It *IS* possible to retrofit navigation...

A month or so ago, I posted a question here asking if it was possible to
retrofit navigation into a non-navigation car regardless of any cost
(obviously cost matters to me, but I wanted to know if it was possible and
what the cost is). There were some responses which said it was not possible
due to all the differences.

Well, I have been researching this extensively, and it *IS* possible to take
a non-navigation E46 to fully BMW OEM navigation E46. In fact, BMW provides
little known kits to do so which include almost all the parts, harnesses and
directions to do so. These kits are still available in europe, but I believe
they are discontinued in the US (although some dealers still may have
them) - You can't use the euro version in a US car. And if you can't find
the kit, you can buy the parts piece meal.

Now the bad

#1: The cost of the parts alone is roughly $4000US+. I don't know how much a
dealer would charge for labor, but the install manual claims its about 8hrs
of work if you "know what you are doing".

#2: You could install it yourself and save the labor if you know what you
are doing, but it would still require going to the dealer for reprogramming
of various computer units.

#3: It requires disassembling a LARGE part of the interior (drivers seat,
drivers door sills, rear bench seat, center console, center dash, rear seat
shelf, trunk liners, carpeting, etc.

Sounds like a lot of work and hassle and is likely to end up costing $6k to
$8k when its all said and done.

Just thought I'd share this info for those that are curious.

In article ,
Nobody wrote:
> A month or so ago, I posted a question here asking if it was possible to
> retrofit navigation into a non-navigation car regardless of any cost
> (obviously cost matters to me, but I wanted to know if it was possible
> and what the cost is). There were some responses which said it was not
> possible due to all the differences.

I'd say that was wrong as most makers will supply any spares for a car -
at a cost. After all, cars get repaired from all sorts of damage, and just
about anything can break, etc.

> Well, I have been researching this extensively, and it *IS* possible to
> take a non-navigation E46 to fully BMW OEM navigation E46. In fact, BMW
> provides little known kits to do so which include almost all the parts,
> harnesses and directions to do so. These kits are still available in
> europe, but I believe they are discontinued in the US (although some
> dealers still may have them) - You can't use the euro version in a US
> car. And if you can't find the kit, you can buy the parts piece meal.

That's what I'd guess.

Of course major modifications like this are usually not cost effective
using new parts - it's often cheaper to change the car for a comparable
secondhand one of the same condition but the spec you want.

When cars become older and secondhand spares plentiful and cheaper,
enthusiasts often update the spec of their 'cherished' vehicle.

--
*OK, so what's the speed of dark? *

Dave Plowman dave.DeleteThis@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.