OEM Navi Bypass

[Scott D]

I too regretted not getting the OEM nav when I bought my H3. I was determined in purchasing the factory nav and have the Dealer install it. But after doing some research on the web and the local car audio stores I discovered that the factory OEM Nav unit is pretty basic in function and very limited on features. There are lots of after market Nav units that have some pretty cool features. It all depends on your taste and budget. Now I know nothing beats that clean Factory look, but I think my after market unit looks pretty dam good.
In April I bought a Pioneer AVIC Z1 and had it professionally installed. It?s a pricy unit but in my opinion well worth it. Most importantly the place where I had it installed was the only place that was able to by pass the system to where you can enter an address or change your route on the fly (as your driving) even watch dvd?s on the go. And let me tell you, when you go on vacation that DVD keeps the wife entertained on those long 8, 10, 12hr trips. And the bypass they did is not the one where you have to flash the head lights three times, run around the vehicle twice, jiggle the ignition key just right, and say a quick prayer before starting the vehicle and hope that it works. It?s as simple as getting in, starting the engine and it works. I know earlier Nav units the by pass was as simple as grounding the E-Brake wire and that was it, but this unit is a little more complicated. After all this unit has a hard drive. I do recommend a reputable installer that guaranties or warranties their work.
Any way I?m not going to list all the features this unit can do because there?s just too many. A simple Google search will tell you every thing you need to know. There?s even a forum on the web for this unit with tons of helpful info including crack, hacks, and bypasses.
If you do decide to see this model try to see a working display so you can play with it. Much better than just looking at a box and reading what it can do. At first it looks very intimidating and complicated, but trust me after a week of playing with it, it?s very simple and user friendly. I?m very happy with this unit the only down fall or draw back is that the splash screen or startup screen is slow before it goes to the menu screen. I guess it has to do with the hard drive booting up. You get used to it. However as soon as you start the vehicle you here music, you just have to weight for the screens to boot up.
I?ll warn you now, you will have to purchase a few interface modules that will drive the cost up, like if you want to keep your door chimes, on star, factory satellite antenna, factory alarm bypass etc?.. To name a few, so be prepared.
Good luck on what ever you decide, just make sure that you?re happy with it because that?s what?s most important.