Replacement Head Unit

[Grover-98]

When i purchased my 2003 L322 HSE it was suffering from the "Dead Pixels" This has not been any real drama as all functionality of the unit it still very easily navigated...

HOWEVER...

I am looking to upgrade the system to something with I-Pod connectivity as i am not a great fan of CDs considering the extensive amount of music i have.

In my search i have come across two real options... the cheaper option is to simply fit an ordinary Single Din CD player... or go for something which i have found on "Powerfuluk"

Range Rover L322 HSE replacement head unit with Satnav DVD (Type B) (http://www.powerfuluk.com/products/range-rover-l322-vogue-03-interior-accessories/nav999-range-rover-l322-hse-replacement-head-unit-with-satnav-dvd-etc.html)

This unit provides many features including: CD/DVD/Touch Screen/I-Pod/Bluetooth/SatNav/CANbus/Along with a flush finish and a 7" screen...

My question is... Have any of you upgraded to a similar (or the same system) and how have you found the functionality of the upgraded unit? ;)

Kind Regards, James.

[33chinacars]

Search fullfatrr.com I'm pretty sure there are a few threads on there about this unit.

Gary

[harlie]

cheap chinese crap & doesn't fit the dash as good as you would hope.

[RangieBit]

Hi James,

My MY03 HSE was suffering a little from dead pixels on both the MID and the instrument cluster when I bought it. Before very long the instrument message centre became unreadable due to the amount of dead pixels. I had this repaired locally and it has never looked better.

I got sick of the MID not long after and had the whole ICE system replaced with a VMS all-in-one SatNav/CD/DVD/USB/SD/Bluetooth Phone unit.

It took the guys who did the work a couple of days to get going and most of this was due to trying to integrate the steering wheel controls. All the so called "experts" in the field kept saying it couldn't be done. My installers proved them wrong, big time.

Any 2DIN unit (particularly an all-in-one) that you choose to replace the original CD unit will have issues as the main duct for the HVAC vents runs just below it. This ducting will need to be remolded to allow the new unit to fit.

Also, at the time, there was no available double DIN fascia panel to fit the range rover so the guys also had to fabricate one of their own to match the dash panels.

In hindsight it wasn't a cheap exercise. It did have a couple of false starts due to issues with the VMS software. My installers were not happy campers as it takes one and a half hours just to strip the dash and side panels to gain access to the unit (and the same to put it back together!).

The VMS guys rose to the challenge and its now been in the car for a couple of years and has only had the occasional glitch. Most of the glitches have been from stops and starts that have not allowed the unit to shutdown properly before being restarted. Even high end desktop/laptop computers suffer from these sort of issues.

The original MID plugset is hiding just below the centre speaker so I can get access to it readily if I need to reprogram the clock, or similar, at any point.

I have attached a couple of photos for your perusal.

Any specific questions just let me know.

Cheers,
Iain

[harlie]

There is a good amount of knowledge about this now. I'm told there is a catologue facia plate available, everyone I've spoken to so far has (like Iain) had a custom facia made - some with stunning results.

Steering wheel controls are resistive - not CAN. There are several catologue interfaces that suit, and several installers (in BNE) who have now done it (as well as many early X5).

For anyone who is familar with the interal trim, the dash takes about 10mins to get apart and refit (I've done it). It is very different to any jap set up which would explain VMS having difficulty.

The MID unit can be permanently mounted behind the glove box - take the CD stacker out and the MID display fits on the stacker mounts.

I'm about to take the jump over the next couple weeks, I have a (catologue) facia coming to see if it fits, just need to make a decision on unit to fit...

[RangieBit]

Hey Harlie,

Glad to hear you're taking the plunge.

I'm sort of debating about replacing the custom fascia with an OEM replacement. The ones I have seen so far look just a little too plastic for my tastes.

I defy anyone, even those who know where all the tabs, screws, and panel links are, to take apart the dash for proper access, without damaging the wood panel trim on the dash ends, in ten minutes.

It can be done quickly, sure. That quick requires very good planning, good trim removal tools and a fast, small cordless screwdriver.

I didn't think the MID harness would reach across into the glovebox. It's a great solution though if it does.

Good luck with it all Harlie. I'm sure whatever you decide on will be much better than whatever was supplied as standard back then.

Cheers,
Iain

[Grover-98]

I'm about to take the jump over the next couple weeks, I have a (catologue) facia coming to see if it fits, just need to make a decision on unit to fit...


