How easy is it to add an in dash navigation system to a BMW 3 series?

Question

I am looking to purchase a used (2-3 years old) BMW 3 series sedan. From what I've seen most did not come equipped with factory navigation. How easy is it to add an after market in-dash navigation system? I don't care for the after market portable nav systems. I currently own a 2D G35 and adding an in dash nav system has proved more difficult than anticipated. For various reasons I wont get into it is a real pain to add an in dash system to my curent vehicle. Thanks in advance for your help on this issue.

Answer 1

It is prohibitively expensive to add a BMW factory GPS system to an exisiting vehicle.

Your only bet is to either get a portable GPS (TomTom, Garmin...etc) or an aftermarket DIN sized headunit with a flip up screen.

Aftermarket DIN sized units require an adaptor facia plate which would replaces your existing factory radio.

Usually, places like crutchfield.com will supply the facia plate as well as a harness to fit the car you selected.

You can choose a standard DIN sized flip-up LCD units with lots more features than the factory unit... that costs less than the factory GPS option.

Installing a headunit with GPS is slightly more complicated than a regular headunit because they usually have external boxes to house the additional electronics. But shouldn't be too difficult in the 3 series.

Check out the KVT-617DVD... looks like a bargain compared to the BMW factory system. You can also add a rear camera to this unit.

Features:
KVT-617DVD DVD player
in-dash DVD player with built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
motorized, retractable 7" LCD video screen with touchscreen controls and six selectable backgrounds
direct touchscreen selection of DVD menu items
plays DVDs, DVD-Rs/RWs, CDs, CD-Rs/RWs, Video CDs, JPEG images, and MP3/WMA discs
System Q Sound Control
System E's+ Advanced Crossover system
Installer Memory retains audio settings even if the vehicle's battery is disconnected
XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio-ready (you can add satellite radio for under $100, plus subscription)
compatible with Kenwood CD changer, TV tuner, HD Radio tuner, or iPod Control Interface
rear-view camera input
input for a compatible Kenwood navigation system
two audio/video inputs
audio/video output
dual-zone capable
front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs
wireless remote control
DVD frequency response: 20-22,000 Hz
DVD signal-to-noise ratio: 98 dB
FM sensitivity: 9.3 dBf
designed for use with "Region 1" coded DVDs
KNA-G510 navigation system
navigation system offers turn-by-turn map and voice guidance
GPS satellite antenna
built-in road maps of the United States and Canada
over 5 million points of interest
maps displayed on your DVD player's video screen
voice prompts offer turn-by-turn guidance
compatible with Clear Channel Traffic Message Channel and XM Satellite Radio traffic information services (subscriptions and extra components required, available soon)
multi-destination route planning
automatic rerouting for missed turns
route customization options
2-D and 3-D map views
trip computer
SD card slot for map updates
12-channel WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
4-1/2"W x 4"H x 1-1/2"D
package warranty: 1 year

Answer 2

Bmw 3 Series Navigation

Answer 3

if the Nav was an option on the car you buy it shouldn't be too difficult. the G35 with BOSE is difficult to do any after marked audio changes as Bose components are not compatible with other makes accessories. BMW does not use Bose so it should not be as difficult as in an Infiniti.

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

I had a 1999 or 2000 (from memory) 323i and it had a basic gps. It was a mono (orange/black) screen and provided street names and directions but no maps. The antenna was built into the dashboard.

Answer 6

i wld suggest buying in dashes but the ones tht have flip open screens so u dont have to worry abt it being stolen mine got stolen so i had to get another one and bought the flip open one and they are around 800 to 2 grand