E61 V8 Bearding

For some reason I've been scared off these too as the m5 version is known for imploding and needing a rebuild.

Yes, at least for the unit that I bought, which was recommended on the now defunct 5 series forum. The unit feeds into the aux input via the quad lock connector, but I'm sure you could re-route it directly to an amp. The problem is how you then work with the audio coming from the original system such as PDC beeps and the gong, as the car will automatically blend these in over the aux feed where required. Also I don't know how you'd control the volume as that is also controlled by the original head unit.

Honestly, not a fan.

Yes I think the point is that it is just an LCD display that can display absolutely anything. So you can have a copy of the latest BMW digital dash or a map or anything you want. Perhaps a mirror of the central nav screen. If you can have anything then surely something will tickle your fancy.

The other option for audio input is to use a MOST interface that emulates a CD changer, so completely bypasses the factory aux input and sends a digital signal to the head unit. There are several of these to choose from, usually their primary purpose is a high quality Bluetooth interface but they have a wired input too. You'd then just select the CD changer input on the head unit.

My DVD nav drive is capput. Will this work for without it?

Quick update on the required updates to the car in my attempts to get back it back to standard spec (e61 550i manual).

Turns out the alloys on the car are OEM for a 6 series of that generation, part number BMW 6770941. Thankfully they are not cheap copies with BMW badges added.

However, for some unbeknown reason the previous owner had added spacers to both the front and rear wheels (rears deeper than the fronts), we think this was done for cosmetic reasons like the front splitter, MSport kidney grilles etc. The spacers are now removed off and new bolts and locking wheel bolts are on.

Next is a test drive to see how the car drives without the spacers and to then figure out what to do with the rear suspension - whether to continue with springs on the rear or reinstate the air suspension.

Otherwise I have a new set of OEM discs and Brembo pads for the front brakes which will be on in the next few weeks hopefully.

We're getting there.

With the springs on (not the air suspension) and the spacers fitted the tyres were too close to the outer arch when the car was fully loaded and you hit a bump in the road, needed sorting.

How does the larger screen work - presumably this requires some sculpting of the dash?

Also curious on how the USB DAC improves the sound quality - I always thought the issue was the car's Aux input so unless you're bypassing this (e.g. MOST interface) I don't see how the DAC helps but happy to be enlightened.

The larger screen does look good in the photos from the front. How does it look from the side - are there any gaps that would make it seem clearly non OEM?

With regard to the aux input, I think it depends on the car but there are certainly countless complaints about it where the sound quality is poor regardless of the source (e.g. Plugging a phone or other audio device straight into the jack). I had no complaints about the sound quality from my CarPlay unit that went through aux but others suffered poor sound from the same unit so it does seem to be car dependent.