Any recommendations for best aftermarket head units? Looking for something that's touch screen and offers bluetooth. This Dynavin N7 unit is perfect for what I'm looking for but I'm not looking to spend $700 like this one cost. I've seen similar looking units from Seican and Eonon but read some terrible reviews as far as reliability and customer service. Any recommendations/feedback would be helpful!
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BeerM3
Best Aftermarket Head Unit?
Any recommendations for best aftermarket head units? Looking for something that's touch screen and offers bluetooth. This Dynavin N7 unit is perfect for what I'm looking for but I'm not looking to spend $700 like this one cost. I've seen similar looking units from Seican and Eonon but read some terrible reviews as far as reliability and customer service. Any recommendations/feedback would be helpful!
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Have had my Eonon unit for almost 2 years (nothing else to compare to however). TBH, you get what you pay for. Everything works as it should (hands free calling/ Bluetooth/ navigation/ backup camera) but dont expect iphone level touch response times.
The navigation takes forever to load (cheap SD kit got from Ebay for extra $20). And some rare instances, the app would stop working in the middle of a drive and require a restart (as in just reopening the app again and no need to re-input address). Can't complain for the price, it works but gotta be semi-patient. The slow issue hasn't been enough for me to replace the unit entirely however since I mainly use the unit for hands free calling/ bluetooth music/ backup camera.
Other than the slow navi load and semi slow touch response, it has been working fine pretty consistently over the 2 years. No new problems have risen yet. I believe I have the generation before the latest model Eonon offers.
The navigation takes forever to load (cheap SD kit got from Ebay for extra $20). And some rare instances, the app would stop working in the middle of a drive and require a restart (as in just reopening the app again and no need to re-input address). Can't complain for the price, it works but gotta be semi-patient. The slow issue hasn't been enough for me to replace the unit entirely however since I mainly use the unit for hands free calling/ bluetooth music/ backup camera.
Other than the slow navi load and semi slow touch response, it has been working fine pretty consistently over the 2 years. No new problems have risen yet. I believe I have the generation before the latest model Eonon offers.
I would recommend the Avin Avant 4 (avinusa.com) @ $299 currently. That price likely means they're about to release a Avant 5, but the 4 has been awesome and at that price it's a steal.
The Avant supports just about everything (e.g. wireless android/carplay, TPMS, ibus, steering wheel controls, Torque, Valentine 1, etc.). The sound is better than stock, it looks OEM, and has soft-click buttons. It's pretty quick and doesn't need much tweaking.
The Avant supports just about everything (e.g. wireless android/carplay, TPMS, ibus, steering wheel controls, Torque, Valentine 1, etc.). The sound is better than stock, it looks OEM, and has soft-click buttons. It's pretty quick and doesn't need much tweaking.
I’m leaning in the direction of the Eonon with Android 10 verison. Including all the extras like camera, OBD 2, and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto dongle it’s roughly $390.
I imagine the newer Version has much better response time. But all I really need is hands free calling and CarPlay, which runs off my phone anyway.
Sent from my iPhone using E46Fanatics
I imagine the newer Version has much better response time. But all I really need is hands free calling and CarPlay, which runs off my phone anyway.
Sent from my iPhone using E46Fanatics
I was going to recommend the Avin Avant 4 but their Customer service is absolutely terrible one of the worst I've ever dealt with.
I’d spend the $700. I bought my first Dynavin a long time ago... the old first generation version, I want to say D99... my OE screen was pixelated, the OE tech was then 10 years old and the entire Dynavin head unit cost less than an OE screen, rebuilt or factory. So I pulled the trigger.
With the BavSound speakers and amps, it was a MASSIVE upgrade. Fast forward to CV19, the 4v preouts, EQ, CarPlay, etc, in the N7 + Jeff Bechtel’s perfect (and I really mean literally perfect) customer service in the 8 years since the first one convinced me to upgrade to the N7. Nothing else comes close if you want an OE look, in my opinion which is worth about what you paid for it (much cheaper here than in real life). I’d be tempted to bitch about having to replace the unit at all within 10 years, but top of the line Alpines in other cars lasted about the same amount of time. And I leave my car parked often with the top down, so screaming “hey look at the stereo” is even more stupidity.
