read about the NCS, as with it you can really brick it!!! lol...


just kidding... Get "BMW Programming Tool", it helps with the Expert...

Is there a comprehensive thread on all these coders/programmers/readers on here? I've seen references to so many different ones and am going to need to pick one up soon. I used to use an Autologic at the shop I worked at... but I don't have $5000 sitting around (or the work) to justify that kind of purchase lol.

I keep reading references to one from estonia (or some other euro locale), INPA, DISS, and now this one... going to need one when I do my Avin install and also when I do my valve seals... thanks for any info.

The tool i am talking about is supplementary to the ncsexpert, it just makes it easier to change the activ/nicht_activ lines, nothing else. The ncs is the one doing programming..

Just curious about mine since I have it on order. You can control the OEM DSP Equalizer settings via the Equalizer provided in the dynavin right?

Is the NCSEXPERT/INPA package I can get off Ebay compatible across the board? Pre-facelift/facelift?

it will program all iBus cars, including Rover and some Range rovers and i think SAAbs and some others... but older modules will not have certain lines of coding that the newer modules would have - i had a 2002 4.6 that i tried to program the fog lights to stay on with the high beams, and the LCM on that year/month did not allow for that option. the LCM on the 2006 4.8 took that coding line with no problems...

I have cables (OBD & Pacman) from an Ebay carsoft purchase... would these be compatible with NCSexpert?

If it is serial connection, then definitely no.

Thanks... I believe they are. Haven't used them in quite awhile. Looks like I'll be ordering one of the ones Terminator posted.

Sorry for hijacking the thread a bit from Dynavin... but since some coding might be involved during install maybe it's not totally irrelevant.

Sooooo update four8, is the Dynavin an excellent purchase still?

I'm interested into how well the built in maps work as I'm really sick of using my phone for GPS, I like the live map on my screen at eye level.

If you bite the bullet you won't be disappointed. It's a better build unit than the OE Nav, with more options, and newer technology.

RB, navigation software is upgradeable with Dynavin. You can install various different ones but iGo Primo that comes with the unit is one of the best navigation software I have used. User functionality, features, and route reliability are by far one of the best. You can also change/add layout themes, add scenic sites, buildings, point of interest, etc, etc…

Yes RB now that I got a chance to use the GPS on a long drive, enjoy the music through Bluetooth, friends and family think the clarity of phone calls is outstanding, and all the other gadgets plus the updated interior, I would have paid even more to have this thing..like Doru said, it's a really nice unit and ages ahead of the OE Navi ;)

Well after my headlight project is complete I know what my next purchase will be, I want the OEM running boards but to be honest I think I'll get more satisfaction out of the N6 in the long term :thumbup:

Thanks Juger, Doru, and four8 for the recommendation and for being the "testers" for Xoutpost, you guys really did a great job!

Running board might look better vs. non-rb but because they get in the way when getting in and out the car you might be better off with an N6.

You will spend much more time looking at the N6 - every time you sit behind the wheel - I think making sure your cabin environment is the best it can be makes a huge difference to the satisfaction of driving!


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I don't understand why the Dynavin does not have Sirius radio. I agree that it really upgrades the interior but why not Sirius feature? That's what I use almost all of the time.

Theres an App for that.. but you'll need cell data

I have the app. That might be OK, not optimum. Does anyone know if the Sirius info shows on the Dyavin screen or not and if it can be controlled via existing controls or is it necessary to control using the phone?

I'm surprised still at how many people use sirius/xm. I can't stand audio compressed down to 96kbs. Destroys the listening experience for me... but I'm an audiophile so maybe it's just a "me" thing.

What's the output line level on the Dynavin? I have DSP and sometimes, when a particularly good song comes on, max'd out the volume. I have aftermarket front speakers (HAT Imagine 6.5's) and subs (JL 6" subs in factory box). Factory head unit is pretty strong at 5v or so max.

I'm also kind of an audiophile, and I can't believe I listen to satellite radio either. But for some reason I do. I've never paid even close to full price for it - it's not worth it. But it's a nice option to have for background music.

I wish they'd compress the talk stations organs the music stations less. Seems like a possible solution?

Either way, I love my Hair Nation.

SiriusXM is easy for convenience, if you find a station you like you rarely have to "flip" to find something else. Whereas if I am playing music from my iPod library I never shuffle because of the randomness of genres I have (punk, classic rock, metal, hardcore, rap, and electronic) and I don't have time to make playlists like its 2004 lol. So I'd rather just get in and have a station I like come back on.

I have Internet listening on my Sirius package so I use it at work, and on my phone at the gym (free wi-fi) but it does eat up data if you aren't in wi-fi.

I guess you could always add a tuner with the RCA's but then I wish you'd be able to control the stations from the Dynavin screen.

I am with you guys on the XM. Agreed it tends to be junk music but its nice to have for background / easy click on. Sorting out where to place the junky looking XM head unit / tuner wired going into AUX is where my N6 project is holding. Suppose I could mount it in the ashtray like former ipod docks did.

Would be slick if it could be controlled via Dynavin screen and then hidden in glove box or something.

^^^thats exactly what I wish we could do

I'm not an audiophile. That said, I very seldom listen to music on Sirius. When I do there a few stations that play stuff to cover all my moods. Most of the time I am listening to the engine.

Well, I can't speak for the Dynavin as to the Sirius/XM built in stuff... but our Avin just got here last week and from what I have read here they have an Android app for those sat services. I'll try it and see how well it works on that unit and post about it in another thread. Install won't be for another few weeks most likely though as I am working on 2 of our other bimmers that needed attention first.

BCredliner... I hear you. When we had Sirius we mostly listened to sports or other talk type of shows. My wife had a few music stations, but the quality always killed it for me.

My wife used to put it on Hair Nation every now and then... I think. We never paid for the service. It came free with our Optima and they just kept giving us free trials after it expired. I never really listened to it, but my wife used it sometimes as you guys mention when you want something easy.

I prefer USB's and full selection of 100% music I know I like in good quality. 320kbs is where I try to have it at since most players don't support flac yet.

Hey guys,

just got through my install and wanted to put some cliff notes down for those taking this on. I did the install over two separate days. 1 day for the reverse camera. 1 day for everything else. I probably went overboard in my attention to detail, zip tied everything, close to 100% invisible install - but if you were just throwing it in you could get it done in a day.

