Anyone gone double din and regretted it?

GScott · Wed, Aug-12-2009, 03:53:40 PM

I'm fairly close to replacing the OEM nav in my 2005 M3 with either the Pioneer Z110BT or Kenwood 9140. I would be using the MyBimmer bezel and the Janus HVAC kit. One thing I've noticed is the voices in these aftermarket units sound like something out of bad movie. The nav voice in my M3 and old Acura sounded much more natural. I've also noticed alot of complaints with the PAC interface on various forums. Just curious if anyone has gone this route and then later wished they hadn't.

onefitCPA · Wed, Aug-12-2009, 04:50:56 PM

Excellent question. Im very interested in the answers. I have such reservations. Im just more worried about tainting the "clean" look of stock. Some days Im against it...others Im so close to pulling trigger on DD.

f1refly · Wed, Aug-12-2009, 05:34:26 PM

I currently have the Avic Z1 installed and plan on moving to the Z110bt. To answer some of the questions:

1. If you use the Nav or would use the ipod much, then I would totally recommend upgrading as the factory nav blows! Otherwise the sound quality is very good for the factory deck.
2. The Pac interface on some days does not work as well as others as it is infrared. Sometimes there is a slight 1 second delay on the steering wheel control. If it got bad you just move the pac controller by the firewall a little and it works fine. The Z110bt does not have infrared so you new pac controller is hardwired into the deck so there should be no delay.

Overall I would recommend it as I use the nav a lot. Also, the voices sound fine on my deck, I use the female British voice.

GScott · Wed, Aug-12-2009, 05:58:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1refly

Also, the voices sound fine on my deck, I use the female British voice.

Is this an option on the Z110BT? I thought the only voice option was the Samantha one that was talking on the demo vids posted on Avic411. I don't use the nav much but the ipod options are what is pushing me over the edge.

///M Kevin · Fri, Aug-14-2009, 06:20:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1refly

I currently have the Avic Z1 installed and plan on moving to the Z110bt. To answer some of the questions:

1. If you use the Nav or would use the ipod much, then I would totally recommend upgrading as the factory nav blows! Otherwise the sound quality is very good for the factory deck.
2. The Pac interface on some days does not work as well as others as it is infrared. Sometimes there is a slight 1 second delay on the steering wheel control. If it got bad you just move the pac controller by the firewall a little and it works fine. The Z110bt does not have infrared so you new pac controller is hardwired into the deck so there should be no delay.

Overall I would recommend it as I use the nav a lot. Also, the voices sound fine on my deck, I use the female British voice.

F1refly.......PAC has one that is wired so there won't be any delays.

OP...... I've gone with aftermarket and have not looked back since. iPod control, nav, sound quality, and a lot more functionalities will be the reasons to upgrade to one.

onefitCPA · Fri, Aug-14-2009, 10:11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Kevin

F1refly.......PAC has one that is wired so there won't be any delays.

OP...... I've gone with aftermarket and have not looked back since. iPod control, nav, sound quality, and a lot more functionalities will be the reasons to upgrade to one.

My only fear is installation. Im not good at this stuff, however, I am a FREAK about my car. I would be so nervous. I will begin the hunt for an installer who truly values their work, and the work I have put into my M keeping it looking brand new. Thanks for the input.

///M Kevin · Fri, Aug-14-2009, 11:17:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefitCPA

My only fear is installation. Im not good at this stuff, however, I am a FREAK about my car. I would be so nervous. I will begin the hunt for an installer who truly values their work, and the work I have put into my M keeping it looking brand new. Thanks for the input.

Understood. Just look for a local shop that has done a few DD installation on our M.

amanr87 · Sat, Aug-15-2009, 07:31:30 AM

....mobile addictions out in staten island can take on this task with ease. they have done hundreds of these installs on e46's m's and non m's. pm me for contact info if interested, they can also order all of these nes parts for what you'd prob pay for online.

GScott · Sun, Aug-16-2009, 03:45:48 PM

I picked up an open box Z110BT from Crutchfield for just over $1400 and they still included the free backup camera. Now I just need to get the bezel, Janus HVAC, and the rest of the installation stuff. Also have alot of research remaining before I tackle this install but I'm hoping to have it done by Labor Day. Pretty disapponting that no one within 150 miles of Columbus, OH carries the new Pioneer.

