Hello all, long time lurker, first time poster

. I have an 08 G37S with navigation and Bose and I was looking to swap from my current setup to a unit from a 2011 G37S that has nav and Bose as well. I've searched the forums and all I could find was from non nav to nav, and that isn't my case. I gathered that I'd have to do some wiring because the 2008 isn't compatible with the 2011? Is there a guide somewhere or could I just use the DIY from the non nav to nav post?

Thanks for reading

 

It really makes no difference whether you have NAV or not as some of the wiring will still have to be changed. Granted I went from '08 non-NAV to '14 NAV, but I found that most of the 2008 wires were not needed as the "newer" system incorporates everything (XM, TEL, iPod (USB), CAM) into one master unit whereas the "older" system had the different modules that connected to the master unit in the dash. That said, it is just a matter of pulling the two wiring diagrams and comparing them to determine:

a) Which wires you will need and those you will not need at all;
b) Identify which wires will have to be moved (repinned);
c) Determine if you need additional connectors or wires (I had to add a few for reasons I won't get into here).

Keep in mind there are two separate wiring harnesses that will be needed: the GVIF cable for the Display, and the USB cable (not the port) in the center console. The USB cable connects the USB port (which you will also need) to the AV Master Unit and can not be purchased from the dealer (I found one on eBay). The GVIF cable connects the Display to the AV Master Unit and can be bought from the dealer for around $25. Depending on the donor system these cables are usually not included or are cut with pigtails. At the very least you will need the GVIF cable.

In all honesty, the swap is relatively easy but can be VERY tedious and aggravating. There is very limited space, the wires are a small gauge, and they can be a major bi*ch to remove from the connectors (unless you are a cut-and-splicer). Best advice I can give you is to take your time in BOTH planning/research and execution. Once you identify the wires you DO NOT need- tuck them away and forget about them. Follow the pinouts on the diagrams and connectors and DO NOT rely solely on wire color (many wires on these cars do not match the FSM).

It took me about a month to do all of the researching and planning and I did the whole swap in one weekend. My only regret was that I did not do the swap sooner. I mainly use the USB but have had no problems whatsoever using the Bluetooth music streaming (Galaxy S7 Edge), TEL, DVD, XM (which I never used anyway), or the camera.

Hope some of this helps!

 

For the sheer hell of it (and out of boredom) I went ahead and pulled the AV FSM's and it seems you will have a lot of rewiring to do. Like I previously mentioned, most of the "older" wires you will not need, but almost all of the wires that you need will have to be moved. From a cursory review just about every one of the main connectors will have to be rewired as the pinouts are completely different.

Another tip: I labeled each wire that needed to be relocated with the signal name and pinout before I removed it from the connector. It might have been overkill but it helped me keep all those wires in check.

While it seems daunting and intimidating, once you get the plan ironed out the actual process should go smoothly.