Tips:

- remove your interior first. Passenger seat, glovebox, trans tunnel trims, rear seat, kick panel, B-pillar trim etc. Removing the glovebox proved crucial for getting access to the rear of the head unit to get all the wires tucked down so the headunit would seat fully. Removing the seat will give you so much more room to move around in the car, and save your lower back from having to sit in the seat and lean forward. Note, you will set off your SRS when disconnecting the seat, so either disconnect your battery first, or plan to clear the code after.

- if you have the Business CD, you MUST remove all the plastic bracket area that they suggest to cut out. It needs to be flush in order for the metal bracket/basket combo to fit in. You won't get the head unit in if it's not 100% square.

- Be careful with running your mic and GPS if you plan to place it in the head liner console. There is only just enough wiring to run the distance. I ran from the overheard console, across passenger side roof lining, down A-piller, under kick panel and along the back of the glovebox. It was tight.

- when placing the mic in the upper console and point at the drive, there are two T10 torx screws underneath the courtesy/map lights that allow you to drop the plastic housing down and poke the mic out the side and point it at the driver. Saves cutting any plastics. I didn't cut/drill/trim any plastic in this install (other than the bracket).


- Put some duct tape down under the lower edge of the headunit, on the textured plastic dash. It will save you putting a bunch of scratches on your dash when you're trying to manoeuvre the head unit into place. Also suggest putting some blue painters tape on the screen itself as some extra protection. The last time I did a head unit install, I put an inch long scratch into my brand new Pioneer screen with a screwdriver accidentally. You can only imagine the rage......

- Don't use the 'license plate light' replacement reverse camera. It doesn't fit, and to make it fit is a compromise. I did do irreversible damage to the bulb holder to get enough clearance to get the camera in that space, I regret that as it is now permanent. I would suggest getting a small butterfly camera with mini connection instead of the big ass RCA style ones which are a nightmare to feed through the tailgate to body grommet.

- For Australians, I bought the DVB-T box (digital tv tuner). I have only done a short test with it, but have only been able to get one channel and I live in the city, so signal should be strong. Suggest this is a waste of money unless you're prepared to mount an external body antenna.

All in all, the part that took the longest was the reverse camera, cutting the bracket, and getting the wiring up to the headliner. If you were happy to have no camera, you already had the OEM large screen and didn't have to trim the bracket, and were happy to put the GPS in the dash and use the inbuilt mic - you would avoid all this.

I also ran full 5ch RCA's and amp trigger wire to the rear of the car. I don't know if I will ever put an amp in and upgrade the speakers (which improved slightly with the Dynavin but are still rubbish), but I had a set in the garage and figured it made sense to run them anyway rather than go through this ordeal twice.

Overall, it's a great improvement. Spotify works great with A2DP. It picked up all my contacts from my iPhone 5 straight away. I'm sure once I spend some quality time with it I will have more feedback.

I'm going to treat myself to one of these if I can get her to go 6 months without a (major) repair. Doable? :)

When I do bite the bullet, I'd like to find a mic install that uses the BMW mic position and looks stock. I haven't seen this so far in any of the write-ups. Anyone seen this done? Could you just mount it behind the stock grill piece, or disassemble the plastic housing of the Dynavin one and mount behind the factory piece?

I wanted to do this too as I don't really like the mic hanging out of the roof, looks a bit unfinished.

The problem is, the factory mic vent you see is actually the mic unit itself. The vent doesn't separate from the microphone, it's just one chunky, all in one box.

If you were to do anything it would have to involve the larger square panel next to it.

But then your issue, as has been mentioned a few times in this thread, is that the mic is very directionally sensitive. It needs to be pointing at the driver's mouth, which makes it difficult to conceal it and at the same time have it facing in the right orientation.

Maybe if you're handy with electronics you could work out how to utilise the factory mic, but I had a quick look at it - it has 3 wires going in at the microphone, and no idea where they run to. The Dynavin requires a 3.5mm male jack to plug in, so you'd have to make all that work - and even then the sensitivity and volume may not match.

Pics of the final install to see how clean it is! Thanks for posting the tips, did you leave your GPS antenna in the headliner too or just up near the vents?

No dramas. Will try get a pic later.

GPS Antenna went up inside the headliner, in the plastic overhead console. Was running cables up there for DVB-T antenna, Mic and dashcam so it was no big deal.

I have not wired up the trigger wire for the reverse camera yet, or mounted my USB sockets....so I'm still not 100% done.

Anyone know where I can download iGo maps for Australia? (Mine came with N/American maps).

I epoxy-ed my mic on the plastic plate - look at the pic I posted. You can swivel the mic in whichever direction you want afterwards. I know, once I had it positioned, I never moved it afterwards. Works very well, no issues.

Yeah - I did see your setup and considered doing it that way, but I wanted to avoid any cutting or glueing. Normally I'd have no issue with sacrificing that little panel and replacing it down the track if needed, but wreckers charge and arm and a leg for BMW parts (as I'm finding out).

Doru's setup:

http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps5d98f436.png

Mine is setup like four.8is, I also took the little foam hat off the mic too as it kept catching on the sun visor.

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/...pscd40bae9.jpg

Great post Smokey53.

No worries.

Here's a quick snap.

I also put a new open screen on but need to wait for it sleep before I can grab a shot.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...050f9f8c08.jpg


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Opening screen http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...e7bcf92c5e.jpg


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Nice pictures - thanks for posting.

On the microphone mount, I did some searching and you can buy a cover only. This would allow you to discretely mount the Dynavin one behind it and not destroy the factory unit should you wish to keep it or sell it. I'll likely go this route. Holding out for the 6 month dry spell with no repairs......

Search SiteSearch Microphone - 51448250108 - Microphone Cover - ES#115824

Would this work if you didn't have the OEM mic equipped from the factory? That would be one heck of a clean install!

This is how I did my mic install. I routed the Dynavin mic to the original mic location, unplug the factory mic and then unclip it from the cover, then tape the Dynavin mic to the cover inside and clip it back to the upper console
Works great with good sound quality

That's how I did the last install in an e46 as well. Except I trimmed the cover a tiny bit so I could slip the "mount" part of the aftermarket map up through the cover. It made for a lower profile mounting and you don't have to tape or epoxy on the bottom of the vent where it would possibly visible from different angles.

great find.

