OEM microphone locations other than steering wheel column?

[B21]

Pass on Android..I sssume it will work just as well as Apple…

Idrive controller is 4 pins

Ebrake is multi pinned connector

Everything should remain the same save you will have two entries in the CD page..one for the original cd player in the head unit and another cd which is the Mr12 Volt launch place..click on that and it will take you to the Mr12 Volt interface..

Sometimes you end up with 3 additional entries ..any of them will launch Mr 12 Volt

[DavesZed]

JiveTalker.....

1 - It allows you to talk to 'Hey Google', so yes it's still of use. If you're never going to bother with that AND you are using the original Bluetooth for calls, then you don't need it.

2 - It'll do nothing if CDC is not already there, nothing will work from the box, when you go to CD it'll state No CD, that's it.

3 - Not sure what you've got but I've just fitted one of these new boxes and the power connection etc is now via the Quadlock connector at the rear of the headunit and no longer the 4 pin plug on the iDrive controller.

[Hejnfelt]

JiveTalker I took my time too to ensure nothing broke and yes, it's not an hours installation as many make it seem when you haven't done something like this before and go slow to ensure nothing breaks.

On Android, you can use Google assistant which is the Android version of Siri. Mainly it's to use the steering wheel voice command button to speak and have the system do something without having to fiddle iwth idrive. "Call [someone]" or "Play [specific song] in spotify" etc.

With the old box it required a separate mic, with this new box it wires into your steering wheel column microphone. To me it was not at all difficult to get the top of the steering wheel column cover off. Following B21s and KennyPs suggestions, I put a straight trim removal wedge into the crach between the top and bottom steering column trim and used the created gap, to fit a 90 degree trim removal piece in that gap. Then pulling on the 90 degree trim tool, the top will pop off. Understanding how the top secures to the bottom, you'll just have to pull on the top to make it come off. In the attached photo see the 3 upside down "U" shaped trim tabs, they click into cylindrical trim tabs on the bottom piece. You just need to pull those apart to get it off and there's essentially nothing that can "catch" that might break.

The wire you see is the microphone and it's a b**** to unplug. After you unplug it, it's straight forward to replug the splitter wire and there's already a cable "route" in the column for existing wires. Having a friend help "feed" the mic splitter wire from the steering column side while someone with relatively small hands can grab it from the center console radio main compartment. When you grab it, just pull it through and you're golden.

What exact wire did you have to connect to the idrive controller? Mine didn't have to connect to anything and I think it must have been something that was necessary on the older box models but not on this newer one. Can you put a picture of the cables you got?

[B21]

The firmware can only be loaded via the micro so slot..there are micro ss slot cable extenders if that helps.

Actually once you’ve learnt slowly and painfully how to pull the trim apart it’s not so bad next time around.

The snap in phone unit is a full usb / serial connection.

I’ve wasted a lot of time converting it to a usb port but there’s no apparent logic in the combox to allow it to function as a standard usb port..sadly..

I also made my own custom bmw boot logo for mr 12 volt box splash screen as well as my own logo for the system access within the menu system

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic...volt&start=525

[Hejnfelt]

I don't understand why you need a wired connection... The unit should have wiress android auto.

Locating the unit behind the HVAC panel works really well.

[B21]

Originally Posted by JiveTalker

That looks cool. My Mr12Volt box was brand new this month so I guess I can't change the splash and system access images then?

Do you know of any reason to need a wired data connection to an Android phone?

You should be able too..

[Hejnfelt]

To try and be helpful, follow this guide to remove the HVAC panel and just be very careful of every step and you'll be fine.

Check out B21's build thread where he shows how to mount the Mr12Volt behind the HVAC panel. It's so much simpler than the glove box.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic...85213#p1985213

The USB cable - afaik - is for a thumb drive should you want to watch movies or something else on the unit.

On topic of the gear knob you have to yank on it straight up. It is retained with plastic clips that are quite tight (for good reason) but it comes off if you yank real hard on it upwards. Just make sure any wires are disconnected first

[B21]

USB cable is really useful if you are apple as it gives you much better audio quality and keeps the phone charge state where it is…ie it doesn’t charge it but it doesn’t go flat either..

[B21]

If you have extended lighting then each plastic panel under the dash above your feet has a small oblong white lighting unit…

Also there is a Bluetooth aerial and an emergency speaker cable on the drivers side…on RHD cars..

[B21]

The windows can get confused so if it’s reset itself it’s probably ok..

Often the harnesses have some of the wiring for options not fitted to the car…looks like the type of connector for a lighting circuit…

[Jakeinaka]

Originally Posted by B21

Yes no problem

I just read that Bimmercode cannot change VO, I do not have CD changer or prep

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by Jakeinaka

I just read that Bimmercode cannot change VO, I do not have CD changer or prep

If you can find it, you'll need BMW Tools package then (Includes INPA, NCSExpert etc). Then using NCSExpert you can add 672 to the VO for CAS, NFRM and CIC.

[Jakeinaka]

Has anyone tried the latest grey Mr12volt box? It seems it uses the quad lock unlike the blue box?
This is the only one listed for CIC
https://www.mr12volt.com/collections...ts/p2000-cicmm

[B21]

Originally Posted by Jakeinaka

Has anyone tried the latest grey Mr12volt box? It seems it uses the quad lock unlike the blue box?
This is the only one listed for CIC
https://www.mr12volt.com/collections...ts/p2000-cicmm

I’m just fitting one now…will be ready to test in about 5 days time..

[DavesZed]

It so happens I've already fitted three of these ones now, and another this coming Saturday.
Other than the different connection position it works in the same way.
But to note, and I've not had these issues myself...

There have been some reports of problems with the microphone connection. The ones I've installed have all been fine.
Due to it connecting via the quadlock, this can create an issue if you require any coding to the headunit afterwards. Again I've not had this issue, but the remedy is to temporarily remove the new Y quadlock loom and reinstate the original, but this is a very "once in a blue moon" event, so shouldn't be a problem.

I intend to do a video update for this box this weekend to cover these issues and the microphone connection.

[B21]

Originally Posted by DavesZed

It so happens I've already fitted three of these ones now, and another this coming Saturday.
Other than the different connection position it works in the same way.
But to note, and I've not had these issues myself...

There have been some reports of problems with the microphone connection. The ones I've installed have all been fine.
Due to it connecting via the quadlock, this can create an issue if you require any coding to the headunit afterwards. Again I've not had this issue, but the remedy is to temporarily remove the new Y quadlock loom and reinstate the original, but this is a very "once in a blue moon" event, so shouldn't be a problem.

I intend to do a video update for this box this weekend to cover these issues and the microphone connection.

I assume given I had the ‘old’ mr 12 volt MMI box working ok that my car will ‘know’ about the coding so the quad lock should be a non issue ?

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by B21

I assume given I had the ‘old’ mr 12 volt MMI box working ok that my car will ‘know’ about the coding so the quad lock should be a non issue ?

In short, yes