MMI installation - round 2

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 8:57 am

Grrrr

Installed an MMI box into my previous car - worked very nicely, let it stay in the car when sold on.

Need to install again into my new car, so ordered the same product, from the same place (AliExpress) and the same seller (Carasara MT Store) as I'm comfortable with the installation and operation, but they have sent a completely different product (due to, apparently, the mainboard of the original version is no longer available).

Ordered: (random image from different seller)

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Received:

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Anyone had any experience of this new design, before I start pulling the car apart? The main differences seem to be:

1) Single LVDS port, with a lead which splits into 2 (rather than 2 seperate leads)
2) 2 external aerials (little stubby versions) rather than 1 - on the original I assumed the single external aerial was wireless, with built in bluetooth - could be wrong though
3) Micro SD card slot - no idea (and no mention) of what this is used for
4) No huge bulky wiring harness to place between the original quadlock connector at the back of the head unit. Assume power is being supplied by the iDrive controller, hence why that now has an inline harness involved.

Thoughts? Instructions received in the next post.

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 8:58 am

Instructions

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Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:39 am

Better view:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154531333611 ... Swn-lg7-Fy

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 4:07 pm

Yep, looks like they have completely changed the design. Alas I've not fitted one of these new ones yet, I will do when my son gets around to sorting one out then I'll fit his, so will then know.
All I can suggest is follow what they have sent you in the form of a standardised set of instructions, although they seem to be a direct translation, they do make sense. I'd certainly start with Method 1 and see what happens from there.

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 4:12 pm

Thanks Dave - I did a bit more reading earlier on and have found lots of moans and groans from E9X owners complaining about iDrive controls not working etc (which I guess explains why the instructions have 3 different methods to try).

Not convinced I want to be a guinea pig here as it'll annoy me - I think I need access to the LVDS port on the screen too, which is an added fiddle.

May try and find a different seller with the original version and get this one returned.

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 4:50 pm

You should’ve taken the old one out the 30i

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 4:53 pm

Yes I've had that thought 73 times already today

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 4:56 pm

Was there not an unused previous version for sale on here that dropped price significantly when it was pointed out to the seller the new price?

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 5:06 pm

I have memories of an Android screen being offered for sale after someone changed their mind, rather than an MMI box - could be wrong though. Will double check the classifieds before bugging more sellers for the old version!

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 8:10 pm

Could well be, tbh I never paid much attention to detail

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:28 pm

I assume it still has the audio feed via the 3.5mm analogue?

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:34 pm

Pbondar wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:28 pm I assume it still has the audio feed via the 3.5mm analogue?

Yup. One of the posts on the E9X forum suggested the OEM microphone can't be piggybacked how I did with the last one - pretty sure the mic lead is identical though (actually a VW part supplied with the kit) so not convinced that is correct. Biggest worry is the iDrive controller issues being caused by dodgy harnesses supplied - one chap re-did his harness and the whole lot sprung into life.

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 11:17 am

Here...
https://a.aliexpress.com/_vk5ZEN

Timmyboybunter · Post by **Timmyboybunter** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 11:32 am

Ta Dave, I've sent them a message just to double check what version they're sending.

Probably have a quick play with the one I have today - uf it works, will save faffing around with returns/refunds etc.

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 11:51 am

I’m just fitting this version and up to yet the idrive is working fine and seems to be ok

Microphone is a vw and does not fit in the steering cowel as too big. Ordered some bits to make my own y cable as it was cheaper than buying another bmw microphone.

Sound quality is not bad at all

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com