Looking at the pics of that microphone cover, there is a tab that would appear to hold the microphone itself to the cover. Maybe they can be split? I might have a closer look over the weekend. That would be a great result.

Motorsport1207 - when you put your mic in behind the vent did you keep the foam cover on the mic with your install? and did you point it straight down or towards the back of the car?

I guess my question is if I don't have the oem mic and cover from the factory is there a location above me or on the dome light to retrofit the mic cover?

Aka please show a pic of the overhead mic location so I can check on my console, thanks!

RB, even on the most basic overhead console there should be blanking plates that you can pop out and put a mic vent cover like the one from ECS in it's place. Easiest way is to pop out the big square blank plate/homelink panel, reach in with a finger and push out the smaller ones from behind.

http://www.drivex5.com/wp-content/up...3156380210.jpg

Mine did not come with a mic from the factory but I do have that mic grill installed. I also have a blank plate. So RB you should also at least have the blank plate if not the grill already.

This has been my experience with customer installs as well. Even if no OEM handsfree there was a grille in place.

Perfect guys you were right! checked it out this morning, I have the sunroof control on the left, then the Homelink, a blank plate, and a mic cover on the far right!

So when I get the N6 I will swap the blank one and the mic cover (to bring it just a bit closer to me), and take the foam off the mic and leave routed in the OEM location? Are you guys taking the foam off the mic if you tuck it in the dome?

Also, is the GPS antenna magnetic? If so I'm guessing theres a spot of metal under the headliner it will stick to.

Don't place the GPS antenna inside the dash. You will get no signal. That's how I had it the 1st time - just like how I had it installed on the e39 for which it works...But not for the e53.
I routed the cable to the far right of the dash, then along the window, and there is where the GPS antenna sits. I will take some pics when I'm home from work

Thanks Dorin, yes I didn't mean inside the dash I was going to try to route it up into the headliner near where the mic sits. Whenever you can snap a pic that would be great no rush

Since you are removing the A pillar anyway to install the mic in the headliner, might as well run the antenna wire same route but tuck it under the headliner near the B pillar...see my posts for pics..great reception so far!

EDIT: RB, I recall the antenna wire is shorter than the mic one so you won't be able to install it next to the microphone...unless you wanna get into cutting it and adding about 3 ft of wire...

Off topic but I think the right people are following this thread. I use Google maps on my iPhone. When connected to the OE radio (plus a mediabrige) by USB or bluetooth the Google maps sound comes through the radio. Is there a way to get the Google map to display on the nav screen?

OE TV tuner maybe? Not sure how the iPhone would output video though (I am not familiar with the Apple ecosystem). Maybe someone who is can chime in on whether or not that is possible. Terminator sounds like the one who could answer this one.

When I installed the mic, I wrapped it with the foam. Pointed towards back of car

I also mount my GPS receiver in front of console on windshield. Works great

I have tried this on a previous Dynavin a few years ago using a Spec.Dock that at the time came with RCA connectors running to the Aux Video In. It didn't work that well.

It involved using an app, (can't remember the name of it), that would mirror the display up onto the screen, but in portrait mode and the screen was obviously not responsive.

This is a video showing a similar setup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr0BmTMCPV0

If google maps was important to you, I'd either stick to running it off the phone - if you're listening to bluetooth audio, the directions will come through the speakers. Or go for an Avin2 - but given you're running an iPhone5 you're probably not going to get a lot of use out of an Android system.

Interesting setup. Thanks!

I'm not hooked on google maps but I like it much better than the OE nav system. I do have directions coming though the radio now using either USB connector or bluetooth connected to my iPhone.

I keep reading all the threads about the Dynavin system. My take is it is better to wait awhile before investing in an aftermarket system as they don't sound like they are really plug and play nor does it sound like they have all the 'bugs' out yet.

I'd respectfully disagree. It's like anything, it depends how much you are expecting of the system. As I mentioned in my post, if you were happy to use the internal mic, forgo the backup camera and put the GPS in the dash - you wouldn't have to do anything to install this other than trim the bracket (if you have a single DIN from factory) and plug it in to the factory connector.

The navigation that is provided with is is iGo Primo 2.4 which is pretty much the standard for after market nav software. It will do everything google maps can do plus POI, speed camera/red light camera alert etc. It's going to be far far superior to the OEM nav system.

In terms of stability, I haven't had any issues (yet). Any bugs are usually rectified with software upgrades if and when they appear, and with Jeff providing domestic support, I think it's a fairly safe bet.

Obviously you're a fair way down the road with getting your system the way you want it so it would be a shame to rip it all out again, but for those who are standing at the fork in the road I think its a good solution.

EDIT: One negative I have noted is that in midday sunlight, with sun coming directly down on the car through the window the screen can be difficult to read. I have the anti-glare screen protector fitted, so not sure if that makes a difference - and I also 'may' have had the headlights on (can't remember) which dims the display. Will report back after I go get lunch today.

^no screen will stand a chance in bright sun light ..it can be difficult at times to follow what's going on the screen but I have yet to see a screen that is clear with that much light hitting the glass element.

It is indeed a plug and play unit...
Still didn't get to install the rear camera and PDC wire but the rest of the install went smoothly and finished in less than 4 hours...
I expect those with OE navi in place to take about 2 hours more to run the whole chunk of cables back to the navi unit in the trunk...thankfully I didn't have to cuz mine didn't come with navigation...

this is mine... you probably had seen it before...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R94c3kzF_wQ

Yeah that looks pretty good mate, the only thing you're missing is touch screen responsiveness on the actual screen. I think the Dynavin would only bring you marginal gains in terms of satisfaction.

By the way, we've got the same garage. Black E53 X5 and W204 (Mine's a 2012 C300 in silver)

Smokey, you are in the Oz... there is a company that makes MimicX2 somewhere in Australia, their product takes touchscreen overlay and makes it work on the cars and cellphones... like in my setup, plus the overlay on top of factory screen, and then you have it... however, there were some sales and delivery issues with guy who sells it... it was a couple years ago, if he is still in business he may have resolved the issues. Have you heard of it?

