Replacement Stereo/GPS/TV etc - Dynavin e39

[TomC]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone here in Oz installed one of these (http://www.dynavin.com/products/product_dnv_e39.php) in an early (BMW) L322 to replace the computer/GPS/Stereo/TV etc? I'm looking to do it to mine, as the stock one is the only part of the vehicle that I am not 100% happy with.

Some other reference sites:
Range Rover - Bimmernav.com Online Store (http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catalog/range-rover-index-40.html)

BMW 5 Series 1997-2003 E39 BMW E39 X5 Non-OEM Bluetooth DVD player and navigation system (http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catalog/bmw-e39-x5-nonoem-bluetooth-dvd-player-and-navigation-system-item-247.html)

Like to hear what you think and/or your experiences

Cheers

Tom

[jase]

hi Tom
no, but after reading your link I think I'd like to
let me know if you proceed and I may be interested also

thansk
Jase

[33chinacars]

Hi Tom

This interests me too. Is it just the navigation side of things that your not happy with. Then from a lot of things I have read on rangerovers.net & other forums would point to a BMW mk IV DVD system being the easiest upgrade. Not saying that it is the best just the easiest. But no personal experiance. My new Baby a '04 TD6 which I'm yet to pick up has the screen but no Sat-Nav or phone connection. So also looking at options. May end up with just a portable GPS unit, not sure. But would like to know how you get on.

Gary

[Laurie]

Try contacting this mob in Sydney ! They do retrofits , new installs etc and list Range Rover with their kits.

BMW Navigation Systems (http://www.bmwmultimedia.com.au)

[TomC]

Will check out the bmwmultimedia mob.

Still thinking the Dynavin is the go though :D

Unless the clowns as a fitter I've contacted get back to me with a better option.

[drivesafe]

I'm also very interested.

This is the main gripe I have with this pus box of mine, so anything that actually works would be a great improvement.

[harlie]

As someone who still hasn't got around to fixing the dead pixels on my MID unit, I too am interested.

I installed a Hualingan (competing Chinese made Windows CE do everything unit) into our VW golf about 3 yrs ago and overall we've been quite happy with it. Sound quality is improved over the standard VW head unit - simple plug'n'play into the CANBUS socket - steering wheel controls work, NAV, reverse camera, music + movies all work well. IPod is a bit clunky but works.

Issues are that the Bluetooth is very poor (unusable) - screen is not auto dimming (not really an issue and when I think of it that might be hard with auto headlights) & hard to read when in direct sunlight - it does take a while to load a DVD full of MP3s (about 50 albums), it has a micro AB USB socket (with the death of USB to go I can't find a cable with micro on the A end so can't run USB drive full of stuff).

From what I read, the new Hualingan has improved its processing & decoding power and sound amp significantly and the 7"? screens are also much better.

The Dynavin looks to have some advantages over the new Hualingan, Full A USB plug, Extra SD card slot and a better (duel) processor.

When I did the unit 3yrs back there was a lot of talk about getting an Aus compatible version, can't exactly remember why but radio frequencies, and maps would have to be on the list. The software is pirate so if it does't have Aus maps you're on your own, good news is they are windows so extra / new maps etc are not that hard. Also - are any new head units equipped with a digital radio tuner?

I'd like to see an installed pic of both - looks like I have some research to

[drivesafe]

it does take a while to load a DVD full of MP3s (about 50 albums)

Hi harlie., and just a bit off subject.

Does our DVD MP3s play back in a standard DVD player.

The reason I ask is that the CD player in my RR only plays the first 40 to 50 MP3 tracks before skipping to the next CD, missing the last 100 or so tracks.

I have not found anything to put MP3s on a DVD that will then play in the RRs DVD player.

[jase]

I contacted BIMMERNAV (spelling??) in the US as they sell this Dynavin unit with a few questions
They didn't recommend this as an upgrade if the car is fitted with factory sat nav screen :(
They only recommended as an upgrade if the car has std radio (bummer for me)

Apparently its plug and play with std radio But a PIA with new looms to the rear and new dash trims required with factory sat nav screen fitted :(

FYI price from bimmernav is US was cheapest price I got also, Dynavin wouldn't sell direct and their Aust agent was $300 dearer than US??

