Replacing Head unit?

vtm3 · 11-04-2010, 06:50 PM

I have searched the forum and found much useful information. I really want to replace my head unit with as few issues as possible. I have base audio, which I have upgraded with 2 pdx 4.100, one for the fronts and rears and one bridged for the subs which I have replaced with sws-8s. I want to use replace it with the jvc kdavx-77. My main issue is I do not have Ipod option and I like this as the best after market option. I have a small other issue with the oem headunit that probably could be solved another way, but this would take care of as well. I know that relocating the head unit to the trunk and that using metra parts 70-9003 and 71-9003 are needed to relocate the head unit. I also know that swi-can2 and swi-jack are needed to retain steering wheel control. I believe that I have seen I would also need a fiber optic extension cable to avoid an sos error. I would like some input or info on how to make this work with the least amount of trouble. I do not care about the chimes and the sos/bmw assist could go as weel, so I am curious if getting the car programmed as no radio is an option. Any help or information would be appreciated.

Technic · 11-04-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtm3

I have searched the forum and found much useful information. I really want to replace my head unit with as few issues as possible. I have base audio, which I have upgraded with 2 pdx 4.100, one for the fronts and rears and one bridged for the subs which I have replaced with sws-8s. I want to use replace it with the jvc kdavx-77. My main issue is I do not have Ipod option and I like this as the best after market option. I have a small other issue with the oem headunit that probably could be solved another way, but this would take care of as well. I know that relocating the head unit to the trunk and that using metra parts 70-9003 and 71-9003 are needed to relocate the head unit. I also know that swi-can2 and swi-jack are needed to retain steering wheel control. I believe that I have seen I would also need a fiber optic extension cable to avoid an sos error. I would like some input or info on how to make this work with the least amount of trouble. I do not care about the chimes and the sos/bmw assist could go as weel, so I am curious if getting the car programmed as no radio is an option. Any help or information would be appreciated.

Contact forum member Patrys (vendor) to have your car coded for no Assist and no MOST devices, so you can just yank the OEM HU out and install your aftermarket unit without a MOST error in the instrument panel. No need to relocate the OEM HU.

vtm3 · 11-06-2010, 06:31 PM

Thanks again Technic. I attempted to contact Patrys but I have received no reply. So can the dealership program it this way and also would it still be able to receive any updates from bmw or would that be it?

Patrys@BimmerTech · 11-07-2010, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtm3

Thanks again Technic. I attempted to contact Patrys but I have received no reply. So can the dealership program it this way and also would it still be able to receive any updates from bmw or would that be it?

If you are still interested please send me your VIN at info@modyfikacjebmw.pl

Thanks,
Patryk

skierman64 · 11-07-2010, 03:47 AM

Post a pic after you get the work done. It's going to look interesting in the dash.

vtm3 · 11-10-2010, 05:42 AM

I will if I can resolve the issues. I am convinced it will look really good. I may wrap the metra adapter in carbon leather. I may go back to the idea of relocating the headunit, as programming seems to be more difficult than relocating. I saw a fiber optic extension that was $30 or $40 and besides the other adapters I already planned on, that seems to be the best route.

vtm3 · 11-16-2010, 07:06 AM

Was at the dealer and inquired about programming for removal of all MOST devices. My SA said he did not think he could do that as it required a change to the certificate or order or something on the vehicle and they were not authorized. He also said it would disable many other things, referring to the other computer functions. From what I know from the functionality point is it will disable all media related functions. Bluetooth, Siri, Radio and Nav(if I had it). All other vehicle related info should function fine. And if all that is true is there anyone that knows if BMW service can do this? I would to be able to return for diagnostics if needed in the future.
I did contact Patrys first but no guarantee it will work with my vehicle.

vtm3 · 12-02-2010, 08:54 PM

SOS error. I just had the head unit replaced and had all the parts, fiber optic extensions etc and still have the SOS error. I was in a bit of a hurry and can go back to have it looked at but want to try to trouble shoot it first. The head unit is in the trunk and I checked to see that it was connected properly. I pulled one of the fiber optic extensions out and saw the red flash. Plugged it back in and saw that it made it all the way through to the other extension, which I also plugged back in. Still the error. What should I check next??

