F30 LCI Android HU and Towbar Recommendations

[Holiman]

I'm keen to know, and I'm assuming you can...does one sign in to then Google services on the android unit with your Google account so that it syncs things like Google maps places. And can you install the YouTube music app so that you've got you're play lists on the unit? I will def go the 4g sim card way so that the unit has internet for streaming etc.

Yes you sign in. One thing to note and that is based on my own experience with my current unit, the audio from the android side of the unit is normally lacklustre as it connects through the cars aux cable. I have the generation 1 version with android 4 but apparently even with android 10 this has not improved

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[Salt]

Yes you sign in. One thing to note and that is based on my own experience with my current unit, the audio from the android side of the unit is normally lacklustre as it connects through the cars aux cable. I have the generation 1 version with android 4 but apparently even with android 10 this has not improved

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Hi there - thanks for the feedback. I would really like to be able to sign in to Google and Youtube music so that I can access my playlists on the device rather than bluetooth from my phone.

Do you mean that if you play a Youtube video etc. that the audio lags behind the video? I find that now when playing a video on my phone and audio is running through the cars audio via bluetooth.

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

I have almost finished my install. Most work done and everything working well so far. I didn't need to run an aux cable and audio works fine probably using the fiber optic cable (I had to move this from original harness to supplied harness)

It does select aux when playing anything from Android. Took me about 3 hrs to install.

Tomorrow I'm going to tackle the rearview cam and dash cam.

I must say I haven't really gone into any settings yet. I did have a Tyre pressure monitor sensor error/not detected after everything was installed. I had to set the date and time (disconnect negative battery terminal when working on electronics) and after about 30 minutes that error is now gone (I didn't do anything). I'm hoping it stays away.

It's late and grammar ain't the best now, will give proper update tomorrow.

 

[M135i]

I have almost finished my install. Most work done and everything working well so far. I didn't need to run an aux cable and audio works fine probably using the fiber optic cable (I had to move this from original harness to supplied harness)

It does select aux when playing anything from Android. Took me about 3 hrs to install.

Tomorrow I'm going to tackle the rearview cam and dash cam.

I must say I haven't really gone into any settings yet. I did have a Tyre pressure monitor sensor error/not detected after everything was installed. I had to set the date and time (disconnect negative battery terminal when working on electronics) and after about 30 minutes that error is now gone (I didn't do anything). I'm hoping it stays away.

It's late and grammar ain't the best now, will give proper update tomorrow.

Great stuff
Post some pics when you done


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[Sirus_The_Virus]

Hi All

Yesterday I actually ended up removing the reverse camera that was installed. It was spliced into the reverse light wire and that ain't going to work with that connections in my vehicle.

The cable of the camera was taped so I didn't want to use it that way. Going to order a new one.

I noticed a white noise sound lastnight when all was quiet, most prominent on the left hand side of my vehicle. This could be when I was removing the reverse camera cable yesterday. I need to disconnect the battery and and reseat the cables again yo get rid of the electrical interference.

I still need to code the higher resolution as well (doesn't seem like I need it but want to do it anyway).

I must say android auto is the easy way to go with this setup. Only issue is I need to plug a physical cable into my phone everytime I want to use it. I have setup my Google account and few other apps. Added my smart home apps and can nicely voice command lights, garage etc.

I'm super stoked so far with the purchase.

 

[jay8732]

Hi All

Yesterday I actually ended up removing the reverse camera that was installed. It was spliced into the reverse light wire and that ain't going to work with that connections in my vehicle.

The cable of the camera was taped so I didn't want to use it that way. Going to order a new one.

I noticed a white noise sound lastnight when all was quiet, most prominent on the left hand side of my vehicle. This could be when I was removing the reverse camera cable yesterday. I need to disconnect the battery and and reseat the cables again yo get rid of the electrical interference.

I still need to code the higher resolution as well (doesn't seem like I need it but want to do it anyway).

I must say android auto is the easy way to go with this setup. Only issue is I need to plug a physical cable into my phone everytime I want to use it. I have setup my Google account and few other apps. Added my smart home apps and can nicely voice command lights, garage etc.

I'm super stoked so far with the purchase.

Awesome! Lookin forward to your reviews. Just in case i missed it, does this support Apple Carplay as well? Do you mind PM'ing me a link to the amazon vendor for the unit?

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

Awesome! Lookin forward to your reviews. Just in case i missed it, does this support Apple Carplay as well? Do you mind PM'ing me a link to the amazon vendor for the unit?

Yes it does support carplay. The device is no longer for sale on Amazon, but watch the store in amazon. They could be bringing out a new version.

Amazon.com: PEMP

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

I didn't get to my white noise issue yet, but from reading up online I might need to reconnect all the cables behind the MASK unit. That isn't a problem, but will only get to it this weekend (Have assignments to complete still).

Verdict so far: coming from a vehicle with no screen (previous car was E90) to something like this is a game changer. I can't say that the Standard Head Unit was bad either (No Nav, but enhanced Bluetooth), but this is completely different.

The device can run on its own and you don't need anything from your phone except for calls (and if you want to use Android Auto via USB). I have also switched to Waze on this head unit as it looks better than Google Maps, but then again I haven't really used the navigation part properly yet.

My view is, if you have Nav, Enhanced Bluetooth , 8"+ screen all stock on your vehicle and don't mind using your phone to stream music then you don't need this. If you want to get all those features built into the new head unit then this is for you. I haven't tried any custom APK's yet either. Will be doing that in the next 2-3 weeks (first need to sort out the white noise issue).

 

[Holiman]

Awesome. Did you come right with the towbar?

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[Sirus_The_Virus]

Not yet. I don't know exactly which place to trust so I'm maybe going yo save up for a bmw approved one, but I'm hearing it's in the region of R20k?

I contacted the manufacturers of my head unit as well lastnight and they told me exactly how to fix my issue with the white noise/static sound. They actually sent me a link to the YouTube video they created a few months back.

Replied within 12hrs and I must say i''m pretty impressed with their support so far.

 

[Solo Man]

I have just come back from Hi-Q and got a quote of R6500 for a tow bar installed on my F25 X3, which i thought was a good price. Have asked them to order it and made an appointment to have it installed on Friday. This is complete with wiring and goose neck. Know the owner of this place as well as his father so hope everything goes well with the install. Btw., did not get any preferential treatment.

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

I have just come back from Hi-Q and got a quote of R6500 for a tow bar installed on my F25 X3, which i thought was a good price. Have asked them to order it and made an appointment to have it installed on Friday. This is complete with wiring and goose neck. Know the owner of this place as well as his father so hope everything goes well with the install. Btw., did not get any preferential treatment.

I called Hi-Q and they want R7500 for the Standard towbar fitted (not removable). I then also told them its an M-Sport and has PDC and the guy responded then it will be more. That is when I thought, save up rather.

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

Today I finally got my Esys working as well. I coded the bigger screen into the car. The OEM Os resolution wasn't correct (didn't look too bad cause I didn't know the difference). While I was in there coded start/stop button as well.

 

[Solo Man]

Just to report back. Had the tow bar fitted yesterday and it is removable with a key/s supplied. Looks sturdy and well made. Cannot say what brand as it has no logo on it apart from the black canvas bag for the goose neck. Funny name on it which i did not think was the brand and that is why i do not remember it. Fitting took about four hours as the guys first did not know how to remove the bumber but quickly Googled it and then got it right.

 

[Holiman]

Today I finally got my Esys working as well. I coded the bigger screen into the car. The OEM Os resolution wasn't correct (didn't look too bad cause I didn't know the difference). While I was in there coded start/stop button as well.

Lekker. any pics of the install?

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

Lekker. any pics of the install?

Not really. But I have taken the radio out easily again. Once you completed it the first time, the 2nd or 3rd time is a breeze. It was my first time doing something like this on this car and must say it's damn easy (after doing it once).

It took me 3hrs the first time. Now I can completely take the radio out and reinstall in 30 minutes. Done it 3 times so far. Initial install, 2nd time to do the camera (removed the camera in the end) and 3rd time was to connect gps speaker.

Got one more to do and that is when I install my front and rear cameras.

Once it's all done and setup, I will take pics and videos.

 

[jay8732]

Not really. But I have taken the radio out easily again. Once you completed it the first time, the 2nd or 3rd time is a breeze. It was my first time doing something like this on this car and must say it's damn easy (after doing it once).

It took me 3hrs the first time. Now I can completely take the radio out and reinstall in 30 minutes. Done it 3 times so far. Initial install, 2nd time to do the camera (removed the camera in the end) and 3rd time was to connect gps speaker.

Got one more to do and that is when I install my front and rear cameras.

Once it's all done and setup, I will take pics and videos.

Really considering this option. If you’re around JHB would you mind if I passed by and saw how it works?


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[Sirus_The_Virus]

Really considering this option. If you’re around JHB would you mind if I passed by and saw how it works?


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Unfortunately I'm in cpt. But will post a video once I get my cameras installed

 

[Holiman]

Really considering this option. If you’re around JHB would you mind if I passed by and saw how it works?


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He is in Capetown if I am not mistaken. I however am in GP but I still have the old one installed (android 4). When the new one lands (whenever Avin decides to ship) then I can show you.

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[jay8732]

He is in Capetown if I am not mistaken. I however am in GP but I still have the old one installed (android 4). When the new one lands (whenever Avin decides to ship) then I can show you.

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Will take you up on this for sure.