At least, like those Alpine units, this was a plug and play upgrade over the old one. The amps and speakers are still the standout in this system. But the N7 plays along better than any other OE looking aftermarket unit, if you’re into sound quality. If all you want is it to play nice with your phone, then do whatever. IMO, you shouldn’t even consider a head unit upgrade until you’re doing speakers and amps.
GL
maw
PS. All that said, if you want to purchase my D99, still in great shape and fully functional, PM me. I can beat $300, 😂
Guys I need some help here. I am trying to install a doubledin in my 03 M3 convertible to replace the factory HK GPS/NAV unit. I have searched and searched but cannot seem to find instructions on what plugs to use. I have an aftermarket wiring harness and have tried connecting it multiple ways but cannot get power to the unit. I have tried two different units still not working. The closest thing I have found is an install in one of the non M threads but my system is slightly different from that one. If anyone has done this or knows how to do this please text me so I can ask some questions. 8039723608 Chris.
I am at my wits end here! I worked on F16 aircraft for 20 years and I have never had anything kick my butt like this lol
I am at my wits end here! I worked on F16 aircraft for 20 years and I have never had anything kick my butt like this lol
check out Enfig Car Stereo - Factory Radio integration and Replacement Specialists - iPhone Bluetooth AUX for adapters. There are some oem setups that make an aftermarket headunit tougher to install than others. specifically if you have the HK upgraded sound system and the factory nav with buttons on both sides. if thats what youve got, think of the silver box in the trunk as your headunit. unfortunately there are no adapters for the blue and white plugs behind your headunit. I just recently put in an alpine ilx-w650. Just direct message me and i can walk you through your options
The new Dynavin N7 Pro now has CarPlay. I have it and highly recommend it! Bavsound speakers pair nicely with it too.
Sent from my iPhone using E46Fanatics
Sent from my iPhone using E46Fanatics
I've been saying this... but it's been falling on deaf ears... maybe because I have a convertible SMG... Ha! Glad you're happy with it too.
maw
maw
They don’t, but you may be able to do your own with a better subwoofer... I posted the installation instructions for someone a few months ago. If interested, hit me up and I’ll dig them out for you.
Cheers,
maw
Cheers,
maw
I bought it in early 2020 and it's working ever since i parted the car out recently.
The sound did work with my factory amp, I simply plugged in the connectors where it asked me to. I think the complications come for those who have the optional Navi/6-CDplayer in trunk? My M3 did not have that option.
I actually have it sitting in my study in basically new condition if you're interested...
Amazon.com: Dasaita 10.25" for BMW F20 F21 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 NBT Android Car Stereo Wireless Carplay Wired Android Auto Touch Screen Radio 1920 X 720 Navigation System : Electronics
Amazon.com: Dasaita 10.25" for BMW F20 F21 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 NBT Android Car Stereo Wireless Carplay Wired Android Auto Touch Screen Radio 1920 X 720 Navigation System : Electronics
www.amazon.com
The sound did work with my factory amp, I simply plugged in the connectors where it asked me to. I think the complications come for those who have the optional Navi/6-CDplayer in trunk? My M3 did not have that option.
I actually have it sitting in my study in basically new condition if you're interested...
I assume OP figured out what he wanted by now. Here is my 2$ on the topic.
Had an enon in my e39 for a couple years before I sent it to the scrapyard. My brother has it now and although I could have it mailed to me for the e46, the only thing I actually miss is the backup camera. There was no pairing required because I ran streaming aps on it with wifi powered by a hot spot, but the boot up was far longer than I liked. (20 seconds?)
Bluetooth FM transmitters have made strides comparable to the success of frozen pizza in the last decade. From trash to damn proper.
25$ I got a Nulaxy NX12 off amazon, music starts playing before I can drop the ebrake and there is a little button I can press if I want it to push bass a little harder. It's lovely value.
Had an enon in my e39 for a couple years before I sent it to the scrapyard. My brother has it now and although I could have it mailed to me for the e46, the only thing I actually miss is the backup camera. There was no pairing required because I ran streaming aps on it with wifi powered by a hot spot, but the boot up was far longer than I liked. (20 seconds?)
