E46 HU (Phone/Ipod/Satnav)?

skiba · 2 Dec 2008 at 00:21

Hello, following on from my previous post about ipod integration with the bmw business radio i've realised i'm also going to have to buy a Sat Nav. So if I bought a Parrot for £250 and a decent sat nav for another couple of hundred im looking at close to £500 for the lot. Is there any head unit equivalent that does all of these things? Bluetooth phone connectivity, ipod connectivity and decent sat nav? The only other problem is with the AC unit in the 2nd slot I guess it would have to be single din with a pop-out screen.

Cheers all.

[TW]Fox · 2 Dec 2008 at 00:24

You can move the AC unit down to where the cubbyhole is if you want, this is where its located on Comms Pack fitted E46's.

skiba · 2 Dec 2008 at 00:31

Ok cheers, that broadens my options a bit presuming it's not too complicated.

mrk · 2 Dec 2008 at 00:33

You'll need the "relocator" to do the above too so keep that in mind.

One of these: http://www.bezelking.de/shop/climate-control-relocation-unit-2din-relocator-p-7.html

skiba · 2 Dec 2008 at 08:57

Ah, looks like it might be a mission, ok so back to the single din idea...

mrk · 2 Dec 2008 at 09:46

It's not that difficult

Plastic trim remover and a free Sunday daytime and you're pretty much done.

Dangerous Dave · 2 Dec 2008 at 10:18

Have you considered doing a full retro fit of the BMW Sat nav system ? It will cost you around 1-1.2k however it will look a better than any aftermarket stereo add a small amp to the system and it will sound a lot better than the business stereo which is the worst stereo I have heard in any car.

I have offered to help my work colleague do this and it doesn't look too hard. He is currently getting the parts needed.

skiba · 2 Dec 2008 at 19:43

I think the satnav system will cost too much, I saw one on gumtree for around 900 but again looks like a lot of hard work and I don't think will have the ipod or phone connectivity. Any other single din suggestions?

Wicksta · 2 Dec 2008 at 20:30

Single din head units look awful in e46s unfortunately, especially ones with flip out screens.

The double din ones require some modification to the heater vent pipes/mechanism as well so it's not just a case of buying that trim panel. If you do decide to go that route buy the centre console trim from BMW, it's about £25 and people seem to sell them for ridiculous amounts on ebay and in shops like the one mrk linked to.

Duke · 3 Dec 2008 at 08:30

Dangerous Dave said:
I have offered to help my work colleague do this and it doesn't look too hard. He is currently getting the parts needed.

Yep its not hard really, just the same as anything when running cables within trim etc. Everything else just connects in together.

HummuH1 · 3 Dec 2008 at 13:53

usually cheaper and more flexible to go aftermarket on the E46 IMO.

Speak to Andy who runs ICE Cold Audio via this forum Evotechnik

He's done 100's of E46's. If you scroll through the posts you'll see there's quite a few options.