TV Function in New X5

[W8PMC]

Friend of mine is looking to purchase a new model X5, however the only option the prefered car doesn't have is TV Function. The dealer (as they would) stated it's very expensive to retrofit.

Is this true? I recall on modern Audi's you can get the TV Module fitted onto the Audio System after market & it costing just a little more than it would if had been ordered new for production? Surely all X5's have the wiring etc. pre-fitted & it's only the module that would need adding?

Please confirm if the TV Function can be retro-fitted & if it can, a rough idea on costs?

Edited by W8PMC on Monday 21st September 11:45

[W8PMC]

No-one able to offer an answer?

Is the X5 TV Tuner (iDrive) not the same as the rest of the Bimmer range.

[Eagerbeaver]

All you need is the correct video module to plug into the monitor/sat nav. This is still expensive (about £500 on Ebay) more from BMW. The fitting is probably expensive but is an enasy DIY install on most BMWs once you know where the plug is.

[T-bagger]

If we're talking E70 model (with I-drive) I'd have to disagree with the last post. You're talking abround 5 hours work plus a complete vehicle upflash and coding afterwards (add another 1.5 - 2 hours). The retrofit does indeed contain a video module but also includes TV aerials, harness, special connectors and fibre optic cables to integrate the system in the vehicles MOST bus. You would almost certainly have to get this work carried out at a dealer as no one else would have access to the fitting or technical documentation necessary, or indeed have the experience to fit it (I've done them and it's far from straight forward).
Buying second hand parts isn't a good idea either as the video module is encoded with the specific vehicle order which CANNOT be overwritten, despite what several so called 'specialists' may tell you.
You firends best course of action is to negotiate a deal with the vehicle supplier and have the retrofit done at a dealer. Hope this helps.

[W8PMC]

Thanks. Passed the info on & i think they're changing their mind about TV.

Second question would be how easy is it to fit an aftermarket DVD systime into the car? Can this be fed into the i-drive screen as i don't think they're keen on rear screens. Is their a feed on the i-drive head unit that would take a DVD input? If so, is it a fairly straight forward fitting procedure for a decent car audio outfit?

[T-bagger]

I'm not sure that they will be able to run a DVD signal to the screen in the front as the E70 doesn't have a conventional headunit. It has what's known as a CCC (car communication computer) which is basically a PC complete with processor. I suppose the only way to find out would be to speak to a good auto AV specialist. But I don't think it would be straight forward.