Is the Facia which you are using a 1Din or 2Din set up? if it is a 2Din set up where have you managed to find one, as i only seem to be able to find single din facias for this model... ;)

James.

[ahebron]

I changed my stereo to a single DIN. To keep steering wheel control I used an interface device that also fitted I think BMW X5. It needed to plug into the socket on the back of the stereo. I bought it in from UK off Ebay.

Adrian

[Grover-98]

I have continued to look into this vaguely over the past few days, after going to my local car audio mob and coincidentally pulling up at the same time as a fellow L322 owner we went in requesting much the same thing...

And it seemed the second the guys in the shop seen the Range Rovers they wanted nothing to do with us. :o

Am i correct in believing the HSE variant of the L322 doesn't have amplifiers? they insisted it did and that this prevented me from being able to fit an aftermarket unit? :(

From all i had read online this didn't ring true to me so i decided to leave it at that as they were not overly excited about the job... instructing me that to even pull the dash apart was a monumental feat... however again thanks to online tutorials it looks simple enough!

OK to the point...

1. Will a simple aftermarket double din unit work with my HSE? What wiring harness is required? is is just a BMW one of the time?

2. Does ANYBODY know of a DOUBLE DIN aftermarket fascia panel for the L322 or an equivalent? Will the 2005 onward Sports version fit?

3. What is the interface unit required to ensure i maintain my steering wheel controls?

If i am able to get a unit/facia and the wires i am sure i will be able to
tackle this job myself! Then i might look into fitting a sub ;)


Kind Regards, James.

[jsp]

Am i correct in believing the HSE variant of the L322 doesn't have amplifiers? they insisted it did and that this prevented me from being able to fit an aftermarket unit? :( .

Just my observations, happy to be corrected.

There is 3 setups, low mid and high, with the high being the satnav display etc.

The low and mid have the same information display unit, the lower part with the display and buttons for trip computer etc.

The low unit has a cd player/radio din unit with built in amp and is wired to speakers directly.

The mid unit has a cd/tape unit connected to a stacker in the glove box, connected to an AMP in the rear passenger side of the car, connected to speakers.

I wont bother with the high end unit.




1. Will a simple aftermarket double din unit work with my HSE? What wiring harness is required? is is just a BMW one of the time? .

I dont know if you can get an adaptor from ebay or something I havent looked, but with either low or mid setup you could wire into the exsisting amp or just the low system speakers with a standard unit.

I don't believe you can fit in a double din unit behind the dash.



2. Does ANYBODY know of a DOUBLE DIN aftermarket fascia panel for the L322 or an equivalent? Will the 2005 onward Sports version fit? .

I have only seen single din units for fascia's, and the x5 aftermarket plug in units are a nice big screen but all the guts behind extends in the space of a single din unit. I believe the 05/06 update and sports dash is different.



3. What is the interface unit required to ensure i maintain my steering wheel controls?

If i am able to get a unit/facia and the wires i am sure i will be able to
tackle this job myself! Then i might look into fitting a sub ;)


Kind Regards, James.

From looking at rave and doco and the after market x5 kits you need a bus adaptper to interprit the bus commands and then assign them to things on the stereo. This can be done with a pc if your putting in a car pc or I believe you can get an interface box which converts the bus to variable resistance levels, much like the steering wheel in the P38a. But for an off the shelf head unit I do not believe there is a simple and quick / cheap easy way to do it.

It was posted earlier in this thread its just a resistor matrix, I really hope it is as then it would be easy.

I haven't pulled mine out yet, as I repaired the AMP in my mid system myself and am actually quite happy with the quality of the standard MID system, but would like a tad more bass ;)

Unfortunately I am not a wealthy person and the car budget for the next few months went on a new parcel shelf I found locally last week so stereo upgrades are out of the question. I am thinking of puting a pc in with a custom LCD touch screen, there is a few rippers on the mp3ar forum, and I have made up LCD screens for P38's in the past and not to boast but feel I got a more factory look than any other I saw ;)

I also have the LCD ribbon cable kit as my display is on its way out but again time has meant I just live with it.

[Homestar]

As JSP said - there should be an amp behind the LH back panel - if you have the standard mid display - and a centre speaker in the dash. The base model didn't run an amp - or the centre speaker, and the system with the sat nav has a different amp in the back. All the speakers run back to here. There is no reason you can't put an aftermarket head unit/speakers/amp if you don't mind running some more wires between the head unit and the back amp. You can then do whatever you like. Intergration to the steering controls can be done - but I'm not sure of the exact science of this at the moment - maybe one day I will have a play, but the standard system isn't too bad, so it is low on my list.

