2005 645CI - idrive / screen replacement / gps

[stuiesav]

Hey all, looking for some advice / ideas.

I have a 2005 645CI and looking to do something new with the sound system.

Whomever purchased the car - went for the basic idrive config - so i have no GPS, just CD player and its just not that thrilling.

What are my options for replacing this with something a lot more current?

I love the car to pieces - but the current system (tech) just ages it so much.

Thoughts / ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Stu.

[stuiesav]

gwan - someone respond - please :-)

[Mike335i]

All depends how deep your pockets are, but you can replace the system with the newer cic iDrive. It will be a significant step up and you can then look at adding all the missing bits like Bluetooth or GPS. If you Google CiC retrofit it will give you an idea of cost. I would expect it to be in the region of £1k though

[Speed addicted]

I’ve also got a 645, although I was unaware you could get them without gps.
How many CD drives does it have?

If you definitely don’t have gps it won’t be a simple upgrade as the antenna would need to be fitted, think its in the boot along with the amp.

I briefly looked into fitting the newer CIC system, you may be able to get the parts for around £1k but then you need to install them and get them working with the older system in the car.
It is possible but major hassle.

Another option is something like the denison gateway to connect your phone, then you could use the phone gps. This also gives you the music etc from the phone through Idrive.
Depends on how much you need the gps and how long you intend to keep the car really.

Edited by Speed addicted on Monday 7th January 10:22

[stuiesav]

any of you guys looked at these aftermarket units? - Made by Avin?


https://avinusa.com/8-8-bmw-5-series-6-series-e60-...

[Mike335i]

That does seem like a very good system at about £600 for the decent spec one, I know many of the android systems you can get are hit and miss Chinese units, so I wonder how this being a US company affects that? Is it likely to be better?

[Speed addicted]

stuiesav said:

any of you guys looked at these aftermarket units? - Made by Avin?


https://avinusa.com/8-8-bmw-5-series-6-series-e60-...

That looks pretty decent to be honest, having just gone through the site it looks like it totally replaces the Idrive functions.
I suppose the only thing you would need to go back into the original Idrive for would be the car settings.

I'm sure they're just as Chinese as any other product.

Got me thinking too now!

Edit, found a review by someone that's fitted one
https://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?p=...

Edited by Speed addicted on Tuesday 8th January 22:43