Can you confirm I'm even looking for the right X5?!?!?
 

Here we go...

I've decided to buy and X5 and I have a basic idea of which options I want. I have a few questions though, as I've been told buying the wrong vehicle can make it very hard to retrofit it for the things I want to do aftermarket. Basically, I will be buying a 2001 or newer (don't want first production year 2000). Color is simple: black/black, black/gray or silver/black. It must have both the sport and premium packages. Can anyone tell me any other packages or options I should consider? From what I've been reading, both the sport and premium are must haves.

The rest I can take care of as far as customizing the X5 (tint, rims, tires, etc) except for one key thing: the DVD/Nav issue.

Here's what I know I want...I want a full size module (not the 4:3) that is touch screen and integrates the CD player, DVD player, phone, radio and NAV. I know this can be done, but I'm not sure if it is a TV on Nav product or some other after market product. From what I understand, the vehicle must ALREADY have some sort of factory DVD...is this true?

Can I still achieve my goals if the X5 I buy doesn't have ANY factory NAV or screen?

Is this all making sense?!?!?!? Thanks for any help...I'm getting antsy and really just want to buy one ASAP but don't want to buy the wrong thing!

Welcome to the board. In terms of your questions, BMW does not have touch screen NAV. Unfortunately BMWs NAV is a bit behind in terms of technology, but it gets the job done.

You can indeed retrofit a wide screen NAV to a X5 that has a 4:3 screen. The administrator of this board has done this without any problems. 2003 X5s got the DVD navigation, so 01s and 02s have the non-DVD unit. You can upgrade that as well.

I would highly highly reccomend getting a X5 with NAV. It is going to be a tough find as most do not come with NAV. Otherwise your other option is to retrofit the NAV wiring harness and that means taking your X5 TOTALLY apart (seats out, carpet removed, etc.). A few daring souls have done this, but not me....

You should buy a X5 with the second generation radio that have AUX-input. If I got it right 16:9 screen X5's got the radio you need... correct me if I'am wrong.
16:9 is not a touchscreen if you want touchscreen you have to go for this http://mybimmer.net/ and install a barebone computer with all extra's.

I would go for this set-up --->

This is what you need:
16:9 screen
Nav. MKIII (cd-rom) or MKIV (dvd-rom)
Phone
Second generation radio

When you got your X5 add this:
TV-Free Module
DVD-player (Video goes to AUX-in on tv-module, AUDIO goes to AUX input on radio with stereo sound)
Roof Screen (connect's to AV-out on TV-module, I got AV-out/in connection between the front seat)
Ipod

Well 2002 X5s have the upgraded Radio/Tuner module that gives you the AUX input (or maybe it was 2002 X5s produced after 4/02? Can someone confirm?). You can always upgrade to a newer tuner module. There are adapters available that can give you the AUX input without having to upgrade to a newer tuner module.

Check out www.blitzsafe.com and www.soundgate.com for more info.

Thanks, ChrisF

Found this http://www.logjamelectronics.com/bli...dmxv1ddsp.html looks like it cover all my needs ;)

I've also read that the 4.4 is much better than the 3.0 in terms of driving and feel, etc, even though it gets less MPG. Is this the case?

Below should be a pic of a black X5 w/ great silver trim around the windows (matches grill?) Does anyone know the name of this option or what package it comes with? Hopefully it is in the sport or premium!

I had a 4.4i and I loved it. The 3.0 has enough power, but it runs out of breath on the highway for passing, etc. They both handle well, but I've heard the 3.0 is slightly more nimble feeling. The 4.4i handles great, though. The chrome trim around the window is standard, unless you have the sport package which replaces it with black trim.

Wow...chrome is standard and the sport package replaces it? That sucks...I think the chrome looks way better! Is this a deal breaker? Is it possible to keep the sport package AND the chrome trim? Can I get the chrome trim aftermarket? Speaking of that, do you have any suggesstions for replacing the wood interior trim w/ the polished aluminum? I'd prefer to not lose the sport package!

You will find interior trim for ~$500 USD on ebay

I think the black is better then chrome that's looks quite cheap ;)

joll-

you may be right...looking at the picture on your footer is converting me! Is that yours? The running boards are great, i'd love to know how you went about getting them.