[ahebron]

Hope this helps
My car is an HSE with the CD stacker in the glove box (No big navigaton screen). I also removed my CD stacker to give more space in the gb.
To reset the clock I plug the module back in as I only need to change it for daylight saving and battery disconnection.
Under the dash top speaker I cut out a hole and put the plug there and pull it out when needed. The speaker grill covers this at other times. I have heard of owners putting the display unit in the gb which I might look into in future but will probably need to extend the cable which is no problem.
The following was simply plug and play. My stereo is a Pioneer. Repco and Supercheap sell stereo to ISO adaptor plugs.

Interface unit
Car Audio :: Search Car Audio Products (http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=ds+bm004&search.x=10&search.y=14)

I also got the necessary bits for my particular stereo like the Iso plug adaptor and stereo patch lead which links the interface unit to my stereo. They do not list for Range Rover but do for BMW which the L322 electrics is based on.

The single din fascia came from PowerfulUK
Range Rover L322 Stereo Fascia Panel - Single Din Type (http://www.powerfuluk.com/products/range-rover-l322-vogue-03-interior-accessories/rsf279-range-rover-l322-stereo-fascia-panel.html)

And it looks identical to that except I don't have wood trim.

Adrian

[Grover-98]

Sorry to be so painful but i am just trying to ensure i have the correct shopping list prior to committing my hard earned... ;) I am looking to buy the following unit as it will allow me to do all the required things such as ipod use and play dvds for my head rest monitors (as the dvd player in the boot has given up the ghost) and will cost $350 to replace anyways. This unit is also only single din which will allow me a far easier swap.

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. (http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/iva-d106/) (i will be buying this from a local JB-HI-FI) not importing

As this is an Alpine unit to my understanding i then purchase the following Interface Adapter along with the Alpine patch lead?

BMW 3 5 Series X3 X5 Mini Steering Wheel Control Stalk Interface Adaptor (http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/bmw-series-x3-x5-mini-steering-wheel-control-stalk-interface-adaptor-p-23782.html)

I then will also purchase the single din Fascia panel from Powerful UK.

Range Rover L322 Stereo Fascia Panel - Single Din Type (http://www.powerfuluk.com/products/range-rover-l322-vogue-03-interior-accessories/rsf279-range-rover-l322-stereo-fascia-panel.html)

Would i then be required to buy a Alpine ISO cable? Do i just go to any place which sells car audio gear and ask for an Alpine ISO cable? sorry this part has be confused... :(

A very embarrassed James.

[ahebron]

........
Would i then be required to buy a Alpine ISO cable? Do i just go to any place which sells car audio gear and ask for an Alpine ISO cable? sorry this part has be confused... :(

A very embarrassed James.

In theory yes. Repco or Supercheap will have them as well just make sure the stereo socket matches your stereo plug exactly. The Pioneer unit I fitted has a reversed socket to the standard one so I had to hunt through there stock to find the correct one.
Then again you might be lucky and it comes with the ISO plug. I took photos and my old stereo in with me when I went to get the new adaptor to make sure it all fitted.

Good luck

Adrian

[Grover-98]

In theory yes. Repco or Supercheap will have them as well just make sure the stereo socket matches your stereo plug exactly. The Pioneer unit I fitted has a reversed socket to the standard one so I had to hunt through there stock to find the correct one.
Then again you might be lucky and it comes with the ISO plug. I took photos and my old stereo in with me when I went to get the new adaptor to make sure it all fitted.

Good luck

Adrian

After speaking to two local Audio suppliers i have been informed that for models with screens they don't supply an Adapter and that the old style self wiring approach is required...

James.

[Camo]

Will a flip up single din unit work? I would have thought the dash would get in the way.

Camo

[Grover-98]

Will a flip up single din unit work? I would have thought the dash would get in the way.

Camo

I have put this into consideration myself, and from what i have measured up in the shop there is enough clearance (only JUST) :o

James.

[harlie]

....
2. Does ANYBODY know of a DOUBLE DIN aftermarket fascia panel for the L322 or an equivalent? Will the 2005 onward Sports version fit?
....

I can confirm no, the sport D3 kit does not fit, despite the claims of one manufacturer.

The single din plate mentioned above is available from pretty much all retailers here (Northfield, Autobahn ect), they have no listing for a L322 but it is listed for the BMW X5 E53 (1999-2004) and BMW 5 series E39 - exactly the same item. Part number CT24BM02 in connects2 catalog

I'm going down the 2 din route - custom fascia, there's actually not much to it. Maybe I should make one and use it to plug a mold to reproduce in fiberglass?



