Cheap android unit?
 

Hello everyone. 04 3.0i e53. My stock head unit works fine but I want to upgrade to something a little better. I see all the e53 Android head units on AliExpress and Amazon but I don’t know how good they are. Anyone have a link to a good one? Trying to keep the price to 100-150. Thanks

Not for that price. No. A good android unit is going to cost you at least $300-350.

I want to change mine from PO installed outdated aftermarket android unit to even more outdated original navi setup...

I have had good luck with the Xtrons unit for E53...I have bought two..I prefer the smaller screen with knobs over the larger 10 inch touchscreen, although the latter looks pretty good.

My needs are limited just bluetooth music.

Please note if your car originally had NAV, the install of the Android is a bit of a bear with running wires from back battery area to front...

Whoever Installed the unit in mine hacked all the wiring in the rear [emoji35]

PO#1 said it was working when pulled; might be in PO#2's storage unit
 

I've got a similar situation; I'd like to either have the original equipment (whatever still works) or a good Android unit, but I'm waiting to see what PO#2 can come up with.

When we were discussing the cheap non-Android head unit he installed, thinking it was what I'd want in it when we exchanged vehicles (PO#2 bought the X5 expressly to swap for my drag-race Chevelle). PO #2 said he thought the original radio/MID (Navi? too??) was still operable when he first got the X5 (but had been already pulled-out by PO #1, and left sitting in the trunk). He thinks he stored it deep in the rear of his "permanent rental storage unit", since the owner before him had bought, but not yet installed a Blaupunkt 660 HU.

I had commented on how I liked CD, USB, Touchscreen, etc., so he installed the HU with those features. I should've not said anything, as I would rather have the factory-installed equipment.

It took me several conversations to find out if the original equipment is still available; PO#2 said it is, but I haven't seen it yet, so I'm leaving my inexpensive unit in the dash, for now.

I have an Avin Avant 4. I highly recommend. I don't think you'll find anything worthwhile for $100. Maybe someone wants to sell a used Avin because they're upgrading? Might be worth checking eBay. :dunno:

If it had MID, it didn't have Nav. You will need a lot to install a factory nav unit just to have ancient technology. Get an android head unit. You'll be glad you did.

The cheap Android head units are slow when it comes to navigation and intensive apps, but for streaming bluetooth you'll be fine.

Having said that I would rather use an AUX cord than a cheap Android because you WILL want to use the capabilities of it since it's staring you in the face...and you'll probably be disappointed.

From my research, the cheap units are more trouble than they're worth. I was going to do this upgrade 3 years ago when I bought my E53, but since I'm old and mostly listen to AM talk radio, I decided it wasn't worth it. Now that my 25 y.o. son is going to drive it for the foreseeable future, I decided to bite the bullet and bring the E53 into 2021. I figure it will help resale in a couple years anyway. Here's what I went with...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...772e4c4dMHK9MF

My X5 had NAV in the boot, so I also had to buy the long connection cable, long antenna cable, and the antenna adapter cable. Currently all on their way from Hong Kong. This should make a nice unit for my son to be able to enjoy and I should recoup at least most of my investment on resale.

AM.

Have to say that that seems like an awful lot to spend to get an aliexpress unit.

It is a lot to spend on a system for a 17 y.o. vehicle, but I felt it would have been even MORE wasteful to try to cut the cost and get a unit that would likely be frustrating to use.

Not sure what you mean by an "aliexpress unit". Aliexpress is just a marketplace like Amazon or Ebay. The unit is an Xtrons that you can buy from several places. Aliexpress just happened to have the best price I could find.

AM.

Thank you guys for all of your information. I’m going to do more research as I didn’t know I’d have to run wires from the back. I’ll report back. Thanks

I highly regret buying this unit.
Waste of money. Will never work properly and will not stop glitching. One issue after another.
Do not buy Chinese android/tablet units
https://i.ibb.co/vzv8mXc/Screenshot-...925-Chrome.jpg https://i.ibb.co/VpFn1CS/Screenshot-...907-Chrome.jpg

Running the wires to the back isn't that bad, its a lot of simple work, removal of seats, interior bits, trim, etc. its really a low technical difficulty project just a full day or two of work. That said you always have the option to go with a marine unit, the main unit mounted in the back and install a remote display/control. It wouldn't look stock by any means but the functionality would be there and the sound quality will likely be better than any cheap android unit.

What brand did you buy. I have an Avin and it has been great.

looks like an Avin model
 

I looked up the SKU on GOOGLE, and it was on the AVIN site.

Attachment 81184

^I run the generic Ebay version of that head unit. Even has the Avin folder in the directories as these are all manufactured in the same place.

Unit works fine but definitely leaves a bit to be desired compared to the standard OE style Avin unit or the newer Joying android units. Honestly, I think the Joying units might be the best ones out currently. They even feature optical Toslink audio out, built in DSP, and 5Ghrz wifi, and bluetooth 5.1.

Very tempted to switch... but holy crap would my install suck with having to remove the current unit.

Interesting. Maybe it's the 10.5" unit? I have the small, OE looking unit and have had no issues with it other than when I first got it. It had a bad chip reader. They replaced under warranty, no problem.

Do you have the eBay link by any chance?

I don't think they sell the exact unit I bought anymore. I've been running it for 3 years now.

But this looks to be generally the same unit with DSP added and better Bluetooth. https://www.ebay.com/itm/16461405085...YAAOSwCQ1f62CT

If buying on Ebay, scour all the listings for similar models. The prices for the same unit can vary by close to $100. Don't expect any tech support from sellers. If that is desired order direct from Xtrons, Joying, Avin, etc. Even then it might be hit or miss.