Factory NAV Replacement

[Daemonblitz]

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?

"
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
"

[MZHammer]

Pretty cool, as the factory Nav et al is so tired. That new display looks a little large to me though.

[Black911S]

subscribed. want to know where this heads.

We have a RSNAV unit in an Audi that looks exactly the same as this Avin one. Minus a few software bugs the unit is awesome.

[GuidoK]

Do you have more detailed pics of the fit&finish?
I believe the e83 screen is not a 100% fit for the z4 (!)

This is not a flip screen?
(there are multiple e83 aftermarket flip screens available)

Do you have integration with your steering wheel controls and stereo controls?


edit:
Oh wait, they've cut the hole according to their screen. This is not a retrofit for the stock z4 screen so no proof that it is 100% complatible
Theyre using the stock stereo, so its more of an add on alas. I doubt this is a good alternative for those who have factory satnav.

[koruptor]

Thanks for sharing this, Daemonblitz! This is progress for sure, especially for those who want to replace their factory navs. Keep us updated!

[Daemonblitz]

The screen is a replica of the one found in most of the F and G generation BMW. I don't think it looks out of place at all, minus maybe the silver surround on the screen itself.

On closer inspection, there is a difference between the Z4 and X3 NAV screen, this doesn't necessarily mean that the cutout is different however.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=65_1240

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=65_1398

[Jsinghzzzz]

A guy in one of the Z4 Facebook groups did this swap using the AliExpress/Android 10.25" screen for the X3. He said that it wasn't an exact fit, that it was a little wider and longer, so he trimmed the base plate a bit and got it to fit.

[GuidoK]

Also that little lip on the front of the display goes underneath the vent grilles on the x3 when fit in the x3.
On the Z4 there is no possibility for that. In the hazy picture you can clearly see that its an ill fitting part ment for something else; that its a bodge.
That would be a thorn in my eye in my otherwise pristine interior, but everyone has their own standards of course.

I'm sure that in the x3 it looks ace.

[Jsinghzzzz]

I wonder if there's enough interest we can convince a company to do a production run with the correct size base and no silver around the bezel.

Given the pretty large community of Z4's (not just M's) it may be worthwhile.

[AmmarYasirA]

I honestly just want something that'll do Apple CarPlay. Don't care about anything else. At. All.

My old factory nav is just completely useless and no media interface is going to come anywhere close to what newer cars have today.

But what I want more than anything else is a full on OEM look. Even if it means I have to modify my OEM nav housing to fit in a new screen I'll do it.

Cuz I mean... it can't be THAAAAT hard to do.. right?

[RossBMWZseries]

Subscribed. I currently have my Navi disabled because after 13 years, it’s finally fried. Stopped functioning, putting out a black screen. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that thing flip open. I’m not about to pay $2,500 for a new unit that looks old school.

[RobMCoupe]

I've been looking around for integration with car play but no luck. Wonder if they can have add on to existing NAV to have car play?

[AmmarYasirA]

Originally Posted by RobMCoupe

I've been looking around for integration with car play but no luck. Wonder if they can have add on to existing NAV to have car play?

Definitely not (for now atleast). Easiest way I can see it happening if theres a unit out there that uses a screen seperate from the head unit. That way you could retrofit the screen into the OE housing and fit the aftermarket head unit into the dash.

Edit: There's a company that actually does really cool retrofits for cars with existing nav screens. Gonna email them and see if its possible. https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/audi...interface-mmi/

[AmmarYasirA]

Alright guys. I think I might've figured out a way to get carplay on the OEM nav:

[AmmarYasirA]

FOUND IT: https://www.navtool.com/bmw-z4-2003-...e-carplay.aspx

it is a little pricey but it is super useful.

[GuidoK]

You guys are aware of the native resolution of the oem display?
If not, guess

I wonder how carplay looks on it

[AmmarYasirA]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

You guys are aware of the native resolution of the oem display?
If not, guess

I wonder how carplay looks on it

Terrible. However, it is a relatively simple solution to an otherwise complex problem. No one makes stuff for our cars so this is one of the easier options available.

I was thinking there might be a way to get a bare bones screen to fit OE housing with two inputs that you could switch between OEM interface and then Apple CarPlay/other but that doesn't seem like it's an option unless someone here tech savvy enough wants to go through the trouble of figuring it out.

[GuidoK]

The screen is 240x400 (so 0,096 megapixel) (sharp LQ065T9BR51)
And when you use the ntsc input from the tv tuner (this only works when you have a tv tuner option) you get all kinds of interlacing and conversion effects, reduced contrast, etc.

There is a way to project vga on it with a special interface from some german company (VGA-ibus interface), but those carplay devices dont have a vga output I think, let alone in that resolution.

[tominizer]

Regarding the AliExpress/Android 10.25" screen for the X3, can't that base plate be trimmed to fit perfectly and then refinished (or for cheap bastards ----> plastidipped!!). I fail to see how that is a deal killer. Am I missing something !??!?!

[koruptor]

I've seen the NavTool CarPlay unit before but I personally feel the price is too high, even at the discounted rate. However, I appreciate the ability to maintain an OEM look with the NavTool.

I'm more in favor to the idea of replacing the factory flippy screen with something like the AVIN unit. It would be nice to have a fixed touch screen and no moving parts (lack of flippy action means less things break). I'm not sure how the screen will affect visibility though.

I have previously considered doing a flippy screen delete, and then installing something like the Pioneer AVH-3400NEX.

[tominizer]

The only thing I can't get past on the DIN opening in the dash where the factory radio is, is the fact that a flip-out blocks the vents. And that's a no-go for me. Having something up in the dash would be PERFECT where the factory NAV is. And having a fixed screen versus a flip out in my mind is the way to go. For me as long as the screen is relatively the same height as the cluster, I think it should be good to go. That setup at the top looks tall but not sure unless I was sitting in the car how I'd feel about it.


The real value here would be a a DIY project that can pull this off with a concise list of materials, a step by step for fabrication (if necessary), assembly and installation (heavy on pictures). Something like say a Samsung tablet bolted up to a base frame that fits into the NAV hole on the dash, a detailed wiring diagram, and then a to-do list for the Samsung tablet to make it output an audio signal into something that then has RCA outputs to a sound processor (cross-overs, eqs, etc) or amps..... or something to get back into the factory audio lines to the amplifiers............ I'd likely want the screen sunk into the dash hole a bit and not like that AVIN the way it's completely on the top of the dash.......... just thinking out loud and not attaching any sort of sanity here to this !!!


AVIN is on sale now for a base price of $410 USD

[Yapakanichi]

...and I'm over here running my old cellphone in the nav spot without the actual nav using command dash or ulysses speedo.....Maybe I should locate a tablet