Is it possible to retrofit iDrive and Satnav

G

GoSteve

Member
Hi, has anyone ever retrofitted a Z4 with the iDrive and Satnav screen?
I have an opportunity to remove one from a Z4 2010. Just wondered if it not worth the pain, or whether it is a 'doable' job in the lockdown.
 
Anything is possible, just depends how much time you are willing to put into liking your car apart, installing all the components, and then fault finding and coding time.

From what I have learnt when researching the idea, it is a lot less work to retrofit the android system, although this does also come with down sides.

I have shelved the idea personally. Will make sure my next car is spec’d out exactly as I want it.

Good luck though if you decide to undertake the task. Would be a great opportunity for a how too!
 
Pooltee said:
Anything is possible, just depends how much time you are willing to put into taking your car apart, installing all the components, and then fault finding and coding time.

From what I have learnt when researching the idea, it is a lot less work to retrofit the android system, although this does also come with down sides.

I have shelved the idea personally. Will make sure my next car is spec’d out exactly as I want it.

Good luck though if you decide to undertake the task. Would be a great opportunity for a how too!
Click to expand...
 
That excellent advice has just paused me compromising on a purchase today. The car is missing satnav. I personally don't use it that often in mine, but I think I would miss the phone integration up on the screen and scrolling through music.
Regards
Steve
 
I rely on my phone anyway, and use TomTom AMIgo for those pesky little camera Van's.
But the iDrive is nice for the phone and radio. I still love the way it pops up all on it's own.
Sometimes I just make it open randomly to impress wifey.
Steve
 
Not sure why you would want to retrofit the Idrive, it is very dated at this point. If you want to fit a screen take a look at the android units.
 
It was just the nice convenience of the motorised opening display, the round know and buttons interface.
If you could replicate that with an android unit, then perfect.
 
sunnydays said:
Not sure why you would want to retrofit the Idrive, it is very dated at this point. If you want to fit a screen take a look at the android units.
Click to expand...

It is dated , any factory fitment is obsoleted by any portable unit always has been, always will be..but it’s very neat and well integrated..I think retrofit one is a bridge too far but buying a car with one is a no brainer if you like neat/tidy/no wires etc :thumbsup:
 
I am wondering, if it could be technically possible to retrofit the screen, but have the screen hooked up to one of those android units.

It is a shame the android screen does not have an oem style flip up, then it would be a no brainer.
 
Nick9one1 said:
I would't bother. I sure its do-able, but the satnav is quite antiquated in my opinion. If I'm doing a lengthy journey I'll use google maps on my phone as the traffic avoidance is miles ahead.

I something like this for music and control my phone through voice commands https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wireless...531195?hash=item522cb7573b:g:yG0AAOSw97peLGeD
Click to expand...

It maybe antiquated but it works ok, apart from the traffic info I actually prefer the navigation in the iDrive I find it better then Google or Apple Maps. It got me all the way from London to Malaga through France without a hitch! Besides the iDrive has a lot more functions then just the navigation such as having the pictogram for the PDC, vehicle settings radio etc. which just makes life a bit easier than on cars without it. But I wouldn't bother with the expense and hassle of retrofitting it if my car didn't have it.
 
My current Z4 is fitted with iDrive, and it's time to change it. I think I would miss the iDrive if I change the car, and spending another £5k and losing such a useful feature, even though it is a bit antiquated would be a shame.
 
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