Fitter/Installer for e46 Sat Nav retrofit ?

[Jake.]

I've got most of the parts needed to retrofit the OE SatNav into my e46 M3 but frankly installing it all doesn't look like a fun job.

Can anyone recommend somebody who might take this job on for me? The nearer to Hampshire the better really but I'm willing to travel if necessary.


Thanks.

--
Jake.
53 plate Estoril Blue e46 m3 6sp Coupe

[richterswil]

I had the factory SatNav in my E46 330d - don't bother I say - it was pretty average then - it'll be very dated now.

Save yourself a load of cash and buy a TomTom or similar. Not as neat I know but more effective and much cheaper.

[NickXX]

richterswil said:

I had the factory SatNav in my E46 330d - don't bother I say - it was pretty average then - it'll be very dated now.

Save yourself a load of cash and buy a TomTom or similar. Not as neat I know but more effective and much cheaper.

Hmm, did you have the Mk4 (DVD computer) and 16:9 screen? I fitted it to my 330d saloon (takes about a day) and now have it on my e46 M3. I've always found it to be a superb system - particularly now with the bluetooth in the M3.

[ipwn]

richterswil said:

I had the factory SatNav in my E46 330d - don't bother I say - it was pretty average then - it'll be very dated now.

Save yourself a load of cash and buy a TomTom or similar. Not as neat I know but more effective and much cheaper.

Sat nav

1. Makes the interior look at lot more appealing and modern.
2. Better functional control over things like the computer, radio, ipod, bluetooth etc
3. Adds TV if hes got the correct stuff.
4. He's already gotten the stuff anyway..

I havn't found it dated at all...its fast, reroutes happily and efficiently, warns me of speed cameras, and has the 2009 map installed.

Once I get the dvd version it will have the above aswell as 7 digit postcode search and the perspective views etc...

So it's not really as outdated as you think it is

[john_p]

One thing I miss about having an integrated system is that a) the music gets muted when it's trying to say things and b) when you lose GPS signal, the wheel sensors/compass still update the map correctly. The E46 system wasn't fantastic as features go, but with Bluetooth, POIs, a speed camera disk and perspective view, it was fine for everyday use.

[Jake.]

richterswil said:

I had the factory SatNav in my E46 330d - don't bother I say - it was pretty average then - it'll be very dated now.

Save yourself a load of cash and buy a TomTom or similar. Not as neat I know but more effective and much cheaper.

I know what you mean but as ipwim said; I've already got most/all the gear. I'm aware that it's not the best SatNav in the world but the car just looks unfinished without that screen.
I got a pretty good deal on the gear so I might as well use it. The aftermarket solutions I've seen fitted to e46s never look quite right to me.


Aaanyway, I'm still looking for an installer ....

[paoloh]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-3-series-E46-SAT-NAV-SYS...

[gizlaroc]

If you have the proper retrofit cable (£130 from your dealer) then it can be fitted in under 3 hours, 4 hours if you don't know what you're doing.

I have done a few now and it really is plug and play.




I love the system, graphics are a bit dated but the route choice is spot on (certainly better than a tomtom and Garmin, but not up there with Navigon or iGo imho, and you have 'route magnet' which is something I love!
If say you are going from Norwich to Bristol, it may tell you to go M11/M25/M4, but if you prefer A14/M6/M42/M5 you hit route magnet and put in M42 and it will take you that way instead. A great feature.

[john_p]

I'm tempted now, how much are the parts if I shop around and look at breakers etc ? £130 for the loom and DIY install, monitor, satnav computer, aerials, radio module, boot cradle?

[gizlaroc]

You're looking at....

£130 cable

£300 for monitor
£250 for the BM54 Radio/brain
£350 for the MK4 dvd nav

£30 for the trim to relocate the climate controls.

Obviously those prices will vary depending on the amount of people currently looking for kit, but that is the general price.

[Jake.]

gizlaroc said:

If you have the proper retrofit cable (£130 from your dealer) then it can be fitted in under 3 hours, 4 hours if you don't know what you're doing.

I don't have a retrofit cable, I have the original cable harness from the car the it was all removed from. Is the retrofit harness somehow different or better than what I have for installing all this?


Does anyone know of a good how-to type guide for doing this job myself? I've seen a couple for Left Hand Drive e46s buy one for RHD would be ideal.

Edited by Jake. on Thursday 1st October 22:57

[SittingBull]

Jake. said:

gizlaroc said:

If you have the proper retrofit cable (£130 from your dealer) then it can be fitted in under 3 hours, 4 hours if you don't know what you're doing.

I don't have a retrofit cable, I have the original cable harness from the car the it was all removed from. Is the retrofit harness somehow different or better than what I have for installing all this?


Does anyone know of a good how-to type guide for doing this job myself? I've seen a couple for Left Hand Drive e46s buy one for RHD would be ideal.

Edited by Jake. on Thursday 1st October 22:57

Jake, visit the satnav forum on http://www.xoutpost.com/ for ALL you will ever need to know. The best BMW satnav forum on the planet... All the answers/knowledge is there if you use the search functions.

[NickXX]

Jake. said:

gizlaroc said:

If you have the proper retrofit cable (£130 from your dealer) then it can be fitted in under 3 hours, 4 hours if you don't know what you're doing.

I don't have a retrofit cable, I have the original cable harness from the car the it was all removed from. Is the retrofit harness somehow different or better than what I have for installing all this?


Does anyone know of a good how-to type guide for doing this job myself? I've seen a couple for Left Hand Drive e46s buy one for RHD would be ideal.

Edited by Jake. on Thursday 1st October 22:57

There is an official BMW pdf kicking about which I used in my saloon. It really isn't a difficult job at all - just a little time consuming. Shouldn't take more than an afternoon.

I would double check to make sure you have the correct loom before you start though - there are various combinations kicking about for different stereo types (17pin v 40pin, HiFi v business v HK).

[Jake.]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.