Xoutpost.com - Need some advice for which AVIN unit to go with?

Xoutpost.com (https://xoutpost.com/forums.php)

- X5 (E53) Forum (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/)

- - Need some advice for which AVIN unit to go with? (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/113766-need-some-advice-avin-unit-go.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corellian Corvette (Post 1211076)

There shouldn't be any wiring to the rear at all for the regular head unit. There wasn't in my install.

Depends on the exact "regular" factory head unit fitted - many non-DSP systems still have an amp at the rear. This means all the speaker wiring is in the trunk... :rolleyes:

But mine is like yours, CC - the speaker wiring is in the dash. Easy...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs (Post 1211074)

I went with the stock looking unit. I like how if someone doesn't know what they're looking at it looks stock. I didn't add the DSP chipset either. I'm not an audiophile and had no plans to upgrade my speakers which would take advantage of the DSP. The equalizer that comes with it is enough for me and is more than the stock non-DSP system. I'd get the IBUS app and dongle from Avin. It ships from in the US so it all arrives together. Get a rear view camera too. You're going to be running wiring front to back anyway, one more is no big deal and worth having.

Good points. I didn't think about rear camera til you mentioned and it does make sense now. Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corellian Corvette (Post 1211076)

There shouldn't be any wiring to the rear at all for the regular head unit. There wasn't in my install.

Yes, but I have NAV so I have to run the wires in the back. Not really excited about that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpoll (Post 1211077)

Yes, my understanding is that if there is NAV present (DSP or no DSP), wiring has to be run to the back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw540san (Post 1210970)

https://avinusa.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=+E53+BMW+X5...

I've read great reviews for Avant 4 and it looks more factory...

TIA!

The Avant 4 is a great option for these. Get the one with more processing power and more RAM. Just like phones (Android units are basically phones without SIM/carrier capability), this makes a huge difference to user experience.

You had nav so will need the 6m extension cable. The factory nav is a remote display/input device only. Radio, associated quadlock plug/wiring, is in the trunk.

Ibus tap is built into the harness, which is nice. Order it from whichever source you prefer. I ordered from over the pond, but was not in a hurry to get it.

I would add the DSP processing capability unless you were planning on adding a standalone DSP or amp w/ built in DSP in the future. The added tuning capability is immensely useful and can make a big difference to the sound output. Not volume, but musical reproduction itself.

+1 on DSP; you're going to want to have more control over the sound levels given this radio isn't tuned specifically for our radios. You absolutely want to have better control than Treble/Bass and Faders.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw540san (Post 1211081)

Yes, but I have NAV so I have to run the wires in the back. Not really excited about that.

It's not that bad. Run them down the right side, it's less work that way. Otherwise you're pulling out the center console which is a PITA.

Thank you guys all for the invaluable inputs.
I'm making notes on all suggestions and it's clear that Avant 4 with upgraded processor is way to go.