krsmith

SWauto prices

http://swautomotive.co.nz/product/oemt%20_IN.pdf

so nav/radio using second hand unit 2k. (replacing the unit for nav negates the need to recode the radio from jap as this is done when you convert the nav).

conversion on the old e39 system is 800-1500 depending on what you do and where the parts come from.

the button pressing process cannot be used on idrive systems.

Thanks Matt. Will follow up with SW

Radio can be done via coding (about $300 to get someone to do it for you) its not simple and the equipment to do it will cost you more than $300 so dont bother unless you plan to do lots of cars. DO NOT USE A BAND EXPANDER THESE ARE S***.

You will either have the CCC or new CIC system (i think yours will be CCC) CCC is the one with 1 or 2 buttons by the idrive wheel and CIC has 7? buttons around the wheel.

CCC Nav works off a DVD/CD for the NAV, the disc itself is rather easy to obtain (can use an australian one as it contains NZ and AU maps) but for the Nav to work in NZ it will require a complete CCC computer replacement and recoding, this would run you around 2k+ there is NO way around this do not let anyone trick you into thinking its just a map CD its most definitely NOT.

CIC Nav is harddrive based which requires the maps to be loaded to the internal hard drive and the FSC? code which is specific to the VIN of the car to be registered (i dont know the pricing on this but im pretty sure being an '06 your CCC anyway) note im pretty sure this would require CIC unit replacement and coding.

Phone, depends what is in there now? if its a actual phone handset then its throw away it won't work in NZ. If its bluetooth (almost all japs seem to lack this, idk why) then you should be good to go just pair your phone. it is posible to retrofit bluetooth (if you have nothing or you have a jap phone) but its not cheap and requires hardware (new TCU) and coding. this is also in the 1-2k mark as far as i am aware.

I have the factory bluetooth (nz new) i can honestly say its the best handsfree i've ever owned or used. absolutely perfect quality, sounds just as good as talking on the handset itself if not better, the system pulls your address book to the idrive, pairs flawlessly every time you put you key in and also displays your reception on the idrive screen.

Thanks all for feedback. Looks like I'll need to pay a visit to a specialist - i have no intention of installing a band expander as they are crap. I had noted a post from Jochen stating that the radio can be converted following a few steps, however this is possibly not for an E61?? I'll check out the phone/bluetooth (I haven't picked up the car yet, just preempting projects - my wife doesn't understand!!).

The idrive unit has 2 buttons so must be a CCC - sounds like I am in for some serious $$$$ to rectify the satnav problem. The car yard people reckoned the complete idrive can be converted to NZ for around $1,500 - $2,000 - does this sound realistic?

Cheers

I am new to Bimmersport and BMW's. I have just bought a Japanese 550i Touring (2006 E61) and annoyingly I could not convince the yard to convert the idrive to NZ. I am sure these questions have been asked a million times before and apologies up front for rehashing what is most likely old ground, however, from my initial research, it appears the conversion can actually be done in phases i.e. convert the radio (i read a guide, but not sure if it works with a E61). What about the satnav and phone? Can i simply get a NZ nav DVD to load up for NZ maps? Is there a simple technique for the bluetooth/phone interface?

There appears to be a lot of cowboys out there who want to charge 2 arms and a kidney for doing the conversion and to be honest I cant see that it should be that tricky.

Appreciate your feedback.