Thanks for the update. I am glad you guys are loving it. I keep coming back to this unit. I have been driving a new Q7 lately with google maps and bluetooth streaming. I just get in and my phone is already hooked up and I can control the music without touching my phone. It sure beats the hell out of my dated mkiv nav and little aux cable. I would defiantly look into getting one of the 3/4g dongles and hook it up to my data plan so I didn't have to tether, but if that doesn't work out it isn't a big deal.

I look forward to your full review

Thanks for all of the info, crystalworks! I just picked up a 2002 X5 w/o factory nav or DSP and I have had several sessions with Tommy online over the last couple of days. The AVANT-2 is a no brainer for me after those discussions and following your excellent tutorial, but the backup camera is a decision I'm not sure about. Tommy did say it required some "filing down" to get it to fit but it was only the depth of the plastic in the recession and not the width. Is that right? If I did go with one, I much prefer the wireless solution versus running all the wires. Do you know of anyone who has used the AVIN 2.4ghz wireless option?

Again, great work and this is VERY helpful to my OCD! :)

No problem. Glad you are finding the info useful.

As for the camera... stay away from anything that is not made SPECIFICALLY for the e53. The wired camera Tommy has is for an e46 or e39... I forget which. LOL and it requires A LOT more than "filing" down as evidenced in my tutorial. :)

I don't trust anything wireless but you could give it a go. Not sure if that camera housing is any different than the wired version I bought though... so you'd be shooting in the dark as far as fitment is concerned.

I know another member tried a wireless solution and could never overcome the signal interference to get a clear picture.

Great write up and review, crystalworks!

I've been considering in upgrading my screen for a while, especially dead pixels started showing now. Do you think this is the same/similar item (minus the bottom rounded edges)? I'm totally sold with how the interface/OS looks like newer BMWs.

Camera Car Radio DVD GPS Navi Stereo Sinlge 1Din for BMW 5 Series E39 E53 x5 M5 | eBay

That fact that it is running windows would make me stay away.

No problem. My wife and I were looking at that unit as well. The UI is amazing in how it reproduces modern BMW interfaces. Price is definitely right but as Josh says it is running Win CE. Not sure how buggy it would be (if at all) but the main reason we didn't go with it was due to the 256mb of ram and 800MHz ARM processor. We wanted something dual core at least. I don't care how pretty a UI is... if it's slow then it will feel like it belongs in the early 90's with interactive CD Rom touch screens.

If we get another compatible car I may try that unit for S's and G's... but for our X5, which is the trip car, we wanted something more robust. Plus tech support/warranty stuff is way easier to handle stateside than having to deal with international shipping.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

You're right... I just noticed the spec too. I'm guessing it's similar to the D99+.
This one below seem to have a similar spec with closer to OEM buttons, but no idea on the UI performance.

Android Car DVD GPS Navigation Headunit Radio Stereo for BMW x5 E53 2000 2007 | eBay

It would be great if Avin have UI closer to BMW's... ;)

Crystalworks, I have to revive this thread from the dead for a very important question. I have bought another E53 (2004) and this one has DSP. Did the install on your 05 X5 have DSP? I've purchased the GROM kit to try and gain bluetooth capability but am having no luck with consistent output. I'm starting to lean on the AVIN install but didn't see where yours was DSP or not. Thanks!

My 05 did not have DSP. My new one does. There is a workaround posted on here somewhere for the Avin going into DSP vehicles. I have a PDF here if you want to shoot me a PM with your email and I'll send it over.

AFAIK the only native solution for a DSP vehicle is the Dynavin. At least that was the case last time I looked into it.

The Dynavin has Windows CE, though, right? If so, I don't think I'm feeling that.

I did see the workaround for the DSP on the AVIN USA site, but I was hoping there was an alternative. I really don't want the MID in the glovebox and the stock CD player in the back compartments.