E39 infotainment/nav repairs or aftermarket upgrades?

[Williams99]

RoverP6B said:

I'll be honest and up-front about this: I am not confident about working on my car's electronics, and would rather leave it to a professional. I don't think it's the kind of work my usual indy (MJF in Beare Green) does, he's an oily-bits mechanic (and a bloody good one at that), but hates anything electronic with a vengeance (especially newer BMWs). So can anyone recommend a specialist in old BMW in-car electronics?

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you, I hope you don't mind me jumping in to get some responses also. I've got the pro system with the 6cd changer in an 2002 car, however everything I've found so far seems to relate to iPhone 3/4 integration. I'm of the understanding that these won't work/charge my current iPhone 6s - would anyone know the long list of modules/adapters I need to buy and plug in to have handsfree/music/MFSW operation? Not fussed about a new headunit, kind of enjoying the OEM look.

Thanks all.

[Pommy]

Not OEM looking but I have a Parrot Android in my 528 and it’s bloody marvellous.

Sat Nav

Bluetooth Streaming so no cables needed (even though there are hard wire cables with it)

In built amp so music sounds better

Great hands free calling.

Very good and easy and cheap for a good ICE shop to fit

[RoverP6B]

I'd feel uncomfortable, both from a functional and an aesthetic point of view, with a 100% touchscreen device. With muscle memory, I know exactly where every button in the E39 is. I wouldn't want to have to take my eyes off the road to change radio stations. I also want it to function with the steering wheel buttons - does any non-OEM system do so?

[E-bmw]

Yes, many of them do, mine certainly did with a little adaptor box plugged into the wiring behind the stereo.

[bolide]

Re-reading my original post: it does seem like a bit of a faff. I'd send your BM54 to the chap who advertises on eBay and get him to repair it. <£100

Nick Froome