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07-24-2020, 12:24 PM | #1 |
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CarPlay-Android retrofit for CIC iDrive! BimmerTech version, and it’s Amazing!
Full disclosure up front, I was part of a beta test for BimmerTech for their new CarPlay and Android MMI for CIC iDrive vehicles. (Mine is a 2011 E88 convertible with manual transmission). I also paid nearly full price for the equipment, in addition to a rear view camera, and I am NOT receiving any compensation from BimmerTech for this post. I’m only posting this because like many, I have been looking for a long time for a CarPlay retrofit for a CIC iDrive, and I didn’t want to shell out the cost of an NBT retrofit or risk the Chinese systems discussed in many other threads.
I received the unit a couple of months ago, and it has been a complete game changer! No kidding, this is the real deal to putting CarPlay and Android in your vehicle. Virtually zero lag in switching menus, great sound and screen resolution, and very intuitive. If necessary for checking TMPS or the oil level, using the OEM radio, or other CIC systems, you can easily switch back to the OEM iDrive system. The product build is superb and even though you’ll never see the box after installation, it is all very high quality. Same for the user interface. Installation instructions were excellent, it’s all plug and play with harnesses, no coding was necessary, and while it took us about 8-9 hours to install (taking our time and also adding a rear camera into a convertible which took a few hours to route wiring), the whole system is a terrific improvement. Also, the camera (with dynamic parking lines) tapped directly into the onboard system and thankfully didn’t require running a second wire to the footwell control modules even though it’s a stick shift. Along the way, the BimmerTech staff was terrific providing support. The hardest part was finding a place to put the box and wiring as there’s not enough space behind the head unit for everything, so we had to trim a plastic support piece to the left of the glove box to fit it in. Your experience may vary if you can find a better place to store it—perhaps under the coin tray, if you can wedge it under there. We were tired at that point so we went with the void between the glove box and the center stack because it fit there and everything could be buttoned back up without any rattles or squeaks. Here is link to the product on the BimmerTech page, as they now have a final version available for sale. Once again, I am NOT receiving any compensation from BimmerTech for posting this. I just wanted to get the word out about how much better we made our car by retrofitting this. https://www.bimmer-tech.net/category...y-mmi-retrofit |
07-27-2020, 05:31 PM | #3 |
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I need to contact them. I have a how to write up for their older MMI box. It's been running pretty much fine since I installed it back in 2014. Although there is an occasional outage of the back up camera which I haven't dug into to figure out what is happening.
I wonder if this new MMI is compatible with the previous gen back up camera. I also assume no touch screen capability. I also wonder if they'll provide a discount for those of us that already have the previous gen MMI. I'd want to see someone run Android Auto on this new MMI before I make any firm decisions. Currently, I'm getting by with the use of mirroring my Android's phone to the iDrive screen. |
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07-29-2020, 10:35 PM | #5 | |
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08-31-2020, 10:52 AM | #6 |
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I really wish it didnt have to plug into the AUX port under the arm rest... with full access into the wiring harness i find it hard to believe we cant tie in behind the head unit.
It just seems like a really ghetto way to tie in. |
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08-31-2020, 08:57 PM | #7 |
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Just for infor: my wife has a new lexus SUV and tie in for Car Play Apple/Android is onlythrough the adapter in the console. Won't work through the other USB (charging) ports. Maybe for most drivers, that way to connect is most convenient.
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09-01-2020, 02:51 PM | #8 |
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Well i hate to burst this bubble or someones income but i think companies like Bimmersupply.nl & Bimmertech USA are simply just profiting over the original manufacturers product.
Essentially i can get the same product for less but with a quad core processor and optional 1920x720 resolution not offered by the above. |
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09-01-2020, 08:04 PM | #9 |
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New BMWs use Bluetooth for CarPlay. Are they the only ones?
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09-01-2020, 09:39 PM | #10 |
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Don't know about new BMWs, but Lexus is pretty clear about using proper cable in proper port for Car Play. Bluetooth works for regular stuff like Audible or Spotify.
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09-15-2020, 05:44 PM | #11 |
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The Kenwood aftermarket unit I put in my truck does Android Auto and Apple's equivalent by bluetooth IF your phone is capable. I have to plug my phone in and then Android Auto works fine - and the phone charges. Android platform is behind Apple in this technology but catching up.
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10-08-2020, 01:21 PM | #13 | |
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10-24-2020, 08:54 AM | #15 | |
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10-29-2020, 06:53 PM | #16 |
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Seems this isn't compatible with a 135is - just like all the other Chinese ones (because it's basically the same thing AFAICT). If anyone finds one that works with a 135is, lmk...
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11-01-2020, 06:58 PM | #17 |
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Is this compatible for an 2009 e88? Took a random vin from eBay same version of my car and it says it is not comparatively but it's compatible with an 2011?
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