tucker21

hey guys i was wondering about the possibility of swapping out the factory nav head unit for an aftermarket one (there is a really sweet pioneer unit which has aha radio, pandora, and no lock out etc) but the only problem i see is that the HVAC controls are operated thru the head unit.

do you think there is anyway to replace the factory nav with an aftermarket unit and retain full HVAC control?

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

probably not worth the hassle. why not just add a flip-up below the navi?

TWong350

iTrader: (8)

That's going to be a major undertaking with all the controls built-in. Like IXI187IXI stated, probably not worth the hassle, if you can even find anyone with the skill set to do it for you.

anewname

Wait for Vaistech to come out with their new Android-compatible ML+ and use that to deal with your navi and music, etc.

If they come out with a hybrid iPhone/Android unit, I'm jumping on it.

tucker21

i wish if only that was going to be compatible with the gen 4 nav but according to them it wont

i'll post some pics tomorrow.

anewname

Another guy on here did a 4th gen to 5th gen conversion. Maybe you should reach out to him.

tucker21

so i know it will be a major pain in the *** but i found a high end shop in walnut creek that said they could build up a custom system that would retain HVAC control ( i haven't gotten the details from them yet about how exactly that would work, we've been exchanging emails and still waiting to hear back on the specifics)

but was wondering if anyone on the forums has done anything like this?
surely there must be at least one person who has undergone this project?

if there is anyone who has replaced their nav with an aftermarket double din unit and managed to retain full HVAC controls please either post here and share your story or PM me as i'm extremely curious to hear from someone else how it turned out.

i don't mind spending 1500-2K if i could get the new slick alpine head unit which has integrated pandora, aha radio, and really great nav and UI and still be able to control the HVAC.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

why spend 1500 to 2k when you can just add a flip out for half that price?

Jspektunin

^^^ do they make brackets for the bottom?

tucker21

cuz i really don't want to have a OEM head unit and then an additional flip up (that was my first idea actually but it seems so cluttered. i still may end up going that route if it appears to be the only viable option. but i would gladly pay 1500-2K to put in a nice aftermarket system that could retain hvac controls).

from the research i've done it seems the only real way to do it is to get a set of hvac controls from a non nav unit and install them where the tape deck goes and then pull out the HU and replace it.

benbuilt4u

iTrader: (5)

My gen5 swap with ml+ with pandora and iPod video works flawless. Aftermarket system is a waste car has amazing system stock of course mine is mark levinson.