PS. The MB was my wife's... while everyone around was impressed by the looks of the car, she wasn't thrilled... so, she got herself a 2012 335 M-packet... lol... black... :)

No haven't heard of them, Term. Sounds like an interesting concept but a bit small volume no doubt with its own issues. Dynavin really is a large operation if you look into it - and I am starting to see all the knock-off eBay units are trying to mimic the menu designs of the N6. Imitation is the best form of flattery right?

To current owners, how do you keep your screen clean? Mine seems to pickup greasy finger prints pretty easily even with the protector. Thinking I should get a rubber stylus maybe?


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Had some time and here is how it's routed on mine from outside shot:


http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps9c687e5d.jpg

From inside shot:

http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps9fc156ff.jpg

2 things and thanks for the pics!

1) I'm personally very OCD so if I wanted to "hide the antenna" somewhere where could I do it? Could I route it under the vent at the front of the windshield?

2). Is it magnetic and is the cord long enough to snake it to where the microphone is routed?

Your point is well taken.

RB , under the headliner
No not enough wire to reach to the overhead console where the mic is
Yes It is magnetic!
I personally don't like to see things popping out of the dash lol

Mine is hidden also. I had enough wire to run it up to the centre overhead console. It basically sits where the homelink buttons are,or for me, its just a blank plate. I do admit though, I had to plug the antenna into the head unit AS i loaded it into the slot- I couldn't plug it in while it was resting on the transmission tunnel pre installation. So the cord is only juuuuust long enough.

Where four.8is has his is just as good I think.

Smokey I think Jeff sold you the Australian version of the N6.That one has a longer antenna wire:rofl:

Nah I think I have the Australian version of the X5 - slightly smaller ;)

But seriously, I have the US version same as you. I had a relative bring one back from me from the US as there are distribution agreements in place that stop Jeff from sending them overseas. Local suppliers are charging double the price here....but that's a rant I won't get into. My antenna should be the same as yours unless they now provide a different version.

I have a question about the rca outs

I read that they are 4volt, that is good, but is there a front, rear, and subwoofer out?
and can u just rip out the cd changer and stock navi unit and stock dsp to make room for a 4 channel and a mono amp?

you have to keep the radio module I guess

I have dsp and stock navi, and my dsp amp is giving me issues, I loose front left and rear left speakers and tweets intermittedly .

You should do some reading on DSP.

All I will say is that the Dynavin has 4xRca out with dedicated sub channel. You can throw out the OEM system and build your own solution.




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I disagree. There is just enough wire to reach the front of the overhead console. That is where I placed my GPS antenna, in front of the console and rear view mirror.

So you ran it up the A pillar and under the headliner around where the visor is? Maybe we should send Jeff an email and see if he can get Dynavin to provide a slightly longer antenna.

I'm surprised to be honest, it shouldn't be the location of the antenna that's the issue maybe the antenna itself?

I retrofitted OEM navigation on my 2008 VW GLI about 5 years ago and the universal GPS antenna I bought from ebay was magnetic and just stuck on the metal frame behind the unit and was hidden in the dash underneath the vent control.

Whats the plug like on the connection to the antenna? For probably $20 more if I can get a stronger antenna on ebay and can just hide it behind the unit in the dash I'd probably rather do that.

The Hualigan unit I have on my e39 has the GPS antenna under the dash, and it works good. I don't know why it doesn't work with Dynavin. I also looked at the cable of the N6 GPS antenna, and I thought it was short to route it through the A pillar in the roof. Then I also thought that if I don't get signal from under the dash, I might not get signal through the roof. That's why I placed it where it is. And it's very responsive in that location. Not the "cleanest" install, but the speaker baffle is black, metal (holds the magnetic backplate of the GPS antenna) and actually blends in. The pics somehow highlight the antenna. When sitting in the car you have to know about it to "see" it.

K, because on the website it says 2x4v preout, with no specification on what channel it is for and 1 rca, with no description on what that means

Do you have to keep the stock radio module and gps module and cd changer?
Or can u toss all that crap out?
Does it interact with the pdc system or can the n6 output the beeping sounds?
Bsw had an option for upgrading the stock dsp amp which would eliminate the need for going aftermarket for more watts, they also have plug and play speakers that are an upgrade which would eliminate cutting up door panels/speaker mounts and wiring

Can anyone post a link to what I need to purchase to duplicate the iphone screen on my nav? And let me know if it work on my X5 radio? FYI, I don't have television module if that is necessary.

I have a 2000 X5 4.4i with a transplanted MARK4 DVD Nav w/16:9 screen. The screen is starting to go out so looking for a replacement. Few questions:

- Works with stock steering wheel controls? Says adapter required is that plug and play or splicing required?
- OBD work? (i.e. avg speed, MPG, coolant temp, etc...)?
- Will work with stock Harmon Kardon amp? (non-DSP i beleive)
- Works with stock Navigation and antannae? Says extension required.

Any discount for Xoutpost members? Group buy?

You get a discount from Jeff @ J&T of $50 if you order from him or I think coupon code is BIMMER. Comes to $699 shipped.

Need the Fakra harness if you were originally equipped with OEM Navigation (sold separately)

Steering wheel controls should be plug and play, and yes will work with stock amp (non DSP and DSP amps).

You have to disconnect the MID so you will lose some OBC functions unless you relocate the MID to the glovebox. Most don't mind the sacrifice.

Thanks for the deets!

The Fakra harness lets you use stock navi program (MK4 DVD) or just the GPS antenna built into the rear window? Doesn't this unit have it's own NAV software?

What is MID? I'd like to maintain all OBC functions if possible (I would still like to access them on the cluster guage too). Does this unit have it's own vehicle / telematic data?

Saw someone talking about mirroring their iPhone / Android screen to the device. Is this possible? If so I have an android phone that connects to OBD via bluetooth and has some pretty superior vehicle data using the Torque Pro app complete with customizable guages for coolant temp, rpm, speed, etc...

Too many questions for me to answer as I don't have the technical specs why not email [email protected] as he is the expert on it? I know if you have stock Nav, the N6 is replacing it, and I believe you don't reuse the stock GPS antenna either (someone correct me if wrong), the Fakra harness is just to adapt it to models that already came equipped with OEM Nav as they are wired differently having the radio and the Nav computer in the trunk.

