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First Review Dynavin in Sydney

37K views 122 replies 34 participants last post by  asdetail 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi, All I just got Dynavin so now I have time to install to mycar.

I would like to do a full review here and I want to do Step by Step DIY because Dynavin didn't have much information about that, only a Manual book so I can be your guideline if you wanna considering to change your new head Unit.


Thanks Jason to give me this Head Unit to try:thumbup:

Thanks Jeff who guides and answers me all my questions :bow:

First touch I would say I'm very happy with the product and Price:thumbsup:

After installation and I have time to play around

Update 18/06/2010

Reviews Navigator : Steering Wheel Function : USB Port : Darkside of the Product.

iPod 8/10 I love the sound quality I hope next firmware will be able show Cover Flow and others.

Bluetooth 9/10 Excellent job it works very well on this function:thumbup:

DTV 7/10 : Hardly to get receptions but better to have this function.

NAV : 8/10 It has all everything you need to know as Speed camera and Heaps , the map can be downloaded all Country you want.
all function as Tom Tom. The one I got is iGo 8. http://artwork-igo8.blogspot.com/search/label/scheme
It works very well but you have to put at the right position of your car.

USB 9/10 : It works and you also can watch Movie or store your music and Photo on this from your Hard drives .

Radio: 9/10 it's good easy to tune up for stations and clear sound.

Steering wheel Function 9/10 : It works all buttons you have you can use volume, changing song track up & Down and tuneing Radio Stations.

Installation Process + Unlock DVD & TV which you can watch during Driving :thumbup:

DARK SIDE

Navigator : if you place wrong position you will always lost signal and hardly to get signal back.

Radio : It seems to be difficult to play with and very hard to control but I think when you get used too, it will be easy for you.

Steering Wheel Function : Whenever you listen to the Radio and you are turning Steering Wheel then the Radio Station tuning up to anther station.

iPod: When you turn off engine then when you start again the iPod will take back to the first track of your iPod Library.


To BE Continued

Here some pics and enjoy :thumbsup:


















Installation Process + Unlock DVD & TV which you can watch during Driving (Cop Doesn't like it, make sure put back on CD or iPod MODE) :thumbup:





















iPod Mode










Bluetooth Mode : You will love this function:thumbup:










 
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27
#2 ·
Great, has it gone into the car yet?
Let us know your experience with it in detail. Have read that there were issues with noise levels and engine whine in the first versions. I also read that there is an updated version coming with better ipod interface i.e. cover flow etc...
@jason... have you got one I can see, I am close to your warehouse so let me know, I can pop by. I am very interested in getting one too.

cheers
 
#15 ·
You can PM Jason about the price, sorry I can't tell you right now.

true, but if the brightness can be adjusted I am sure there are ways to match the brightness. Worst case, just open up the front bezle and stick a film of tint on the amber bits that light up or something like that. But nothing like looking at it in person since light off florecent,LEDs etc can be decieving when you look at digital images.

This pic I think it seems to match up well.

Yeah, the brightness can be adjusted also the Ember matched with Factory slightly different :thumbup:
 
#23 · (Edited)
You do need to register but answers to all your questions plus much much more can be found here http://dynavin.freeforums.org/
Including a work in progress firmware update to change the dynavin interface from those red menu blocks to something a bit less crap ;)

<img src="http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/175/img0517h.jpg" width="600"/>

The knobs look cheap ass.. but otherwise its pretty decent.
 
#40 ·
For my opinion there aren't look bad at all, you have to see the real one not from the Pics.

No worries, can you also let us know if the two front knobs detach from the unit to be able to replace them with OEM or similar knobs.
The OEM Knobs can't be replaced I think, other it would be answer at above.

that looks good, i want videos to work on mine.
i got widescreen navigation with intravee ipod functionality but this looks more modern and updated.

i feel like swapping my oem stuff now haha
Warren Do it mate you will love this one and will be happier. Sell it:D

do it ! and sell me the OEM stuff :)
I think Warren will sell OEM Soon.:D

Nice to see an Aussie review of the unit, I am very interested in this so please keep the updates coming. I was looking forward to seeing it installed in Jason's car but I don't think he has done it yet.

In addition to all the good questions being asked here like do the volume and blutooth steering wheel buttons work I would like to know the following if anyone has any info:
- How much is the AC relocation bracket from a BMW stealer in Oz?
- I think I have an OEM microphone can I connect the unit to that or will I need to install a new one?
- Do you see anyway of internet enabling the device using a SIM?
- What storage/source options are there for movies and music, I see you can connect an iPod but could you also connect a portable hard disc?
- Is there and option to connect it to the cars ODBII?

Thanks it looks great and much better tech than OEM
Howie
I think the relocation kit it's not expensive around $100-150. but having said that you don't need the relocation kit by the way.

I am also very keen on this unit but did not want to be the guinea pig in Australia so please keep the updates coming
Sure I will :thumbup:

Looks good Johnny !! much cheaper than a retrofit !!
Yeah!! Tim I love it and I will pop in and let you have a look.


hey i have searched this but i cannot seem to find a straight answer can you remove the factory screen and put this in. i have the screen but no nav so this would be a better option than fitting BMW navigation i think. if anyone herd or done this it would be good to know.
I think it can be done on your case.:thumbup:

Why would you have the head unit/screen (the colour double din one?) and no navigation?? What do you use it for watching DVD's when stationery?