Technic · 12-02-2010, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtm3

SOS error. I just had the head unit replaced and had all the parts, fiber optic extensions etc and still have the SOS error. I was in a bit of a hurry and can go back to have it looked at but want to try to trouble shoot it first. The head unit is in the trunk and I checked to see that it was connected properly. I pulled one of the fiber optic extensions out and saw the red flash. Plugged it back in and saw that it made it all the way through to the other extension, which I also plugged back in. Still the error. What should I check next??

Your fiber optic cable to the OEM HU is not completing the MOST ring somehow.

vtm3 · 12-02-2010, 09:44 PM

Yeah. i guess pull everything check connections. i ASSumed if you could see it coming through when checking the connections at the head unit then it was a good ring. just making sure nothing else mis connected could cause this. or any other way to test. thanks again.

vtm3 · 12-08-2010, 02:57 AM

I had everything checked and rechecked. The fiber optic is definitely completing the ring. I can see the light make it through and all connections have been verified. Is it a fault code that would need to be cleared by dealer once it has been thrown?

Technic · 12-08-2010, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtm3

I had everything checked and rechecked. The fiber optic is definitely completing the ring. I can see the light make it through and all connections have been verified. Is it a fault code that would need to be cleared by dealer once it has been thrown?

I had a SOS error once due to starting the car up without the MOST ring completed, but it cleared itself up after the ring was completed.

Is your Assist/Bluetooth working?

vtm3 · 12-08-2010, 08:04 AM

I am using the bluetooth from the new head unit. There is no microphone connected to the head unit in the trunk. It shows as available on my phone, I will test connections and pairing to see if it works. I have searched the forum and found references to possibly resetting the TCU?? Also, when attempting to change the gong volume, it gave an unavailable error. I have the speaker connected as in one of the links and have a very low gong volume from the speaker under the steering wheel. I don't care about the volume, just wondering if that might be an indicator as to what the problem may be. All other other vehicle info was there last time I checked.

vtm3 · 12-08-2010, 03:04 PM

Damn. I found the problem. Sorry to have wasted your time technic. I also did the sirius delete which I found on here and had a fiber ring installed so the sat radio would not show as an option. I figured I would pull things apart and look and noticed in the fiber ring from the sirius unit a steady light and a flashing light from the fiber cable going in. Thought I would give it a shot and it fixed it. I appreciate the help, I think the I will be able to solve the reset issue with power. If not I will be back.. Thanks again...

Technic · 12-08-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtm3

Damn. I found the problem. Sorry to have wasted your time technic. I also did the sirius delete which I found on here and had a fiber ring installed so the sat radio would not show as an option. I figured I would pull things apart and look and noticed in the fiber ring from the sirius unit a steady light and a flashing light from the fiber cable going in. Thought I would give it a shot and it fixed it. I appreciate the help, I think the I will be able to solve the reset issue with power. If not I will be back.. Thanks again...

So the ring was actually broken there? Good find...

vtm3 · 12-08-2010, 07:23 PM

Yep. Seems strange, no error with OEM head unit and fiber ring, it simply removed sat radio as an option, then when the extensions were added it gave an error. I guess maybe it was just too far with the extensions?? Anyway thanks for the help and I am quite impressed with the sound on the avx77 combined with the alpine pdxs. It will take a while to get it tuned right, but so far it has added a great deal of detail to everything.