Not sure about the OBC functions as they aren't in the Nav screen I believe they are in the BM54 or 53 radio, why not ask Motorsport to confirm, I think he has Nav equipped.

unsure about phone mirroring.

Thanks i'll hit him up!

phone mirroring...

does N6 have a video/audio (AV) input? if so, then you need to see if your phone is capable of producing video for an output... if it can, then you need to match the phone output to device input... that's it...

Guys, working on finishing up my Avin install today. Had a few issues, no illumination and a backup cam issue. Thought I would tackle the illumination issue during my daughter's first nap. The DIY posted doesn't address it other than to say it needs +12v.

Well, I was disappointed after installing originally and not having any illumination so I had a poke around to where I could find a switched +12v to operate with headlight switch + dimming. The obvious source is the lighter/ashtray LED. This is exceedingly difficult to get to without pulling the center console (which I had just had out *facepalm*). So I traced the wires on that plug (cig LED plug) as I could just see them through the ashtray area after pulling out the ashtray. The +12v is green/red and ground is brown. So I pulled the shifter handle and the shifter surround. Low and behold the green/red wire goes to the shifter surround.

So there you have it fellas. Run a small gauge wire from your Fakra orange behind the head unit down behind the climate controls, behind ashtray area, and up through the shifter area. Tap it into the green/red wire in the black plug on the shifter surround and you are set. Took me about 20 minutes with tapping, insulating, and zip tying after 5 minutes of head unit removal.

Hope that helps someone.

Anyone know what Jeff is talking about here? I went to their website and couldn't find anything...

NM: Found what he is referring to... and it's just the ACC wire in the Fakra. This won't give you headlight control or dimming. Use the one I suggested. It was multi meter confirmed before tapping it just to double check.

you didnt read the entire thing:

"if you want the lights to dim with the dash lights you will want to splice the orange wire from the fakra into a dash lighting circuit, the easiest place to do this on most cars is the ashtray light or at the stock head unit plug, in most BMWs the lighting wire is the grey and red wire on the blue plug. ALWAYS confirm this with a test light or voltmeter."

Gotcha... does that apply to the e53? Mine had factory nav so is that wire present in one of the two harnesses (one was blue) that formerly plugged in there? If so, that is definitely easier to get to than my solution.

Yes

Hi guys

I just noticed that my parking lines don't sweep with the steering wheel angle. They're fixed. I don't have adaptive xenons, (OEM halogen) so is it possible that my car doesn't have a SWAS?

Looks very well.How much you bought it and from where?

Seems like a great unit, but one problem unless I can not find it..... only european maps available?

How do you figure? Four.8is is located in Seattle and there is another member in Australia. Looks like the main nav app on the unit is IGO which is a global navigation app.

Sorry, read more and see map versions.

Thx.

I am really interested in this HU and all the info is invaluable. I will "pull the trigger" probably sometime in May. So for now I will read and re-read all info. I do have a Q for anyone that has installed the N6 and I have not seen it addressed. Have those that have installed it kept their stock speakers? Has anyone upgraded to BavSound's speaker package or other aftermarket speakers, and which aftermarkets were installed? Thanks for any feedback

Bavsound's speakers would probably be awesome with the N6.

Is there any other reason than DSP support for going with this over the AVIN unit?

They are apples and oranges....

Read my FAQ, its question #1.


I might have to look into being a sponsor here so I can discuss things more openly in threads like these.....although most of you guys seem to be following things on the other forums well enough....:dunno:

Hey hey hey looky here its Jeff from J&T! Nice to see you here again Jeff!

I just read the thread by Crystalworks where he had to dremel the edges of the AVIN2 to be able to fit into the OEM bezel space, that is one of the huge turn offs to me of the AVIN unit personally, I don't care if it boots up 1 second faster or runs on Android lol. I just wanted an OEM+ look, and DSP capability out of the box.

I agree RB... it was a bit of a downer for me too. I'm not sure why those edges aren't rounded since it is also necessary on the E39 install from what I could tell from others pics. Seems like a design flaw to me. :dunno:

I also agree with everything Jeff said in his FAQ on the website regarding the difference between the Dynavins and an android based unit. I think I also mentioned it in the conclusion of the DIY. If you are tethering the unit an android setup is much more beneficial. If not, the android can be a distraction rather than an added feature.

Very true (tethering).

Being I have iPhones in my house it is a moot feature for me.

Any kind of modern smartphone can tether, doesn't matter if its iOS or android. What is more relevant is what YOU want in a head unit....as stated earlier in the thread, it's explained in the FAQ.

Jeff is it possible to load any other nav software onto there? Such as Google Maps.

dynavin allows you to choose the directory for the .exe file, so if you can get the preferred software onto a mini sd card, you can use it in the dynavin. correct me if i'm wrong......

Is anyone having the same issue I have?

Randomly , maybe once every 2-3 weeks my unit resets itself to factory settings, meaning all the radio presets are gone, the folders are not in the order I set them in, clock is out of sync and all the other settings need to be manually inserted again which is kind of annoying

My battery is perfectly fine and I haven't had it disconnected or die on me .

...Jeff or anyone that has a fix please chime in I need to know what is going on .Is it a software issue or...?

Did you ever update the firmware on your unit? If not, you need to. It's on dynavins website OR Email me.

Yes Jeff I updated it right when I got it since I had a problem with the screen remember?it took care of it and worked fine for a couple of months with no interruptions or resets of any kind...even now no complaints on the unit other than occasionally resetting itself.maybe I should upgrade the software again see what that does to it...

Is your battery voltage dropping too low and perhaps resetting the unit?

Whoops nvm you said battery is ok

Just finished my install, 01 non-nav w/DSP. I ran the mic next to sun blind and the GPS I the front right corner of my dash. All of that works great.

I'm having difficulty getting the reverse camera to turn on. I installed a relay fed off of the yellow/ white reverse light. When the Dynavin didn't switch th the camera when I put my X5 in reverse I figured I didn't wire the relay right. I fed the camera with 12volts directly. By my thinking that should trigger the video feed for the Dynavin. I have the Dynavin set to camera only. I might note that I have PDC but it's not working.

