Dash top GPS mounting idea...what do you guys think?

T

Topshelf

Member
Been thinking about adding the OEM Nav to my Z lately, but the cost is just crazy for what it is. So after a few days of researching portable units, I've been trying to figure out the cleanest install. Obviously I'd prefer it to look OEM, and I'd really rather not have to worry about hiding the unit all the time. So after some searching, I just found this 1 series dash storage bin that is sold overseas. There's a DIY install here. From the pics it looks pretty close to the size and shape of the Nav unit in the Z4, just doesn't have the lip which shouldn't be an issue if you move it back half an inch. For $85, this looks like it could be a really nice solution, hell, just having the storage bin would be nice. Anyway, just wondering if you guys think this could actually work, and how it would look. Since it's an OEM piece I thought it should blend right in...And someone already figured out how to make a GPS automatically glide up/down here.

Thoughts???
 
I think I saw a sat nav retrofit on Babybmw.net some time ago which might be worth a look.

Road Angel do a dash-top mounting kit which would be easier :)
 
Personally if I was going to that much trouble I would want OEM sat nav, but you are right about the cost.

Here's another option I just thought of... buy the OEM sat nav, then when it comes to resale time whip it out and put in the storage bin, then sell the sat nav on ebay and get most of your money back?

Would be interested to know what others think of that plan :)
 
Madness. If you cut the hole, you have done 90% of the job of an OEM retrofit. The whole OEM system can be had for £500 (or $700) and you will get more then that back at resale of the car.
 
If you guys can point me to a location where I can buy an entire SatNav retrofit for $700 this wouldn't be an issue. But from the prices I'm seeing it's going to cost almost double that. $700 is really pushing it for what this system does, but I think I'd make that investment since there are other benefits to having that integrated as well. But for $1200+ I can't justify the price. This could all be done for $300. Sp3ctre's idea is interesting, but when it comes time to sell I know I'll be too darn lazy to remove this. :D Believe me, my first choice is OEM Nav, I just can't find one that isn't insanely priced.

Appreciate the comments though, might keep me from doing something irrational. :P
 
Takes a few weeks to collect the parts, but it is possible to fit it. My second fit was £500.
 
Where you finding the parts? E-bay? Someone on there was selling a complete brand new OEM Z4 retrofit kit...everything needed for the install. He wanted $4,000!!! :rofl:
 
I just looked again at completed listings in E-bay. $500+ is the going rate just for the MKIV unit. I don't see anyway of getting these parts for that price. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place?
 
Mostly eBay yes, but I sourced them from different countries, USA and Germany basically. I have posted links to some of the items before.
 
Yeah Elegant, I'm so torn. On one hand the OEM is, well, OEM. Molded right into the car, adds much needed song/artist data for my Sirius, and everything is tied into the existing controls. On the other hand, the 265WT is much cheaper, adds traffic info, and should be an improved GPS overall. Dammit, I want it all, and I want it all for cheap. Is that so hard? :D
 
You forget that OEM gives you more board computer functions + the telephone details + traffic info as well ...
 
Would have to agree with PVR and sp3ctre with regard to OEM, and £500 is spot on as discussed before, might be easier for us in europe, but look for parts outside of the USA on ebay.

I sold my old headunit to someone in the USA.

Also I would bet the profile of the 1 series part would not fit correctly in the Z4.
 
Topshelf said:
I was aware of the phone functions, but the OEM Nav has traffic data built into it????? I never heard of that. :?
Click to expand...

May just be a UK thing, it uses the FM broadcasts from certain radio stations
 
That sounds just like what the Garmin265WT I'm looking at uses and is the biggest reason (other than cost) that I'm looking aftermarket. If the US version had that I would no doubt invest into the OEM unit. We get shafted on all the cool things over here. :x

So is the general consensus then that something like this wouldn't be a good idea in the Z, even if it did fit?

1226752050-photo116.jpg
 
Well, even if you manage to install it, you won't be able to reach it :). I even find using the OEM nav cumbersome because I have to stretch my arm completely to reach the button on the radio :).
 
Hmm, that is an interesting point I haven't thought about. Does seem like a far reach. No way I could input an address into that while driving.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom