[bluewater328]

Looking for a new deck. Choices are Dynavin N7, Alpine iLX-107, and the Seicane https://www.seicane.com/inch-afterma...-radio-s089992

Seicane looks the best, imho (i can delete screw holes). But I have no idea how it actually runs. Would love it if someone who has one could post up about it.

Dynavin looks the most plug&play and oem. I'd prefer the Seicane visually, but both are aesthetically nice and have a complete look.

Alpine iLX-107 looks ok, but the gap action at the sides isn't what I want to look at (visual appearance means something to me). Functionally, this is the most feature-rich. Wireless CarPlay, etc. However, CarPlay is not something I have a lot of requirement for since all it would help me with is Maps on a bigger screen -- In Hawaii, that doesn't mean a lot. Turn by turn chiming in through the speakers between music is fine.

Here's what I need:

1) Backup camera integration (also does anyone have a reason NOT to get those $40 deals on eBay that have it built into the trunk handle?) - probably the number one reason to add a screen for me
2) I plan to upgrade all speakers (probably heading down a Focal path) and add an amp (I have the fabled "Base" system of 2010-2011), so I need something that can deal with that.
3) Bluetooth audio - I don't want to tether (I know Dynavin's CarPlay requires it, but that's why I don't know if I need the CarPlay module). I know the rest of the unit runs Bluetooth Audio so I can stream my ALAC, FLAC, iTunes, and occasional Pandora. I also know that the Alpine unit is one of the streaming CarPlay versions.
4) Movies are a plus, but not a requirement. Would love to entertain the kids sometimes, but it's not a dealbreaker to not have movies while we drive. I have an iPhoneX if that matters, and won't get an Android.
5) Keep my steering wheel buttons doing exactly what they do.

[ruhl88]

In my opinion go with this: http://xtrons.com/pe9890bpl-android-8-octa-core-4gb-ram-32gb-rom-multimedia-player-with-9-display-custom-fit-for-bmw-3-series.html
Full integration and strong hardware.

[srey]

Originally Posted by ruhl88

In my opinion go with this: http://xtrons.com/pe9890bpl-android-...-3-series.html
Full integration and strong hardware.

I wish they would make one with those hardware specs for idrive vehicles. All the ones I've found my car only have 1gb ram.

[pinder91]

I hadn't heard of the Seicane or Xtrons before I stumbled on this thread.

I currently have an N6. While I love the OEM look, it does have some bugs. I'd say 95% of the time it does exactly what I need it to... which is play the radio, GPS functionality, and bluetooth audio and phone calls.

My biggest gripe is that instead of fixing all the bugs with the N6 (they only did maybe 3-4 firmware revisions), Dynavin just decided to release the N7 instead and is now focusing only on fixing bugs for that unit as they come up. Those of us with the N6 are stuck with our "quirks" unless Dynavin decides they want to help, which I won't hold my breath on.

[DEE-83]

Originally Posted by pinder91

I hadn't heard of the Seicane or Xtrons before I stumbled on this thread.

I currently have an N6. While I love the OEM look, it does have some bugs. I'd say 95% of the time it does exactly what I need it to... which is play the radio, GPS functionality, and bluetooth audio and phone calls.

My biggest gripe is that instead of fixing all the bugs with the N6 (they only did maybe 3-4 firmware revisions), Dynavin just decided to release the N7 instead and is now focusing only on fixing bugs for that unit as they come up. Those of us with the N6 are stuck with our "quirks" unless Dynavin decides they want to help, which I won't hold my breath on.

If you looking to upgrade, I recommend that you look at the following unit,

http://xtrons.co.uk/pe9890bpl-androi...-3-series.html

I installed one and added a 32 bit USB DAC, SQ now exceeds that of a high end alpine unit.

That being said you will have to make some slight modifications to your dash to get to fit right.

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by DEE-83

If you looking to upgrade, I recommend that you look at the following unit,

http://xtrons.co.uk/pe9890bpl-androi...-3-series.html

I installed one and added a 32 bit USB DAC, SQ now exceeds that of a high end alpine unit.

That being said you will have to make some slight modifications to your dash to get to fit right.

What modifications were necessary and does it have the weird jut-out bottom like some of the other kits?

Any installed pics?

[DEE-83]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

What modifications were necessary and does it have the weird jut-out bottom like some of the other kits?

