Android Auto/Apple Carplay for 09 E89 w/ factory nav?

[bryanhoag]

Hi All,

Trying to install the kit from Unique-Auto UK and having some issue getting the reverse camera to work. Anyone with experience with this kit?

There are 2 yellow RCA plugs:
- RREAR (I assume for rear camera?)
- FREAR (I assume for front camera, even though it has the word rear in it?)

2 other wires, one of which must be for power:
- RREAR 12V (red)
- REAR-C (orange)

Any idea which combo to use? I find these labels confusing as F as they all contain the word REAR.


Also... my z4 is a 6 speed manual. How would the system know the car was in reverse if the pass-between site for signals is the iDrive controller?

Last system I used was through the main CAN bus (big black square with the lever). Also.. I know the camera and wire are good as I used it successfully with a previous system.

Any help is much appreciated!

[bryanhoag]

Brand new unopened CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit kit for sale, details here:

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.ph...=16&page=1


When I ordered, they had a part on backorder which was delaying shipping, so I ordered a kit from another vendor and attempted to cancel this one. However, they didn't get my cancellation request until too late and sent it anyways. I didn't get around to returning it in time and thought I'd see if anyone on here had any interest.

It is unopened. I have not installed this kit and cannot attest to its function or quality.


Cost about $665 USD. Asking $450 OBO. Shipping to continental US only.

[TCBTODD]

Does anyone know if the xcarlink kit will work on a 2016 sdrive35is? I know their site shows it only works up to the 2013 model.

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by TCBTODD

Does anyone know if the xcarlink kit will work on a 2016 sdrive35is? I know their site shows it only works up to the 2013 model.

All e89 Z4's that have iDrive are exactly the same (as far as system and connection). There are some adverts in places that ask if your system is CIC or NBT, but that's just a generic question as ALL e89 iDrives are CIC (4 pin) only.

HTH

[TCBTODD]

Would anyone have the wiring diagram or install sheet for the xcarlink one? Im in the process of trying to install it and the videos online are slightly different.

[tIndy]

Ok. I am wanting Apple Carplay with the backup camera option for my 2011 e89 35is (in the U.S.).

Which is the leading contender????

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/products...i-cic-retrofit

https://motivesupplies.nl/product/mo...s-mmi-for-bmw/

https://www.xcarlink.co.uk/bmw-cic-a...rface-kit.html

[Sergiu]

I would go for https://www.android-car-dvd.com/coll...32066140438664 (in fact I plan to, as soon as the warranty on my Z4 expires, if I have the patience). The hardware is the same on all these devices, only the software has small differences (in many cases you can flash the software from another vendor on the unit, if you like it better), only the price makes a difference, and quite a big one in favor of the Andream unit.

[tIndy]

Originally Posted by Sergiu

I would go for https://www.android-car-dvd.com/coll...32066140438664 (in fact I plan to, as soon as the warranty on my Z4 expires, if I have the patience). The hardware is the same on all these devices, only the software has small differences (in many cases you can flash the software from another vendor on the unit, if you like it better), only the price makes a difference, and quite a big one in favor of the Andream unit.

This is great info! There does not seem to be a difference with the different units.

Does anyone know if the backup camera can be purchased from another seller? Andream doesn't seem to have a camera for the E89.

[Sergiu]

AFAIK, as long as the connector is compatible, any regular aftermarket camera should work. But this is not something I have researched, so I am not completely sure.

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by tIndy

This is great info! There does not seem to be a difference with the different units.

Does anyone know if the backup camera can be purchased from another seller? Andream doesn't seem to have a camera for the E89.

All the boxes listed over the last few comments are basically exactly the same. They nay have some slightly differing UI's but they'll all do the same job... but the prices


In the end I went for a generic one from Aliexpress, it's been in for 9 months now and is perfect. I even made three YouTube videos on the installation, set-up and my opinion on them, Part 1 is here>>>

[Nenad_Antic]

Hi!

Yesterday I got new firmware for my Andream Wireless CarPlay MMI CIC LINK to site

You can find the files here

Reason that I asked for the latest version was that I hade problem getting Android Auto to display in 720p view on 8.8" screen in my BMW Z4 E89 2011 (wireless)

At first it didn't help until I reset my system settings on my Samsung S10
If you still have problems try to set 720p in developers mode on Android Auto

I have tested with Iphone 5S wireless without any problems.

