Go from widescreen NAV/DSP to MID/no NAV in 2001?

[ancho]

I'm really not into the NAV unit (16:9) in my newly acquired 2001 740i. I am wondering if anyone has ever tried to go backwards - to install the older style MID unit which would allow for a single DIN head unit to be installed without the use of a clunky adapter kit? Obviously this would mean deleting the DSP amp, which is not a big deal, but does it seem feasible to attempt this?

[franco90]

yes you can but HEADS UP you will need to change out the harness from the car to make it non navigation in order to make it work.
1. the car radio is your 01 is in the trunk
2. your new set up will need you to get a non navigation radio harness.
Which you can see in the link below


http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/479497

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

As per above! is it 'feasible'?.. some will say yes, most will say no. Only you can decide if the downgrade is worth doing for you. It'll mean lots of work and faffing around removing interior seats, trims, doorcards etc then putting in a non NAV loom and then putting everything back again. If you DIY, you'll save hundreds of dollars of labour time at a car audio shop knowledgeable and experienced enough to do it. If you do, you'll end up with an even more mediocre sounding audio in your car!

It's your car and choice though!

Cheers, Dennis!

[ibumpers]

If you do, would you sell the NAV?

[MJ DOOM]

Just hookup the single din radio in the trunk. The newer Sony and Kenwood decks allow you to control all of the headunit's features with your cell phone. Leave the nav drive connected, so the oem screen can still work so you can use the mid obc controls when needed. Steering wheel controls can work with the new radio as well with the proper adapter. Would need new aftermarket speakers and amps as mention.

[ancho]

Interesting ideas - thanks for the input all.

[franco90]

lol you can go either way I just when back to NON nav on mine LOL

[racer2086]

Definitely not worth the effort. Tons of work for zero gain.

[rgao007]

Never seen someone try to go from nav to non-nav, but there's a first for everything. I suppose that if you don't use the built-in GPS, controlling audio is actually easier without nav.

[Reflex]

Should have just gotten a 97 or 98 pre VANOS car. Best of all M6X variants

[ConvGeorge]

Another idea - dump the nav unit and get a video module. I like the display of audio much better than the MKIV display. Get a Grom or a Mediabridge if you want bluetooth/USB input. I've added a set of 10's in the trunk for more bass, it's one of the easier sub installs possible, everything you need is in the truck (signal source from the factory amp and battery.)