v_therussian

I'm getting an '08 535i (hopefully) this month, but the car does not have a Navigation. Now, I have a buddy, who has in his possession a Navigation system from a 2006 530.

1. The '08 I'm getting has the satellite radio hook up, so per what I've been able to find out, I can use the antenna from the sat radio as the GPS antenna. Is that true?

2. I will have to retrofit the iDrive high (is that what it is called?) knob and replace the screen and install the Nav module - that's pretty clear. But how do I reconcile all the options on the 2008 e60 with the system from the 2006 530? Is it even possible?

Any pointers are appreciated, as I'll be probably DIY'ing this when I assume the lease on the 2008...

545felix

no dice. you can't use a pre-LCI nav unit in an LCI car. to "reconcile" all the options on the '08 you have to recode the nav unit, and the system that does the coding will not let you use an older nav unit in a LCI car. if you were to source an LCI nav unit, then yes, you could.

yes, you can use the existing GPS antenna in your sharkfin, but you will have to run a new cable from it to the back of the nav unit. it is currently used by the assist module; once you re-code, the assist module is smart enough to pick up the coordinates (and street name) from the nav unit instead.

nigxdoof

V, Have to let you know that it'll be reall difficult to do what you want. Especially since you have a 08 and the Nav is 06. Honestly, you are better off saving that money for Mods and buying a portable Navi. Much less headache and system is better than BMW in general. Let me know if you need some help on where to put the navi, I also have a portable one and i set it up so the wire comes out of the idrive and the wire is hidden.

v_therussian

Hey Mike, spoken as a true prodigy I've got GPS on my iPhone - its sufficient. I'm pretty friggin' good with directions haha Considering all the headaches, I think I will save the $$ for an Umnitza M5 bumper - not unlike that, which someone I know has and spoilers and a whole bunch of other crap LOL so, uhm... what can a guy get for a pre-LCI Navi these days? I'm pretty sure its a complete set - the screen, the module, but not sure if the iDrive knob is included...

Oh, btw, I found a set of M5 rims - no tires though and one rim is bent and needs to be fixed and all need some re-finishing, but I was gonna powder-coat wheels a slightly darker silver anyway - for $500 - you think its a buy at that price?