Aftermarket Navi

[slick230]

I am looking to install an aftermarket navi in my 03 M3. Has anyone move the AC controls down to the pop out compartment? If so, did you need any special mounting brackets or wiring harnesses?

[Reach]

You need a different lower trim piece that accepts the HVAC control unit. Its about $70 retail part iirc. Also, make sure you know what you're getting into. I'm not saying you don't, but replacing the stereo with a double-din (like the popular pioneer or alpine models) will require cutting of the ac ducting behind the stereo, fabrication of a re-route, a special 'harness' to hold the double-din, and a new faceplate. Oh yeah, and you'll need at a minimum new crossovers, and a new amp if you want to do it 'right'.

If you haven't already, make sure you search through the tutorials on e46fanatics to get a better idea of the work involved. Its a great project, just more involved than it is on many other cars.

[slick230]

I'm not saying you don't, but replacing the stereo with a double-din (like the popular pioneer or alpine models) will require cutting of the ac ducting behind the stereo, fabrication of a re-route.

That blows. I will check out the site you listed. Thanks for the info.

[Zcruizer]

Here's a cheap solution...
Buy a good map....

[slick230]

Here's a cheap solution...
Buy a good map....

Who wants cheap?

[Zcruizer]

Of course, what the heck was I thinking.....?

[ldsbeaker]

Map?!? What?

[woodym3]

Having used a Garmin off and on for the last year, I've found it best to rely on a map first and the GPS as a fun back up.

A couple of weeks ago while traveling with friends in Utah, one turned on his GPS one morning and it said he was somewhere in Oklahoma.

[Zcruizer]

I have friends that use these stupid things to find the Blockbuster up the street and sometimes they are taken through a few zip codes to get there (after pressing a bunch of buttons). Maps are the ultimate picture book for guys and they always work.

[mdepena]

I have an 08 335i with the BMW Navi and I think it stinks. There are so many better portable, aftermarket Nav systems out there, that you if you get tired of it or better models come out, you won't be out the big investment and rework.

[slick230]

I have an 08 335i with the BMW Navi and I think it stinks. There are so many better portable, aftermarket Nav systems out there, that you if you get tired of it or better models come out, you won't be out the big investment and rework.

I am also looking for integrated bluetooth, IPod, and XM which is not offered with the portable units. As for the stock NAVI, most suck. The only stock NAVI I ever liked was in my Acura RL. I found a nice DIY on E46Fanatics which doesnt look to troublesome.

[gbauer]

Look for a single-din GPS. I believe they're out there.

I wouldn't go for this model, but here's an example: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_070XDN8...ch=in-dash+gps

[slick230]

Look for a single-din GPS. I believe they're out there.

I wouldn't go for this model, but here's an example: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_070XDN8...ch=in-dash+gps

I would but I don't like how the screen covers the air vents.

[Reach]

I had a single-DIN flip-out navi in my Z4. The screen covering the vents was a non-issue as while I had the vents out I put electrical tape over the center 60% of it so air only came out the sides (around the screen). It had a negligible impact on the HVAC system's ability to operate as normal.

Don't let that consideration stop you. If you're not a fan of the aesthetics, well, that I can't help you with.