Aftermarket Nav System for 01 325i

[mbf]

Has anyone added a Navigation system to a '01 325i?
The dealer has told me that BMW only offers it from the factory. I've been looking at some Alpine set-ups, but they seem pretty pricey (around $3500 with a monitor, without installation). Plus I don't know how well the screen will fit into the console. Any advice?

[Swoxy]

I know someone with a '00 323 Ci Convertible. They installed TV/DVD/Navigation system in their car. When the ignition is turned on the screen slides out and pops up from the dashboard! Real tight. I think the system was Alpine, and was told is cost £8,000 for dash TV, 2 Headrest Mounted TVs, Nav, DVD, 10 CD, Sub in the trunk and installation.

[mbf]

Thanks for the info. If I had the money, I know I'd have many more options. Do you know if the 00 models came with the larger (non-standard) stereo like the 01? This seems to be the biggest problem with adding a screen that will look good. Has anyone added a BMW nav system after taking delivery?

[jgold325]

no dont do it. i did it to my car. i have a 2001 325ci. they do make a kit that makes it look better in the dash but here are the problems with it. i had the kenwood dvd touch screen tv in the dash with the navigation, put mb quartz all around an amp and a sub and i regret it all. the flip up screen blocks the air vents in the center and the sides dont blow up enough cool air so the car gets hot. at night the front window foggs due to the screen reflecting the a.c on the window and you can hardly see out the window unless you shut the vents and even then it will get hot in the car. Then the place i got it installed was a professional place called sound advice, they do high end electronics down here. after all was said and done my car ended up in the shop with a total bill of $19,000 damage to the electronic systems. sound advices insurance company paid for it but the car was at the dealer for 3 months. they had to replace the wiring harness door panels computers, just about everything and i still have problems with the service engine light. if you can avoid it dont do it, take it from me its not worth the trouble. i am still trying to sell off most of the crap from this experience.