Ordered my Dynavin unit today!
 

Just ordered my Dynavin (model E39) today from Bimmian!
$709 + $32 shipping, probably have it by early next week. I confirmed with them that they actually have the physical units sitting in their warehouse ready to ship.
Happy happy, Joy joy

:D

Well, Any update? pics?

I hope you don't have a DSP unit in your X......it will not work with DSP.

I'll update soon with some more pics. So far so well. Took a little getting used to, buts works pretty well. Install was truly plug and play.
A minor gripe is that the FM radio volume is unusually loud.
Bluetooth works with my iPhone 4 as well as streaming music via Bluetooth, nice feature.
Fit n finish is nice, almost looks stock.

Bimmian has a pretty decent video for those interested

Does this unit fit e53 with oem nav and no dsp? Can you still get mpg on the cluster or does it take away all onboard comp options?

That unit Bimmian is showing is the Dynavin "E46" unit, which is not made for the X5(E53). The Dynavin "E39" unit is the one that is fits right into the E53 w/no mods whatsoever, as pictured above in my other post. They are only selling units made for cars "without" NAV, not sure why.
The unit does not show the original BC functions at all.
As for the DSP, read up on other posts to see what people are doing.

I just bought a 2002 4.6is non-nav, I think I'll be going with the Hualingan unit, I like the bigger screen much better than the smaller Dynavin.

Or I may go with this unit.

| BMW Headunit Upgrade | Navigation retrofit | e46 | e53 x5 | E39 | E38

Hi 06E53, Hope you don't mind a few questions on the Dynavin. I want to get one too.

1. Where did you order it? How much did it cost? Shipping to..?
2. How's the ipod interface? All songs, genres, albums, playlists etc. accessible fromt the touch screen?
3. How's th Bluetooth phone function? Clear voice to and from the unit?
4. GPS function running on what OS? iGO or Garmin? Functioning well?
5. How did you secure the Dynavin on the dash? Does it have the metal frame with screws? Snap on like the former MID?

6. If I already took out the frame inside the dash, would it still be possible to mount the Dynavin? :dunno:

Hope you won't mind the questions. I'm planning on changing my unit :( Thanks!

I also have some questions...

You said the install was "plug and play" what exactly does it involve? because with the bluetooth, i would assume that microphones etc need to be installed. also with the navi, doesnt an antenna need to be installed?

sorry for the probably obvious questions

decisions, decisions

As far as "Plug and Play", i mean it is kinda like installing any standard radio on a car that fits a single din. This unit is basically a large single din unit, sliding into the slot that the CD occupied and it snaps into place. From there it is just plugging in the wires and yes you do need to run mic and gps.
That is a little more time consuming, but not difficult. As suggested, i ran both mic and gps through glove box and into A pillar by windshield. The gps antenna has a magnet so it sticks nicely to the front speaker and no one knows its there, also has a clear view of the sky. The mic i ran higher and into the headliner all the way to the rear view mirror.
Check out my pics of the unit here:
https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif

MobileMe Gallery

1. I ordered mine from Bimmian, i just had good timing as i received one of the first units they had in stock. I paid about $740 shipped to the Boston area from their warehouse in Toronto, only took a few days.

2. iPod interface is pretty good. The problem is, no one can emulate the design and ease of use that Apple provides, however this is not bad. Actually, considering i had an iPod with the OEM unit which SUCKED! This would be a big improvement. It does show all Artists, playlists, etc and is fully functioned with the touchscreen. It could use some improvement on how you navigate through the iPod, you have to touch a corner of the screen to call up controls on the bottom of the screen. From there you can advance, fast forward, access ipod menu, etc. Also, if you leave it plugged in, sometimes you have to give the radio some time to reconnect to the iPod.

3. Bluethooth works without a hitch. So far no complaints from people on the other end since you are using an external mic rather than built in.
It does not load names in my phonebook which is a bummer. But so far i just go to my iPhone in a cradle and dial from there. The bluetooth will stream ANY sound coming from the iPhone, like Pandora radio, iPod, etc etc. What i like about that is if i don't feel like using my iPod, i'll stream music from my iPhone since it's so fast and easy find songs.

4. GPS uses iGO 8 software. Google this and you will find lots of info. They are one of the top preferred GPS packages. It's also somewhat customizable if you are tech savy. It works really well, but i found i need to find the maps in a forum to update to this years maps, mine shipped with maps from 2008.

5. This unit does not use any screws to secure. It slides in and snaps into place like any single din unit would. It comes with the 2 thin metal things to insert into the radio to release it from the clips if you need to take it back out.

6. I think you screwed the pooch if you took out the frame. I'm pretty sure that is where the clips are that the radio clips into. If you could somehow secure it back into place strong enough you might be ok.

Check out my pics of the unit so far:
https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif https://www.me.com/my/sproutcore/en/wpw/blank.gif

MobileMe Gallery

Thanks for the response to queries. Yes I think I screwed up the chance of installing a Dynavin when I took out the origin frame :( well I'm sure if I'm desperate enough I'll try to find a way. I will have to make my current setup works for the meantime. Thanks!

I thought you installed the Hualingan unit, why would you want to install the Dynavin? I think the Hualingan looks much better than the Dynavin, I can't stand that small screen on the Dynavin with all of the dead space around it!

Hahaha! Someone has noticed! I'm currently not satisfied with my Hualingan. Maybe it's an isolated case (I hope). Gps and Bluetooth mic are not working. having a difficult time with the return/exchange porocess as well. Hence my 'exploratory' inquiries around :) I'm still hoping that my HL will be replaced or repaired (worst case scenario).

Oh okay, gotcha, you're right I remember reading about your problems, as I've said in several threads I think I'm going to wait for the English firm Tv-In-Motion to finish their unit. It looks like a Hualingan unit that they are stuffing with their own software (Windows CE I think) and few tweaks here and there. Also if I have any problems I want to be able to speak to someone in English.

BMW Replacement Headunit update

thats my only dilemma with the dynavin (the dead space) although seems the dynavin is more of a advanced and simple installment