Are you sure you don't have a nav computer in the boot under the CD changer?

As to what is better I suppose its how much value you place on OEM and whether or not you are going to use any of the features of the Dynavin. In terms of cost I guess it will be about the same I have seen nav computers for sale on ebay for about $800 and GPS antenna for about $60.

Do you have factory bluetooth and PDC? If you do the Dynavin is not going to add much value feature wise. I would assume that OEM navigation would add greater resale value than an aftermarket one. So although the installation will be much more difficult (look up threads its quite involved seats, console and carpet have to come out) it may be worth it since you already have the head unit in place.

As to fitting since you already have the screen if you take that out you will have a double din slot available so yes the Dynavin will fit into that space as described.

Goodluck and let us know what you do.

Howie
Answer from chriskuta at Below.

The Dynavin is designed to easily replace the BMW Business CD unit. It just plugs straight into the existing plug, with some extra cables for USB, iPod, GPS etc. If you have an OEM 4:3 or 16:9 boardmonitor then installing a Dynavin is a little more complex as you require an additional cable

As for why you would convert to a Dynavin over an OEM 16:9 Setup? I agree OEM is best for keeping things looking original. But lets face it, the MK4 navi is getting old now. With the ability to run pretty much any Windows CE navigation ( or program ) you have lots of options. Tom tom, iGo, Navigon. But aside from that there is some really cool moding going on with Internet connections, game emulators, re-skinning the interface etc. So it's a lot more fun if you're a bit of a geek. :)

And when you sell the car, just put the old unit back in!
+1

The OEM screen resolution is half the Dynavin's screen resolution. The OEM is not touch screen where as the Dynavin is. If there is prrof that the Dynavin quality control is anything close to an OEM product (i mean durability, ware etc) then I think the dynavin unit will add more value when reselling as it will have the features you get in a brand new car like wifi, internet etc.. while retaining the OEM look. In my opinion the OEM navigaiton is annoying when you have to click through to enter details. touch sceen is so much better.
+1
 
#27 · (Edited)
Nice to see an Aussie review of the unit, I am very interested in this so please keep the updates coming. I was looking forward to seeing it installed in Jason's car but I don't think he has done it yet.

In addition to all the good questions being asked here like do the volume and blutooth steering wheel buttons work I would like to know the following if anyone has any info:
- How much is the AC relocation bracket from a BMW stealer in Oz?
- I think I have an OEM microphone can I connect the unit to that or will I need to install a new one?
- Do you see anyway of internet enabling the device using a SIM?
- What storage/source options are there for movies and music, I see you can connect an iPod but could you also connect a portable hard disc?
- Is there and option to connect it to the cars ODBII?

Thanks it looks great and much better tech than OEM
Howie
 
#29 ·
Looks good Johnny !! much cheaper than a retrofit !!
 
#31 ·
Why would you have the head unit/screen (the colour double din one?) and no navigation?? What do you use it for watching DVD's when stationery?

Are you sure you don't have a nav computer in the boot under the CD changer?

As to what is better I suppose its how much value you place on OEM and whether or not you are going to use any of the features of the Dynavin. In terms of cost I guess it will be about the same I have seen nav computers for sale on ebay for about $800 and GPS antenna for about $60.

Do you have factory bluetooth and PDC? If you do the Dynavin is not going to add much value feature wise. I would assume that OEM navigation would add greater resale value than an aftermarket one. So although the installation will be much more difficult (look up threads its quite involved seats, console and carpet have to come out) it may be worth it since you already have the head unit in place.

As to fitting since you already have the screen if you take that out you will have a double din slot available so yes the Dynavin will fit into that space as described.

Goodluck and let us know what you do.

Howie
 
#34 ·
The Dynavin is designed to easily replace the BMW Business CD unit. It just plugs straight into the existing plug, with some extra cables for USB, iPod, GPS etc. If you have an OEM 4:3 or 16:9 boardmonitor then installing a Dynavin is a little more complex as you require an additional cable



As for why you would convert to a Dynavin over an OEM 16:9 Setup? I agree OEM is best for keeping things looking original. But lets face it, the MK4 navi is getting old now. With the ability to run pretty much any Windows CE navigation ( or program ) you have lots of options. Tom tom, iGo, Navigon. But aside from that there is some really cool moding going on with Internet connections, game emulators, re-skinning the interface etc. So it's a lot more fun if you're a bit of a geek. :)

And when you sell the car, just put the old unit back in!
 
#35 ·
The OEM screen resolution is half the Dynavin's screen resolution. The OEM is not touch screen where as the Dynavin is. If there is prrof that the Dynavin quality control is anything close to an OEM product (i mean durability, ware etc) then I think the dynavin unit will add more value when reselling as it will have the features you get in a brand new car like wifi, internet etc.. while retaining the OEM look. In my opinion the OEM navigaiton is annoying when you have to click through to enter details. touch sceen is so much better.
 
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