Update your Radio Unit & your SUV
 

I'm having this Alpine unit installed Monday. They remove the radio and cd changer and a matching plastic trim piece is installed and it looks almost factory. Alpine makes factory units for Lexus -BMW and other companies that work this way.

This unit has everything a 2014 car would have an more. HD radio- Sirius satellite radio-Pandora-blue tooth hands free phone-blue tooth mp3 or hardwire to phone-CD-DVD player- back up camera & navigation.

Just amazing.....I'm paying $900 installed.

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

keep us updated when its installed do you have dps also?

Nice. Always liked Alpine gear I had. These used to cost thousands. Do you still have steering wheel functionality? Ive got the business radio in mine, so this is certainly an option. Im also looking at the one that has the "factory" appearance that is sold on eBay for about $385. This Alpine goes for $420 new on eBay, so they are neck in neck for pricing. I just need to look at the options they both offer and flip a coin. I would like to retain steering wheel control of stations and volume, although its not a deal breaker. Bluetooth and Pandora are key for me. I'll probably update the one in my E38 as well eventually, the Bluetooth (OEM) doesnt work that well and it takes a brick+ sized module each time to add a function, like factory TV. Which it has - now its all nice and neat in one unit...love it.

Heres the one Im considering in addition: 7" BMW E39 E53 Car GPS Navigation DVD Player iPod Stereo Bluetooth Touch Screen | eBay

Yes read my link to Alpines site...it does steering controls. I like the rear camera and hands free. BMW Nav's are not so great...I have no idea if Alpine Nav is good.

Pictures, please, pictures!

Thats just a double din unit ... interesting to see how they make it OEM looking

Any pics?

I'm curious on this as well. "Matching plastic trim piece" usually gets translated into "a flat semi-matte textured piece of plastic with a double din hole through the center". The E53 is too old for the major audio companies to invest in R&D for tailored trim kits....a la alpine's "perfect fit"...unless the shop doing the installation is going to build you a custom piece.

Also as far as steering wheel controls...as with most headunits, it has the capability for the function, but requires an additional (PAC) module to actually use them.

Looking forward to pics of the install though!:thumbup:

Give me until the weekend and I'll take some pics and give feedback. I will also try and shoot a vid. They installed an override relay so when the vehicle is moving it does not lock you out of any functions. I'm picking it up by noon today EST time. I did not have time to get it yesterday.

They also upgraded a top of the line back up camera, they said the cheap ones go bad in a few years and cloud up, that was and extra $250.

The place I'm using has been around for 30 years same owners and no kids doing installs.

You can read some reviews here from Crutchfeild.
Alpine INE-W940 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

Run away from Eonon...RUUUUN!!!!!!

Really, its that bad? :( Looks so cool though. That sucks to hear. I saw one of the earlier version in the FS forum...What makes it crappy?