Pics of my E36 Double Din Touchscreen/NAV/DVD

[m3steve]

Is there enough depth behind the sunglass holder/computer to install a double-DIN?

yes with a little modification, but im not sure why you would want a screen there, the shiftknob would block your view.

[m3steve]

Is the plastic used around the head unit textured? I think it would look more "Stock" if it were smooth. We have done this a couple of times down here at my shop, it definatly is a chore getting the abs to "mold" correctly. Nice Job tho...why did you decide on the D3? Price?

Yes it is slightly textured, and so is the vinyl surrounding the entire dash. I don't think it would look anything close to the same if it were smooth. Also, with the molding of the abs. It's impossible to get it to mold by itself to the depth of the D3, you literally have to cut into the ducting and find an alternative way to recreate about 5 inches worth of sealing an open area. The D3 is a fantastic unit, well priced, and retained a more stock feel in my opinion. The z2 was heavily overpriced.

[rcem3]

stevenstarr, please check your Pm's

[hellrot98m3]

can you please send me some finished pics....i am attempting to do the exact same thing.....who made your face plate??? or where did you get it?

[318aye]

wow, great craftsmanship on the installation, hope it all works out cleanly for you!

[M13]

Wow.. I've been waiting for someone to do this for a long time. Especially since the AVIC D3 came out.

Keep us posted on the finished product and if your installer would be willing to make some custom pieces for us. If it's a one day job, I might even fly him down here from Seattle...

I'm def. thinking about going this route or carputer route:






Great Job!

[m3steve]

almost finished with the front vinyl wrap, should look alot better

[Ginuwine]

man that looks nice Thats how I wanted mine to look didnt come out that way but yours looks nice

[M13]

Update?

[clipper1]

Nice job!

[jochoajr1]

Can you post some pics of the install?

[m3steve]

Can you post some pics of the install?

I posted pics of the installation, if you are asking for a DIY, I unfortunately dont have that, this job took 3 guys, over 40 hours to complete......there isnt anything in the interior center of my car that wasn't custom fitted, and not really by choice, there just wasn't any other way to do it. Not to mention the proximity sensor that is underneath it, and retrofitting the armrest, (i got tired of my elbow in the cupholder)

[525iazmx]

looks good

[Teddeee1981]

I just want to let everybody know that i've been working on the same project. Steve has helped me so much during this install and i wouldn't be able to have gotten this far.

Thanks for the help steve, and i hope my setup looks as good as yours.


And, i added a little something..... I want to try to get a retractable cord where the ashtray is for my ipod. That way instead of a ashtray, there will be an ipod sitting on a custom dock, with a retractable cord. So you can pull it out, change the video (wich i think is a fault of the d3's.... you have to change videos on your ipod, you can't do it on your deck. Videos only though, the music works great!!!) and when you place it back, there won't be a cord hanging all over the place.

I'll keep you posted on the whole thing!!

THanks again!

[m3steve]

out of the millions of people that have tried to contact me about how to do this install...............ted is the only one that listened............eventually It has to be cut way deeper then everyone thinks. Good job dude, you really stayed persistant with it, cant wait to see the finished product

[m3steve]

****Update..........
We just installed the pioneer bluetooth module. Its always a chore to pull the deck out, and I had to replace my center vent, so we figured it would be a good time to wire it up. I thought it was pretty cool tonight on my way home, I answered a call on the touchscreen, the person on the other end could hear me loud and clear, then the Navigation voice kicked in, and said " in 1/10th of a mile, turn right", and the person on the other end heard that as well. Not too bad considering the car is 11 years old

[da illest]

I would love to get more info on your install so i can decide if it is worth it to attempt a double din install. How long did it take you? Was it hard to relocate the HVAC?

p.s. I love the D3

[Teddeee1981]

I put the bluetooth in when i put the unit in. It works GREAT!!! I drive top down on the freeway the people don't even know they're on speakerphone!! The only thing is i have to talk a little louder on the freeway. My mic is hidden by the rear view mirror so i guess it doesn't get the wind there.

If you're planning on doing this project just know it is worth if you do it right!!! My Dual climate control doesn't work anymore because you have to cut into the heater box. Inside the heater box there are so many flaps and chambers, each with it's own purpose. I can't speak for others, but mine went smooth. It was alot of work, and I ended up having to do it TWICE. The first time i made the hole (which is the pics you see here) it wasn't deep enough. So i had to cut another inch and a half back.

So all in all. It's a great unit aside from the Ipod video. It's pretty much useless. I don't know if it's just me, but the picture quality isn't very good at all... It's comparible to an OLD VCR with the tracking a little off....

That being said.... The video quality for DVD's and dvix is GREAT!!! Overall i love the unit and the whole setup. For video purposes though, i suggest burning them onto a dvd so it's much clearer.

Here are the pix of my install and my car

[m3steve]

people don't believe us when we tell them how much work it is lol.............
As for time. Mine took two master installers and myself about 40 hours.........keep in mind, since it had never been done before, there was ALOT of trial and error, a little bit of which I was able to pass onto Teddeee. Good job dude. I'm going to post some more pictures once I get my trim wrapped correctly.

[RiCoZM3]

people don't believe us when we tell them how much work it is lol.............
As for time. Mine took two master installers and myself about 40 hours.........keep in mind, since it had never been done before, there was ALOT of trial and error, a little bit of which I was able to pass onto Teddeee. Good job dude. I'm going to post some more pictures once I get my trim wrapped correctly.

Respec' due.......

[BlackSapphire]

This one is especially nice:

[m3steve]

This one is especially nice:

not really sure what you mean

[IloveXterra]

Is there enough depth behind the sunglass holder/computer to install a double-DIN?

Someone mentioned that the shifter would block it.

I beg to differ. If you think about it, neither the driver nor the passenger's view would be blocked. The only time this would be even close to happening for me (automatic) is when it is in park.

Does anyone else have any reasons why this would not be an ideal location?

I am considering removing the sunglass holder completely, and re-locating the OBC to where the current single din stereo is.

Would this be an unwise decision? If so, why? Or why not?

Thanks!-James

edit to add:

I recently went to Car Toyz, a pretty reputable place in town to see if they could do it. Supposedly the sunglass tray even when cut out, doesnt have enough depth for one theres some metal bar in there stopping

Can someone verify whether or not this is true?

[m3steve]

Someone mentioned that the shifter would block it.

I beg to differ. If you think about it, neither the driver nor the passenger's view would be blocked. The only time this would be even close to happening for me (automatic) is when it is in park.

Does anyone else have any reasons why this would not be an ideal location?

I am considering removing the sunglass holder completely, and re-locating the OBC to where the current single din stereo is.

Would this be an unwise decision? If so, why? Or why not?

Thanks!-James

edit to add:



Can someone verify whether or not this is true?

yes, that is accurate, at least for a full depth double din. You can get away with a carputer/lilliput

[josh023]

i wanted something similar but, i wanted to delete my 7 button OBC and sunglass tray and have a guy make a kit for my GPS...... guy wanted $600