New aftermarket E39 GPS Navi systems

georgost · 11-25-2010, 10:54 AM

Anyone see these systems yet. Look pretty cool as they are a self contained unit. Only downside is you loose the OBC functionality, however looks like some people have actually moved the OBC to the glove box.

http://www.ctobay.com/bmw-5e39bmw-x5...6gb_p5859.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...9-e53-diy.html

Qube · 11-25-2010, 12:32 PM

I've actually ordered one and it's coming today (or tomorrow). Will update on findings.

The general consensus is the UI isn't the best, but it does run on WinCE.

georgost · 11-25-2010, 12:33 PM

Where did you order from?
Are you going to relocate the MID to teh glove box?

Qube · 11-25-2010, 12:50 PM

Ordered from private seller. Has the little "lip" and red illumination. Looks like this:

I'll disclose the source if things go well. Price was ~$620 USD shipped.

I haven't decided what to do with the MID or if I'm keeping it. The only thing I think I'll miss is the SAFE CODE function. Maybe the stopwatch. If I need to reprogram the in-dash LCD (under the speedo), I can always just plug it in temporarily.

Qube · 11-25-2010, 12:56 PM

BTW have a look at this thread: http:// forums. bimmerforums .com/forum/showthread.php?t=1512832

Qube · 11-27-2010, 02:30 PM

I missed DHL delivery twice. Will be picking up on Monday.

540guy · 11-27-2010, 06:38 PM

looking forward to hearing your results.

i've been following that thread from the beginning, still torn on which unit to buy.

The MID can be relocated to inside the glovebox, or even to where the cupholders go.

And the unit you are purchasing, the Hualingan, its design seems to be geared towards the x5 as I'm sure you know. So it doesnt sit flush with the e39 dash unfortunately.

Qube · 11-29-2010, 10:35 PM

In true "buy overseas" fashion, they send the wrong style... this is even though I filled in the form stating it's for an E39 AND they asked me to pick which OEM style radio I had...

I've contacted them to see what's up. In the meantime, I'm going to test fit it to see if the connections are correct and if I can live with the curvature instead of the "ridge". I had unboxing pics but I'm too annoyed to post them now.

540guy · 11-30-2010, 11:26 AM

The one they sent you like in the picture is for the e39.

The model with the ridge, or lip like you said, under the second button from the top, is made for the e46 I believe. The ridge lines up with the trim in the e46 dash.

Qube · 11-30-2010, 12:24 PM

Is that right? Bah. I was hoping for the little lip. Anyway, I'll try and get to the install today. Working from home but can't tear away yet.

Thinking how to extend the MID wires, route the aux in, and GPS antenna...

Qube · 11-30-2010, 05:49 PM

Four screws are out, now how do you remove the radio frame without breaking it? Grrr...

Qube · 11-30-2010, 06:52 PM

Bookmark this guys: http://www.carsolutionsdude.com/foru....php?f=10&t=57

zarbat007 · 11-30-2010, 10:46 PM

If the fonts on the Hualingan unit were not Italic, it would make the decision so much easier.
Dynavin looks more OEM, Hualingan has bigger screen and more features I think.

Qube · 11-30-2010, 10:50 PM

It's fully skinnable and I have the tools already

Qube · 11-30-2010, 10:51 PM

Or did you mean the buttons?