Navigation Radio Question
 

Good afternoon, I am hoping someone has tried this before. Does anyone know if the navigation head unit will work by itself? I would like to put one in my 2001 X5, but I don't care about the navigation function. I can get a HU cheap, but it is only the HU. I also have the factory CD changer in the back. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Have a great day!

Perhaps understanding what the monitor (or the MID in non-Nav set ups) is...will help you in your decision. You mention getting a "head unit"...and I'm not sure what you mean because neither the monitor or MID (multi-informational display) is a "head unit".

The monitor/screen (or MID) is an input device. All of the information/data that is visible on the screen comes from other components...and the monitor (or MID) just allows you to control that info/data that is sent to it.

The monitor (or MID) is the display for the OBC/Clock/Phone/DSP/Audio/Navigation. The navigation data comes from the separate navigation computer, the radio tuner is a separate component that is located in the cargo area (or it's incorporated into the in-dash cassette or CD player if you have the MID), the clock & OBC info comes from the IKE (instrument cluster electronics), the PHONE & BT info comes from those components that are also located in the cargo area, and the DSP (if optioned) is in the amp...which is also in the rear cargo area.

If you have onBoard navigation and were to disconnect the Nav unit...the screen would still function for all the other functions that are non Nav related. As long as the wiring harness is attached to the back of the monitor is connected to the other components that send info/data to the monitor...they will still function.

The only exception I can think of is the cassette tape player. With the MID set-up...the in-dash cassette (or CD player) is a separate unit...with the monitor...the cassette player is integrated into the monitor set-up. But again, all other components are independent of the monitor and only send their info/data to the monitor as it's their display device.

I believe in other BMW markets...you can have the monitor without navigation...it is used when they have the TV option.

If you're changing from a MID set-up to a nav/monitor set-up...then you'll also need to change the data cable that runs from the dash back to the all the components that are located in the rear cargo area...you can't use the same cable you have now. One of the reasons is...the radio is up front in the MID set-up...but it's in the rear with the nav/monitor.

from what i remember, the image on the monitor is generated by the TV module, and if there is a nav computer, than the image is generated by the nav... without the either of the two, there will be a blank, black, lightly glowing blueish screen...

the visual difference between the nav generated screen and tv generated screen, the nav screen is what most people have seen on this site and the youtube, the TV screen is a bit old-fashion looking, with 70-s looking fonts... i will need to take a pic of the tv screen just for academic interest...

Thanks for the fast responses guys! So I would need the screen, cable and radio to be able to use this device? I';; have to see if I can get those as well. Thanks!

you will need a nav or tv unit to have a menu on the screen... and of course a cable to connect everything... there are retrofit instructions on this site, go to the top of the page, click on the HOW TO, look for Nav Virgin install...

I will be the first to say that the electronics on my 2001 (bought used in 2005) suck. I tried to upgrade as it became available, but it was always a generation or two behind. then NAVTEQ stopped offering new nav discs. 3 yrs ago I had my local audio installer yank out the nav unit and installed the Alpine (now available INA-W926,927,928BT (6",7",8" screen size - BT for bluetooth). $$$, but now I have AM,FM,HD radio, CD, Bluetooth, iPod, and new nav. Frankly, I don't think I'll ever be able to give up this car. It is just too perfect, for me. I can still add on the Sirius/XM if I want to in the future. Being 6'4" and needing at least 40" of front head room limits what I can fit into. But if Shaq & Peyton can show me how they get in & out of the Buick, I'll buy that ocean front property in AZ I saw advertised.