BMW Z4 Aftermarket CarPlay Retrofit - Full Installation DIY

S

SimpleCarGuy

Member
I finally brought my BMW Z4 into this decade and installed an aftermarket touchscreen Apple CarPlay/Android Auto unit! My Z4 came with a storage box and no screen, so it made a huge difference! Full DIY for those interested:
 
Which model did you use? There are so many options and I don’t understand which will give me car data when I too won’t have the old iDrive system in place, just a storage compartment.
 
tigor said:
Which model did you use? There are so many options and I don’t understand which will give me car data when I too won’t have the old iDrive system in place, just a storage compartment.
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I’ve just ordered one from HiFiMax. They have a good reputation and some good videos on YouTube. Realistically I don’t think it will be any different from the system ACARNAVI do. Probably the same hardware.

If you don’t already have iDrive you will get a blank screen when you try to switch to it. Regarding car data though, I believe you will still get the digital dashboard function. They are pretty responsive on email, so I would ask them.

hifimaxnavi.com

10.25''Android 14 BMW Z4 Navigation GPS for BMW Z4 E89 CIC support iDrive

Shop Aftermarket BMW Z4 Navigation GPS for BMW Z4 E89 2009-2015,10.25 inch Touch screen,plug & play,Carplay iDrive optional, shop this BMW Z4 navigation now!
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tigor said:
Which model did you use? There are so many options and I don’t understand which will give me car data when I too won’t have the old iDrive system in place, just a storage compartment.
Click to expand...

Sorry, didn't get an email about the reply for some reason.

I got this one specifically: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_APtFa3 but it took forever to show up. They also have them on amazon for more money (I have a link in the video description).
The way it gets data from the car is by the CANBUS connection (that big plug that I connect).
 
Much cheaper than what I’ve been seeing on Amazon. Now to find someone who has the know-how to butcher the car for installation.
 
I'm looking at retrofitting Apple car play and idrive controller a la simplecarguy video. Any advice or recommendations for specific unit and idrive unit purchase? Rather than re invent the wheel some advice and experience would be great.
 
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