In my car you need to use AUX cable to get sound from Andream.
Best place for the microphone is beside center speaker under the grill
My box is placed behind and under the original stereo unit.
Wi-Fi antenna is placed above stereo unit on plastic ledge.

[tIndy]

Originally Posted by Nenad_Antic

Yesterday I got new firmware for my Andream Wireless CarPlay MMI CIC LINK to site

You can find the files here

How did you get the latest firmware for the Andream?

[Nenad_Antic]

Originally Posted by tIndy

How did you get the latest firmware for the Andream?

I contacted the seller and told him I can´t get 720i on my screen and then he sent me the latest files.

[Snowii]

hi everyone, I am a new owner of a 2009 Z4 35i and since I have retrofitted CC in my other car I definitely need it in the Z4 too.

Andream seems to be the cheapest solution and as stated somewhere above, all these boxes are basically the same + 10 years ago praised unichip seems to not be responding to queries of its original users so that's not a good sign.

My question therefore is how satisfied are you with Andream and would you recommend it? Any issues at all? What buttons are used to get in and out of the unit screen (AA/CC)?

Thank you!

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by Snowii

hi everyone, I am a new owner of a 2009 Z4 35i and since I have retrofitted CC in my other car I definitely need it in the Z4 too.

Andream seems to be the cheapest solution and as stated somewhere above, all these boxes are basically the same + 10 years ago praised unichip seems to not be responding to queries of its original users so that's not a good sign.

My question therefore is how satisfied are you with Andream and would you recommend it? Any issues at all? What buttons are used to get in and out of the unit screen (AA/CC)?

Thank you!

Being an installer and retrofitter, personally I'd recommend the Mr12volt mmi box. Quality box with digital sound input via the MOST fibre optic network instead of using the AUX socket.
Full how-to video here (and direct links in the description) here...
https://youtu.be/EY4XAzUYiXk

Hope that helps

[B21]

Originally Posted by DavesZed

Being an installer and retrofitter, personally I'd recommend the Mr12volt mmi box. Quality box with digital sound input via the MOST fibre optic network instead of using the AUX socket.
Full how-to video here (and direct links in the description) here...

Hope that helps

I’d endorse that view..I’ve looked at various options over the last few years and the MOST Mr 12 Volt seems to be the best so far..plan to fit mine this winter along with my other audio upgrades..

[Zed4USA]

Is there is a way to get optical out from the aftermarket 10-inch android screens (these screens):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC9VFJBDFQM

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by Zed4USA

Is there is a way to get optical out from the aftermarket 10-inch android screens (these screens):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC9VFJBDFQM

In short, not really. There is a device on the market that converts the analogue AUX signal into the MOST digital network, but its still a conversion so not proper digital. Its also about £300.
Another option, and I have done this previously, is to get the dual input version of the AUX/USB socket. This is normally used with the phone mount and has a piggy-back 6 pin plug on the back instead of the normal 4 pin one. It's part number is 84 10 9 237 654 , I then soldered a AUX socket onto the wires that would come from the phone mount and then placed that under the centre console and plugged my cable into it. Works perfectly, not visible plug in the centre console but you can still use that socket for something else if you need to.

[Snowii]

guys, thanks a lot for the tip! makes sense to spend a few more bucks to keep it all digital, I didn`t know someone was actually finally making it!

any tips where to get this in the EU / UK - a bit easier for me to source it from here than from the States.

Thank you!

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by Snowii

guys, thanks a lot for the tip! makes sense to spend a few more bucks to keep it all digital, I didn`t know someone was actually finally making it!

any tips where to get this in the EU / UK - a bit easier for me to source it from here than from the States.

Thank you!

In the description of my video is a direct link to buy them...
https://youtu.be/EY4XAzUYiXk

UK, Europ and US wearhouses, so if you're in the UK then no import duty

[bryanhoag]

How does the box know when to display the reverse camera with a 6 speed manual transmission? Is the box able to detect the gear knob position or does it need a "trigger" wire from the reverse light?

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by bryanhoag

How does the box know when to display the reverse camera with a 6 speed manual transmission? Is the box able to detect the gear knob position or does it need a "trigger" wire from the reverse light?

There are three settings for the camera detection. I'm not 100% sure on the Auto but a little trial and error will sort this one, but you don't need a trigger wire.