Official Dynavin BMW E9X Review, Pics, Questions, etc.

scubasteve2365 · 02-23-2011, 08:13 AM

I installed my unit last night and my impressions after 1/2 a day are in general positive. The installation was straight forward when following CarAudioCraze's instruction posted on page 1 of this thread.

There was one step that I'd like to give warning on. It's the first step actually. When trying to remove the climate control unit and when you stick the credit card in, be careful to not bend the trim. The Climate control unit is attached to the trim piece. This trim piece is pretty thin and fragile. I slightly bent mine and damaged one of the clips that attach to the climate control unit itself.

Cons

-navigating the unit (read: Not navigation software) is cumbersome and not very intuitive. After you get familiar, it gets better but at first you'll be wondering how to do things.

-Steering wheel controls work pretty well, however in my 07 E90 the phone button does not actually initiate the bluetooth source. The button works because when I press it I get "Invalid Button" feedback on the Dynavin unit so it's telling me the button press is recognized. This is unfortunate because Bluetooth isn't accessible by toggling sources. You have to press in on the right dial button to get to Bluetooth. While on this screen you can make and receive calls as well as stream via A2DP. If you leave this screen to view navigation or other source then you lose the A2DP streaming

-This unit does not have midbass control settings, I saw images from other Dynavin units that I thought were up to date that had an adjustable midbass control. This unit does not.

-The SD card, which can be changed, that comes with the unit is Blue in color and IMO is conspicuous. With the care taken to match the aesthetics of the car a black SD card should be used. Not a big deal but worth mentioning.

-The black seat heater control relocation piece, despite pictures on the web, is actually a shiny gloss black finish as opposed to a flat black finish. This IMO makes it look worse as all of the black trim in my car is a flat black. Other than that it works well and includes relocation of the LEDs that were in the factory ashtray. I'm probably going to look into the metra item since I do not smoke and have no need for an ashtray.

Pros

-It works and gives you much more flexibility than the factory radio

-It looks like it belongs in the car, not absolutely perfect, particularly how it sticks out slightly at the bottom, but doesn't have that aftermarket look

-Is customizable and has the potential to be a killer device if some of the quirks are worked out with firmware updates

Tredvesone · 02-23-2011, 09:11 AM

Good review

I hope Dynavin will make a version for us without the Automatic climate control unit.
Time will show I recon

scubasteve2365 · 02-23-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tredvesone

Good review

I hope Dynavin will make a version for us without the Automatic climate control unit.
Time will show I recon

I don't think it's going to happen. Doesn't the manual climate control knobs actually turn something mechanical, meaning that relocating that knob isn't going to happen.

Tredvesone · 02-23-2011, 11:39 AM

No, the only difference is the front design. The turning knobs are positioned a few mm further to the right/edge on each side compared to the automatic control. Same input and cables on the back of each control unit.

You can replace the unit, but people who have done this did not get it 100% working because of the fan control went mental. The car was not programmed for automatic etc...
On the other side, I´m still waiting for a 100% correct answer if I can replace my manual with automatic control unit. And if this will work 100% with some programming.
Some say yes, but I need someone to confirm this 100%.

jitinmistry · 02-23-2011, 12:38 PM

I found this on another Greece forum. See page 3 for a temporary solution to the fan issue.

http://translate.google.co.uk/transl...%26prmd%3Divns

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine328i

Mine has been pretty loud a few times that i have noticed. I will ask Dynavin if there is anything they can do. I would assume that they can do some sort of firmware fix to change the parameters of when it runs. But i also know that one of my vent tubes behind the radio is disconnected and blowing hot air in there instead of through the vents so that probably isnt helping me.

scubasteve2365 · 02-23-2011, 12:57 PM

Here are a few quick pics I snapped with my iPhone4 at lunch so people can get a better view of how this unit sits in the dash. I knew going into it that it stuck out a bit at the bottom and it sort of bothered me but it no longer does. Some of these images exaggerate due to the angle I took the picture from.

