XSeries-forum

Hello Everyone,

Just bought a E53 BMW X5 3.0d in Sterling Grey. Picking it up on Monday 

Just a few Questions -

It doesn't have a SatNav/TV - can this be retrofitted? How much?
Or as a second plan - is it possible to just buy the screen from eBay an fit this in replacement of the cd headunit just so it works the radio via screen and nothing else? (No SatNav or TV)

Which are the best Running Boards to get, any decent aftermarket ones or are OEM ones the best?

Thanks. Ryan

Retrofitting an OEM Satnav is very complex as you need to take the interior out to run the new wiring harnesses, nav computer in the boot, head unit, GPS system aerial etc etc.  It is also very expensive.

The simplest (and cheapest) option is to but a Garmin or Tom Tom unit.  There are aftermarket systems that replace an existing unit, but not really a retrofit.

Richard

Search function will probably help you, but if I recall correctly there is a guy who offers retrofits of OEM Satnav systems for around £1500.  I think he was in the Birmingham area.  Good luck if you decide to go ahead with this!  My view is that it's always nice to have the OEM style (nice integration with other functions like radio) but more modern satnav systems offer better functions (eg full UK postcode entry) and performance.
You pays your money and takes your choice...
Peter T

In my view it is simply not cost effective as he price to source all the correct plus cost paid for the car likely to be far more than the value if the car with it all installed. Essentially it's a better financial choice to buy a car with all kit fitted. Think carefully re this and my advice is folk buying used may do well to merely get familiar with car and save any spare funds to sort any technical or servicing issues that may be found or otherwise come to light in initial weeks of new ownership.

I hate to say it but if comms pack is of key importance then you probably bought the wrong car and may not be entirely happy unless you change it for one so equipped. That said - if sourcing the kit you would want digital tv tuner and the mk4 nav with birds eye view.

Significant research and time required if you genuinely want to take this on.

Obviously if money wasting not an issue simply finds someone to source and for the whole lot.

The BMW nav isn't all that and digital tv is poor on the  move so when you break it all down its arguably not worth the cost to retrofit in my opinion.

The exception would be if I sourced a low priced non comms car and was satisfied I could fit the kit retrospectively and car would be worth at least what I paid for car plus kit and associated costs.

Glasses guide used to deduct for lack of leather and comms and the guy in mids refereed to did a lot of business with traders who sourced comms absent cars then paid him to retrofit so the cars could be forecourt sold with higher profit....as values of the  cars  have decreased the cost of the used parts hadn't reduced at same rate thus the maths is even harder to justify IMHO.

Agree with AW8 re the Nav.  The running boards are probably only OEM.  Not seen any aftermarket ones.

Richard

[quote="X5Sport"]
Agree with AW8 re the Nav.  The running boards are probably only OEM.  Not seen any aftermarket ones.

Richard
[/quote]

Hi and welcome, as X5Sport says the OEM running boards are good you can probably source them from car breakers you will need different plastic from and rear arches as have different figment for the running boards.

and if going for the 4.8 look these are slightly wider than the ones on a 4.4 with running boards

I sold my old 4 arches for 50.00 but that was without the running boards

Hth

You could look at a Dynavin replacement head unit at £600

http://www.dynavinstore.com/shop/bmw-se ... a-d99.html

The DVN-E39A is the most technically advanced unit available for your BMW E39 5-Series (1996-2003) or BMW E53 X5-Series (1999-2006). The software of the DVN-E39A can be upgraded and new versions are periodically released and are available for free download. This system will be pre-loaded with the very latest system firmware. This Dynavin DVN-E39A supplied by the Official Dynavin Store features the very latest D99 platform which features many user interface improvements, as well as a Dual Radio Tuner and Parrot Bluetooth including phonebook synchronisation with all the latest phones.

The DVN-E39A D99+ will fit seamlessly into your car and blend in with your dashboard as if the unit had been fitted at the factory.

We have a selection of add-ons for the DVN-E39A which include Digital HD Freeview TV Tuner, Reversing Camera and the latest Navigation maps. Please see our online store for more information or to purchase.

[quote="ChrisLux"]

You could look at a Dynavin replacement head unit at £600

http://www.dynavinstore.com/shop/bmw-se ... a-d99.html

The DVN-E39A is the most technically advanced unit available for your BMW E39 5-Series (1996-2003) or BMW E53 X5-Series (1999-2006). The software of the DVN-E39A can be upgraded and new versions are periodically released and are available for free download. This system will be pre-loaded with the very latest system firmware. This Dynavin DVN-E39A supplied by the Official Dynavin Store features the very latest D99 platform which features many user interface improvements, as well as a Dual Radio Tuner and Parrot Bluetooth including phonebook synchronisation with all the latest phones.

The DVN-E39A D99+ will fit seamlessly into your car and blend in with your dashboard as if the unit had been fitted at the factory.

We have a selection of add-ons for the DVN-E39A which include Digital HD Freeview TV Tuner, Reversing Camera and the latest Navigation maps. Please see our online store for more information or to purchase.
[/quote]

Research these units before considering....I would look at Avin myself.