....
I defy anyone, even those who know where all the tabs, screws, and panel links are, to take apart the dash for proper access, without damaging the wood panel trim on the dash ends, in ten minutes.
....

Sorry, I did underestimate it a bit. I took my dash apart on the weekend to have a good look, (planning ect), with a cordless driver it took 12 mins to have the head unit & MID module out of the car. There's no way its a 90 min job, but then again someone was claiming 1hr to change the battery in another thread - if the operator doesn't know the tricks it's going to take time to figure out.

[jsp]

put a little thought into this today.


due to another project I wish to be able to keep record and track speed, location, altitude and time. Quite easy with a number of GPS programs on PC.

after going the whole hog on a custom P38 Range Rover install, I just cant be bothered with too much hasle.

I might just fab up a new panel to keep the exsisting mid unit, but put a nice hole in it to put in a single din unit where on my car a sinlge cd player is above the mid unit, and have a motorised pop out tousch screen connected to a modified netbook running a GPS app, also having my cheapo diagnostics software and maybe even an OBD2 app as well. Would have to bolt the single din cd player somewhere behind the dash and leave it connected as I believe it actually has the am/fm radio in it also.

I can use bluetooth etc for phone integration if I want to get really fancy, and splice in the audio from the pc to the mid unit quite easily either by picking the mid units low level output to the amp, or by hijacking the stacker or single cd players audio in. A DAB usb stick would give nice radio as well.

I am more than happy with the mid's stereo functions, trip computer funtions and ease of use for others in the car, and can then fairly easily add unlimited mp3 playback etc with a cheap pc.

Just an idea at this stage.

Down the track I could get more fancy taking on the the ibus a bit more to display trip computer stuff and use the steering wheel controls etc using a dongle from IBUS Interface for BMW cars (http://www.reslers.de/IBUS/index.html), then with a fair bit of mucking about one can integrate steering wheel controls, cd stacker control, and write messages to the instrument cluster, as well as pick up all the clock and trip computer functions.

There's a few youtube vids about of people doing this.


I'm going down the 2 din route - custom fascia, there's actually not much to it.

Can you fit a full double din in there? I haven't looked into it that much. EDIT: I just had a look at the youtube of replacing the headunit with the chinese aftermarket unit and it looks like theres plenty of space, might have to fab one up.

[harlie]

This is interesting; it is expensive but gives everything needed for a Pioneer double din conversion.

Double Din kit 5 series (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-5-Series-Facia-Adaptor-Pioneer-Stalk-Steering-Wheel-Control-Car-Stereo-Kit-/400313629872?_trksid=p4340.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D11%26meid%3D1133269307430599833%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D5%26)

What I don’t like is the fascia. Like the single din fascia mention above from powerfullUK (connects2 product) it is shaped to fit the BMW E39 which has a slightly different profile to the L322. IMHO these plates don’t fit the L322 very well; the profile doesn’t match the wood trim beside the new plate

[jsp]

Hey Harlie have you gotten any further with this?

I am starting to muck about with controlling things with the Ibus and now have to consider how I am going to put in a touch screen, do I go with an off the shelf double din product in an adaptor, which might look a bit stuffed in, or do I custom fab something which doesn't scare me as I did it in the P38 to try and get a factory look.

[harlie]

Mate, all of the available face plates or head units (supposedly to fit) are for the BMW which has a different profile – they all stick out over the trim at the bottom of the panel – they taper out from top to bottom – and look naf.

Unfortunately I haven’t moved on this at all, been tied up with work (lots of travel), sick kid – really sick, Owner Build Reno and a new home build up north all running together. To top it off I was out of action for ages with a spinal disc herniation. 2013 promises to be much quieter and it will happen!

To get anything reasonable looking the face plate needs to be custom made. What screen are you thinking of, double din or a screen with carputer?

Importantly, do you have an Amp in the back? This changes things, no show stopper and there are a couple ways to go – use the factory amp, new amp, or no amp. Either way requires wiring mods, above and beyond a standard Connects2 adapter. The rear amp contains the (speaker) cross overs – this is what causes issues, so at this stage I plan to keep the amp but do have a plan B for it. This is why powerfullUK specify their Chinese unit only works if you have no amp or satnav in the back. I have a 06/2004 HSE with the rear Amp (not the DSP) which I initially didn’t know was there, after a bit of research I know how to deal with it.