Ignore the messy dash area, I haven't cleaned up since the installation last night.

M_M · 02-24-2011, 12:25 AM

heard that the newer version supports papago map.

Hedges · 02-24-2011, 12:38 AM

I'm on the fence on this unit, Did you guys upgrade the GUI so it doesnt look so cheap?

scubasteve2365 · 02-24-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_M

heard that the newer version supports papago map.

I haven't seen papago in my searches but it should support any GPS capable of running on a WinCE platform. Versions that I've seen are iGo, Primo, Tom Tom, Navaigon, Ndrive and some versions of Garmin.

Im sure there are others. I installed Primo last night as it seems to be the most popular on these Dynavin units by our e46 brothers. Here is a screen shot of what it looks like, in Russian I think,

scubasteve2365 · 02-24-2011, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedges

I'm on the fence on this unit, Did you guys upgrade the GUI so it doesnt look so cheap?

Who are you referring to as "You guys". I don't work for Dynavin or a distributer and I don't believe anyone in this thread does. Where you maybe referring to upgrading the navigation software, if so, see post above this one.

The unit GUI isn't all that bad. It was recently updated and is what is referred to as V5. Versions 1 through 4 had a different look but it didn't look as OEM which is the goal of this unit. This is why the GUI uses a lot of the orange color.

I think if they are going to upgrade this unit, I'd like to see them make it a bit snappier and make bluetooth part of the source tree like other sources (as of now it's a separate mode basically).

LuvMyRide · 02-24-2011, 11:44 AM

Verrry effin coool!!!!!!!!!!! Now how and where do we get this superior nav software??????

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve2365

Here are a few quick pics I snapped with my iPhone4 at lunch so people can get a better view of how this unit sits in the dash. I knew going into it that it stuck out a bit at the bottom and it sort of bothered me but it no longer does. Some of these images exaggerate due to the angle I took the picture from.

Ignore the messy dash area, I haven't cleaned up since the installation last night.

1QuikWS6 · 02-24-2011, 11:49 AM

-The SD card, which can be changed, that comes with the unit is Blue in color and IMO is conspicuous. With the care taken to match the aesthetics of the car a black SD card should be used. Not a big deal but worth mentioning.

Nothing a little black sharpie coloring of the SD card end that shows shouldn't fix

scubasteve2365 · 02-24-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Nothing a little black sharpie coloring of the SD card end that shows shouldn't fix

Mod successfully installed

scubasteve2365 · 02-24-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyRide

Verrry effin coool!!!!!!!!!!! Now how and where do we get this superior nav software??????

Ok, here is how it's done:

First I would pop the SD card that came with your Dynavin and make a folder on your computer called "Old iGo 8.0" or something so that you can revert to it if for some reason you need to.

Download iGo Primo here:
http://www.filefactory.com/file/b582a65/n/Darkoz.zip

This will include everything ready to go except for the maps. If you're in the US download the maps here:
http://www.filefactory.com/file/b463...oz-US-maps.zip

Once both downloads are done, extract all of the maps into primo's content folder, the directory is Primo/Content/Map

Then simply copy the entire Primo folder onto an SD card, the 2gig that comes with the unit works fine (even better after you apply black sharpie to hide the blue color). The Primo.exe file should be in the root of the SD card. When you stick it into the Dynavin, under navigation setup, you'll have to point it to launch this .exe instead of the igo8.exe that it'll be looking for.

I'm still testing and tweaking with Primo, namely I need to learn where to adjust the settings so that the voice doesn't kick on at .5 miles, .25 miles and then at my turn. 3 notifications for a single turn are a bit much for my taste.

M BROK3 · 02-24-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve2365

Mod successfully installed

plasti dip that ugly glossy black, its ruining the look of your clean setup. matte black will look much better.

pkirk · 02-24-2011, 05:57 PM

I just got my Dynavin delivered tonight

I took it out of the box and just stared at it...today is almost like Christmas!

