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  #1  
Old 06-12-2015, 12:25 PM
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DIY - AvinUSA Avant-2 installation guide including DSP work around and DVR camera

Hey all!

I wanted to share my lessons learned here during my Avant-2 installation into my new (to me) E53 X-5! I have installed this deck now in a number of other cars, and the E53 presents a number of different challenges. That also includes I didn't realize the impact (or issue) with a DSP vehicle prior to me getting started on the installation! OOOPS!

I have worked with Tommy of AvinUSA extensively and I cannot be more complimentary of him. Not only did he talk me down out of the Tree of Panic I was in regarding the DSP system, but is always super responsive and fantastic to work with. Because of his help in research, I was able to synthesize a very simple solution for the DSP system, from about five other sources online. The solution isn't entirely unique, but it took combining a number of other suggestions from other sources to get it to work, plus give a simple answer.

I wanted to share my guide here so everyone can learn from what I learned, and ideally even improve upon it!

The Avant-2 deck simply said, is absolutely fantastic! For me, I see it as being better than almost every other offering out there, including new OEM offerings of current vehicles. If you are wondering if you should install this deck? Don't hesitate, DO IT! Not only will it, in my opinion, improve your existing systems (and potentially tear out a deck that has the pin display failing and other known issues) but also will add a tremendous amount of new technology as well.

The PDF guide is slightly too large for attachment here, so I have uploaded it to my OneDrive and set to share. Any questions let me know, and I always welcome feedback.

Document link
http://1drv.ms/1GySd2r
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  #2  
Old 06-12-2015, 03:17 PM
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I agree on your assessment of both the Avant 2 and Tommy. Love the unit and Tommy's customer service/support has been great.

Going to DL your doc and store it with the one I wrote for possible future needs.
__________________
2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)


2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)
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  #3  
Old 06-12-2015, 03:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crystalworks View Post
I agree on your assessment of both the Avant 2 and Tommy. Love the unit and Tommy's customer service/support has been great.

Going to DL your doc and store it with the one I wrote for possible future needs.
that is awesome.. I went through your guide literally like 20 times on the weekend where I was doing the install and ran into the DSP issue. Full on panic for about 12 hours that I had just jacked up my partner's new car! *laugh* Tommy is awesome though, like I said, talked me out of the tree and got me back into the problem solving mindset to find a work around.

Its been super solid since, and candidly sounds BETTER with the fine tuning you can do on audio through the Avant-2. A full BavSound speaker upgrade is next, like my E46 M3 that is running full BavSound and Avant-2. 8)
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Old 06-12-2015, 03:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raichean View Post
that is awesome.. I went through your guide literally like 20 times on the weekend where I was doing the install and ran into the DSP issue. Full on panic for about 12 hours that I had just jacked up my partner's new car! *laugh* Tommy is awesome though, like I said, talked me out of the tree and got me back into the problem solving mindset to find a work around.

Its been super solid since, and candidly sounds BETTER with the fine tuning you can do on audio through the Avant-2. A full BavSound speaker upgrade is next, like my E46 M3 that is running full BavSound and Avant-2. 8)
Awesome! I'm glad the doc is helping, though not fully in your case due to the DSP. I've seen that workaround and it's a great option for the added functionality and modernization that comes with the Avant 2.

BavSound stuff is great, installed it in a couple of E46 M3's for customers. I'm going full aftermarket in mine though with the possible exception of the interior speakers... as they actually sound pretty good to me with the fine tuning the Avant 2's Xovers. Going to try and squeeze an older 12" Ascendant Audio Havoc and JL Audio 5 channel amp in there without losing too much cargo space. We'll see how it goes. I'll post a thread here when it happens.
__________________
2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)


2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)
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  #5  
Old 09-15-2015, 10:11 AM
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Stefan, thank you so much for putting together the DSP workaround. a couple questions:

-If I never use the CD player, and don't have a CD changer, is it ok to just remove the CD player completely? I have a USA Spec ipod interface hooked up now, it has one cable that goes into the interface from the DSP amp, and one that hooks to the CD changer connector and plugs into the interface, and out the other end is the 30-pin Ipod cable.

