Hello chaps!
As my sat nav screen has failed I have been looking for an aftermarket solution for ages to fill the black void...and I think I have found one...
if you remove the sat nav screen and rear metal box from the white housing with the pcb it leaves a 155x95mm hole, mileage connectors etc are not affected by removing the nav unit.
My plan is to fix an 5.5 inch android cellphone into this space, connect it to my boost radio with an aux in cable and power it via usb from the cig lighter power control would be as per this Hopefully it will still look pretty stock as it will be behind the bezel
Thoughts anyone?

 

Some brave souls have used these kinds of retrofits - https://www.seicane.com/android-in-d...ontrol-s127017

 

Yes I have seen those, unfortunately mine is a 1st Gen so they don't fit

 

I just took the screen out, it's not needed the check engine lights all function separately

you can see what I put in it's place here... mine is raspberry pi and it's just a hack to get the laptimer in, dont care about pretty..

 

Looks good. I have no idea about Pi stuff hence the android route....plus it will connect to my Bluetooth obd connector for Torque Pro

 

well this is what I have done so far.....tape is temporary until I can make sure it all works etc...

usb cutout
not quite large enough in the end!!
mmmmm gorilla tape!!
snug behind bezel
mmmmmmm even more tape and a handy cd tub cover!!!
looks pretty good as is...... I'll leave it like this until I have ironed out any problems

 

So for now screen comes on when ignition turns on along with Bluetooth and gps. All goes off 10 seconds after ignition off.
Music plays flawlessly, I get Torque pro reading the coolant temp with a floating gauge. Phone calls all go through stereo along with Nav..... pretty pleased so far!!

 

you have a parts list? that looks really good

 

Parts list is basically... A 5.5 inch android phone, a usb cable to go to cig lighter and Bluetooth Handsfree A2DP USB SD AUX CD Changer Adapter Interface Car Kit MINI Cooper R50 R52 R53 Boost Radio......

 

which phone? looks like the one you got fit in nice

 

Oukitel u22
space behind bezel is 155mm x 95mm
Phone is a little slimmer and there is a gap across the width but it's the best/cheapest I could find

 

Nice mod. The factory screens are pretty expensive, see below. But you do lose the function of GPS and diagnostics unless you get an app to control that. Nice job btw, thats like a perfect fit.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/65906947196/

 

Thanks ECS... Yes using Torque pro app for full diagnostic s and COOLANT temp at all times!!
Nav is great inbuilt GPS on phone works great and all through the boost radio.

 

The GPS on my 02 MCS is beyond useless. Seriously outdated.

A touchscreen that mirrors Android would be great.

 

nice work...watching......my gf's 2008 R52 NAV GPS screen is dead...she was told there is a module under the seat that needs replacing....does this sound right? I've yet to investigate....my '04 R53 has taken all my time recently

 

Great work! Just wonder , how do you manage in case the battery of the phone is empty and you have to power one the phone ?