I bought a 10.25 in PX6 unit (black bezel) with wireless Carplay dongle (black one) and it works great even with iOS 13.0 and latest version of CarPlay
Disclaimer: I have been trying to update my beloved BMW 135i for a while and started 1st with an Xtrons unit, which I returned and now I have an AVINUSA unit.
Challenges found:
1. AUX sound issues - Fixed by pushing AUX connector in the back of the radio, the radio has a big square connector that has 3 connectors within, the one for the AUX input was a bit loose (took days to troubleshoot that one).
Note: I even bought another AUX cable on amazon (
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1) which gave me a bad sound signal (no bass at all) and found out it has an active filter within. So I tried again the original cable provided by AVIN and pushed the AUX (10 pin) connector and made a good contact – No issues afterwards
2. Regarding AUX connection – If you do not have the HK amp with fiber optics input, you do NOT need to wire anything to the AUX connection in the central console. The wires do come already connected for AUX input. If you want do check this video about the AVIN wires:
3. Bluetooth audio issues – Playing audio would get interrupted after a second of playing music on the BMW interface. – Solved by disconnecting bluetooth from the AVIN unit.
Allow me to explain – With the AVIN unit you have 3 bluetooth connections possible: AVIN Unit, Airplay USB wireless dongle and BMW factory Bluetooth – I only enabled and connected to Airplay USB wireless dongle using Bluetooth
4. Bluetooth devices issue – Only A2DP type of Bluetooth devices can be connected to the AVIN unit. Forget about Bluetooth ODB2 device… etc. It has to do with the way these unit have been engineered. Xtrons and Joying units do not have this issue.
5. Microphone noise – Solved by routing the microphone all the way to the union of the headline and the sunroof opening just above me. It is not perfect but it is acceptable.
Microphone locations tried without success: Original BMW microphone location, behind steering wheel, c pillar close to the windshield, by the rear view mirror.
Microphones tested: AVINUSA microphone, original BMW microphone, amazon microphone
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which has a 2.5 mm plug that I had to replace but similar in specs as AVIN mic.
Note: Interesting enough during my testing I confirmed the AVIN unit has an internal microphone.
6. iDrive controller – Never had CIC nor CCC, anyway I wanted to have a remote but found out that the controllers do transmit signals using 4 port connector (Can bus H, canbus L, positive and negative). AVINUSA support confirmed that the E87 iDrive controller does not work on Carplay user interface (UI) only on BMW UI.
So what does it work? USB HID (like a keyboard) and Bluetooth remote that connects to the iPhone directly like this remote:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Or this keyboard:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Note: I found out during my investigation that these 2 idrive controllers do not work, as AVIN units do not have Key signal blue wire (it would work fine with Xtrons and Joying):
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-ne...ar-stereo.html
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-un...ar-stereo.html
About CCC and idrive: Found out during my research that if you had a CCC unit the iDrive maynot work because the AVIN unit does not pass the signal to the car telling it, the screen is active. The original CCC system had a retractable screen. Easily fixed by coding the car.
Next Option: Break apart keyboard and somehow put the arrows (up, down, left, right, enter) in the center console – HELP needed here!!!
7. About AVINUSA support – Have sent 3 queries to
support@avinusa.com and have received answers for 2 out 3. You must register at
https:///www.avinsupport.com and check all the documentation they have. The issue with Bluetooth is documented there
8. About backup camera: Fantastic results and it was so easy to setup. Ordered this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/172766150703 and you can find many on ebay.
Note: there is no need to connect red and black wires in the back (usually reverse light which I did). See instructions from AVINUSA support. Unless you have a manual car.
9. About Sound quality – No issues, similar in quality with other sources in the car, like XM, FM, CD, etc.
Note: I did upgrade my setup with Audiotec Fischer amp (bimmer tech), HK OEM speakers and Auditec Fischer subs.
10. About cutting a hole on the dash – As I did not have CIC or idrive – Cutting the dash was the biggest pita ever… take your time and go slow! The cutter AVIN sends is useless but will help starting with the cut. I used a small drill and cut many many little holes.
Note: AVIN sends you a template for E87 (2007-2011) and my E82 is from 2013 – no worries it works!!!!
11. About space behind the radio – In my opinion it is not enough, but as I did try a Xtrons unit before, I did cut partially some hard plastic behind the radio before attempting the install of AVIN unit. The additional space was welcome and made my life easier.
12. About connectors behind the radio – First time you are dealing with them is a pain. Make sure to grab a good light source to illuminate the connectors. An small flat screwdriver will help with coaxial cables
13. What else should I buy: Try this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
14. Did I miss anything else: Yes, once the hole is cut, the unit may not fit properly and you will be required to either: increase the size of the hole where the unit touches the dash or just reduce the size of the unit under the dash by sanding the bottom side corners of the unit (there is no way you can see the side corners once installed).