I'm theorizing I can just remove the 30-pin cable, and leave the interface in as a "piggyback" so I can take and leave the CD player out completely. I guess I could test this by unplugging the CD player and seeing if I can get audio from the iPod interface.

-Does the unit boot up on startup of the vehicle, and does the MID turn on/off with the vehicle like it does before install of the Avant2, or do you have to open the glovebox and be sure it shuts off? I'm fine with relocating the MID, as long as I can leave it in the glovebox and only access as needed.

I'm obviously drawing comparison to the N6 which has a slightly easier DSP integration, however, I'm not a fan of the boot up, which happens on opening of the doors and then goes into sleep mode with the vehicle. Not very factory like IMO which has me now considering the Avant2
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  #6  
Old 09-15-2015, 12:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby View Post
Stefan, thank you so much for putting together the DSP workaround. a couple questions:

-If I never use the CD player, and don't have a CD changer, is it ok to just remove the CD player completely? I have a USA Spec ipod interface hooked up now, it has one cable that goes into the interface from the DSP amp, and one that hooks to the CD changer connector and plugs into the interface, and out the other end is the 30-pin Ipod cable.

I'm theorizing I can just remove the 30-pin cable, and leave the interface in as a "piggyback" so I can take and leave the CD player out completely. I guess I could test this by unplugging the CD player and seeing if I can get audio from the iPod interface.

-Does the unit boot up on startup of the vehicle, and does the MID turn on/off with the vehicle like it does before install of the Avant2, or do you have to open the glovebox and be sure it shuts off? I'm fine with relocating the MID, as long as I can leave it in the glovebox and only access as needed.

I'm obviously drawing comparison to the N6 which has a slightly easier DSP integration, however, I'm not a fan of the boot up, which happens on opening of the doors and then goes into sleep mode with the vehicle. Not very factory like IMO which has me now considering the Avant2
Good morning! Answering best I can since I have zero experience with the iPod stuff as we are an Apple free household. 8)

In regards to the rest, it is my experience that the CD HAS to be included and used in the bypass, as it needs both components, the mid AND CD player. Mine wouldn't work without both, so relocated into the trunk compartment where the changer would be (and using that changer wiring hardness was PERFECT) worked really well.

The mid, if on, comes on automatically in the glove box when the car is turned on so you never have to fiddle with it. I have the volume on it set (as it will effect volume still) set to about half way and then just ignore it. The Avant will turn on/off as the ignition comes on just like the factory deck behaves, so very similar behavior.

While I cant speak to the other brands, I am extremely pleased with the Avant and have on in the X5 and my e46 M3 as well. I have also installed into a Camry, another E46 M3 and hope more in the future.

Hopefully that was helpful.
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  #7  
Old 09-15-2015, 12:22 PM
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Thank you so much for the response! I am a ways out from purchase but am starting to plan in my mind
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2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins 68RFE
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  #8  
Old 09-15-2015, 03:46 PM
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Ugh... now that my "new" X5 has both DSP and factory nav I am not sure how I want to go. I loved the Avant 2, but it got annoying not having the OBC... I wish I could use a Resler Ibus USB interface with the Avin. I think I am now leaning towards an NBT retrofit which keeps OBC and DSP with awesome nav, video, usb, etc, but that's going to be $$$.

My head hurts. And I miss my Avin.
__________________
2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)


2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)
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  #9  
Old 09-21-2015, 05:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crystalworks View Post
Ugh... now that my "new" X5 has both DSP and factory nav I am not sure how I want to go. I loved the Avant 2, but it got annoying not having the OBC... I wish I could use a Resler Ibus USB interface with the Avin. I think I am now leaning towards an NBT retrofit which keeps OBC and DSP with awesome nav, video, usb, etc, but that's going to be $$$.

My head hurts. And I miss my Avin.
When you say NBT retrofit what exactly does that mean?
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  #10  
Old 09-21-2015, 07:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is View Post
When you say NBT retrofit what exactly does that mean?
IDrive system...



Jopecasa pointed me towards it when I was contemplating doing a centrafuse car PC install (keeps OBC using Resler interface). Between the CarPC and NBT... the NBT looks better and possibly easier. Much more $$$ though.
__________________
2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)


2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)
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