M3 with Nav or no Nav

[Slideways]

Really, it's just the fact that it's not factory. The software is buggy and their support is... meh.



I think if I did this, it would make sense to to allow standalone use. I.E. you pop in the factory monitor up front, but if your Navi is dead, or the radio is dead, you can just run this module standalone for those features (although perhaps I wouldn't implement AM/FM and instead make it Bluetooth / AUX only, just to keep the complexity down).

We will see! BlueBus sales are almost good enough to justify quitting my full time job, at which time I would have all the time in the world to implement something like this.

Thanks!
-Ted

Could you send the manufacturer of the Avin your specifications and have them build a reliable headunit? My guess is it is more complex than the Bluebus. Bluebus with a responsive wide touch screen, useful buttons and wireless Carplay/AA would be perfect. If I had an Avin, I wouldn't even use the Android part of the software or apps TBH. Maybe something like the Pioneer units that have wireless Carplay/AA and no Android software.

[t3ddftw]

Is the Avin hardware the issue or the software they are using?

Really, it's just the fact that it's not factory. The software is buggy and their support is... meh.

I'd convert both my cars to Nav for this. I'd love the CarPlay and a backup camera.

I think if I did this, it would make sense to to allow standalone use. I.E. you pop in the factory monitor up front, but if your Navi is dead, or the radio is dead, you can just run this module standalone for those features (although perhaps I wouldn't implement AM/FM and instead make it Bluetooth / AUX only, just to keep the complexity down).

We will see! BlueBus sales are almost good enough to justify quitting my full time job, at which time I would have all the time in the world to implement something like this.

Thanks!
-Ted

[Will]

I really want to try to develop a fully plug and play (using the rotary controls), no Video Module (TV Tuner) required solution for CarPlay, but mannnnn, I just don't think there are enough Nav cars left to justify the development required .

Baris' solution is nice, but there's so much extra stuff required (either the iDrive controller or swapping the BMBT screen).

-Ted

I'd convert both my cars to Nav for this. I'd love the CarPlay and a backup camera.

[Obioban]

I really want to try to develop a fully plug and play (using the rotary controls), no Video Module (TV Tuner) required solution for CarPlay, but mannnnn, I just don't think there are enough Nav cars left to justify the development required .

Baris' solution is nice, but there's so much extra stuff required (either the iDrive controller or swapping the BMBT screen).

-Ted

I really want you to develop that, too 🤣

[Slideways]

I really want to try to develop a fully plug and play (using the rotary controls), no Video Module (TV Tuner) required solution for CarPlay, but mannnnn, I just don't think there are enough Nav cars left to justify the development required .

Baris' solution is nice, but there's so much extra stuff required (either the iDrive controller or swapping the BMBT screen).

-Ted

Is the Avin hardware the issue or the software they are using?

[Jimbo's M]

https://geographiamaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/product-image-rand-mcnally-road-atlas-easyfinder-2023.png

[mtpktz]

I really want to try to develop a fully plug and play (using the rotary controls), no Video Module (TV Tuner) required solution for CarPlay, but mannnnn, I just don't think there are enough Nav cars left to justify the development required .

Baris' solution is nice, but there's so much extra stuff required (either the iDrive controller or swapping the BMBT screen).

-Ted

I think there are many people with dead pixeled original nav cars that would love a plug and play solution, especially from somebody with your reputation who is active in the community.

I’ve also read multiple instances of people being fed up with their Avin Avant. I’ll volunteer to be a Guinea Pig if/when you decide to develop something t3ddftw

[cornerbalanced]

Personally hate Nav. Specifically sought out a car without it. A screen has no place in a car from the early 2000s in my opinion, prefer to focus on the driving experience with minimal distractions. ‘Business CD’ player blends in far better.

Personal preference of course.

[t3ddftw]

Baris can add CarPlay to the stock MKIV head unit, including touch screen. That’s what I’d do, if I were starting fresh today.

he can also repair/upgrade a faulty bm53 amp.

That said, the Avin install is super easy.

I really want to try to develop a fully plug and play (using the rotary controls), no Video Module (TV Tuner) required solution for CarPlay, but mannnnn, I just don't think there are enough Nav cars left to justify the development required .

Baris' solution is nice, but there's so much extra stuff required (either the iDrive controller or swapping the BMBT screen).

-Ted

[Obioban]

Baris can add CarPlay to the stock MKIV head unit, including touch screen. That’s what I’d do, if I were starting fresh today.

he can also repair/upgrade a faulty bm53 amp.

That said, the Avin install is super easy.

[M3 Driver]

I used and enjoyed the stock nav for just under 15 years. It was way better than people gave it credit for, IMO.

In the end, wireless carplay pushed me off of it. CarPlay has 3 benefits that I see:
1) it can't fall out of date, as iOS updates and new apps drive it-- the head unit is just a display
2) traffic avoidance
3) police locations
4) modern music services support

All in an interface that is properly designed to be used while driving.

I combined it with a Qi charger. So, on short drives I leave my phone in my pocket, on long drives I drop it in the console and it wirelessly charges.

Plus, the Avin enabled a project that allowed me to shave 50 lbs of weight off of my car (eliminated all the factory modules, the brackets that hold them, and the entire factory stereo wiring harness).

And it lets me monitor tire temps and pressures on track, which is useful... and pull/reset codes without getting a laptop out. All told, it's a remarkably legit performance mod. My stereo project saved as much weight as the CF roof or bucket seats :P.

M3 wagon version, right after I installed the Qi charger:



Waze:

Hi Obioban. I am reacting to an old post as it is of interest to me. I am contemplating an audio upgrade on my e46 M3 with factory Harmon Kardin and nav and I am focused replacing it with the Avant 4 as i want to maintain the OEM look and use Apple CarPlay. Now that we are 2023, would you still make the same installation? My OEM amplifier is shorting out and I believe that it is the known problem with the faulty connector. Rather than repair, can i simply eliminate it as well as the OEM nav unit? is this a straight forward install than a reputable Dallas area car audio shop should be able to complete?

[Obioban]

This would just require a ton of development and would have a very small target customer base, IMO.

I've been mulling over building a replacement for the MKIV & BM53 that would retain the Board Monitor in the dashboard. I would build in Bluetooth, DAB / HD Radio, and CarPlay / Android auto. Finding the time to develop it is really the difficult part

-Ted

I don't think it's a small market-- basically anyone with a car (any brand) with an aftermarket head unit!

[t3ddftw]

This would be incredible. I’d be in for two to replace my two bluebus units!

Haha, thanks for the vote of support!

To answer the OP: Nav all day. So much so that I am retrofitting factory Nav into my 325i Touring.

-Ted

[repoman89]

I've been mulling over building a replacement for the MKIV & BM53 that would retain the Board Monitor in the dashboard. I would build in Bluetooth, DAB / HD Radio, and CarPlay / Android auto. Finding the time to develop it is really the difficult part

This would be incredible. I’d be in for two to replace my two bluebus units!

[t3ddftw]

... and on that topic, the bluebus microphone for speakerphone sound canceling blows the android head units out of the water. I've been trying, so far without success, to talk the bluebus maker to create a sound canceling board for mics on aftermarket head units. In the android head unit cars, I have to use my AirPods to have people be able to hear me on the phone.

This would just require a ton of development and would have a very small target customer base, IMO.

I've been mulling over building a replacement for the MKIV & BM53 that would retain the Board Monitor in the dashboard. I would build in Bluetooth, DAB / HD Radio, and CarPlay / Android auto. Finding the time to develop it is really the difficult part

-Ted