2009 Murano doesn't offer rear entertainment and nav system??

[marstons]

We're in the market for a mid-sized SUV for my wife. Last night we test drove the 09 Murano and were impressed with it (although the CVT will take some getting used to). I even like how it drove better than the Acura MDX and the Toyota Venza.

Here's the kicker. She wants it loaded...I mean nav/technology system and rear DVD entertainment system. It appears that Nissan will not allow you to configure a new Murano with both because they force you to accept the moonroof package with the nav system, precluding the possibility of installing the DVD system. The moonroof is actually one option that we could forego on a vehicle, although if the price was right (selling from inventory on the lot), we'd certainly not turn it away. But,

While the salesman seemed to be oblivious to this little fact, the brochure specifically states that you can't have both. So does Nissan's website (well, it doesn't let you choose both to be more specific). Can someone tell me what a nav system has to do with a moonroof that they decided to package them together?? I mean, other than Nissan finding a way to increase the overall cost of a vehicle.

Unfortunately, I like Nissans. This would be my 3rd. But, this could actually be a deal breaker. All the competitor vehicles (Pilot, MDX, Highlander, CX-9) all offer both packages. I don't get it Nissan. This was poor planning in my opinion.

Thoughts anyone?

marstons

[Timmbo]

We're in the market for a mid-sized SUV for my wife. Last night we test drove the 09 Murano and were impressed with it (although the CVT will take some getting used to). I even like how it drove better than the Acura MDX and the Toyota Venza.

Here's the kicker. She wants it loaded...I mean nav/technology system and rear DVD entertainment system. It appears that Nissan will not allow you to configure a new Murano with both because they force you to accept the moonroof package with the nav system, precluding the possibility of installing the DVD system. The moonroof is actually one option that we could forego on a vehicle, although if the price was right (selling from inventory on the lot), we'd certainly not turn it away. But,

While the salesman seemed to be oblivious to this little fact, the brochure specifically states that you can't have both. So does Nissan's website (well, it doesn't let you choose both to be more specific). Can someone tell me what a nav system has to do with a moonroof that they decided to package them together?? I mean, other than Nissan finding a way to increase the overall cost of a vehicle.

Unfortunately, I like Nissans. This would be my 3rd. But, this could actually be a deal breaker. All the competitor vehicles (Pilot, MDX, Highlander, CX-9) all offer both packages. I don't get it Nissan. This was poor planning in my opinion.

Thoughts anyone?

marstons

Welcome to NICOclub! I am the moderator here in the Murano Forum, I am glad to have you here.

Yes! I have lots of thoughts and info for you on this matter! No, you cannot get the dual panel roof and the DVD player, and I don't believe you can get Nav with the DVD. It may be a cost-cutting technique in their assembly line or how the wiring and components are installed. HOWEVER, I would suggest purchasing the fully loaded LE model, with the Nav and Dual Panel roof. You can have a DVD player professionally installed in your center console just like it would be from the factory. You have the installer run the Audio/Video Cables to the back of the center console on the Murano (on the back of the center console there is a small spring loaded flip up door that has these connections). This will now allow you to actually watch DVD's on your front Navigation screen while playing sound through your speakers (and it does sound sweet!) Now, here is the problem, you will only be able to watch this while the vehicle is in park, with the e-brake on. HOWEVER, this can be very easily rectified, and yes, I have personally done this and it works amazing! I am not sure if you feel comfortable doing this or you would like someone to professionally do this. But you go to the back of the stereo, install a DPDT switch and install the switch on one of the button blanks on the left of the steering wheel, or hide the switch just underneath the dash. Without getting into all the details at this point, you will be able to, at the flip of a switch, go from Nav to DVD while driving. On top of it, now all passenger in the car will be able to watch DVDs on your front existing Nav screen. The nice thing about this Mod is everything is clean looking, no aftermarket junk anywhere. This Mod also allows you to input destinations on the Nav WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION!

I also did this mod on my Armada, only difference is my Armada had the DVD system on it with the flip down screen, I did this mod and now I have two screens playing the DVD and I can input destinations on the Nav while the vehicle is moving.

This mod is VERY EASY to do. The mod itself will cost you less than $10. The DVD player should cost around $150 plus probably about $150 - $200 for install. I think this all well worth it, the Murano is an AMAZING vehicle at a great price.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS!!!

[KJSmitty]

I thought the wife and I were the only ones that didn't like sunroofs... :-)

We were in the exact predicament back in Aug 2008. Wanted a loaded LE yet had no desire for the sunroof - and nothing was going to change our minds.. Yes I /we had to do without the Navi and only 3 LE's were available in the Dallas metroplex configured like we wanted thus color choices were limited (two were the same color).

