have a Business CD (no factory nav and no DSP). Your install will be very easy. A little trimming of the plastic X5 dash brackets to fit the Avin brackets.

On my AutoPlay install, I plugged the AutoPlay box into one of the USB cables and then ran the USB AUX 3RCA from the AutoPlay box USB to my cigarette lighter recepticle. This provides an additional USB through the AutoPlay box and allows for easily connecting my Samsung phone (wired Android Auto), USB thumbdrive movies, music or any side loading of apps, not to mention a USB charging port. All while the AutoPlay box is neatly tucked away out of sight.

It even gives me a 3.5mm jack for an additional A/V aux in in the event I ever need it.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...522_140948.jpg

https://avinusa.com/media/catalog/pr...sbaux-3rca.jpg

Welp, it's in and WOW!

The fit is WAY better than the old, square edged units. It sits INSIDE the dash now like it should.

The stock launcher is terrible on the Android 9.0 units. All 80's neon. Just terrible. But I used CarLauncher Pro and made this custom interface. I *really* like it!

Nice!

damn, so teased by this idea, but hate the idea of running cables through length of x5. and working around dsp and resler connection point in trunk...

SO I'd have to run, USB (for Resler connection in trunk by aftermarket amp), RCA and remote wire from back of new head unit to trunk, for aftermarket amp. Should have room and ability, but I just hate ripping out parts to do it BUT it should be simple enough.

Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk

schön :thumbup:

I recently installed an Avin Avant 4 in my X. I had factory nav, so running a cable from front to back was necessary. It was fairly time consuming, but not terribly difficult. Found a good DIY on Youtube. They said to cut the connector off the cable near the end that wen to the trunk. I initially thought that a dumb idea, then I tried running it with the connector on. I cut it off. It adds a little work because you have to reconnect all those wires, but it saves in how much of the interior you don't have to pull out.

Well so far they haven't breached the main house defenses :)

That's why I kept the old house in case they came back !

I was going to mess around with the 2001 X5 where Im getting ready to replace the abs unit on it and do an android radio upgrade on it.

The abs FINALLY worked one time going over to the old house and it did GREAT climbing the big hill at the house that's covered in pine straw and muddy. No spinning at all for a change. So its not hopeless offroad it seems if the abs works. So that motivated me to fix it.

Anyways that got put off since my daughter had her 528i dropped off for me to fix.

3 window regulators, power steering hose leak somewhere, rear wheel on the drivers side leaning in at the top horribly (broke spring maybe?), rear view mirror fell off and needs gluing back, drivers seat needs recovering (was wearing bad when we sold it to her and its shot now), the list goes on and on.

So with this basket case to fix my X5 project is put off again :(

That looks real nice. That's the kind Im going with for the 2001 when I upgrade it.

How is the hands free Bluetooth phone stuff on it? That seems to be a hit or miss on most units and something I use all the time.

Great to see you back around Crowz.

I should be on more and more now hopefully. Want to get back into fooling with the cars more.

Yes! It was so buggy in my Android 8(?) unit that I had the IBus app auto-launch the Android app 'BlueTooth' every time. That seemed to work and 'force' the pairing of the phone and radio.

On this one, I have *just* changed the 2nd app to auto launch instead to Torque in IBus yesterday. This adds the complication of a BT device that will pair when an app like Torque is launched. I wondered before if the BT pairing was the reason that the phone wouldn't work as expected on the previous unit. This little bit of testing will confirm that. I think. :dunno:

I tested it only once, but the phone paired even without manually launching the BT Android app. I will have about 20 hours with it on Sunday as we flock South again for December. I will play with it a bunch during that time. :thumbup:

+1

What USB/aux cable is pictured here? Source?

https://avinusa.com/media/catalog/pr...sbaux-3rca.jpg

https://avinusa.com/usb-aux-3rca.html

:thumbup:

Welp, today was a great day for success with Bluetooth! :bmw: I have iBus set to launch Torque and Waze rather than the Android BT or phone apps. Today, I wasn't even thinking ab the BT phone- which is exactly how it oughtta be- and the phone rang through the speakers. It was *loud* but that's my phone settings.

The difference was that the call connected just fine and the sound was MUCH better than my previous unit! This was VERY cool! :thumbup:

I think the BT phone has a totally different setting of volume in the head unit compared to the base volume settings. Mine rang loud one day and when I went to turn it down I noticed the volume setting slider was turned way up from the base radio volume I was listening to. Just like my cellular, the phone call volume is different from the base volume. :thumbup:

Happy Thanksgiving, guys!

I have my Avant 4 99% installed but I cannot connect to the internet despite the unit showing as connected. I have tried my home network and my iPhone as a hotspot. Both have good to excellent signal strength. However, I cannot connect to Google Play Store and I cannot activate my iBUS. I have emailed Avin support but thought I'd ask here, too.

Happy Thanksgiving tutone. I would double check your WiFi antenna and connection first. Then maybe go into the connection settings and remove all known connections and try to setup the connections again. If none of that works and you haven't spent hours customizing your Avant-4 you could try a hard reset but this will take it back to out of the box configuration.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Overboost: what's the procedure for the hard reset? After many hours of customizing my setup I've screwed something up. I can't figure out what, so I figured I'd start over. It's bizarre. The Ibus app shows fuel mileage lower than actual by several mpg and when I click through the items in the high cluster it shows mpg higher than actual. In addition, it shows range in km and the temp readout on the cluster has gone to centigrade as has the readout for the IHKA. I'm sure I've got something set wrong, but I can't figure out what that is as I didn't write down my settings as I did them. I will definitely do that this time. TIA!

@Fifty150hs, pull the SD card cover and press the small button next to the SD slot but you can also do it from the Avant-4 settings menu.

Thanks! That's what I'll be doing today.