Double DIN radio that fits with native CarPlay (Android Auto)

[tkundhi]

Soon after getting my wife’s car back in 2014, I added a Bluetooth audio connection. It was cheap and reliable. Details here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?13898-Bluetooth-audio&p=387726#post387726

Fast forward 5 years and I decided to upgrade the stock radio to an aftermarket head unit that supported CarPlay. My budget for the project was $400-500. I really wanted to retain the OEM look but could not find a suitable radio from any of the major brands. Matter of fact I couldn’t find any CarPlay head units from the major companies like Alpine, Pioneer or Sony that fit without cutting up the factory HVAC airbox. Or at least that is what every major retailer said. So I took a chance with an Eonon unit with a CarPlay dongle. The Eonon units have mixed reviews and the same holds true for all the other Chinese brands regardless of price.

Well, my Eonon experience was terrible. The unit’s behavior was not consistent. It was buggy. The steering wheels controls did not work. The display cut of the top few pixels of the screen which was really annoying. Plus, it sounded horrible. I’m also an audio nerd and while I don’t generally upgrade my car stereos for sound quality (the car is too noise to really appreciate high quality audio), I know what a good system should sound like. I also have the tools to measure it. The Eonon was a joke. Way worse than stock. Not just to my ears but I took measurements to verify I wasn’t being biased because of overall experience. The built in EQ was a gimmick. No need to bash on the Eonon any further. It simply didn’t mee my needs and expecations. My short time with the Eonon highlighted the OEM look was purely aesthetic. The buttons and knobs on those Chinese brands are redundant and don’t have a German feel to them at all. Plus, all the functionality should be available via the steering wheel or on the touchscreen display. While Eonon’s support team was responsive, they couldn’t solve my issues, not even simple ones like why don’t the steering wheels controls work all the time. They suggested I return it. I was unwilling to try another unit as I only had a week left in the return window. So back it went. All of it. And back to researching options. I had a little over $400 into the radio and accessories.

Since this was for my wife’s car priority number 1 was it just needed to work all the time. I resigned myself to the fact that I may need to up my budget considerably to find a radio that fit from a major brand. However, with a lot more research I found there are some shallow double din radios from Alpine and Sony that do fit an E46 without cutting the HVAC airbox. However, none of the major websites, including the manufacturers themselves state that the radios fit in an E46. I decided to go with the Alpine iLX-W650. Once I chose a radio that fit, I looked for the supporting accessories. I wanted a dash kit that looked OE or as close as possible. And finally, steering wheel controls that works. This solution I identified is about $400. About the same price as most Chinese branded radios and accessories, assuming you can live with an aftermarket HVAC relocation panel. I found I didn’t like the aftermarket panels and decided to go for the BMW part. I had tried the Dynavin relocation panel that has 2 USB port. Good idea. Poor execution. This took my total to a little over $500. Part list and vendors below.

The install is pretty straight forward but there are a couple items that can cause some headaches. I worked through these by trial and error plus one call to Crutchfield on the Alpine. The wiring directions below will help you avoided the issues. I estimate a novice can do this install in under 3 hours. If you’re experienced, it is probably half that time. It took me less than 3 hours and I installed and removed the radio a couple times while working through the wiring hurdles.

OK, let’s get on with it.

[tkundhi]

Car details:
2004 BMW ZHP sedan
Harmon Kardon
No Navigation
*** Radio harness is 17 pin connection. *** If you have navigation your harness may be different. It is important to determine which harness adaptor is needed. Removing the radio takes less than 5 min. Remove passenger cube trim. Remove cube trim above radio. Remove 2 screws and the radio is out. Disconnect the radio and determine your harness type. Reattach and reinstall. I do not have information for the 40 pin adaptor. However, the wiring should be similar. Just the pin type and layout is different. If you have a 40 pin harness you may need to make different modifications for the steering wheel CAN signal and parking brake.

Objective:
Add Apple CarPlay (Android Auto would be bonus)
Bluetooth connectivity if not connected by cable.
100% functioning steering wheel controls, including ability to activate Siri, make or answer calls and change track via the steering wheel. Volume, track and answer call buttons must work for Bluetooth also.
Reliable functionality that works over 95% of the time.
Audio quality that is as good as or better than Harmon Kardon system.
Min 2 camera support.
No cutting factory HVAC airbox. This requirement eliminates most double din radios.
Clean install that can be reversed and return the car to stock easily.


