My current project - Retrofit iDrive

[Mojito]

Hi Dave,

I'm taking my time on this project, absolutely no urgency, but I really appreciate your help. Thank you.

So I've learnt two things here... firstly where to go for wiring info and secondly not to assume that just because a piece of second hand equipment comes with a connector, that it was the connector originally wired to that point The iDrive connector was indeed a red herring and clearly came from elsewhere. on the car. I've already sourced another (with 4 pins!). Pleased though that I had at least realised something wasnt quite right.....

I've now started my own thread - "Another idrive retrofit" - just to avoid confusion. It clearly links back to you though... I'm just following your lead Thanks again I'll keep you updated. Kevin

[AnubisZed]

This'll hopefully sort my bluetooth problem out....

[Mojito]

Now that is a serious bit of kit.
Look forward to hearing that bluetooth is sorted. Suspect you are going to find lots of other uses for that software

[R.E92]

Let me know if you need any help working with the ICOM.

One thing to keep in mind before using it on the MOST bus is that you need to ensure that there is a DHCP server available. The ICOM relies on a DHCP server to assign IP addresses so will fail to program the CIC without DHCP. The BMW guidelines state you need to connect both to a router before programming but I connect it directly to the laptop and run a local DHCP server as a workaround (https://www.dhcpserver.de/cms/).

[AnubisZed]

Let me know if you need any help working with the ICOM.

One thing to keep in mind before using it on the MOST bus is that you need to ensure that there is a DHCP server available. The ICOM relies on a DHCP server to assign IP addresses so will fail to program the CIC without DHCP. The BMW guidelines state you need to connect both to a router before programming but I connect it directly to the laptop and run a local DHCP server as a workaround (https://www.dhcpserver.de/cms/).

Thank you, much appreciated
Alas haven't had time to play with it yet as I'm busy now with non-Z4 related projects but I will just as soon as I get the chance.

[AnubisZed]

I thought I'd write a quick update as to what is happening with this project.

Firstly the ICOM, well I've not got around to using it yet for a couple of reasons... 1, I've simply not had the time (other non-Z4 projects are in the way at the moment) and 2, they supplied it to me without the main cable!! This has (apparently) been sent to me but has not yet arrived. I won't be recommending the supplier in this case as it's like platting snot in all communications with them..... bloody hard work!

Right on with the install. OK, on the whole it is working perfectly, but with the odd bug here and there, namely sometimes the screen doesn't come up immediately and sometimes it'll stay on after I've taken the key out, but will close and switch off after a minute or two. Not really sure why it's doing this, but will give it a good looking at once the ICOM is fully working.
Also on the same note I took it into BMW for a paint repair on my roof last month. Because I have a SmartTop module fitted I thought it was best to disable the unit while they were to work on the roof. This is achievable by a simple setting with a PC to the SmartTop box. Once I'd done this I noticed that the iDrive screen wasn't working properly and was very intermittent as to whether it would open or not. Once I had the car back and reactivated the SmartTop it went back to normal! Absolutely no idea as to why it would do this as they are not connected in any way.

As for the MMI box, it's working fine, a couple of minor glitches now and again but I think this has more to do with bad phone signal and Apple Music's shite system than the box itself. Looking forward to a new phone contract with a better provider than Three as the signal around these parts is utter crap most of the time, alas will have to wait until next June though

Upgrades...... Once I get the Bluetooth working on the MULF I now have a Combox so may see if I can upgrade to that just so I have the full benefit of connections (not that I need them!).

OK that's it for now, more stuff coming soon

[AnubisZed]

OK, good morning, a quick update.

I was told that IOS 14 was released yesterday so thought I'd update a spare iPhone 7 and then see what the new layout looks like on the screen.
I quite like it, in fact I actually like the CarPlay layout better than the Android Auto anyway. It's nice to be able to set the background wallpaper in the new OS, and you've got Darkmode available as well and can easily change things around, something you don't have a lot of control over in AA.

Alas no further forward on the Bluetooth front, but then that's more because I've not had time to mess to that amount of time, I'll get there in the end

[Mojito]

Hi Dave,

Looks brilliant I can see that as soon as I've coded my iDrive for Nav, an upgrade is on the cards

Cheers,
Kevin

[AnubisZed]

When I had the Android screen I made this phone cradle up so I could just plug my phone straight into the Android system for Android Auto access. Now I've got the iDrive with the MMI box I've attached it to the MMI USB for direct wired Android Auto access.

I made it out of a USB C desk mount (cut down) and a spare piece of stiff plastic. This was only ever made as a "proof of concept" but has worked so well I've not got around to improving it yet as it works so well. Alas the plate looks a bit shabby but has held up well.
The cable has been put through the base of the console with a small cut in the rubber (same as for the AUX cable).
I'm now thinking of putting a wireless charging mat in there as well for when my wife is driving, as she has an iPhone XS Max so can charge it while using CarPlay.

[AnubisZed]

Finally part 1 of the MMI box installation is live on YouTube at..... https://youtu.be/jY-pSPUz0IU

[Silverstar]

Great video, I am sure it will be helpful to many.

Funny your kit looks exactly like mine even down to the wire colours in the supplied T Harness and the brown taped box the kit comes in. I believe like most things coming from China there is probably only one or two factories that actually make the kits but a huge number of resellers on Ali purporting to be manufacturers.

[Zed Baron]

Finally part 1 of the MMI box installation is live on YouTube at..... https://youtu.be/jY-pSPUz0IU

Great video Dave, any recommendations on where to buy the box and will you be offering this as one of your retrofit services (when things return to some kind of normality)

[AnubisZed]

Great video, I am sure it will be helpful to many.

Funny your kit looks exactly like mine even down to the wire colours in the supplied T Harness and the brown taped box the kit comes in. I believe like most things coming from China there is probably only one or two factories that actually make the kits but a huge number of resellers on Ali purporting to be manufacturers.

I believethat the majority of them are all from the same place, even some that look differentprobablyhave the same internals

[AnubisZed]

Finally part 1 of the MMI box installation is live on YouTube at..... https://youtu.be/jY-pSPUz0IU

Great video Dave, any recommendations on where to buy the box and will you be offering this as one of your retrofit services (when things return to some kind of normality)

I do offer this service
And there are a couple of places to get them, one in Europe and one in China, both at a decent price. Alas I don't have the links with me but if anyone would like them then send me a message and I'll let you know

[Roddy]

Something for my shopping list. With rear camera too hopefully