Dynavin N8 Pro

[K-Dawg]

I was just on the Dynavin NA site and saw that they have a preorder open for the N8 Pro. This was the first I've seen anything about an updated unit from Dynavin.

https://dynavinnorthamerica.com/collections/dynavin-8-radios/products/dynavin-8-pro-radio-navigation-system-for-bmw-3-series-1998-2006-e46?variant=42634223059162

At first glance, the big changes appear to be:
Wireless Carplay/Android Auto
Android OS instead of Dynavin's proprietary OS
3V pre-outs instead of the previous 4v
No mention of the 24 bit Burr-Brown DAC
No mention of processor, and only 2GB RAM

I have a few complaints, but my N7 hasn't been too bad for the last several years. I'd like to upgrade to something with wireless Carplay, so this has my attention. I wonder if the N8 will be better than the Avin Avant 4. Avin's glossy screen and reports of less than stable performance kinda bother me.

Anybody going to give it a shot?

[Pklauser]

Looks like Android Auto is still wired fwiw.

[lvm3sm46]

I need a head unit so I will be paying attention, I dont like glossy screens. The Avin Avant 5 is out fyi.

[EthanolTurbo]

I highly recommend not buying something with only 2GB of RAM. 4-8GB is the minimum for good Android OS performance.

[Pklauser]

I need a head unit so I will be paying attention, I dont like glossy screens. The Avin Avant 5 is out fyi.

Is it? I can't find anything about the Avant 5 anywhere.

[lvm3sm46]

Just from what I have read here is that its the 4 with updated internals, Qualcomm 665 under the options of the 4

[dr_011]

I'll stick with my avant 4 with the qualcomm 665 and LTE. it looks more stock IMO, soft click buttons, and plenty of integration to everything I'd ever want.

[maw1124]

People still use Android OS?

I just upgraded to the N7Pro over Covid, so I'm not paying attention just yet. I've been happy with it, although my use needs are pretty narrow limited to sound quality any more.

maw

[K-Dawg]

I need a head unit so I will be paying attention, I dont like glossy screens. The Avin Avant 5 is out fyi.

It's still called the Avant 4.

I highly recommend not buying something with only 2GB of RAM. 4-8GB is the minimum for good Android OS performance.

Yeah, that part had me concerned.

I'll stick with my avant 4 with the qualcomm 665 and LTE. it looks more stock IMO, soft click buttons, and plenty of integration to everything I'd ever want.

Looks more stock is debatable. Dynavin's buttons are fine, and Avin's glossy screen looks cheap in the pictures I've seen.

Any issues with your Avant 4?

People still use Android OS?

I'm not aware of any currently available E46 specific headunit that doesn't use Android.

[EthanolTurbo]

It's still called the Avant 4.


Yeah, that part had me concerned.


Looks more stock is debatable. Dynavin's buttons are fine, and Avin's glossy screen looks cheap in the pictures I've seen.

Any issues with your Avant 4?


I'm not aware of any currently available E46 specific headunit that doesn't use Android.

I have an Avin Avant 4. At first it was a piece of shit that would intermittently not start up or work consistently. I let my car sit for a few months and now it works perfectly every time.

[repoman89]

I have an Avin Avant 4. At first it was a piece of shit that would intermittently not start up or work consistently. I let my car sit for a few months and now it works perfectly every time.

Maybe that’s what I had to try with the one I bought for my E39. Couldn’t get the stock nav unit + bluebus back in fast enough though after installing and using the Avin for ten minutes. Then had to fight with them via PayPal to honor their return policy.

[Pklauser]

Very curious to see what Dynavin switching to Android instead of their proprietary DynOS does. Makes me think it'll basically be identical to the hardware in all the other Android-based head units, which does have me a little concerned for sound quality. I know Dynavin was supposed to be a differentiator in that aspect.

[dr_011]

Looks more stock is debatable. Dynavin's buttons are fine, and Avin's glossy screen looks cheap in the pictures I've seen.

Any issues with your Avant 4?

well, i think Avin looks more stock than dynavin (but the N8 is better than past versions) but ok. Avin has a screen protector pre-installed that eliminates most of the glare too. Avin is far cheaper too. no issues besides not having bluetooth connect to my V1 (avin doesn't support multiple BT connections or SPP).

[9kracing]

I have an Avin Avant 4 in mine and it's great. I don't use Android Auto though, I just use a hotspot on my phone and treat it like it's a tablet. It does support wireless carplay and AA I believe, I just don't use it.

No issues with the screen being glossy, and the sound quality is excellent. Thumbsup from me.

My only issue is I was never able to get a Verizon sim card to work with it, even though in theory it supports the bands.

[Pklauser]

Sony just announced the XAV-AX6000, first new head unit from them since ~2019. I've heard good things about their XAV-AX5000 series, so I'm hoping the 6000 is even better. Wireless CP/AA being added is a big win IMO. Can't get the illumination to match the factory orange, but I'd turn off the display/keys at night most of the time anyway. Doesn't come out til September, so I guess head unit stuff is a 2023 move for me.

https://electronics.sony.com/audio/car-marine-audio/all-car-marine-audio/p/xavax6000