The number of wires and connections are a little overwhelming

Does anyone know how the reverse wire works/connects? Is there something to connect that signals the HU that the car is in reverse if the camera is installed?

Has anyone routed the external mic to the OEM or behind mirror position? If so, and tips?

Is the AUX out RCA able to be connected to the OEM AUX cable which runs into the armrest?

What is the GPS USB and other USB cable for?

pkirk · 02-24-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve2365

Ok, here is how it's done:

First I would pop the SD card that came with your Dynavin and make a folder on your computer called "Old iGo 8.0" or something so that you can revert to it if for some reason you need to.

Download iGo Primo here:
http://www.filefactory.com/file/b582a65/n/Darkoz.zip

This will include everything ready to go except for the maps. If you're in the US download the maps here:
http://www.filefactory.com/file/b463...oz-US-maps.zip

Once both downloads are done, extract all of the maps into primo's content folder, the directory is Primo/Content/Map

Then simply copy the entire Primo folder onto an SD card, the 2gig that comes with the unit works fine (even better after you apply black sharpie to hide the blue color). The Primo.exe file should be in the root of the SD card. When you stick it into the Dynavin, under navigation setup, you'll have to point it to launch this .exe instead of the igo8.exe that it'll be looking for.

I'm still testing and tweaking with Primo, namely I need to learn where to adjust the settings so that the voice doesn't kick on at .5 miles, .25 miles and then at my turn. 3 notifications for a single turn are a bit much for my taste.

The link for the US maps is no longer active. Can you check it again?

M_M · 02-24-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve2365

I haven't seen papago in my searches but it should support any GPS capable of running on a WinCE platform. Versions that I've seen are iGo, Primo, Tom Tom, Navaigon, Ndrive and some versions of Garmin.

Im sure there are others. I installed Primo last night as it seems to be the most popular on these Dynavin units by our e46 brothers. Here is a screen shot of what it looks like, in Russian I think,

I have no knowledge about the gps thing, but I was told that the current version doesn't support papago due to cpu speed. heard that the new batch will have 600mhz cpu for euro and asia markets, not sure about us market tho.

scubasteve2365 · 02-25-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkirk

The link for the US maps is no longer active. Can you check it again?

Fixed

ceb · 02-25-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_M

I have no knowledge about the gps thing, but I was told that the current version doesn't support papago due to cpu speed. heard that the new batch will have 600mhz cpu for euro and asia markets, not sure about us market tho.

It's all Greek to me.

halofox · 02-25-2011, 09:44 PM

Hi:

I'm in Southern California.
I just got this unit but I really don't know how to install it

Does anyone know where I can find a place to install it?
I live near Riverside/San Bernardino.
Any Suggestion??
Thanks!!

MxMark · 03-01-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halofox

Hi:

I'm in Southern California.
I just got this unit but I really don't know how to install it

Does anyone know where I can find a place to install it?
I live near Riverside/San Bernardino.
Any Suggestion??
Thanks!!

