Android nav installed in OEM screen

[Spaceman Spiff]

I finally finished this project after a few hiccups, and thought others might benefit from the experience.

The idea was to replace the OEM nav (which is now painfully outdated) with an Android unit. Several folks have done it before, but I mostly followed this guy's method: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1204677

Having retrofitted the OEM nav into my previous car (2003 2.5), I was somewhat familiar with the OEM nav setup, which made this a bit easier.

Items used:

1) Sony Xperia Z Ultra - This is a 2013 model with Android Lollipop, so not the latest and greatest, but Sony build quality and screen are top-notch and the unit is capable of everything I need. It's also a 6.44" screen, which is very close to OEM (see photo below).

2) OTG USB cable: The phone can be charged magnetically, which leaves the micro USB port free for attaching accessories. However, to do that you need an OTG (i.e., host mode) USB cable. This allows the device to detect when accessories are attached and act accordingly (e.g., stream audio through the micro USB port instead of speakers when a DAC is attached).

The housing is a very tight fit (more on that later) so you need a right-angle connector with a low profile. I got this one and still had to shave down the plastic top a bit: http://www.microcenter.com/product/4..._USB_OTG_Cable

3) Magnetic charging cord: Again, had to be low profile. I got this one that was a perfect fit without any modification.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4) EDO Tech power adapter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

5) Add a fuse: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6) USB mount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Total cost: $200-250.

Method:

People have done it at multiple levels of complexity. The most complex execution that I came across was one with a custom motor to open/close the screen, and a wireless TV module setup to access OEM menus. I took the easier path of keeping the OEM board in (to open/close the screen) and just replacing the screen with the phone. The whole thing can be done in 1-2 days, although in my case it took a few weekends due to a few missteps.

The link above includes detailed photos/steps, but a few Z4-specific notes:

1) For power, I tapped into the fuse box behind the glove compartment: #2 slot is empty and powered on ignition so won't drain your battery. The black screw right next to the right glove box hinge is ground.

2) You'll need to do a bit of cutting/grinding down inside the housing to make everything fit. It's pretty straight forward and easy to figure out once you open the housing.

3) I connected the USB-in (accessory connection) to a USB port mounted on the plastic panel below the climate control. It can be used to connect a variety of accessories from flash drives to DACs.

Results:

So far so good, but still needs some finishing touches. #1 priority is to get the phone to power on/off with the car. There's an app for sleep mode but nothing to power back on, or keep the phone on only when plugged in. Also, for some reason the screen stops 3/4th the way up when opening. When I was in test mode this happened at first but then corrected itself, so shouldn't be too hard to fix.

Other than that, obviously a huge improvement over the OEM unit and given the relatively low cost and effort, 100% recommended!

[Beedub]

BADASS!

[deemo319]

I need this mofo in my world ASFP.

[Finnegan]

Nice work!

[Spaceman Spiff]

Thanks guys

Given the low cost, relative simplicity of this particular method, and the huge improvement over OEM (while maintaining the stock look) I'm surprised more folks haven't upgraded yet. If you decide to do this and have questions, definitely let me know!

[nate96]

Looks good!

Do you have any pics of the tablet inside the housing?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by nate96

Looks good!

Do you have any pics of the tablet inside the housing?

Not the finished product but you can see the size/fit in my test fitting photo below. The final install was very similar, except for cut-to-size pieces of foam where you see the blue taped fillers in the pic (and a few other spots on the sides).

[nate96]

Thanks!

I am looking to do something similar. Do you know the dimensions of the housing? I currently do not have a nav screen.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by nate96

Thanks!

I am looking to do something similar. Do you know the dimensions of the housing? I currently do not have a nav screen.

I am away from home right now but will post the dimensions when I get back (next week or so). Going by the phone dimensions (7.06 x 3.63) the housing should be about 8x4.

If you don't have a nav screen it gets a bit more complicated because you have to also install a board to control the screen motor. Here's an example of that: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewto...56746&start=45

[deemo319]

How long would you estimate this takes to install with an experienced installer?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by deemo319

How long would you estimate this takes to install with an experienced installer?

Should be 4-5 hrs assuming you're familiar with Z4 electronics, the car has nav, the phone is ready to go with all the apps/startup animation/etc., and you have all the tools.

15-30 mins to get the nav screen out

1hr to disassemble the screen and cut the extra housing bits

1.5hr to put everything back in and reassemble

30 mins to tap the fuse box, run the wires, and install the USB connector

15-30 mins to put the nav screen back in

[deemo319]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

Should be 4-5 hrs assuming you're familiar with Z4 electronics, the car has nav, the phone is ready to go with all the apps/startup animation/etc., and you have all the tools.

15-30 mins to get the nav screen out

1hr to disassemble the screen and cut the extra housing bits

1.5hr to put everything back in and reassemble

30 mins to tap the fuse box, run the wires, and install the USB connector

15-30 mins to put the nav screen back in

Thanks for the info.

[krusty]

Cool

Porsche sell updates to their existing cars, allowing you to add satnav to an old retro model ... it is a pity BMW do not do the same thing. Your fit looks great because it still looks OEM original - but contemporary.

[Black911S]

Any reason why this can't be done with an iPad mini?

Thanks
Rob

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by robtemp

Any reason why this can't be done with an iPad mini?

Thanks
Rob

It's too big for the housing. Xperia Z is 7.06 x 3.6 and already a snug fit. The iPad is 8 × 5.3.