Considering a sat nav for e53

[Percywa]

So I've just picked up an X5 and it's in great nick! It's got the factory business radio (without DSP) and some aftermarket bluetooth patch for the radio that doesn't stream music, just calls.

What I'm chasing is a sat nav setup, rear camera and to maintain some of the nice BC features on the dash and radio so question time.

1 If I remove the radio will I lose the functions on the dash i.e.. range, avg fuel, avg speed, timer, stopclock etc.?

2 Are OBD2 scanners generic and all capable of doing the same thing? The real cost and value being in software to interpret and reset values? This seems too cheap http://xtrons.com/obd02-elm327-bluet...nner-tool.html

3 Has anyone got one of these http://xtrons.com/pf7553ba-7-android...53-x5-e39.html

Cheers in advance!

[MarcoZandrini]

If you remove the radio (head unit) you won't lose any instrument cluster functions. The adapter does seem very "inexpensive." I have no knowledge of the head unit in the link you provided.

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Xtrons are another 'brand' of cheap, low quality electronics coming out of China.

The OBC (on board computer)data appears in your instrument cluster so removing the audio head unit won't change that.
The OBD (on board diagnostics) reader picks up various engine parameter information that's available via the OBD 2 port. If you change the head unit to an aftermarket unit, you'll not get the OBC information to show up. The only aftermarket head unit currently available that shows 'some' of the OBC data is the Dynavin N6. You could install a Car Computer and run other iBus interfaces to display the OBC data, this currently is the only other option.

I'd say steer clear of all the various cheap chinese units you see all over ebay, they're low quality in every aspect. That said, some people have taken a gamble, and got a fully working unit that has stayed working longer term. There's many other's who weren't as lucky, so ultimately, it comes down to how 'lucky' you are feeling !

The USA importer for Dynavin is the only person/specialist that offers good aftercare sales support and warranty if needed. All other countries/territories have importers, but they all don't offer anywhere near the level of service as J&T distributing offers for USA buyers.

Cheers, Dennis!