Hi, Pacific Stereo just did one. They are on Tyler in Riv

02-23-2011, 08:13 AM	#221
scubasteve2365 Private First Class 3 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 07 328xi Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky iTrader: (0)	I installed my unit last night and my impressions after 1/2 a day are in general positive. The installation was straight forward when following CarAudioCraze's instruction posted on page 1 of this thread. There was one step that I'd like to give warning on. It's the first step actually. When trying to remove the climate control unit and when you stick the credit card in, be careful to not bend the trim. The Climate control unit is attached to the trim piece. This trim piece is pretty thin and fragile. I slightly bent mine and damaged one of the clips that attach to the climate control unit itself. Cons -navigating the unit (read: Not navigation software) is cumbersome and not very intuitive. After you get familiar, it gets better but at first you'll be wondering how to do things. -Steering wheel controls work pretty well, however in my 07 E90 the phone button does not actually initiate the bluetooth source. The button works because when I press it I get "Invalid Button" feedback on the Dynavin unit so it's telling me the button press is recognized. This is unfortunate because Bluetooth isn't accessible by toggling sources. You have to press in on the right dial button to get to Bluetooth. While on this screen you can make and receive calls as well as stream via A2DP. If you leave this screen to view navigation or other source then you lose the A2DP streaming -This unit does not have midbass control settings, I saw images from other Dynavin units that I thought were up to date that had an adjustable midbass control. This unit does not. -The SD card, which can be changed, that comes with the unit is Blue in color and IMO is conspicuous. With the care taken to match the aesthetics of the car a black SD card should be used. Not a big deal but worth mentioning. -The black seat heater control relocation piece, despite pictures on the web, is actually a shiny gloss black finish as opposed to a flat black finish. This IMO makes it look worse as all of the black trim in my car is a flat black. Other than that it works well and includes relocation of the LEDs that were in the factory ashtray. I'm probably going to look into the metra item since I do not smoke and have no need for an ashtray. Pros -It works and gives you much more flexibility than the factory radio -It looks like it belongs in the car, not absolutely perfect, particularly how it sticks out slightly at the bottom, but doesn't have that aftermarket look -Is customizable and has the potential to be a killer device if some of the quirks are worked out with firmware updates
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2011, 09:11 AM	#222
Tredvesone Private 0 Rep 92 Posts Drives: E82 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Good review I hope Dynavin will make a version for us without the Automatic climate control unit. Time will show I recon
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2011, 11:39 AM	#224
Tredvesone Private 0 Rep 92 Posts Drives: E82 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	No, the only difference is the front design. The turning knobs are positioned a few mm further to the right/edge on each side compared to the automatic control. Same input and cables on the back of each control unit. You can replace the unit, but people who have done this did not get it 100% working because of the fan control went mental. The car was not programmed for automatic etc... On the other side, I´m still waiting for a 100% correct answer if I can replace my manual with automatic control unit. And if this will work 100% with some programming. Some say yes, but I need someone to confirm this 100%.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2011, 12:57 PM	#226
scubasteve2365 Private First Class 3 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 07 328xi Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky iTrader: (0)	Here are a few quick pics I snapped with my iPhone4 at lunch so people can get a better view of how this unit sits in the dash. I knew going into it that it stuck out a bit at the bottom and it sort of bothered me but it no longer does. Some of these images exaggerate due to the angle I took the picture from. Ignore the messy dash area, I haven't cleaned up since the installation last night.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2011, 12:25 AM	#227
M_M Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 224 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	heard that the newer version supports papago map.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2011, 12:38 AM	#228
Hedges Major General 116 Rep 5,178 Posts Drives: 12 C63 AMG Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (8)	I'm on the fence on this unit, Did you guys upgrade the GUI so it doesnt look so cheap? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2011, 11:49 AM	#232
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	-The SD card, which can be changed, that comes with the unit is Blue in color and IMO is conspicuous. With the care taken to match the aesthetics of the car a black SD card should be used. Not a big deal but worth mentioning. Nothing a little black sharpie coloring of the SD card end that shows shouldn't fix __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2011, 05:57 PM	#236
pkirk Private First Class 5 Rep 149 Posts Drives: 2008 328XI Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manchester, NH iTrader: (0)	I just got my Dynavin delivered tonight I took it out of the box and just stared at it...today is almost like Christmas! The number of wires and connections are a little overwhelming Does anyone know how the reverse wire works/connects? Is there something to connect that signals the HU that the car is in reverse if the camera is installed? Has anyone routed the external mic to the OEM or behind mirror position? If so, and tips? Is the AUX out RCA able to be connected to the OEM AUX cable which runs into the armrest? What is the GPS USB and other USB cable for?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-25-2011, 09:44 PM	#241
halofox Enlisted Member 3 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Hi: I'm in Southern California. I just got this unit but I really don't know how to install it Does anyone know where I can find a place to install it? I live near Riverside/San Bernardino. Any Suggestion?? Thanks!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote