CarPlay / Android Auto installed in X5 and 650i

[Hugo_za]

Hey folks! Finally pulled the trigger and got two of these units from AliExpress for the X5 and 650i. Both have iDrive NBT. Installation was simple enough. Cable management was tricky due to the way the MOST cable has no play. Simply removing the MOST cable from the cable sleeve solved this. Once It had more play everything fir neatly behind the head unit. I routed the WiFi cable up along the LVDS cable and stuck the antenna to the back of the display.

Package Content

Installed and working

The unit started right up after everything was connected. I was worried when I saw the mic and AUX connectors in the included harness, but neither of those are required since the audio is routed directly to head unit (albeit still through the aux channel) and uses the car's built-in mic. I figured that the harness is made to fit pretty much any car's hardware configuration, which is a nice touch.

As with most of these units, Android Auto out of the box does not utilise the new widescreen layout. This is easily fixed with a custom firmware (Courtesy of Firefly1337 on the F30 forum). Flashing it takes a minute and comes with several tweaks, most notable of which is the widescreen Android Auto implementation.

Since it uses the AUX channel the track info etc does not display on the cluster or HUD, nor do the track up/down show but you can set the unit to allow the audio wheel to navigate the display which is the next best thing.

After the initial setup, the Android Auto starts up in under a minute after getting into the car. No need to connect the phone with USB.

 

[mosome]

Sounds good. Would like to fit this on my F10 and F25 with CIC.

 

[mosome]

Sounds good. Would like to fit this on my F10 and F25 with CIC.

Done, F10 and F25. Before and after. Easy installation, works perfectly. X3 did not have OEM navigation now has always update Google Maps or Waze.

 

[zaleonardz]

You have to admit, that is both fancy and pants, all at the same time

 

[zaheer]

Sounds good. Would like to fit this on my F10 and F25 with CIC.

Done, F10 and F25. Before and after. Easy installation, works perfectly. X3 did not have OEM navigation now has always update Google Maps or Waze.

Excellent transformation. Where did you source your kit for the F25 and what did she cost?

 

[mosome]

Sounds good. Would like to fit this on my F10 and F25 with CIC.

Done, F10 and F25. Before and after. Easy installation, works perfectly. X3 did not have OEM navigation now has always update Google Maps or Waze.

Excellent transformation. Where did you source your kit for the F25 and what did she cost?

Both units bought from Navifly on Aliepress. Cost about R7000 each including shipping and customs.

 

[Dinomo]

Both units bought from Navifly on Aliepress. Cost about R7000 each including shipping and customs.

I see that some of these units come with a rear camera interface, I would love this as well, currently have PDC front and back on my X3

 

[ivan2terrible]

Hz it.. Sorry to revive this old post. How's the sound quality thou, compared to oem. I c ppl in bimmerforums complain about poor sound or sound jus seems to be based on the center not surround or stereo..

 

[mosome]

I see that some of these units come with a rear camera interface, I would love this as well, currently have PDC front and back on my X3

Ordered reverse camera separately. A much better camera the OEM ito clarity and wider view. Both my cars didn't have cameras.

 

[mosome]

Hz it.. Sorry to revive this old post. How's the sound quality thou, compared to oem. I c ppl in bimmerforums complain about poor sound or sound jus seems to be based on the center not surround or stereo..

Yes the sound plays through your AUX. It will never be as good as playing via OEM USB but not terribly bad. I just play sound from my car not from the Android unit. Having said that, it's not terribly bad it just that playing music from the car USB is better. I got the unit specifically for Google Maps and other apps. All original functions of the car are retained so you lose nothing installing it.

BTW the R7000 includes Android unit, camera, shipment plus fitment I paid a car sound shop but you can easily fit yourself with the right tools. I checked the options list when I bought my x3 way in 2011, R22k for navigation and R12k for camera.

Changed all hifi loudspeaker system speakers and tweeters to HK in 5 series. And added tweeters and new speakers to X3 standard 6 speakers to now 10 speakers. Don't need Amp for my purposes, sound good enough with additional of tweeters.

 

[mosome]

Anyone interested in Harman Kardon underseat subwoofers you can contact me. Ordered these for both cars but just realized to exploit their output I need more powerful Amp on the 5 series and add one in X3, something I'm not willing to. So have to sell these surplus to requirement.

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

Anyone interested in Harman Kardon underseat subwoofers you can contact me. Ordered these for both cars but just realized to exploit their output I need more powerful Amp on the 5 series and add one in X3, something I'm not willing to. So have to sell these surplus to requirement.

Price

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

 

[mosome]

R4500 for all four. That's about half what I paid including shipment.