Bluetooth FM transmitters have made strides comparable to the success of frozen pizza in the last decade. From trash to damn proper.
25$ I got a Nulaxy NX12 off amazon, music starts playing before I can drop the ebrake and there is a little button I can press if I want it to push bass a little harder. It's lovely value.
I have an Eonon unit about two years old. Installed in my 330ci.
mit looks almost stock, but the fit is not perfect and at the top it bends a little because of a screw that holds the trim.
the sound is not for perfectionists. Especially coming off the HK factory system that has been upgraded with speakers, amp and cross overs. The unit has a static noise that changed depending on the EQ Settings. I never figured out if it comes from the internals of the unit or the harness.
i mainly use Apple car play, which works well, except it recently stopped playing music. Either on car play or via Bluetooth, but still has sound over Band radio. Currently investigating this issue.
my main problem with the unit however is the brightness. In California with the roof down the screen is utterly useless.The glare is insane and the screen visibility is near 0. Adding to this, the screen is essentially a tablet on its side, which paired with polarised sunglasses (remember Ci in California = all the time) turns the screen completely black… unless you tilt your head 90 degrees to either side. I simply use the audio navigation through car play now.
so overall, I would give the unit 2 of 10 stars. Unfortunately it was such a PITA to install the wiring harness to the rear (I had HK nav, and of course I ran it underneath the carpet so removed driver seat and all) that I ended up just living with it. But am reconsidering now.
does anyone with a Vert know of a unit that holds up in sunlight? Or at least one that isn’t polarised against sunglasses??
mit looks almost stock, but the fit is not perfect and at the top it bends a little because of a screw that holds the trim.
the sound is not for perfectionists. Especially coming off the HK factory system that has been upgraded with speakers, amp and cross overs. The unit has a static noise that changed depending on the EQ Settings. I never figured out if it comes from the internals of the unit or the harness.
i mainly use Apple car play, which works well, except it recently stopped playing music. Either on car play or via Bluetooth, but still has sound over Band radio. Currently investigating this issue.
my main problem with the unit however is the brightness. In California with the roof down the screen is utterly useless.The glare is insane and the screen visibility is near 0. Adding to this, the screen is essentially a tablet on its side, which paired with polarised sunglasses (remember Ci in California = all the time) turns the screen completely black… unless you tilt your head 90 degrees to either side. I simply use the audio navigation through car play now.
so overall, I would give the unit 2 of 10 stars. Unfortunately it was such a PITA to install the wiring harness to the rear (I had HK nav, and of course I ran it underneath the carpet so removed driver seat and all) that I ended up just living with it. But am reconsidering now.
does anyone with a Vert know of a unit that holds up in sunlight? Or at least one that isn’t polarised against sunglasses??
I don't think any of them do extremely well in bright sunlight. However, the Dynavin N7 Pro does have a matte screen which helps some. I always wear polarized sunglasses as well and they can make it tough to see certain things. The gas pumps come to mind (although right about now, maybe it's better if I can't $ee that $creen). I'll take the polarization and live with having to look over the lenses every now and then.
I have the Avin 4 and it's OK.
The first one that I received never worked and returning it for a replacement was a pain in the ass.
Many people have complained about their "customer service," but in the return process I researched the company through their California business filings and it is important to understand that Avin is only a guy who set up a website and is drop-shipping Chinese units. There really is no "company" or "customer service" department.
In fact, the original business filing revealed that "Avin" was a guy living in his parent's house in Hayward, CA.
Knowing this, it was amusing getting emails saying that they were "checking with their engineers" about my defective unit. 😂
The first one that I received never worked and returning it for a replacement was a pain in the ass.
Many people have complained about their "customer service," but in the return process I researched the company through their California business filings and it is important to understand that Avin is only a guy who set up a website and is drop-shipping Chinese units. There really is no "company" or "customer service" department.
In fact, the original business filing revealed that "Avin" was a guy living in his parent's house in Hayward, CA.
Knowing this, it was amusing getting emails saying that they were "checking with their engineers" about my defective unit. 😂
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