Parts:
Alpine iL-W650 (head unit) $294
https://www.crutchfield.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/p_500ILXW650/Alpine-ILX-W650.html

Metra 70-8590 (radio to BMW 17 pin harness) $0.01
Add the Alpine head unit to your cart and Crutchfield will offer you some installation items for a penny. Accept them, but this is the only one you will use. The rest are not compatible or needed. If Crutchfield doesn’t offer this connector or wants more than $9 for it, skip it and order from Amazon with the other needed items. Amazon price is currently $8.

Axxess ASWC-1 (steering wheel controls adapter) $44.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4PJC9K

Metra 40-EU10 (antenna to radio adapter) $6.02
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000329HEK/
The Crutchfield supplied adaptor is wrong and won’t work.

MicroBypass Parking Brake Override. $14.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006FKAHFM/
This part is important because the new headunits like the Alpine limit access to some functions while the car is moving. Since they aren’t really integrated they try to determine if the car is moving in different ways. The iLX-W650 does it via the parking brake. You can not simply ground out the wire. That will not work. Other radios use the parking brake and the brake pedal. Read the warnings that come with the ByPass device and don’t be stupid and try to adjust your settings while driving. If you want to skip this part, then connect the radio’s yellow/blue wire to the parking brake wire. But you may need to set and release your parking brake every time for the radio to function 100%.

Metra 95-9313B (Dash kit) *** includes HVAC relocation panel which I didn’t use $74
https://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-9313B-Double-Dash-1999-2006/dp/B01N3YXV59
The cleanest dash kit I could find. The dash has a factory look when installed correctly. I didn’t use the HVAC relocation panel but it should work fine. Don’t buy the Metra kits without the airbox modification. While we won’t need the airbox modification those other kits have a different dash trim piece and it doesn’t match the car as well.

BMW 51-16-7-001-408 (HVAC relocation panel) *** I wanted OE look with flip up door. $100
After trying the Dynavin relocation panel with the Eonon radio I knew I wanted the BMW part. I don’t like the flat surface on the aftermarket panels. It is useless space. Too small for your phone and because it is flat if you place something there it will fly off soon after you start driving.
*** NOTE *** This is for the cars with one large opening for center switches. Some cars have multiple smaller openings. If your car has individual center switches, you need a different part.
https://www.bmwpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/bmw-instrument-panel-switch-cen-511602-51167001408

Other head units confirmed to fit without cutting HVAC airbox:
Alpine iLX-007
Sony XAV-AV100
Sony XAV-AV5000
Note wiring may be different. And different adaptors may be needed.

[tkundhi]

Installation prep. Do this before on a workbench or table before attempting to install into the car.

Program the Axxess ASWC-1
This can be done via an Android phone or Windows PC. I did it on a PC. Download the Software Updater here. https://axxessinterfaces.com/resources/updater-software
Update the firmware via a USB connection.
Manually configure the ASWC-1. Set radio to Alpine. Remap the Vehicle’s Mute function to PTT. Be sure to write the changes to the ASWC-1.

A helpful Installation document is here. https://axxessinterfaces.com/products?Year=2004&Make=BMW&Model=330i

Wiring.
Make all connections by solder or crimp. Do not use wire taps. Don’t just twist the wires together. If you don’t know what you are doing get help or watch some YouTube videos. Solder or crimp. Terminate unused connection with tape.

**** IMPORTANT **** Modify the Metra 70-8590. This is the harness connection. The Alpine radio does not support the illumination dimmer connection (harness pin 8). The Metra 70-8590 does not have a steering wheel control wire installed. So, move pin 8 (orange wire) to pin location 7. Use a depinning tool or if you are careful you can push the pin out with a small tool. I knocked it out using a small torx driver.

Connect Radio, Steering wheel controls and Parking Brake ByPass to the Metra 70-8590.
Match the Alpine wires to the Metra 70-8590.
Black to Black
Yellow to Yellow
Red to Red
White to White (left front +)
White/Black to White/Black (left front -)
Grey to Grey (right front +)
Grey/Black to Grey/Black (right front -)
Green to Green (right rear +)
Green/Black to Green/Black (right rear -)
Violet to Violet (left rear +)
Violet/Black to Violet/Black (left rear -)

**** EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING ****
Alpine Blue/White (Amp On) wire goes to the solid Blue wire on the harness.
The Metra harness assumes the Blue wire (power antenna connection) is always on when the radio is on. However, the Alpine only powers their Blue wire when the radio source is selected. So when you switch to Bluetooth or CarPlay there is no power on Blue and therefore the car turns off the stock amp and you will not get any sound. By using the Alpine Blue/White wire, the stock amp will turn on whenever the radio it on. So remember Alpine Blue/White to harness Blue.
The Alpine solid Blue wire is not needed and should be terminated.
Do not connect the parking brake (Yellow/Blue) wire to the car. We will connect it to the ByPass.
If you are installing a camera, connect the reverse wire (Orange/White) to the reverse light. If not terminate. While I tested the functionality, I did not install cameras. I simply terminated the wire.

