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)