Any installed pics?

The mods are basically the same as those listed in the Dynavin thread, trimming of the dash etc, my air con unit sits flush now.


However, due to the screen being 9" the unit sits slightly above the air con unit, the picture below show's how the unit fits, i'll take some during the day tomorrow.

[Wardys]

Originally Posted by DEE-83

If you looking to upgrade, I recommend that you look at the following unit,

http://xtrons.co.uk/pe9890bpl-androi...-3-series.html

I installed one and added a 32 bit USB DAC, SQ now exceeds that of a high end alpine unit.

That being said you will have to make some slight modifications to your dash to get to fit right.

Hi , quick question . Do you still have the reverse distance chimes and the tire pressure monitor ? As in do they still work with that head unit .

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Looking for a new deck. Choices are Dynavin N7, Alpine iLX-107, and the Seicane https://www.seicane.com/inch-afterma...-radio-s089992

Seicane looks the best, imho (i can delete screw holes). But I have no idea how it actually runs. Would love it if someone who has one could post up about it.

Dynavin looks the most plug&play and oem. I'd prefer the Seicane visually, but both are aesthetically nice and have a complete look.

Alpine iLX-107 looks ok, but the gap action at the sides isn't what I want to look at (visual appearance means something to me). Functionally, this is the most feature-rich. Wireless CarPlay, etc. However, CarPlay is not something I have a lot of requirement for since all it would help me with is Maps on a bigger screen -- In Hawaii, that doesn't mean a lot. Turn by turn chiming in through the speakers between music is fine.

Here's what I need:

1) Backup camera integration (also does anyone have a reason NOT to get those $40 deals on eBay that have it built into the trunk handle?) - probably the number one reason to add a screen for me
2) I plan to upgrade all speakers (probably heading down a Focal path) and add an amp (I have the fabled "Base" system of 2010-2011), so I need something that can deal with that.
3) Bluetooth audio - I don't want to tether (I know Dynavin's CarPlay requires it, but that's why I don't know if I need the CarPlay module). I know the rest of the unit runs Bluetooth Audio so I can stream my ALAC, FLAC, iTunes, and occasional Pandora. I also know that the Alpine unit is one of the streaming CarPlay versions.
4) Movies are a plus, but not a requirement. Would love to entertain the kids sometimes, but it's not a dealbreaker to not have movies while we drive. I have an iPhoneX if that matters, and won't get an Android.
5) Keep my steering wheel buttons doing exactly what they do.

If you're adding focal speakers (decently high end), then you'll want to factor the audio quality of the units as well.

My opinion is that the Alpine probably has the best DAC and pre-outs. Just something to investigate. If you don't need highest quality, the other units are prob still good enough, but you may want to save money on decent but lesser speakers than focal.

Just up to you to decide how much sound quality you're after (good vs very very good).

[Ali-E90]

Also, I purchased the integrated trunk handle backup cam from the "$130 DIY " thread off eBay and its been fine with my pioneer double din.

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by DEE-83

The mods are basically the same as those listed in the Dynavin thread, trimming of the dash etc, my air con unit sits flush now.


However, due to the screen being 9" the unit sits slightly above the air con unit, the picture below show's how the unit fits, i'll take some during the day tomorrow.

Daytime pics?

[DEE-83]

Originally Posted by Wardys

Hi , quick question . Do you still have the reverse distance chimes and the tire pressure monitor ? As in do they still work with that head unit .

I've retained all chimes, and the system has an integrated tire pressure monitor system.

[DEE-83]

I'm relocating the audit DRC unit, so removed the air con trim piece for now,

I'll post a few more pictures after work,

[Wardys]

Originally Posted by DEE-83

I've retained all chimes, and the system has an integrated tire pressure monitor system.

Ahh great ! Thats all I wanted to hear . I was looking at their WinCe versions but the Android one you have sounds like it integrates better .

[bluewater328]

That screen is yuuuuugee!

[DEE-83]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

That screen is yuuuuugee!

Yeah it's a 9" screen, check the unit in the link below, seems' to be better fit

http://smarty-trend.com/bmw-3-series...e-control.html

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by DEE-83

Yeah it's a 9" screen, check the unit in the link below, seems' to be better fit

http://smarty-trend.com/bmw-3-series...e-control.html

Thats like the secaine in my original post.