Hi,

So there are a few posts but some of the topics have broken images or are outdated.

I've just bought a 2004 Autobiography 4.4 V8 with Logic 7.

I'd like to upgrade this and get something more modern. Ive seen a number of either Android or Pioneer 2 Din units being installed.

My question - how do I know if my steering controls will still work?

Then, for the DSP amp setup, do I need any specific looms?

I'm not anti the idea of ripping it all out. I have some previous high quality components and amps from the last time I enjoyed decent car audio but not sure if I want to go down this route so looking at the Android / other options first with what's there.

Eonon seems to be one of the goto brands now, especially since the BMW E39 unit seems to fit perfectly but reliability / quality issues remain an issue with these 'cheaper' units.

Thanks

Android is the way to go -- also use Resler USB connected to CAN and then have Navcoder too -- you'll need an extension loom to run from the new head unit to the BM54 in the back Current: 2011 FFRR Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8
Previous: -
2004 FFRR Vogue 4.4 V8 with LPG
1997 P38 4.0 SE with LPG
1997 P38 4.6 Vogue with LPG

Wow, thanks for a quick reply.

I've had a good few BMW cars in the future - BM54 is the L7 amp, correct? What extension loom do I need and where do I get one?

Any suggestions on which Android units are worth looking at?

Resler USB - greek to me, will google.

Thanks

I changed to a Xtrons android unit in a 2002 Vogue and it's way better than that outdated stock unit.
Certainly no expert in this, but as far as I know the Resler and ibus app is a must on a DSP car to get any sound from the amp.
On mine, until the ibus app starts , there is no sound.
Buying the Resler and app is worth it anyway for the extra features it allows over just switching the amp.
See here for a basic demo.

On mine I followed previous installs and used the extension lead https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6m-Extension-Ca...2749203726
I did read here someone installed an adroid unit without this , but no idea how that works and if it was an HSE spec car.
Also used a 6m GPS extension cable from the dash to original plug in the back to use the existing GPS antenna on the tailgate. Others have fitted a short antenna under the dash top and reported this works too.

When installing, I removed the passenger seat, B pillar trim , lifted the carpet and ran the cables alongside the rest of the cars wiring and removed the glove box to run the lead up to the dash. You'll need to remove the dash side vents and dash top. It will also require cutting the plastic tray holding the head unit to get the new unit to fit. Also fitted a reverse camera while there.
Steering wheel buttons all work fine too.

I used the connections for the old TV antennas in the rear side windows for the DAB. Not sure if the tints interfere with this, but it worked fin when I installed it and the signal living on the edge of London was great. As soo as I go down in to more rural Kent , the signal disappears, so really need to look for a proper antenna.
I don't need an internet connection on mine for most of the time, so use my phone as a hot spot when needed. I have a USB hub under the fuse box behind the glove box to plug in any accessories too.

This install on a BMW E39 ( pretty much the same as an RR ) was a good guide
https://www.m5board.com/threads/xtrons-pb7...on.586378/

You list your FF as 2004. Do you know what Model Year it is? Later 2004 registered FF were MY 2005 which had a much different system. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

It's a 53 plate. Registered 9th Jan 2004.

The headunit is not touchscreen. Very basic otherwise. Map function, TV tuner.

Rear screens which I think are standard, not sure. I can confirm the make.

One previous owner has wired in a reversing camera and also an unit that plays DVD etc via front screen and rear screens. I'm not fussed about that functionality - my kids are old enough not to care about screens in a car.

So I think mine is not likely to be the 'newer' MY2005 system as the car was already MY2003 if sold in Jan 2004.

Thanks

So one of these would work?

https://xtrons.co.uk/bmw-e39-android-1-oct...m-pbx7039b

https://xtrons.co.uk/bmw-e39-android-10-he...om-pq7039b

Same price, not sure apart from core count, what's the difference?

53 plate would be the "older" system.  John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Thanks, hopefully simpler?

There is an ibus app forum, so would probably ask there. When I fitted mine, the app makers were not recommending some Xtrons models.
You can always trial fit very easily first when you have selected a unit. It all plugs in the back and with a simple 12v supply, I have the Resler USB stick and DSP license ready to , along with the GPS lead and rear cam all working before ripping the trim out. Took about 15 mins.

Thanks for all the input.

Im starting to think bypassing the BM54 completely and not struggling with the DSP might be the answer. The Logic 7 audio isnt bad but its not great either.

Certainly the Navcoder stuff is useful but you can get stuff from the dash via the stalk. Is there anything that I 'need' that I cant get?

So Ive bought a 2nd hand Pioneer AVIC-F88DAB which gives me all the functionality and basic DSP things I need to get good sound. That does mean however that the existing system will largely be bypassed.

I'd love to play around with a Android system and get all the 'geeky' stuff working but I dont have time / energy for that at the moment. Ill try and keep the old stuff so allow this to be returned if needed.

Thanks

BMG - there is a second way, especially if your MKIII satnav unit is not working any longer, or you are fed up of the old Land Rover Alpine OEM unit that is now looking a bit outdated after 20 years

and you don't need the Resler i-bus module !
https://shop.ibus-app.de/en/shop/

you buy one of these adaptor control modules instead for £160 quid

https://audiotechdirect.com/direct-fit-amp...r-dsp-amp/

and then connect to any Android head unit - like this 10.25" inch one for £260

https://audiotechdirect.com/pba-bm3003b-an...3-rr-l322/

This adaptor allows you to retain the factory fitted BMW DSP amplifier sound system in your BMW or Range Rover L322 when you are changing the factory radio to a new after-market head unit. This adaptor consists of a voltage regulator, audio circuits (inputs and outputs) circuits form a digital signal amplifier control and the control of the micro-controller.

https://audiotechdirect.com/blog/range-rov...bstacles-/

Suitable for all Range Rover Vogue L322 vehicles with BMW DSP system and the BMW X5, 5-Series and 7-Series with the original BMW Lear XKQ000030 DSP amp.


The adaptor inputs (RCA L / R) are designed for signal of 1 volt. The adaptor turns the DSP amplifier in the following manner a: volume / tone - to maximum balance - to 0, Fader - to 0. So the volume, tone and balance controls are directly controlled on the radio. In this case when all speakers are connected to amplifiers (front and rear), the FADER control is not supported. If only the front speakers are connected to the amplifier and rear speakers directly to the radio, then the FADER can be controlled. The kit consists of the interface module and a set of 5m RCA extension cables.