Navigation and multimedia: The heart of the modern car interior
Do you remember the days when a car radio was a luxury? When you had to buy a separate sat nav that mounted on the windscreen? Those days are long gone. Today the multimedia system, or infotainment as many call it, is the central part of every modern car. Through it you control navigation, music, the phone, the climate, even car settings.
But these systems are not cheap. A new original multimedia system for a mid-range car costs from 500 to 3,000 euros, depending on brand and equipment. And when they break or when you want to upgrade the system in an older car, that price can be hard to swallow. That is where used systems become a very interesting option.
A used multimedia system in good condition can cost you 100 to 500 euros, a fraction of the new price. And if you know what you are buying and what to watch for, you get identical functionality for far less money.
Types of multimedia systems
Before you start shopping, you need to understand which type of system you need. Not every system is the same, and the differences can be significant.
OEM systems (factory)
OEM systems are those fitted at the factory by the car manufacturer. BMW iDrive, Mercedes COMAND, Audi MMI, Volkswagen RNS or Discover, Opel Navi, and so on. These systems are designed specifically for a particular model and generation, fit perfectly into the interior, and communicate with the car's other systems.
The advantage of OEM systems is integration. They work with the steering wheel, with steering wheel controls, with parking sensors, with the reverse camera, with everything. The downside is that they are often technologically outdated compared to modern devices. BMW iDrive from 2010 has no Apple CarPlay, no Spotify, none of the modern features.
Aftermarket systems
Aftermarket systems are universal devices that can be fitted in almost any car. Brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony offer a wide range of models with modern features: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, even WiFi. The price of new aftermarket systems is from 150 to 800 euros, and used ones can be found for 50 to 300 euros.
The advantage of aftermarket systems is modern technology at an accessible price. The downside is that they do not blend into the interior as seamlessly as OEM systems and usually do not communicate with the car's other systems without extra adapters.
Android head unit systems
A relatively new category is Android-based head units that are made specifically for certain car models. They look like an OEM system, fit perfectly into the interior, but run on the Android operating system. You have access to Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube, everything. New ones cost 150 to 600 euros, used 50 to 200 euros.
The advantage is modern technology in an OEM form. The downside is that quality varies a lot because they are made by dozens of Chinese factories, and software support can be questionable.
What to watch for with used multimedia systems
Buying a used multimedia system carries specific risks you need to be aware of. Here are the most important things to pay attention to.
Locked to vehicle (anti-theft code)
Many OEM systems are locked to a specific vehicle via the VIN or a security code. When you pull a system from one car and fit it into another, it asks for a code it does not have and refuses to work. This is especially common with Ford, Renault and Fiat systems.
Before buying a used OEM system, definitely check whether the system is unlocked or whether you have the code to unlock it. Some systems can be unlocked via software for 20 to 50 euros, but some require a visit to an authorised service that may charge up to 200 euros.
Screen condition
The screen is the most important part of a multimedia system and the most sensitive to damage. Check for scratches, dead pixels or marks on the screen. Touch screens are particularly sensitive and can lose touch sensitivity over time, especially around the edges.
Also check the backlight. If the screen is visibly darker in some areas, the backlight is on its way out. Backlight replacement is possible but expensive and requires a specialist service.
CD/DVD mechanism
If the system has a CD or DVD mechanism (for reading navigation maps or music discs), check that it works. Optical mechanisms are mechanical parts that wear out, and on used systems they are often near the end of their service life. Of course, in the age of streaming and USB sticks, the CD mechanism is no longer that important, but it is good to know its condition.
Updating navigation maps
One of the most common questions about used navigation systems is: can I update the maps? The answer depends on the system. OEM systems use specific maps that are bought from the car manufacturer and can cost 50 to 200 euros for an update. Aftermarket systems usually use standard maps that are cheaper or free.
On older OEM systems, map updates may be limited. The manufacturer at some point stops releasing updates for older systems, so you are stuck with maps that may be 5 to 10 years old. That is one reason many owners of older cars switch to aftermarket or Android systems that use Google Maps with always-current maps.
If you are buying a used OEM system, check which maps are installed and whether updates are possible. A system with maps from 2015 may not know about new motorways and bypasses built since then, which makes it almost useless for navigation.
Compatibility: Will the system work in your car?
Compatibility with multimedia systems is more complex than with most other parts. Here is what to check.
Physical dimensions
Aftermarket systems come in two standard formats: single DIN (50mm high) and double DIN (100mm high). Your car has a slot for one of these two formats, and you need to know which before buying. OEM systems do not have standard dimensions because they are designed for a specific car.
Connectors and installation
OEM systems use specific connectors for a particular car model. If you buy the same OEM system that was in your car, the connectors will fit. If you upgrade to a higher version (e.g. from RNS 310 to RNS 510 in a Volkswagen), you may need additional adapters or even new cables.
Aftermarket systems use standard ISO connectors, but you almost always need an adapter for the specific car brand. These adapters cost 10 to 30 euros and are easy to source.
CAN bus communication
On newer cars, the multimedia system communicates with the rest of the car via the CAN bus network. That means the system receives information about speed, temperature, door opening, etc. If you replace an OEM system with an aftermarket system, you will lose that communication unless you fit a CAN bus adapter. On the other hand, if you replace an OEM system with an identical or compatible OEM system, communication will work without issues.
Upgrading navigation in an older car
One of the most common scenarios is an older car owner who wants to add navigation or modernise an outdated system. Here are the most common options, ranked by value for money:
- Used higher OEM system - e.g. from RNS 310 to RNS 510, or from BMW Business to BMW Professional. Perfect integration, familiar interface, but still outdated technology. Price used: 100 to 300 euros.
- Android head unit for your model - a modern system that looks factory-fit. Google Maps, Spotify, all the modern features. Price new: 150 to 400 euros. Used: 50 to 200 euros.
- Aftermarket double DIN - Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine. Proven quality, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but does not look factory-fit. Price used: 50 to 250 euros.
Fitting: DIY or at the workshop?
Replacing a multimedia system is a job of medium difficulty. If you are swapping an OEM system for an identical OEM system, the job is simple: pull the old one, connect the new one to the same connectors, plug it back in. 30 minutes of work.
If you are upgrading to a different system, the job gets more complicated. You may need to run new cables, fit adapters, code the system with a diagnostic tool. That can take two to four hours and requires knowledge of car electronics.
My advice: for a straightforward swap of an identical system, you can do it yourself. For everything else, go to a specialist car electrician. The fitting cost is usually 50 to 150 euros, and it is worth every cent because you will know everything is properly connected.
Where to find a used multimedia system
Multimedia systems are sought after on the used parts market, especially OEM systems for popular models. Scrapyards usually have them, but condition can vary. Online listings offer a wider selection, but you are buying blind because you cannot test the system before purchase.
On the PoDi platform you can simply enter your car model and the type of system you are looking for. Suppliers send you offers with photos and a condition description, and often with a working warranty. It is a practical way to find a working used multimedia system at a fair price.
Modern infotainment for an old car
A used multimedia system or sat nav is a great investment, especially if you want to upgrade an older car without a big outlay. The key is choosing the right system for your car, checking compatibility and condition before buying, and professional fitting if you are not confident in your skills. With a used system you can save 50 to 70 per cent compared with new and get identical functionality.