Was researching to see if any new products have come out that would replace the OEM NAV screen and functions. I was hoping to retain the flip-up functionality of the OEM system and replace the screen only, however that requires a lot of time, custom work and is also not reversible.
https://avinusa.com/10-25-bmw-x3-ser...on-system.html
I stumbled across AVIN, they have a unit for the E83 which uses the same flipup screen the Z4 does, so I thought I would ask some questions and by the end of the live chat conversation I was pretty happy with what they had to say.
I've seen this type of Android unit in action on other BMW models, offers bluetooth streaming, phone screen mirroring, Apple CarPlay, etc. functionality-wise it's not quite as good as a current BMW factory iDrive system, however it sure as hell beats the system the Z4 got over a decade ago.
Wanted to share this and see if anyone had any thoughts on this.
I think the live chat I attached pretty much covers everything. Pros? Cons?
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Chat started on 13 Jan 2019, 09:52 PM (GMT+0)
(09:52:02) *** Customer Support joined the chat ***
(09:52:02) *** Visitor 84622690 joined the chat ***
(09:52:04) Customer Support: Hi, how can we help you today? =)
(09:53:30) Visitor 84622690: Hi
(09:55:22) Customer Support: hi
(09:56:08) Visitor 84622690: I am wondering if the E83 system (BMWE83A-1025) is compatible with the BMW Z4 (E85 generation)
(09:56:29) Customer Support: yes
(09:56:33) Customer Support: i will send you photos
(09:56:45) Customer Support: What is your name and email address?
(09:57:02) Visitor 84622690: *EDITED*
(09:59:42) Customer Support: Agent uploaded:
(10:01:31) Daemonblitz: That is great news, was this retrofitted to a Z4 that had the factory navigation system previously?
(10:01:58) Customer Support: no
(10:02:08) Customer Support: it did not have the factory navigation
(10:02:19) Customer Support: it required cutting the dashboard
(10:03:35) Daemonblitz: My Z4 has the factory navigation, which already has a cutout in the dash for the OEM motorized screen. Will the dash still have to be cut or does your product fit the original cutout?
(10:04:09) Customer Support: that im not sure about
(10:04:10) Customer Support: BUT
(10:04:22) Customer Support: this system is not compatible with the factory navigation system
(10:04:29) Customer Support: so you will lose those function
(10:06:26) Daemonblitz: I am ok to lose the factory navigation function, however i want to ensure that I don't have to cut my dash in case I ever want to revert back to the factory setup.
(10:07:06) Daemonblitz: On the E83 X3 that is fitted with the OEM Navigation screen, does the dash have to but cut when installing your unit? I ask this because the X3 shares the same flipup screen as the Z4.
(10:07:46) Customer Support: no it does not need to be cut
(10:08:04) Customer Support: it replaces the storage bin on the dashbarod
(10:08:12) Customer Support: or replaces the factory nav screen
(10:08:33) Customer Support: if it is the same ssize then the z4 should be the same
(10:10:47) Daemonblitz: as far as the supporting wiring/connectors that come with the kit is there a difference between what would come in a Z4 kit and an X3 kit?
(10:11:02) Customer Support: it would be the same
(10:11:39) Daemonblitz: is there a difference if the vehicle was equipped with factory NAV or not previously?
(10:11:46) Customer Support: yea
(10:12:03) Customer Support: the factory nav in the e83 is NOT supported
(10:12:14) Customer Support: you would lose those functions
(10:14:15) Daemonblitz: What is your return policy if the product is not fully compatible?
(10:14:33) Customer Support: 7 days return
(10:14:58) Customer Support: but we are telling you now it is NOT compatible with the factory navigation in the e83
(10:15:11) Customer Support: so that would mean its not compatible with the z4 factory navigation
(10:15:58) Daemonblitz: I understand that. I am looking to replace it, I am more worried about the fitment of the unit inside the dash and possibly wiring/connectors not being compatible.
(10:16:19) Customer Support: ok
(10:16:29) Customer Support: yea you can return it within 7 days of receiving it
(10:16:38) Customer Support: ill send you the link to our terms
(10:16:48) Customer Support:
https://avinusa.com/terms-conditions/
(10:17:03) Customer Support: please read that before ordering
(10:17:32) Daemonblitz: Thank you. I will have to wait and order in the spring as the vehicle is currently in storage.
(10:17:43) Customer Support: ok sounds good
(10:17:45) Daemonblitz: I was also a little confused with the pricing if you could assist with that.
(10:19:21) Daemonblitz: I presume I would be ordering the E83 version when placing the order online. The first option asks if I have a factory navigation system currently installed, and if I select yes, the pricing jumps up by $150.
(10:19:35) Customer Support: yea
(10:19:47) Customer Support: there is a version that is made for the factory nav
(10:19:56) Customer Support: but i would say its more beta than anything
(10:20:03) Customer Support: its not very stable and we do not recommend it
(10:20:16) Customer Support: so select No for that question
(10:20:23) Customer Support: we will send you the standard unit
(10:20:30) Customer Support: that does NOT support the factory nav
(10:21:35) Daemonblitz: The other question regarding the Apple Carplay for $100, if I select no, does that mean that the unit will not have Apple carplay?
(10:21:48) Customer Support: correct
(10:21:59) Customer Support: you need to add it if you want carplay
(10:22:44) Daemonblitz: Does the unit have a built-in microphone?
(10:23:33) Customer Support: yes
(10:24:19) Daemonblitz: Ok, I think that answers all my questions. Would you be able to email me a transcript of our conversation so I can refer back to it when placing my order in the spring?
(10:25:23) Daemonblitz: Thank you very much for your time. I did not expect to have my questions answered on a Sunday.
(10:25:48) Customer Support: youre welcome
(10:25:54) Customer Support: we are here 7 days a week
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