I will be producing a 3D CAD model for the face plate to suit a Kenwood Double din, which should work for other brands as well. When done and tested it should be available for others – take it to a 3D laser cutter and have it cut from whatever you like – alloy, stainless, wood, acrylic… I was going to hand make it but the cost of laser cutting is not worth mucking around.

[jsp]

I intend to eventually put in a car pc, I have the non DSP amp in the back, and its fairly simple.

I intend on leaving the entire factory system in behind the dash, and simply remote controlling it through the ibus but also adding in another audio input from the pc through the factory setup.

In the end I aim to have a simple three tab display, one for audio control, one for trip computer/car info and one for gps.

Theres heaps of info you can such out through the ibus, it looks like just about all the stuff you can suck through the obd2 connector with those freebie apps can be read through the ibus, so speed / oil pressure, coolant temp outside temp inside temp fuel usage etc.

I might get around to it eventually, so far I am just at the point of mapping various buttons in the car to keyboard strokes, so I am debating wether to cut up and use the mid head unit for lots of buttons to do things, or just rely on steering wheel buttons and touch screen. I didnt like the touchscreen in the P38 after a while.

Have to find cheapo wreckers in the uk for bits!

[harlie]

Nice one mate. Every time I read a carputer story I nearly get inspired, very cool project.

Pretty much everything is reported or relayed on the iBus. I’ve not looked but the only thought is what commands will the factory audio system receive via iBus?

[donrover0]

Hi Harlie,
I'm trying the whole upgrade from mid system to Hi Professional.
Got all the components, plus a BMW X5 loom (few differences as I see).
I have the Rave V15 RR wiring diagrams, which seem to be lacking.
Do you have anything better/more comprehensive? Don


Mate, all of the available face plates or head units (supposedly to fit) are for the BMW which has a different profile – they all stick out over the trim at the bottom of the panel – they taper out from top to bottom – and look naf.

Unfortunately I haven’t moved on this at all, been tied up with work (lots of travel), sick kid – really sick, Owner Build Reno and a new home build up north all running together. To top it off I was out of action for ages with a spinal disc herniation. 2013 promises to be much quieter and it will happen!

To get anything reasonable looking the face plate needs to be custom made. What screen are you thinking of, double din or a screen with carputer?

Importantly, do you have an Amp in the back? This changes things, no show stopper and there are a couple ways to go – use the factory amp, new amp, or no amp. Either way requires wiring mods, above and beyond a standard Connects2 adapter. The rear amp contains the (speaker) cross overs – this is what causes issues, so at this stage I plan to keep the amp but do have a plan B for it. This is why powerfullUK specify their Chinese unit only works if you have no amp or satnav in the back. I have a 06/2004 HSE with the rear Amp (not the DSP) which I initially didn’t know was there, after a bit of research I know how to deal with it.

I will be producing a 3D CAD model for the face plate to suit a Kenwood Double din, which should work for other brands as well. When done and tested it should be available for others – take it to a 3D laser cutter and have it cut from whatever you like – alloy, stainless, wood, acrylic… I was going to hand make it but the cost of laser cutting is not worth mucking around.

[harlie]

no sorry Don I don't. And you're right, they are very lacking in the audio dept..

This may interest/help for your project. Ultimate Upgrade (http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic2737.html)

[donrover0]

Thanks harlie,
Interesting and gives more hope!
I've requested (better?) wiring diagrams from Colin.
Had helpful previous dealings with Colin and others at BBS; I think I was their 20th customer years ago! I use Faultmate now.
rgds,
Don

[rangietragic]

There is a unit on ebay,hla6786 e39 BMW x5 ,RANGE ROVER 2002-2004 that does everything but cook your lunch.It looks to be german designed but made in china.There are three wiring harnesses to pick from depending on your vehicles specs,ie sat nav or not ect.Cost is $580 plus $80 postage.Looks a very good unit but is 10 mm deeper than the existing head unit,no satnav.Anyone seen it or bought one?

[donrover0]

I looked at more than a couple these a few months ago, as the easier way forward, two with GPS.
You lose the digital dash display/faults, etc. as this is run thru/in parallel with the "genuine" entertainment system .
I couldn't find any these replacements that did. Even "Powerful UK" backed off when asked the relevant questions.
You'd have to retain (somewhere) the existing push-button centre controller.
PS. I installed a single DIN CD/DVD/GPS with slideout screen in our Citroen C5; Chinese of course but OK.
Don