There are 2 video jacks on the Dynavin, a brown one that says "camera" and a yellow one that says "auxiliary camera", I tried both but which one should I use?

Any ideas?

The camera I bought: Sony CCD BMW E39 E46 E82 E88 E90 E91 E92 M3 E60 E61 E70 x5 x6 Car Reverse Camera | eBay
Is it because it's CCDS?

Thx

Should be in 'camera' and if you're feeding it 12v and it's grounded correctly, it should technically switch straight over to camera as soon as you feed it live power.

Make sure your car is running, not sure why, but someone else had an issue not being able to get the camera to work, was testing with the ignition in position 2 and getting no result. Turned the car on and put it into reverse, it fired up fine.

You didn't say anything about connecting the green reverse trigger wire on the Dynavin harness....

Uh oh, that might be it

Edit:
I've been reading through a ton of posts but couldn't find a firm answer to where to connect the green wire. I would think I need to run another wire and connect it to the relay. It would come hot after the reverse light causes the relay to close.

Yep, need to trigger the reverse wire with the output wire of the relay. Probably the same output you are using to power the camera itself if you have it installed like most do.

Ok, after wrestling with this another day I might have a bad camera. When I feed the reverse trigger with 12v it switches over. After some troubleshooting I've found that the camera is causing a voltage drop down to 6v. So when the camera is tied in the voltage drops too low for the Dynavin to pick up. I had the multimeter on the circuit when I plugged the camera in. The voltage drop is instant.

Sound right?

Did you test the camera before installing? Easiest way to do it is to hook up a 9v battery to the pos and neg leads of the camera and hook up the RCA out to your TV or receiver. I always do this before installing a camera.

Make sure the camera works. If it does... something is wrong in your relay wiring.

I will test the camera. For troubleshooting purposes I took the relay out of the circuit. I just used a constant 12v(not the reverse light) and a ground.

Now I'm really stumped. I tried the 9v battery test and the camera worked great in my living room.

I put it back in the X5 and it doesn't work. My next steps:

I tried feeding the trigger wire and camera from different circuits, nope?
I had a long spare video cable and ran it to the Dynavin, nope.
I unplugged the camera from the X5's power and hooked it up to the 9v battery, it works! So the camera works off of a 9v battery and not the X5's 12v?

Since I still have the trunk torn apart I tried to feed the camera directly from the battery post. The second I touched the camera + to the positive post POOF. The only other thing hooked up was the video cable.

I tried it again with just the 9v battery and it works fine.

???

how did you tap the reverse light circuit? Crappy "scotchlock" add a circuit wire clamp thing? If so, those are terrible, nothing but trouble. Cut and splice, solder, whatever, but dont use scotchlocks.

At this point I'm not using the reverse circuit. I'm just trying to feed the camera with 12v and hoping for a picture. The previous owners had eliminated the CD changer to I'm using that 12v for a feed.

right.....so at this point connect everything correctly and it WILL work, power to the relay from the battery, reverse circuit to trigger the relay. If you do it right its exactly (electrically speaking) the same as what you did when you touched the camera power wire to the battery post.

I will try again. When a said POOF before in meant a got sparks touching the camera positive to the battery positive.

Thanks for helping with this

sparks and no picture? A camera should not be pulling enough current to make much of a spark, sounds like that camera has issues....

Yea, I talking dead short kind of poof.

Where do you have your camera grounded?

When you used the pos battery post and any chassis ground it should work no problem.

Update, the camera wasn't the short. There's a metel bar right above the battery, I think I contacted that.

I still can't get the relay to close. My wiring:

Camera (-) connects to the ground lug below the hatch, and continues to 86 on the relay.
Camera (+) connects to 87 on the relay, with the trigger wire.

Relay:
30 to switched 12v +
85 to reverse light wire, yellow and white
86 to ground lug connection with ground lead from camera
87 to both camera and trigger.

Your relay wiring is correct... assuming you are pulling a good switched 12v on pin 30.

Test your relay with the 9v battery across pins 85 + 86. If it closes my bet would be your switched 12v. Sub that for +12v at the battery and see what happens.

I will try the battery tomorrow. I've also dealt with drying out the interior. When I walked outside yesterday all of my windows and sunroof were wide open. I had the key in my pocket and something must have pressed the unlock button long enough to open everything up. It rained over night and I had 1/2" of water puddled on the floor.sh*t!

I picked up one of these:
1x Add A Fuse Tap Piggy Back Blade Fuse Holder GBNG | eBay
I plugged into the fuse panels in the truck, I still couldn't get the relay to close.

I bought another relay, all,they had was the 5 termina type. When I plug the camera/trigger lead on the normal closed position the camera picks up and shows on the Dynavin.

This is starting to get frustrating

Once again thanks for all the help.

I hooked the relay up to the 9v battery and it closed and the camera came on the Dynavin. I bought a new relay and tried it but no go. It seems like the reverse circuit just can't close the relays. The relay I bought at Radio Shack is a 14v 60amp and the one from Napa is a 12v 40 amp.

I checked continuity of my ground connection and it's solid.

When I engage reverse my lights do come on and the yellow/white wire shows 12v.

I've bought the smallest relays they sell.
.???

Those are massive relays. The ones myself and Terminator used are probably less than 1/4 the size of those. The trigger wire current might not be strong enough to flick the relay. Here is what I used and also my pin diagram http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...4fc39c8a1f.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...8d79ed4921.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nightly installment of How the Camera Turns.

I went to another Radio Shack and large electronics store (Fry's) and couldn't find a smaller relay. I found another auto parts store and they had a 20 amp relay so I thought finally. I installed it and it won't trigger the camera either. The reverse lights are on. All three relays I've bought close with a 9v battery.

I had my X5 scanned and it has a bad front left PDC sensor so I ordered 8 and will replace all of them. Once it's working I'm going to use the PDC to trigger the relay. I took the connector apart and pin 7 is a brown/black wire. Is that the one I tap onto?

I'm not sure what's going on then. I've never had a problem closing a standard automotive 30/40A 5 pin relay... I think they are supposed to close with only 150-200mA.

Just to recap... with nothing else connected. Reverse white/yellow dots wire on pin 85 and ground on pin 86. Put it in reverse and it DOES NOT close? You will probably need someones help to test this so you can be back by the relay. Otherwise you have to check continuity between 30 and 87 to see if it closed.

