Converting Z4 from Nav to Non-Nav

[crumb]

Has anyone tried to do this? Is it possible, and if so, is it expensive?

[nmulax]

Just curious, but why? It's going to be expensive cause it'll involve replacing the entire dashboard and audio system.

[crumb]

Don't like the screen up all the time, and I like to change radio stations frequently.

The screen is distracting to me, especially at night.

Besides, I love the orange BMW look, and the simplicity of the non-Nav design goes hand-in-hand with the roadster look.

I happen to have nav b/c it was available at the right time/price.

[jragan]

Did you know --
* There's a button beside the screen to close it ?
* You can change the color-scheme to one that is possbly more pleasing to you?
* They have pills for ADHD so maybe you won't be so easily distracted?

[hammerhead]

Originally Posted by jragan

Did you know --
* There's a button beside the screen to close it ?
* You can change the color-scheme to one that is possbly more pleasing to you?
* They have pills for ADHD so maybe you won't be so easily distracted?

- Yes
- No, didn't know this (thanks!)
- granted!

[BlackSapphireZ]

would you like to swap? I have MP3 headunit

[Shipkiller]

Over on Z4-Forum.com, there are two persons that converted from non-Nav to Nav. To me the only large ticket item is a new dashboard top (covering). Everything else is just a removal. Especially if you are replacing the head unit with a aftermarket. The DSP head unit & amplifier requires a K-bus input if I remember properly.

[mikeb310]

We could always trade ..... If you had a black int. I have traded parts before with zpost members. I have wanted the nav but finding a new dash is hard or expensive.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I have retrofitted nav in mine. The only thing you need is a new dashboard top. Also, the storage compartment between the seats is different in nav vs. non nav so you might wanna get the non-nav that has more room. I still have my old compartment that I can sell

[acvr4]

Set the screen to the black/gray setting I find I like it better than the blue.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I just thought of another, cheaper option! If you take out your headunit you can disconnect the nav screen power cable. It has a white connector and is behind the head unit, under the screen. Then replace your headunit with the non-nav. The screen will be there but won't open and it will certainly help your car's resale value.

[Reflex_nl]

You can also update the NAV incl the 3d view... looks much better

[crfine88]

Originally Posted by Reflex_NL

You can also update the NAV incl the 3d view... looks much better

Is this an update avail. through bmw?

[jragan]

Originally Posted by crfine88

Is this an update avail. through bmw?

Google perspective mode or view to see if you're on a version of the MkIV firmware that already supports it. Otherwise hit up X5world for information about updating the firmware yourself and then enabling perspective view.

[Reflex_nl]

Originally Posted by jragan

Google perspective mode or view to see if you're on a version of the MkIV firmware that already supports it. Otherwise hit up X5world for information about updating the firmware yourself and then enabling perspective view.

Exactly, download the v32 firmware, burn it on a cd, load into the MkIV unit, update and done. No visit to BMW req.

[wildag]

Originally Posted by crumb

Has anyone tried to do this? Is it possible, and if so, is it expensive?

There's an option in the setup menu to leave the screen down by default when you start the car. If you don't have that option, you'll need to update to the latest navigation firmware.

[tb17]

Originally Posted by Reflex_NL

You can also update the NAV incl the 3d view... looks much better

I don't see the point of the perspective view.. it doesn't show street names. What good is a map without street names?

[hammerhead]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

I have retrofitted nav in mine. The only thing you need is a new dashboard top. Also, the storage compartment between the seats is different in nav vs. non nav so you might wanna get the non-nav that has more room. I still have my old compartment that I can sell

Spaceman Spiff,
I called the dealership and asked about changing to non-Nav. They told me that it's very expensive to do this, and I guess more than just the head unit and dashboard top would have to be changed. They didn't provide a quote, but they did tell me that I would be better off going with an aftermarket solution.

Problem is, I don't want an aftermarket head unit. Does anybody know what the dealership is talking about?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by hammerhead

Spaceman Spiff,
I called the dealership and asked about changing to non-Nav. They told me that it's very expensive to do this, and I guess more than just the head unit and dashboard top would have to be changed. They didn't provide a quote, but they did tell me that I would be better off going with an aftermarket solution.

Problem is, I don't want an aftermarket head unit. Does anybody know what the dealership is talking about?

The nav system is basically the non nav system + different head unit, nav computer, LCD screen and a harness that connects all these together and to the non-nav harness. The only new parts you need, as I said, are the head unit and the dashboard w/o a hole in it. You just take out all the extra nav parts and disconnect the harness and you should be good to go save for possible reprograming. I didn't need reprogramming going from non-nav to nav but maybe the reverse would need it.
Of course all of this will cost you a lot if you do it at the dealer because dealership labor and part rates are insanely inflated. If I were you I'd trade my parts with someone who wants to have nav and do it myself. There are people asking about nav retrofit on Z4 forums all the time. I am sure you will find a taker quickly.

[scotch1217]

You shouldn't need to reprogram anything. Just be sure that if you have the hifi or top hifi setup, to get a head unit that supports it. You shouldn't have a problem. I think their were only a few made with standard stereo AND nav...

If you end up with a standard stereo headunit somehow, you're going to run in to some problems...keep in mind, if you have DSP, an aftermarket headunit will NOT work the way you want it to...

[imom]

I'm thinking of doing that... remove the flip top LCD to make that the sunglass or storage box. Move the vents radio and climate control around to fit aftermarket NAV/all in one entertainment unit....requires to modify the dash. It's about $2K to make a custom made dash though... still deciding as I am considering the custom hard top to make first.

I don't know if my 07 Z4M has the MKIV...if so...and the 3d nav is good...I may just stick with stock.

Please let me know how to check whether this car has MKIV...I tried looking around the menu screen...after reading the forums about the upgrade.

[Spaceman Spiff]

It is MKIV.

Edit: FYI, MKIV is a DVD unit so it has DVD written on the faceplate.