2011 CarPlay upgrade

[Mpow-wow]

Best $350 spent ever! Plug and play, huge touch screen 10.5", blue tooth, WiFi. Etc...

Bought from Wakaa, thanks China!

[mitch808]

tell us more! what is the install like? any feedback on the interface, speed, glitches, any online reviews (especially with video)

[evilchargerfan]

I'm not the op but, this youtube video shows how easy it is

interface reminds me of a cheap android tablet I give my daughter to watch her cartoons

speed is fine, and no glitches to report

it does everything we want = youtube, netflix, google maps, screen mirroring, etc




(i went with an AVIN unit, but I am sure the ali express ones are all the same)

[Mpow-wow]

Install is easy, plug and play. You can switch between CarPlay and the stock configuration easily with the controller.

Screen is big 10.25" it sticks out compared to small stock screen. It's a touch screen, apps, Bluetooth, WiFi. You can half screen on NAV, other half on music.


Was so easy and an awesome upgrade from the dated system from the factory.

[S.W.G.]

How is the audio quality? Does it rely on AUX like everyone else?

[Mpow-wow]

Originally Posted by S.W.G.

How is the audio quality? Does it rely on AUX like everyone else?

Originally Posted by S.W.G.

How is the audio quality? Does it rely on AUX like everyone else?

I'm coming from a 10 year old parrot Bluetooth contraption that was in the car when we bought it.

It sounds a lot better, Bluetooth, WiFi, usb or Aux chord.

[Ahmedovic]

My Android system connects me via bluetooth, after a few minutes it disconnects me and cannot reconnect.

Impossible to me to connect Android Auto, any issues ?

[Mpow-wow]

Originally Posted by Ahmedovic

My Android system connects me via bluetooth, after a few minutes it disconnects me and cannot reconnect.

Impossible to me to connect Android Auto, any issues ?

Once connected it seems fine (iPhone) it's my wife's rig so my connection seems to take longer.

[Functionb4Form]

Hello, how is your CarPlay system working? Looking to do an upgrade on my 2012 x5.

[aiwapro]

Hi,
Looking for the same feedback:

What has your experience been?

I have an e70 with the tech package, so side cams, at mirrors, front bumper, and rear.

Can I leverage the existing microphone?

How does is Aux for sound quality? I read about https://www.mr12volt.com/collections...ts/p2000-cicmm, which does not use AUX. However, this does not include screen, and I was thinking of upgrading.

Looking at:
Andream - https://www.android-car-dvd.com/coll...35033468534947

Bimmertech - https://www.bimmer-tech.net/category...i-pro-retrofit

Avin - https://avinusa.com/10-25-multimedia...s-e70-e71.html

4x4 - https://www.4x4shop.ca/products/bmw-...een-for-x5-e70

[CarFan]

I went with the Bimmertech option. A little pricier but a real person answers the phone and even after a year later after the install they still responded to questions.

The equalizer makes adjustments for music very straightforward even as it uses the audio port. Easily set up for CarPlay, I use an AA wireless dongle for a great Android Auto experience.

The Bimmertech option uses the existing screen and input devices. Passengers often compliment the look and appearance.

One of my colleagues at work said he wished his 2020 Range Rover had a set up that looked as good as mine.

My trick is Google Maps on satellite setting along with streaming SiriusXM

[ryansbmw]

You have the MMI prime box? Doesn’t that support wireless android auto out of the box? What do you use the dongle for?

I’m actually in the market for a MMI box for my e60 since it has no streaming ability right now. Torn between Bimmertech and Andream versions.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by CarFan

I went with the Bimmertech option. A little pricier but a real person answers the phone and even after a year later after the install they still responded to questions.

The equalizer makes adjustments for music very straightforward even as it uses the audio port. Easily set up for CarPlay, I use an AA wireless dongle for a great Android Auto experience.

The Bimmertech option uses the existing screen and input devices. Passengers often compliment the look and appearance.

One of my colleagues at work said he wished his 2020 Range Rover had a set up that looked as good as mine.

My trick is Google Maps on satellite setting along with streaming SiriusXM

This is REALLY good to read... I've been looking at these as well, and nothing seemed to be "just right." Your rec may change that!!!

[CarFan]

The MMI Box does support Android Auto wireless. However connecting was glitchy. Sometimes taking 3-5 mins before it would connect. Other times it might randomly disconnect. I plugged the AA Wireless dongle into the MMI Box directly and it was a game changer.

I'm barely backed out of the driveway before the device is active and operating.

It has been super stable having no drops now for 18 months running with the dongle. As I mentioned, the Bimmertech product seems to prefer CarPlay. When using an Iphone it connects quickly without a dongle and stays connected. If you have an Iphone the Bimmertech device alone is sufficient.

Personally, I like the Android Auto layout and features better. For instance no matter how many favorite locations I have, Google Maps on Android will let me pull them all up when needed.

CarPlay using google maps barely will let you pull up a dozen addresses.

The screen layout with Android Auto is better in my opinion than the busyness of Car Play.

Also to my ear the audio is better with Android Auto than Car Play.

YMMV.