11-04-2010, 06:50 PM	#1
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	Replacing Head unit? I have searched the forum and found much useful information. I really want to replace my head unit with as few issues as possible. I have base audio, which I have upgraded with 2 pdx 4.100, one for the fronts and rears and one bridged for the subs which I have replaced with sws-8s. I want to use replace it with the jvc kdavx-77. My main issue is I do not have Ipod option and I like this as the best after market option. I have a small other issue with the oem headunit that probably could be solved another way, but this would take care of as well. I know that relocating the head unit to the trunk and that using metra parts 70-9003 and 71-9003 are needed to relocate the head unit. I also know that swi-can2 and swi-jack are needed to retain steering wheel control. I believe that I have seen I would also need a fiber optic extension cable to avoid an sos error. I would like some input or info on how to make this work with the least amount of trouble. I do not care about the chimes and the sos/bmw assist could go as weel, so I am curious if getting the car programmed as no radio is an option. Any help or information would be appreciated.
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11-06-2010, 06:31 PM	#3
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	Thanks again Technic. I attempted to contact Patrys but I have received no reply. So can the dealership program it this way and also would it still be able to receive any updates from bmw or would that be it?
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11-07-2010, 03:47 AM	#5
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	Post a pic after you get the work done. It's going to look interesting in the dash. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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11-10-2010, 05:42 AM	#6
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	I will if I can resolve the issues. I am convinced it will look really good. I may wrap the metra adapter in carbon leather. I may go back to the idea of relocating the headunit, as programming seems to be more difficult than relocating. I saw a fiber optic extension that was $30 or $40 and besides the other adapters I already planned on, that seems to be the best route.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2010, 07:06 AM	#7
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	Was at the dealer and inquired about programming for removal of all MOST devices. My SA said he did not think he could do that as it required a change to the certificate or order or something on the vehicle and they were not authorized. He also said it would disable many other things, referring to the other computer functions. From what I know from the functionality point is it will disable all media related functions. Bluetooth, Siri, Radio and Nav(if I had it). All other vehicle related info should function fine. And if all that is true is there anyone that knows if BMW service can do this? I would to be able to return for diagnostics if needed in the future. I did contact Patrys first but no guarantee it will work with my vehicle.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2010, 08:54 PM	#8
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	SOS error. I just had the head unit replaced and had all the parts, fiber optic extensions etc and still have the SOS error. I was in a bit of a hurry and can go back to have it looked at but want to try to trouble shoot it first. The head unit is in the trunk and I checked to see that it was connected properly. I pulled one of the fiber optic extensions out and saw the red flash. Plugged it back in and saw that it made it all the way through to the other extension, which I also plugged back in. Still the error. What should I check next??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2010, 09:44 PM	#10
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	Yeah. i guess pull everything check connections. i ASSumed if you could see it coming through when checking the connections at the head unit then it was a good ring. just making sure nothing else mis connected could cause this. or any other way to test. thanks again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2010, 02:57 AM	#11
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	I had everything checked and rechecked. The fiber optic is definitely completing the ring. I can see the light make it through and all connections have been verified. Is it a fault code that would need to be cleared by dealer once it has been thrown?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2010, 08:04 AM	#13
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	I am using the bluetooth from the new head unit. There is no microphone connected to the head unit in the trunk. It shows as available on my phone, I will test connections and pairing to see if it works. I have searched the forum and found references to possibly resetting the TCU?? Also, when attempting to change the gong volume, it gave an unavailable error. I have the speaker connected as in one of the links and have a very low gong volume from the speaker under the steering wheel. I don't care about the volume, just wondering if that might be an indicator as to what the problem may be. All other other vehicle info was there last time I checked.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2010, 03:04 PM	#14
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	Damn. I found the problem. Sorry to have wasted your time technic. I also did the sirius delete which I found on here and had a fiber ring installed so the sat radio would not show as an option. I figured I would pull things apart and look and noticed in the fiber ring from the sirius unit a steady light and a flashing light from the fiber cable going in. Thought I would give it a shot and it fixed it. I appreciate the help, I think the I will be able to solve the reset issue with power. If not I will be back.. Thanks again...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2010, 07:23 PM	#16
vtm3 Private First Class 13 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 08 aw/cf m3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (0)	Yep. Seems strange, no error with OEM head unit and fiber ring, it simply removed sat radio as an option, then when the extensions were added it gave an error. I guess maybe it was just too far with the extensions?? Anyway thanks for the help and I am quite impressed with the sound on the avx77 combined with the alpine pdxs. It will take a while to get it tuned right, but so far it has added a great deal of detail to everything.
	Appreciate 0 Quote