'In today’s post, I’m thrilled to walk you through the step-by-step process of upgrading the infotainment system of a BMW 5 Series from the original NBT system to the more advanced Evo unit. If you’ve been considering such an upgrade for enhanced functionality and a fresher look, you’re in the right place.
Initial Setup and Preparation
The car in question originally featured the NBT large screen system, which was quite good in its time. However, the goal was to swap it out for a refurbished Evo unit, taken from a G38, which is known for its better interface and additional features. The great thing about this screen is that it comes with an F18-specific mounting bracket, making the installation straightforward and non-invasive.
Step-by-Step Disassembly and Installation
1. Removing the Old Unit:
First, I started by removing the wooden trim around the air vents to expose the screws. Using a T20 screwdriver, I removed two screws from the air conditioning panel and four from the main unit, which were easily accessible.
2. Disconnecting the Original Unit:
Once the screws were out, the main unit could be pulled forward, and all the original connectors were detached. This step is crucial as it prepares the space for the new Evo unit.
3. Installing the Evo Unit:
The installation of the Evo unit is impressively simple because it uses the same wiring connectors as the NBT. All that’s required is to plug each connector back into the corresponding port on the new unit. The color coding on the connectors makes this task foolproof.
4. Swapping the Screen:
For the screen, only two screws needed to be removed. After these were out, I detached the original screen, swapped in the new one, and connected it using the existing plug. Securing it back with the two screws was all it took.
5. Reassembly:
Once the new screen and unit were in place, the final step involved screwing everything back together, reattaching the air conditioning panel, and the vent c
overs.
Programming and Final Touches
After the physical installation, the system required some programming to integrate the navigation and activate certain features like Apple CarPlay (copy functionality). This involved scanning and coding the main unit to accept the vehicle’s original
functions and new upgrades.
Checking the Final Outcome
Once everything was set up, the new system was a significant improvement. It retained all the original functionalities such as radio, DVD playback, USB input, Bluetooth audio, and even the built-in 200GB hard drive. The navigation now runs on Amap, and the full-screen Apple CarPlay is a desirable feature for many.
Conclusion
This upgrade not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the BMW 5 Series dashboard but also significantly improves functionality and user experience. If you’re interested in making similar upgrades or need detailed guidance on car modifications, check out AutoUpgradeClub.com. They offer comprehensive advice and services for upgrading car systems, including professional installations of CarPlay, large screen navigations, and much more. Make your drive more
enjoyable with these modern upgrades!