Anyway, we wanted the white pearl and haggled a great deal at the time on one without nav, moonroof or DVD. This was perfect in my eyes. - I immediately there after purchased a nice overhead Alpine 10+ inch drop down DVD player/monitor $550 and installed it myself. The factory DVD is OK yet small and expensive given the aftermarket options. I wired ours up so that whatever is playing on the overhead automatically plays on the front screen as well. The rear console RCA jacks/input are also still present thus any source you play through there also plays on the overhead and front screen etc.. Great for the Xbox and Wii. I have a few pictures of it in my gallery.Also, with the help from this forum and Mr. Timmbo above, I performed the mod he mentioned thus video is operational on both screens while driving - if so desired for the passengers viewing experience.

For the time you really need a navi, a $250 Garmin would work awesome not to mention save you what?$3K on the price of an LE... :-)

Best of luck with your shopping.
Modified by KJSmitty at 5:30 PM 2/28/2009

[Musky300]

It is a little disappointing that Nissan does not allow you to configure the Murano to the exact option specifications that you want, however it is maybe understandable when viewed from a production standpoint and by all means...do not allow that to dictate whether you will buy it or not.

My suggestion is to go with the LE with Nav/Moonroof...then take it to a quality A/V installation business who can put LCD screens in the back of the driver and passenger seat headrests. Of course this is the option if you want to have you backseat riders entertained. The A/V shops can actually use aftermarket headrests that match the OEM size and leather perfectly so you don't have to cut up your original headrests.

Not only do you get two LCD screens instead of the one Nissan would give you....but it is definitely cheaper than you would pay for as an option included with the price of the vehicle.

If you want to have DVD for yourself in the front seat, and when driving, well...there a few "fixes" for how to modify the wires to do this. Just search around and you will find them.

[mickd]

Spare a thought for us Aussies !! We don't get 20' wheels OR the sunroof option !

[Timmbo]

Spare a thought for us Aussies !! We don't get 20' wheels OR the sunroof option !

Hey, you guys have Holden, we are stuck with Pontiac crap! LOL (personally I don't care for either one, but Holden is much better than Pontiac junk).

[mkaresh]

Aftermarket navi costs a lot less and tends to work better anyway.

[Charty]

If the Murano doesn't have the Nav package, does the DPDT switch need to be installed? I have an 09 LE with the just moonroof package, and the video works with the parking brake on.I'm thinking the bypass steps might be a bit different for a vehicle with nav vs without nav, just want to make sure I have the correct info before I make the decision to modify or not modify.

Thanks

[Charty]

I think KJSmitty and the pictures Timmbo posted in the "Entertainment system in 2009 Murano LE" thread answers my questions.Timmbo, what kind of 4 wire cord is that, and is it easy to snake from the radio area to the spot where KJSmitty installed it?

Thanks

[KJSmitty]

I think KJSmitty and the pictures Timmbo posted in the "Entertainment system in 2009 Murano LE" thread answers my questions.Timmbo, what kind of 4 wire cord is that, and is it easy to snake from the radio area to the spot where KJSmitty installed it?

Thanks

Sorry Timmbo - beat ya to it :-)

Charty,

In the photo's, I used a 4 wire computer/USB cord :-). I wanted something black and obviously with 4 leads - and I have numerous USB cords around :-).. Another good choice is a 4 lead phone cord.

The switch itself: no, its not required for the non-navi. I just wanted the option to leave it in the stock configuration 99% of the time.

And yes, once you have completed the wire cuts/connections their is access (easy) to run the wire from the center area over to the left lower dash area etc.. I did remove the lower panel under the steering wheel to make it that much easier however.

Cheers

[Charty]

Thanks for the info.I had some additional questions and I posted them in the thread where the instructions are.

Thanks.

[Elliott2]

Hi, I may be able to help with the first post on this, I was the original designer for the twin roof unit rear seat entertainment system. I can still supply parts for those of you who cannot get there system serviced by Nissan anymore, or can supply and fit a new system, twin units in the roof or headrests. A word of warning for people of swapping their headrests for none standard ones with TV's DVD etc built in. these types of headrests hve not been crashtested in the car, if there was a problem in an accident Nissan and your insurance company can void their warranty and policy......I have designed systems for Volvo, Nissan, BMW etc. Hope this helps, Peter

[donaldo74]

but we do get the trip tronic CVT

[Timmbo]

but we do get the trip tronic CVT

They had that on the '07 and older Murano SE models, not offered on the '09 in the states though. Kind of a fun feature.

[donaldo74]

apparently good for towing as well, its cool having the F1 style paddles on the steering wheel too

Ive just purchased the top of the range Ti model in Australia it gets delivered next month, cant wait.

took the lower ST model for a trest drive and absolutly loved it