135i Aftermarket Navigation

[hondaluvr1985]

I've decided rather than getting a 370z, I searched my heart and realized that I loved my 135i better then any car I have ever owned. It combines everything that I love in a vehicle: power, refinement, and a heritage rich with history. I will be purchasing a new 135i in the next week or two. Looking at several: all '11s, and all will have the sport package and premium package.

With this new purchase, I hope to do two things; get rid of the I-drive (I love it but it has died twice, and I couldn't imagine replacing after warranty) and upgrade to the N55 (please no debates, I've read them all!).

I hope the N55 will prove to be more reliable and have read good things thus far. I also am looking to install an aftermarket navigation system. I am very anal about my cars and will only do it if it can look OEM. Attached is a pic of what I want it to look like. I have searched in vain, and have still not come up with a definitive answer.

Is there a 135i double din kit? Is the 3 series kit one and the same?
Will I have to retain my stock radio somewhere?

These are the links I have found so far, and really, they have not been much help. I don't like portable systems, and I am set to do this if I can find more info. Any advice would be appreciated!

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437863


http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...a/L1010308.jpg

[JimD]

There are two ways to do this with BMW parts but they use portable systems. BMW sells Garmins rebranded as BMW. They have dealership locations loaded and BMW vehicles but are otherwise Garmins. There is a thread in the radio section of the technical area. They are nicely integrated with sound coming out the speakers and you can use the Garmin for your bluetooth. Currently it is a 3790. They used to use a 885t and you might still find one around if you prefer it (as i do).

The different ways to implement this are to use a metal bracket that fastens to the car under the hood over the gauges, that is what the OP did in the most recent piece. I have a normal Garmin 885t mounted this way and I do not mind the look. But I doubt you will. The other way to do it is a tray mount that goes where the storage bin is on the dash of the European 1 series cars. That looks a bit more OEM to me. I think there are pictures of this too if you search.

If you mount a Pioneer or Kenwood or something in the dash, as you apparently like, wyou will probably have issues with the programming of the car. The pictures you posted are a single DIN unit. I don't know if the "hole" for the radio is a single or double DIN. I think the latter looks a lot better - that is what my son has in his Mazda. The screen is awfully low on the dash for a navigation unit - however. Looks nice for a radio. But I don't think it's practical for a BMW. Even the BMW portables require reprogramming of the car during installation.

Jim

[Cuz5150]

Hey Guy,

My 2cents worth:

Listen up, You must be the first person that have heard of having I-drive problems. If i was you, i would buy your 11 with I drive and forget all the other stuff you have plants. The 1er was design around I-drive...<remember this>
You going with double DIN this and that and being anal about making it look stock is not going to work.........I would strongly suggest give I-drive one more shot....... Or buy a car with out nav, and stick the after market on the windshield and call it a day.
Just remember, don't complicate things! Unless you are a lawyer.

[kgaler]

I have a Tom Tom that I keep in the trunk but i have to say that my new Android Thunderbolt works great as a nav just sitting in my shirt pocket. I don't know why anybody would pay $2K for factory nav. I may not even be taking out the Tom Tom much anymore. I don't mean to change the subject but if I can save you a few bucks..

[Road Cone1]

Dynavin?
http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/3-Se...duct_info.html

[Aries932]

Originally Posted by Road Cone1

Dynavin?
http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/3-Se...duct_info.html

Yea they make one for the 1 series I think here...just not the 2011

http://www.dynavin.com/products/product_dnv_e83.php

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by Aries932

Yea they make one for the 1 series I think here...just not the 2011

http://www.dynavin.com/products/product_dnv_e83.php

Didn't see a place to purchase this one, do you know if it's available yet?

[doublevanosrc]

I second the BMW Garmin Nav.

[AW128i]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

I second the BMW Garmin Nav.

I third the BMW portable nav.

[Hocky]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

Didn't see a place to purchase this one, do you know if it's available yet?

I agree - that looks pretty nice.

[Da_Meister_22]

Is not just the NAV, for that I much rather use my phone. But what about all the other iDrive features...?