Business audio upgrade options

[Paulpen]

Hi guys


Im looking at buying a very tidy 4.6 but it has the business audio system instead of the sat nav screen.


I believe its got the 6 disc changer in the boot so before buying im a tad confused on the upgrade options available to me.


Id like to keep everything looking as original as possible ideally but I assume that putting the OEM nav setup in is almost impossible.


That then leads me to double din systems - does this involve cutting the dash and using facia plates etc ?

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Paulpen

Hi guys


Im looking at buying a very tidy 4.6 but it has the business audio system instead of the sat nav screen.

Most everyone is going to Android systems to replace the factory Business Audio and Navigation systems.

I believe its got the 6 disc changer in the boot so before buying im a tad confused on the upgrade options available to me.

Let us know if it is DSP equipped. This will limit your options.

Id like to keep everything looking as original as possible ideally but I assume that putting the OEM nav setup in is almost impossible.

Expensive and a lot of work for outdated technology to retrofit factory navigation.

That then leads me to double din systems - does this involve cutting the dash and using facia plates etc ?

It depends on what year X5 you have. The consensus is that 2004 and later LCI has a removable single DIN bracket. Earlier models will need it cut out but does not use any kind of adapter fascia plates.

[Paulpen]

Thankyou for the quick reply


Ive seen the debates on what android system is best etc but is fitting one to a business setup that same process as with the nav setup ?


Production date is 2003-02-07 (Is that Feb 7th or July 2nd) so pre 2004



I dont believe it has DSP but not 100% sure how to know however VIN decoder lists these options for multimedia :
S672ACD changer for 6 CDs
S676AHiFi speaker system S661A


Radio BMW Business C43

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Paulpen

Thankyou for the quick reply


Ive seen the debates on what android system is best etc but is fitting one to a business setup that same process as with the nav setup ?

Yes, exactly the same process if you have the non-removable bracket. Just a hacksaw blade and a few minutes of time.


Production date is 2003-02-07 (Is that Feb 7th or July 2nd) so pre 2004

Sounds like you may have the non-removable bracket

I dont believe it has DSP but not 100% sure how to know however VIN decoder lists these options for multimedia :
S672ACD changer for 6 CDs
S676AHiFi speaker system S661A


Radio BMW Business C43

You would see a DSP button upper right on your MID if you had DSP. You have many Android options available to you if you are not DSP equipped.

[Paulpen]

Ill have to get some more info on the DSP situation to be sure - if it does have DSP is it alot more work or impossible ?

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Paulpen

Ill have to get some more info on the DSP situation to be sure - if it does have DSP is it alot more work or impossible ?

For Android a straight swap with DSP has proved to be challenging. Some of the Android systems will clearly state will not work with DSP and those that do claim it is compatible also state it will need professional wiring to make it work.

The system I am installing is the Avin Avant-3 and they claim full compatibility with DSP with no wiring modifications and a straight installation. They are back-ordered until the end of the month so we will see.

As far as the factory Navigation retrofit there are several threads here, you should have a look at the amount of work and cost to do that job. I wouldn't want to go through all that effort to end up with a system that has the technology from 2000 but that's just me. If it were easy, a simple plug and play retrofit, it would've already be in my X5 years ago.

I did the factory Navigation retrofit on my E46 back in 2005 and it ended up costing me thousands. It would have been cheaper to add it as an option when I bought it.

[Paulpen]

Id never heard of AVIN over here in the UK but it does look like a premium product with plenty of options - ill be following your install and thought on it once fitted


Ill have a look at the retrofit threads manily due to a salvage E53 over here costing about the same as the AVIN with all the options

[wpoll]

Paul, the install of an e53/e39 aftermarket Android system is very straight forward (as long as you have no DSP) and many look very "OEM".

DIN or Double DIN requires faceplates and other mounts and generally look awful (IMHO). Very subjective I know but who wants a blue/red/green disco-panel next to wood-grain?

[mr_robot]

Is getting a screen important?

If not check out Grom audio BT3, it replaces the cd changer to a module.

You keep all stock components but add Bluetooth streaming and other features while maintaining everything stock.

Avin-3 unit's dsp compatibility is just iBus, nothing on the unit by itself to work with DSP so any Android HU with iBus USB+App license should make DSP work with out additional wiring.

From my own research the reason DSP doesn't work is because all the wiring harnesses they offer don't route the remote amp wire (usually the blue wire on most aftermarket units) to the trunk.

I came across another member's personal website (Crowz) and stated something about extending that wire and connection it to the factory harness in the trunk and getting it to work ( gotta read it again as I could be wrong)




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Paulpen]

I guess I should use the words "double din" as in reality the OEM nav isnt that size


A screen is not a massive issue in all honesty - if I can play music from my phone and control it via the steering wheel buttons ill be happy.


Android auto and DAB radio would be nice but in reality ive survived in my current car with just the AM/FM radio !


I had an Intravee in my last E53 but that had the nav unit and tbh I didnt find it that great.