B1G · Tue, Aug-18-2009, 11:25:39 AM

I don't know if youve seen my little picture book install.. but here is a link.

It gives a good overview of the work involved in doing the job. I HIGHLY recommend getting the Janus Design kit. The template for cutting the air duck was worth gold to me.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=250254

Wed, Aug-12-2009, 03:53:40 PM	#1
GScott Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 141 Reputation: 0 Location: Lewis Center	Anyone gone double din and regretted it? I'm fairly close to replacing the OEM nav in my 2005 M3 with either the Pioneer Z110BT or Kenwood 9140. I would be using the MyBimmer bezel and the Janus HVAC kit. One thing I've noticed is the voices in these aftermarket units sound like something out of bad movie. The nav voice in my M3 and old Acura sounded much more natural. I've also noticed alot of complaints with the PAC interface on various forums. Just curious if anyone has gone this route and then later wished they hadn't.

Wed, Aug-12-2009, 04:50:56 PM	#2
onefitCPA Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 740 Reputation: 0 Location: West Orange, NJ	Excellent question. Im very interested in the answers. I have such reservations. Im just more worried about tainting the "clean" look of stock. Some days Im against it...others Im so close to pulling trigger on DD. __________________ 2003 M3 (Imola Red) 2006 GSX-R 1000 (Blk/Gry)

Tue, Aug-18-2009, 11:25:39 AM	#10
B1G DIFFERENT ! Join Date: May 2007 Age: 47 Posts: 2,071 Reputation: 0 Location: South shore of Montreal	I don't know if youve seen my little picture book install.. but here is a link. It gives a good overview of the work involved in doing the job. I HIGHLY recommend getting the Janus Design kit. The template for cutting the air duck was worth gold to me. http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=250254 __________________ = [19"] NEEZ Eurocross Super = [18"] RAC RG63 = Yokohama Advan Sport = TCK SA 450/500 = PowerFlex RTAB's = LED Angle eyes = Custom molded CSL style splitters = Fog delete with custom fiberglass filler duct = Re-wired fog light switch (now turns on inners) = Nokya yellow halogens (inners) = Painted exterior part of kidney grills = Painted (no CF exposed) VCSL diffuser = Custom airbrushed interior trim = 6 series SMG shift knob = GSP Brake pedal = Kenwood Double Din = Eclipse AMP = Sub-frame reinforcement (Thanks to the great guys at BimmerShop) = Streamline drop in filter = Aluminum shift paddles = Lightwerkz 55w Xenon uipgrade PICS (1) Views and opinions expressed in my posts, are my views and opinions and in no way is it implied that they are the views of the mass.

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Wed, Aug-12-2009, 05:34:26 PM	#3
f1refly Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 255 Reputation: 0	I currently have the Avic Z1 installed and plan on moving to the Z110bt. To answer some of the questions: 1. If you use the Nav or would use the ipod much, then I would totally recommend upgrading as the factory nav blows! Otherwise the sound quality is very good for the factory deck. 2. The Pac interface on some days does not work as well as others as it is infrared. Sometimes there is a slight 1 second delay on the steering wheel control. If it got bad you just move the pac controller by the firewall a little and it works fine. The Z110bt does not have infrared so you new pac controller is hardwired into the deck so there should be no delay. Overall I would recommend it as I use the nav a lot. Also, the voices sound fine on my deck, I use the female British voice.

Sat, Aug-15-2009, 07:31:30 AM	#8
amanr87 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 768 Reputation: 0 Location: HUDSON VALLEY	....mobile addictions out in staten island can take on this task with ease. they have done hundreds of these installs on e46's m's and non m's. pm me for contact info if interested, they can also order all of these nes parts for what you'd prob pay for online.

Sun, Aug-16-2009, 03:45:48 PM	#9
GScott Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 141 Reputation: 0 Location: Lewis Center	I picked up an open box Z110BT from Crutchfield for just over $1400 and they still included the free backup camera. Now I just need to get the bezel, Janus HVAC, and the rest of the installation stuff. Also have alot of research remaining before I tackle this install but I'm hoping to have it done by Labor Day. Pretty disapponting that no one within 150 miles of Columbus, OH carries the new Pioneer.