Connect the ByPass as follows to the Metra.
Blue/White to Blue
Black to Black

Connect the ByPass as follows to the Alpine
Yellow/Blue to Yellow/Blue
Terminate the Yellow/Black wire

Connect the Axxess ASWC-1 as follows to the Metra
Black to Black
Red to Red
Pink to Orange (confirm you have moved the Orange wire to the pin 7 location)
Terminate all other wires.

Radio Prep
Read the Metra 95-9313B dash kit instructions. They are really good. Just skip the airbox modification section as it is not relevant.
Attach the radio brackets to the radio
Test fit the radio to the backup housing provided in the kit.
Test fit the radio trim panel. You will see the Alpine display is slightly too wide. This is normal. I took a razor blade and marked the back side of the trim panel. Next take a flat file and remove material from the trim panel. Take your time. It took me less than 5 min to remove enough material so the display fit. It sits perfectly flush and doesn’t look modified. I would NOT attempt using a Dremel or other power tool.
Do not attach the radio to the backup housing with the screws yet.

[tkundhi]

Installation overview. There are plenty of videos available if you don’t understand these steps.
Remove passenger dash cube trim
Remove cube trim above radio
Remove 2 screws for radio.
Remove radio. Be careful when disconnecting the harness. The locking mechanism slides up. Then the harness separates from the radio.
Disconnect and remove HVAC controls.
Remove screws (4) and remove stock radio and HVAC carrier.
Remove ashtray.
Pop the sunglass/storage compartment out
Pop off the gear shift boot.
Remove 2 screws holding cube trim in place.
Remove 4 screws hold the ashtray panel in place.
Disconnect the wires to the switches.
Disconnect the wires to the lighter.
Remove the lower panel.
Move the switches and lighter to the HVAC relocation panel you purchased.
Reattach wires
Install the lower panel.
Reconnect the HVAC controls and install in the lower panel.
Do no reinstall the shifter cube trim yet.

Connect the Metra 40-EU10 to the car’s antenna wire. Connect the other end to the radio.
Connect the ASWC-1 mini jack to the back of the radio. Be sure to use the right connection.
Connect the supplied microphone to the radio. I ran the microphone across above the glove compartment and up A pillar to the stock mic location near the sunroof controls.
Connect the USB cable supplied with the Alpine. I ran this cable to the shifter area. That way I can access it in case I need to update the radio firmware in the future. Connect your lighting cable to the USB cable. This also gives me easy access to replace the lighting cable should it go bad. I simple ran the lighting cable out on the passenger side of the center console between the seat and the transmission tunnel. It is accessible from all 4 seats. When folded and tucked away it is not visible at all as it is between the passenger seat and the center console.

Connect the radio to the car harness.

Let’s test the radio and update it. You want to be able to see the ASWC-1 because you have to program it. This is really easy if you did the prep work above. Turn the car to the ACC position. Keep tapping the Volume Up button on the steering wheel until the ASWC-1 light turns a solid red. Once red the programming is complete. Test the radio. Make sure the fader works and you didn’t mis-wire the speakers.

At this point I updated the Alpine’s firmware because I read that some people had issues with steering wheel controls in CarPlay. The firmware update is a simple process. Get details here. https://kb.alpine-usa.com/article/ilx-w650-firmware-update-version-1-009.html Be sure your car battery has a good charge before doing the firmware update or better yet, start the car. You don’t want to lose power while the firmware is updating. The update only takes about 3 min.
After the firmware is updated. Connect a phone and test CarPlay. It should work flawlessly. I also tested Bluetooth at this point.

Remove all the connections.

Attached the radio to the backup housing with the 2 screws provided in the Metra kit.

Reconnect the antenna, ASWC-1, USB, and mic.
Now tuck all the wiring into the dash.
Slide the backup housing into place.
Note the top 2 screws go under the center dash vent. You do not need to remove the dash vent. Simply pull it forward and up slightly and you can slide the backup housing behind the screw holes. Install the 4 BMW screws to hold the housing and radio in place.

Snap the dash trim into place and secure it with the 2 screws from the Metra kit. Don’t use the original BMW screws. They won’t hold it in place.

Reinstall the shifter cube trim and any remaining items.

Enjoy your new radio.
The only downside to this radio is it takes about 30 sec to start up. But once up it works flawlessly. The radio has a decent tuner. Bluetooth and CarPlay work as expected. Steering wheel controls are 100% and using Siri you can interact with the unit with voice commands.

I don’t visit this forum regularly. If you have questions it is best to hit me up on the Facebook ZHP group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwzhp/

[tkundhi]

I've tried to upload pictures numerous times but they always end up rotated to the side. Here is a link to a Facebook post with pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwzhp/permalink/2372762309473907/

[derbo]

I've tried to upload pictures numerous times but they always end up rotated to the side. Here is a link to a Facebook post with pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwzhp/permalink/2372762309473907/

I found using Imgur private images is useful. Not the best quality like Flckr but good enough for forum. Come on Mr. Engineer! :) I think I would've done this alongside you if I had my ZHP still.

[derbo]

https://i.imgur.com/WQe92AJh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n3kivY4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1pE08B1h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yKDHgfnh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cnhVSoUh.jpg

[tkundhi]

Thx Derek!

[johnrando]

This is awesome... great info!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[das boots]

https://i.imgur.com/WQe92AJh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n3kivY4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1pE08B1h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yKDHgfnh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cnhVSoUh.jpg

Derek...Is this still for Alpine iLX-W650?

[derbo]

Derek...Is this still for Alpine iLX-W650?

Those are all of Tarun's pics. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[das boots]

Thanks.

[Ron///Man]

This is an awesome thread!!! Very timely as I want to upgrade my '06 ZHP for the exact same reasons. Thank you Tkundhi! I'm leaning towards the Sony XAV-AX1000. Can anyone verify if it will fit and look like the Alpine in this thread? Also wondering if the Alpine or Sony display's are easier to read and less washed out in daylight / sun like the Eonon etc units are?

[RamTheJam]

I used the Enfig Car Stereo website https://enfigcarstereo.com
Went all out with the Sony XAV-AX5000 Carplay. It works great.
Came out looking just like the Alpine photos in this thread.
It has all the crossover functions and EQ settings I need, right on the screen.

I move my Powered JL 10" sub between the BMW and my Tacoma, as needed.
I am still working on some other mods, i.e. door speaker upgrades, later today.
In order enjoy more bass, I found use for the car cover bag at the rear fold down seat.

My Z doesn't have the built-in ski bag in the chassis. Not sure if that was an option on these cars.
We fabricated that with a standard MDF cheese board, amp cloth, and some spray adhesive.


35947

Day time

35948

Night time

[RamTheJam]

Since I have the BestBuy "Total Tech Support" service, I was able to have the head unit installed at no charge.
I called the Enfig guy and let him know which car model and my factory radio specs.
He supplied me with the kit and the piece required to keep from having to cut anything on the car...especially the air box.
Two USB connection as shown. One for the Carplay device, and the other for a library.
I was able to get an Android device to work as well.

35966


I also had the doors upgraded last weekend and went with a pair of nice Hertz components, the only thing in my budget that are nice.
They were a bit tough to install and adapt them, but made all the difference with the new radio.
Now I have fresh tweeters in the doors and another set flush mounted at the rear deck.
My local shop gave me $50 off, as a Black Friday sale.
Cost $200 plus install, and ended up $325.

35967

At this point everything audio is new except the original rear round mid bass drivers.
I failed to take pics of that project.
I have enough factory gear for sale to open a small shop now.
Bavsound drivers, Standard HK drivers. Business CDs and Changers.
I'm hitting 99db, which is next to perfect for this size cabin and the mileage on my eardrums.

35968

[tkundhi]

Hi Ron, sorry for the delayed reply. I don't visit the forum regularly. Yes, the Sony XAV-AX1000 (also 5000, 7000) should fit without cutting up the car. You will need different adaptors. The Alpine is easy to read. No direct experience with the Sony units. If you want the Sony, use the vendor RamtheJam listed. Enfig was one of the few vendors I identified that was doing these installs without butchering the car. Here is a direct link to their Sony option. https://enfigcarstereo.com/SONY_XAV_AX100_E46_PACKAGE.html

Good luck.