Edit: If you are going to trigger with PDC... you will need a micro relay. Radio Shack has them in stock (Item 275-241). That's what I used (after hijacking most of Terminator's ideas) for my Avin backup camera install. You will need to solder and use breadboards though. Also available at Radio Shack. Check out my DIY thread on the reverse camera install... it will show you. I'm still not sure why your reverse light wire is not triggering it.

It works!

There is another wire in the loom along the rear that's yellow and white. I was hooked on to the wrong one.

Now I can put it back together.thanks for all of the help.

^Good to hear. Simplest solutions are usually the ones it turns out to be. You had me stumped there for a second... ;)

Now, where can I find the PDC write-up?


I was able to watch The Matrix while working in the back of the X5 on the Dynavin.

Hello all,

I am trying to Install Dynavin in my 02 BMW x5 - non DSP. However i am really having a hard time to remove the Wooden Flip Door on the Business CD unit. I have the radio and CD unit out but can't seem to figure out how to remove the wooden flip door. Can any one share their experience on how to remove it !! Do you need to remove the AC unit above to remove the door ?
NIk

You will need to remove the CD player (there are write ups on the this). Once out, you should be able to remove the bracket that holds the trim in by pushing on each side (towards the center). There are clips on each side.

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...ayer-lid-2.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...ayer-lid-1.jpg

Thanks for the Pics... I will try it today and let you know.. Thanks a lot for this really appreciate it !!

I like it so far. The PDC screen is a nice touch. I need to turn off the little voice that keeps saying "you are over the speed limit."
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...psgtnoxyrk.jpg

Woah. Wish the Avin overlayed the PCD info like that. That's pretty swanky. What camera is that? It's very clear too. Better than the one I have I think. Unless that is just a really well lit area.

Nice work. It was a tough decision between the Avin and the Dynavin... but in the end we wanted the Android ecosystem. Were watching youtube on the way back from Houston the other day.

I bought this camera off Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/SunroadTek®-Re...+backup+camera
It's been pretty clear in most areas. I did have to cut up my trim piece to make it fit.

It takes a village to install a backup camera.

I can't wait to have the funds to get one of these. Once I have an N6 I'd probably have no need for any sort of newer car until the E53 body rusts out.

Is their a group buy going on ?

:iagree:

Haven't heard of one, but I am ready to buy, just been busy....

Anybody know the difference between the N6 and the D99 ?

D99 is a good unit but is the prior model. N6 is first to be able to be used with DSP with no modifications (if you have that feature, I do)

I think with code BMW at J&T Distributing you get $50 off so I think its $700 shipped, thats a smokin price for all that this unit does, and the OEM look it gives.

Thanks for the info. Besides the DSP compatible feature any major differences between the two ? eBay has the D99 for $499 (J&T Distributing has them out of stock)

Code: Bimmer

^^^for 200 bucks extra Id get the N6 man, lots more features which Jeff I'm sure can share. And maps are built in on N6 as well

Your right. Going to pull the trigger soon as the wife green lights the purchase. :rofl:

I usually sell my mods to the wife like this:

---Its _____ of a new car payment (insert amount here, if a new payment would be 450 bucks then make it 1.5 times, etc)

---Its a small mod and if I'm keeping the X5 for ____ more years its really not much

---I don't want anything for my birthday/christmas/etc I'd rather have something I really want instead of just stuff to open

Or find a wife like mine that likes the mods and never questions purchases.

Oh she never really questions but those are some anecdotes of suggestion.

Basically it always comes down to whether we have house repairs/maintenance/upgrades to save for or not at the moment.

We need a new radio anyways, we can't even see the stations anymore. All we see is orange from the display. Its time for a new radio. While I add the new radio I'm going to make a custom box for the sub and put in a 8' JL AUDIO with an Alpine amp to go with it.:smokin: I don't plan on getting rid of my X anytime soon, I have a 5 year 100,000 warranty on engine and trans. so I'm sticking to her till the end.

^^^I hope you didn't tell her to fix the display on the MID is only $100

She knows lol as we talked about fixing the radio before. I showed her a few pics of the OP install and she liked so I might get the N6 by the end of the month if everything goes as planned :boogie:

My plans to upgrade to the N6 have been ruined by unexpected car repairs that I haven't yet resolved....:(

I'm doing mine on saturday!!!

My advice is to start early!!

Why is that?

Depending on what your setup is (factory nav, installing reverse cam, etc) it can take a very long time. I am/was a pro installer and it took me 4 days to do my Avin system properly.

I'm actually going to start now. Is it best to run the cables from the back to front first?

If you are starting with factory nav... yes absolutely. The head unit would be the last part of your install after doing all the rear wiring and routing.

Took me 4 hours to install it. That includes removing all the body panels in the truck and the front seat. Just need to massage the bracket so it will sit flush in the dash and load the nav software.

Nice. :thumbup: Have any pics? What was your setup before?

It can definitely be done "quick" I am just ridiculous OCD when it comes to my wiring. Plus I added some extra stuff and was taking pics for a DIY so... yeah.

Jeff, you still around?

Mine has been acting up. Three times now the unit won't put out any sound. I change inputs, turn it off and on, turn off nav and nothing gets even a little pop out of the speakers. The only way to get sound is to turn my X5 off and back in. This has been a pain if I'm driving on a freeway.


Nav- I'm in Portland on a main road in front of a store that has been there for years. I had to use my iPhone to navigate there because the Dynavin couldn't find the address.

Im not a sponsor on this forum...just a member, "talking business" can get me banned so please contact me elsewhere.

I ran the wires along the left side (driver) of the car. Ran with the stock wiring harness then went under the back carpet and under the front carpet and came up through the left side of the center console.

The only thing I screwed up was the antenna extension. I connected it to the radio instead of the antenna. That left me with a male plug at the nav unit and it requires a female plug. I might buy a male and female FAKRA connector and cut and splice or I may make a female-female harness and a male-male harness and not cut any wires. Still deciding on what to do. For now I have no radio but the iPod works great and so does the bluetooth streaming!

I still have to hook up the power wire for the lights and I'm going to attempt to change the boot screen tomorrow.