Jase

[harlie]

The reason I ask is that the CD player in my RR only plays the first 40 to 50 MP3 tracks before skipping to the next CD, missing the last 100 or so tracks.


Hi Drivesafe - Unfortunately, as a nerd, I don't own a standard DVD player so can't really answer this one. I have come across different devices (due to firmware) having limitations on how deep they will read into folder structures or other odd quirks. Also these devices cache (or try to) the entire contents of a disk (to pick up the mp3 tags, eliminate skipping / read errors or delays) so they could be limited by available memory therefore only "seeing" the first x mb of available data. Your RR is the later model to mine so I've not seen the player in Q, if you really want to know there are a few things you could try.




But a PIA with new looms to the rear and new dash trims required with factory sat nav screen fitted


Hi Jase. The way I understand the doco, if you have factory sat nav it's a problem if you want to use the factory receiver (which they want you to do). I can't see why you could not remove (or disconnect, might have to tell the BCU about it) the GPS modules in the rear and install as per the standard MID unit configuration.

[harlie]

Has anyone had the MID unit out and know what the plug looks like? is it 40 pin or 17?

[RangieBit]

Hey there Harlie,

The MID is neither. It has a slim latching 12 pin connector out of it's side.

The back of the CD unit has a large block 24 pin connector and a smaller narrow 24 pin connector. Though that's not what you asked about :cool:

I have an after market VMS all-in-one unit in where the MID used to be and I keep the MID plug just under the centre speaker. This way I can get at it if I need to reset the clock and perform various functions if I lose power or need to disconnect the battery.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,
Iain

[harlie]

Thanks Iain - I heard about keeping one of the plugs out for resets - that makes sence that it's the one off the MID, and from what you say there is two remaining, this will be the adapter they are talking about... Does yours have an adapter, or is it spliced in...

I should pull it out, any hints on which dash panels need to come off?

I don't think these are going to be plug'n'play for a 2004 or any car pre 2006. There is a version that is for 2007-2010.

[RangieBit]

Hi Harlie,

The installer wired it all up and sliced/plugged as necessary in order to complete the install.

Looking at the two plugs which obviously lead off to the amps and/or speakers they are not your standard ISO type connectors so this was doubtless their only option. I think this may have changed in more recent times but by 2006 (or so) I think the ICE all had screens by default.

It's still a bit of a bugger to undo the centre speaker panel to get to the MID plug but as compared to leaving it hanging out of the dash or, worse still, having to dismantle the dash. There's an hour and half just in getting the dash apart. So three hours just for access to the ICE. Great engineering that - not!

First you take off the very end panels so you can get in to remove the two side pieces of the dash. These are the ones that contain the passenger cup holder and foot light and light control and foot light on the drivers side. You need to remove the cover panel and the four securing screws for the centre speaker.

Once these parts are off you can get at the two screws that hold the top panel of the dash from the sides. Then its a matter of removing all the Torx screws from the top panel and pulling toward the rear and lifting the panel out. Unplugging various connectors as you go of course.

Once all that is out of the way you can get at the ICE components.

There's a couple of videos here(End Panels) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICSWPnoGyXQ&feature=related) and here(Dash Top) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSYo175Q6mk) that show what needs to be done.

I think I have some pics of the completed install of my VMS unit. They (the installers) mocked up a fascia panel as no double DIN fascia was available at the time. They are now available (not cheap) and I can point you in the right direction if you need.

The pics are on my PC somewhere. I will append them if I can find them in my foraging. Note to self - must really organise the several thousand images on my desktop PC.

Cheers,
Iain

[Camo]

Hi Ian

Did you upgrade your speakers at all? I'm looking at changing my head unit for a double-din GPS one.. Keen to somehow fit a 12" sub without loosing space.. maybe in the rear left side panel.

Keen to see some pics of your install

Camo

[harlie]

how much cutting needs to be done for a double din - is it just the craddle?

[harlie]

Looks like these 2 cheapo units are p’n’p, but I’m not impressed with the finish in the dash, obviously the X5 is a different dash profile.
Hualingan Install Dynavin Install

Wonder how a double din would secure to the modified cradle.