[tkundhi]

I now have tools to measure individual drivers (aka speakers) due to another hobby. Sometime in the future, I'll measure the factory drivers and source some upgrades. I'm pretty confident I can surpass the Bavsound options for less money.

[johnrando]

I now have tools to measure individual drivers (aka speakers) due to another hobby. Sometime in the future, I'll measure the factory drivers and source some upgrades. I'm pretty confident I can surpass the Bavsound options for less money.Nice

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Cabrio330]

I have a non-nav HK OEM head unit and I want to add Android Auto capability (along with Bluetooth, backup camera, etc.) in my 2006 ZHP. I have an Xtrons unit (no Android Auto) in my 2004 ZHP and it was fine for what it is. I went that route because it was substantially cheaper than all name brand options and even cheaper than the Dynavin route. But I really prefer going with a name brand and for once, it appears a name brand - e.g., Sony XAV-AX5000 - is available at a very similar price to the various Chinese units - e.g. Avin Avant-4. Christian at Enfig offers a Sony package including all necessary installation pieces for $399. I see the Avin is currently $349. I would need to add bits and pieces (microphones, cameras, etc.) to either. Both units are single din chassis (something I like) and from what I can tell they install very similarly.

Is anyone familiar enough with both units that they can tell me why I may want to do the Avant 4 instead of the Sony? Are there material feature differences, or is it really an aesthetic decision (the Avant 4 looks a bit more OEM than the Sony)?

Thanks!

[JPMo]

I now have tools to measure individual drivers (aka speakers) due to another hobby. Sometime in the future, I'll measure the factory drivers and source some upgrades. I'm pretty confident I can surpass the Bavsound options for less money.Definitely interested in this! Keep us posted!

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[Cabrio330]

Question for the Alpine ILX-W650 owners, or this may also apply to other Android Auto-capable head units. If my Android phone is plugged into the unit when I start my car, Android Auto does not start up. In fact, Android Auto doesn't even appear on the main screen. To get Android Auto to work, I have to wait for the ilx-w650 to boot up, then plug my phone in to get Android Auto. I would like to plug my phone in before I start the car and have Android Auto work. Is this possible? Do other Android Auto units operate the same way?

Thanks.

[tkundhi]

Question for the Alpine ILX-W650 owners, or this may also apply to other Android Auto-capable head units. If my Android phone is plugged into the unit when I start my car, Android Auto does not start up. In fact, Android Auto doesn't even appear on the main screen. To get Android Auto to work, I have to wait for the ilx-w650 to boot up, then plug my phone in to get Android Auto. I would like to plug my phone in before I start the car and have Android Auto work. Is this possible? Do other Android Auto units operate the same way?

Thanks.

I have no experience with Android Auto but I don't think CarPlay behaves like this. I plug in once I get into the car. Then start it. Generally the Alpine switches over to CarPlay within 30 sec. Sometimes it doesn't. I simply unplug and plug it back in. I've caulked this up to the cable. But have not investigated it as I only occasionally drive this car. It works as intended 90-95% of the time.

On a separate note, I have been looking to add Wireless CarPlay. There seem to be to reliable Wifi to USB CarPlay adapters no available.

[J3ss3]

Hey all, I'm brand new to the mafia. Just curious if there are any updates about the best head unit options that don't require HVAC mods. I'm thinking one of the Sony units might be the way to go, but if there are any new market entries since this thread was started it would be nice to know! The enfig kit looks tempting (https://enfigcarstereo.com/SONY_XAV_AX100_E46_PACKAGE.html), have any of you bought and installed the kit? Watching the install video seems to show at 32:30 that it looks a bit "floppy"? When he pushes on the frame beneath the head unit, it looks like it not all that sturdy. I'm not on a super tight budget, so I'd be okay spending a little more to get as close to OEM appearance and quality as possible with the kit.
Thanks in advance!

[tkundhi]

Hey all, I'm brand new to the mafia. Just curious if there are any updates about the best head unit options that don't require HVAC mods. I'm thinking one of the Sony units might be the way to go, but if there are any new market entries since this thread was started it would be nice to know! The enfig kit looks tempting (https://enfigcarstereo.com/SONY_XAV_AX100_E46_PACKAGE.html), have any of you bought and installed the kit? Watching the install video seems to show at 32:30 that it looks a bit "floppy"? When he pushes on the frame beneath the head unit, it looks like it not all that sturdy. I'm not on a super tight budget, so I'd be okay spending a little more to get as close to OEM appearance and quality as possible with the kit.
Thanks in advance!