Oh and I also have to hook up the reverse wire to enable the PDC on screen. Anyone know which wire I need to connect to?

I just installed my Dynavin N6 in my X5. It's a great unit. For me, it was a simple plug and play with exception of PCD which I haven't tried yet. I have DSP and no stock navigation. However, I'm having few issues. On the unit OBC screen, I'm not seeing any reading (No temp). Also, the only steering control that works is the volume up and down which is lowering the volume on the actual amp and not the unit. And from sound options on the unit, when I activate OE DSP, I can't lower or raise the volume with the volume knob on the unit. I have contacted Jeff to help with the issue and he was nice enough to send me a new CAN box and wire. Even after swapping them out, I'm still having the same issue. I was just wondering, if others had the same issue and how they solved it? It looks like I have the latest firmware for the unit according the Dynavin's website.

What year is your E53?

2005 4.4i

I just placed my order for an N6.
I recall people saying not to use the reverse camera offered with it and order elsewhere. Can I score a link from someone for an easy to install camera (that doesn't mount on the license plate)?

I have placed an order for a N6 yesterday
Cant wait

When I do my rear camera install I'm going to use a license plate light and run the wire straight up and into the tailgate cover plate. This will bring the wires in more closely to the trunk and rear floor where all the other connections need to be made.

Personally, I would not be looking forward to running those wires through the lift gate and then through the rubber covered wire looms and then down into the rear floor pan.

I think I can make a license plate camera install clean enough for my liking to avoid all that extra hassle of coming in from the lift gate.

To each their own.

This is the camera in my plan:

180° View Angle 100 Waterproof Car Reverse Rear Backup Camera HD Night Vision | eBay

Mike

That camera looks really nice and I like that in can be adjusted in-place. Do you know if it also shows the parking guidelines (red, green and yellow overlay lines) or does it show only the raw video? The camera description doesn't indicate so but probably just omitted?

This one looks the same and makes a reference to grid distance guidelines

100 Waterproof HD CCD Rear View Reverse Backup Camera 180 Degree View Angle | eBay

Mike

Thanks for those guys but i'm not interested in a license plate mounted camera only something I can mount in the top hatch.

And so it arrived :D... Had to leave work early to receive it smoothly. The UPS delivery man was amused that I was standing right outside pacing back and forth impatiently waiting...:D. I have the Eonon in my E39 1997 (works great) but I'm really looking forward to the Dynavin N6 on my E53:thumbup: The OEM NAV is working perfectly so it will be up for sale once I'm done with the installation of Dynavin. I'm absolutely excited!

Nice. Huge upgrade over stock nav.

Update us with how much you get for your nav setup. I have one (with Sirius receiver, CD changer, etc) after going Avin Avant 2 sitting around as well.

Do those parking lines curve with the steering wheel angle or do they remain fixed?

Do you still have access to the factory computer... to change the settings, reset fuel consumption, clock, etc? Can you see all of this on the screen?

Trying to get my N6 fully installed. Love it so far but would like to get the PDC to work. I'm stumped on which wire or how to connect. Has someone installed with success? I'm not interested in the reverse camera, just the PDC.

Instructions from Jeff :find the reverse light circuit at the reverse light plug and figure out which wire with a test light. I have no idea where that is.

Previous posts indicated the x38 connector but I don't know where that is either.

Would I need to be running a wire from the tailgate all the way to the front of truck to behind the N6 or should the wire already be up at the front?

Sorry for the newbie questions.

I have a 2005 BMW X5 4.4i

No, you can not access any of the OEM OBC functions. You're limited to the Dyanvins clock, ambient temp, and coolant temp IIRC. (maybe oil too if your cluster did so.) My biggest grief is that I can't access the DSP menu w/o having to plug in my old MID.

For an X5, I think you can still access and reset thing like the stopwatch, timer, MPG via the stalk.

The only other way to get around this is to re-connect or re-located the MID.

Nope, I don't think you can reset MPG, timer, stopwatch, etc with the stalk. Simply brings up a "Program" option when you hold down the OBC switch on the stalk... unless I am missing something.

^If you want to keep the OBC functions it is not too cumbersome or hard to move the MID to the glovebox.

This is something I'd like to keep, but I'm reluctant to to relocate the original nav screen. I guess I could just disable all of the read outs via the nav screen.. so that nothing at all comes up in the cluster. Probably better to have nothing there at all!

What if you had factory nav and have no Mid to relocate?

^Good question. I think the Nav computer in the trunk keeps the OBC functions doesnt it? The factory nav screen does not have it, its just a monitor. Someone with OEM nav can chime in but I'm not too familiar with how it works. Perhaps if you keep the nav computer connected somehow, you keep OBC functions?

But isn't the nav/etc. Also part of the amp? I can not find good specs on the Lear amp. If it is good enough to drive new speakers, then add another amp for sub- a possibility? Unfortunately I have no mid to jam in the glove box......

We're these dynavin a direct plug and play for most of you. I have a none nav car I'm trying to install one in and the connecter is completely different/wrong.

are you checking the connector in the boot? They one by the unit does not match, at least with the kit I had ( not Dynavin). I installed a Pioneer. The connector behind the dash is abandon and you have to run wires all the way to the boot.

He said he had a non-nav car.

The e53 Dynavin comes with 2 connectors. One for each potenential plug in the e53. Yours would use the flat pin connector. If you didn't get that, contact your dealer.

My connector:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...o/IMG_0310.JPG

What I got:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J...o/IMG_0311.JPG

or

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E...o/IMG_0312.JPG

On my 2004 4.4 I can reset MPG with the stalk, no problem. Not concerned about stopwatch or time - the time is displayed on the N6.

So the Dynavin N6 will only provide GPS when the vehicle has factory NAV?

I have a non-NAV with DSP. I was looking at the N6 so I could ditch the Garmin GPS on the suction mount.

Those are mating plugs, just plug it in. Don't worry about what they look like, they will plug in.

What? Where did you get that idea....

The install is somewhat different as nav cars are wired different but the end result is the same.

RB mentioned the NAV computer in the trunk, I don't have it.

having oem nav or not, has no relevance on the dynavin's nav. OEM nav cars are wired differently with different plugs in different spots, and the dash bracket is setup up differently so the install is different, but that is all, functionality is the same.