[RangieBit]

Hi Harlie/Camo,

I have found a couple of pics of the finished install. Sorry don't have any with the dash off. I think my installer dude was a little cheesed off about how long it took just to get to the old MID unit and didn't want to hang about taking snapshots.

Camo,
I stuck with the original speakers. The OEM system in the Rangie doesn't sound too bad to my unfussy ear and the new unit seems a slight improvement so I'm not complaining. If you already have the HK 14 speaker system why would you want to change. If you've only got 11 speakers, gee, what a shame, then I guess you could supplement.

Harlie,
In order to get the full Double DIN unit into the dash you do have to prune the original mounting points somewhat. This is not the big issue though. You'll notice where the unit sits (right above the centre HVAC vent) makes for some creative plumbing when you've got everything pruned up and want to actually fit the new unit. You need to do some molding of the ducting in order to allow the new head unit to sit comfortably into the dash area. I found a video online somewhere of an aftermarket installer using a heat gun to soften and reform the ducting but didn't bookmark it so I don't have a link - sorry.

That second video Harlie is a more recent incarnation of the Sat-Nav so it fits into the dash profile a lot better. This might also be an option for folks as it has a prebuilt loom and CANBus adapter.

Let me know if I can help further.

Cheers,
Iain

[RangieBit]

Hi Guys,

FYI. I found this in my travels thru the interweb.

Double DIN for Range Rover (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LAND-RANGE-ROVER-Double-Din-Dash-Radio-Installation-Kit-/380310768824?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item588c49ccb8)

Might be nice to see it actually in a vehicle though :(

Cheers,
Iain

[Camo]

Looks like these 2 cheapo units are p'n'p, but I'm not impressed with the finish in the dash, obviously the X5 is a different dash profile.

Exactly why I won't fit this system.. Looks tacky from the side.

Say this is the same unit

Land Rover Range Rover Car GPS Navi System DVD Player | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Land-Rover-Range-Rover-Car-GPS-Navi-System-DVD-Player-/270651223298?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item3f0411ed02#ht_3573wt_907)


Gotta love the conversion from US dollars :D

Camo

[magic bob]

Hi folks, like many others, I am interested in upgrading my cd/radio for satnav etc.
My car is 2003 l322 poverty pack.
I have tried to locate dynavin in Aussie, but can't seem to find an agent here.
Can anyone help with contacts??
Thanks,
Magicbob

[Camo]

this install looks perfect.. id be happy with this!

RangeRovers.net • View topic - Has anyone with the RR without navigation installed this yet (http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=41777)

[harlie]

Thats the same unit as the video I posted. You can see how the control knobs are nearly touching the trim below - tells me that to get the side profile neater (I'm not convinced it is from those pics) you need to really cut up the cradle to allow the unit to tilt (face) downward.

I won't be doing the cheapo ones, I had a look in a X5 yesterday and the dash is a different profile so I can see how it would fit the x5

[Camo]

Yep I see what you mean.. sits very low.

I'm not keen on a cheapo chinese unit aswell. would prefer to fit a quality alpine double din or something like that. Make a frame around that looks factory. Must have steering controls working though

Camo

[p38arover]

There's an hour and half just in getting the dash apart. So three hours just for access to the ICE. Great engineering that - not!

I've just had a look at a few videos and it's much easier on an L322 than a P38A (or RRC) to access some of that stuff!

Mine needs the IP pixel fix, too.

[harlie]

I've just had a look at a few videos and it's much easier on an L322 than a P38A (or RRC) to access some of that stuff!

Mine needs the IP pixel fix, too.

It actually pretty easy Ron, do your research before and you know exactly what order to go in - if you are trying to work it out and are used to Jap vehicles it will take ages...

It's a bit like the post a while back that claimed it takes an hour to get the battery out because of the bonnet clearance, so can't DIY that - absolute rubbish. They hadn't found the method of standing the bonnet up vertical which takes all of 20 seconds.

[p38arover]

Thanks harlie. I saw the silver ribbon cables video and thought I might order one. I'm reasonably adept with electronic stuff (I trained as a radio tech).

I'd like to add Bluetooth. The LR GSM phone in the console is pretty useless!