The folks at enfig seem to know their stuff. When I researched they were one of the only places talking about units that didn't require you to cut up the car. The parts I chose resulted in a solid install. It is not flimsy. But I'm not sure what dash kit enfig is suggesting. Sorry I don't have time to check. The Sony XAV-V5000 should fit. The key element is you want a shallow depth. If the radio's depth is less than the Sony XAV-AX1000 or the Alpine iL-W650, you will be fine. Good luck.

I'm looking to add an adaptor to make mine wireless.

[BADCLOWN]

I have an xtrons 9inch headunit with an apple CarPlay dongle. IMO: it’s the best bang for the buck out there. The CarPlay unit works flawlessly

[johnrando]

Hey all, I'm brand new to the mafia. Just curious if there are any updates about the best head unit options that don't require HVAC mods. I'm thinking one of the Sony units might be the way to go, but if there are any new market entries since this thread was started it would be nice to know! The enfig kit looks tempting (https://enfigcarstereo.com/SONY_XAV_AX100_E46_PACKAGE.html), have any of you bought and installed the kit? Watching the install video seems to show at 32:30 that it looks a bit "floppy"? When he pushes on the frame beneath the head unit, it looks like it not all that sturdy. I'm not on a super tight budget, so I'd be okay spending a little more to get as close to OEM appearance and quality as possible with the kit.
Thanks in advance!Didn't see video. Do you have factory nav? If so, Avin, Eonon, etc are OEM like replacements.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[J3ss3]

Didn't see video. Do you have factory nav? If so, Avin, Eonon, etc are OEM like replacements.

Nope, just the business CD, so I'd have to do the full process to move the climate controls, install the new plastic bits to house the double din, etc to make room. Thanks.

[holyc0w]

Are they out of the Sony units? I only see Pioneer as the option on that kit.

[sna77]

Hi,
So my shop (www.sound-in-motion.com) just did this install for a friend's 2004 325xi. We used most of the Enfig kit.

I don't like that Enfig dash kit at all. There are better ones out there. The Janus is the best, but I haven't seen it available for some time. I used this one: Scosche BW2377DDB
https://www.scosche.com/bw2377ddb

...which is on backorder, so I'd go with this one on Amazon if I were doing this now:
https://www.amazon.com/Double-Radio-Stereo-Installation-Bezel/dp/B00CSVAEVE#customerReviews

It's much cleaner than the angled one from Enfig:
36935

I also used this SONY XAV-AX1000 CarPlay receiver, because I wanted a physical volume knob and USB port on the front of the radio:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XAV1000/Sony-XAV-AX1000.html

Plenty of reverse cameras to choose from, but we like this one:
https://rydeenmobile.com/product/cm-duo3-selectable-dual-view-backup-camera/

BTW, you know the SONY will fit without cutting when comparing it to the side view of the OEM Nav system:

OEM Nav:
36940

SONY side view:
36942

Final installed pics:
36936
36937
36938
36939
36941

[J3ss3]

Are they out of the Sony units? I only see Pioneer as the option on that kit.

I emailed Christian at Enfig, he said Sony's on a national backorder. He also said the Pioneer is superior. Anyone have any experience with the Pioneer DMH-W4600NEX. The head unit adds $300 to the install it, so it's ~$700 total package. I see @sna77 doesn't like the Enfig kit (which looked iffy to me in Christian's install video). Might need to do a bit more research before I pull the trigger on this.

Is the mafia's general consensus to avoid the Avin avant 4? I saw some e46 dude's youtube video praising it pretty highly.

Thanks for all the great feedback!

[az3579]

The folks at enfig seem to know their stuff.
Yes, agreed. I had Christian at Enfig install a Dension Gateway 300 iPod integration kit way back when I first bought my ZHP (2010). He was very professional and did a good job installing it. Fun fact: the product demo video of the Gateway 300 on his YouTube channel was taken in my ZHP. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTX48lNAWgE



Is the mafia's general consensus to avoid the Avin avant 4? I saw some e46 dude's youtube video praising it pretty highly.


I've been quite happy with my Avin Avant 3. Overall it's a unit that works extremely well, has the best button layout, looks exactly factory (which none of the other ones do), and has the best software "tuning"/config out of all the units I've used in the past (Eonon, Xtrons, and now Avin). I see now that their pricing is now actually reasonable as well. I remember they were $700+ at one point, but now they're more down-to-earth in pricing.