Retro fit sat nav

[thegrifter]

Hi, I'm new here and just finding my way, if this has been posted before, I do apologise but I did look and found nothing relating directly to my query.

I'm looking to buy an 3.0d E53 on a 05 plate, its an ex police car and therefore doesn't have the sat nav head unit fitted, I would like to fit one, so my question is whether the car is likely to have the wiring necessary to do this?

Similarly it doesn't have a multi-function steering wheel fitted, would it be possible to retro fit this also?

Thanks in advance for any advice, pointers or other suggestions, clean of course, to assist me in my foray into the X world.

thegrifter

[X5Sport]

Unless you have a lot of money burning holes in your pocket, and very tech savvy and are happy to take pretty much the entire interior out, there are easier ways to retrofit a Satnav system.

The parts need to be fitted all over the place in the car, new looms installed front to rear, display unit up front, nav computer in the back, GPS aerial in the spoiler, coding done to get the modules to work nicely.

Dealers say it's a two to three day job for them to do.

Some on here have used Intravee or newer non-OEM systems instead.  Cheaper an easier to install.

The steering wheel retrofit will depend upon the presence of that loom in the car.

Richard

[Sanj]

Take a pic of the car steering wheel, exterior, etc. Whatdi you have - Sport or SE? Comment previous is right, silly money to retro-fit. Intravee isn't a headunit but add-on to the OEM unit to get an iPod working. Try a search for Hualingan and Dynavin - you'll see some alternative options.

[Steamyrotter]

There is a link on here somewhere that allows you to check your spec against the VIN
Try that first to see the options it left the factory with.

If they were there then i wouldn't expect the looms to have been removed.

A retrofit is possible and there are kits around occaisionally, but stretch from £700 onwards..
And then it will not be as functional as newer sat nav / media centres.....

[X5Sport]

Police vehicles tend to be classed as 'SVO' Special Vehicle Order to meet the Home Office Approved Spec so a check of the options on line will definitely help confirm what was there.  Some get uprated springs, alternators, electrics etc, but with hi cost options deleted.

This thread will help you as long as you have the last 7 characters of the VIN as you can log in to see the build sheet for the car.

Richard