CarPlay/AA MMI box with MOST connection

[B21]

Following on from AnnubisZed work on CarPlay boxes I pressed the trigger on the second generation version of the MOST based box, the first generation MOST box had an issue with poor bass performance that for some was irrelevant and for some a major issue.

The problem rested in the hardware so could not be resolved by a firmware fix.

This second generation box addresses that issue. Reviews elsewhere suggest the bass problem is now fixed and provides audio close to what can be provided by the USB CIC connections.

Box arrived very speedily (around 5 days)…

Quality of everything looks good..there’s an improved quality video cable connecting the box to the CIC unit.

I’ll wait till the winter and plug it in when I do the major audio upgrade.

Figured inflation and availability may affect matters later in the year so banked it whilst I could.

[Wolter]

Hi all, thanks for all the useful information on this forum.

Have installed the latest version of the mr12volt as well.
Noticed the installation changed the CDMM_CHANGER_3 to mp3_cdc by itself but no cd changer options/list appear in my cic display and the mr12volt box does not show up on screen.

The idrive button works well in the original cic menu (so assume connector is put correctly in the idrive harness)..
The red power led on the box is on.
The mr12volt box does show up in the bluetooth menu of my phone and when selected responds to my apple phone as well (asking me to allow carplay).
I have no cd changer installed in my car.
The other audio inputs seems to work well (radio and tune2air module when connected in the armrest audio/usb connectors).
I do not have bluetooth music via oem car audio.

Anyone has a clue what’s might go wrong?
Have reached out to mr12box as well.

Thanks for your responses in advance.

[Wolter]

Checked all the cabling and connectors again today. Experimented with the dip switches but no luck so far.
Only cd/aux list that keeps popping up is as per screen below…

[Wolter]

Gave it an other thought overnight and realized I couldn't see an icon for my cd player in the head unit either so decided to dig up a cd and putting it in.
After 2 or 3 times removing and inserting the cd it started playing music and the cd/multimedia settings finally shows the cdc in the list.
Maybe a strange coincidence but these steps seem to have woken up something…
I have never played a cd since I got the car and all the modules where updated/rebooted with the latest software releases when I bought it.
Anyways; time to explore the new options and see how the bass in my car sounds when streaming music using the carplay function…

[B21]

Gave it an other thought overnight and realized I couldn't see an icon for my cd player in the head unit either so decided to dig up a cd and putting it in.
After 2 or 3 times removing and inserting the cd it started playing music and the cd/multimedia settings finally shows the cdc in the list.
Maybe a strange coincidence but these steps seem to have woken up something…
I have never played a cd since I got the car and all the modules where updated/rebooted with the latest software releases when I bought it.
Anyways; time to explore the new options and see how the bass in my car sounds when streaming music using the carplay function…

Keep us updated pls

[(555]

AnubisZed, is there a video for Z4 e89 yet? Looking forward to get my teeth into it.

[AnubisZed]

AnubisZed, is there a video for Z4 e89 yet? Looking forward to get my teeth into it.

Completed a walk-through of the video content today and a voice-over plus some more footage, so it's nearly there, alas far too many personal things have got in the way (and are still) just recently so they have had to come first
I can answer any questions in the meantime though.

[(555]

Completed a walk-through of the video content today and a voice-over plus some more footage, so it's nearly there, alas far too many personal things have got in the way (and are still) just recently so they have had to come first
I can answer any questions in the meantime though.

Hi buddy, I hope everything is under control at home.

Mhmmm, I would have way too many questions to ask as I haven't undone one single bolt yet. I'll better wait for videos, comments and then think about giving it a go.

Do you know if it's possible to keep the standard BMW Menu or on the contrary you'd loose it as consequence of replacing the "hardware box" (the MMI, ain't it?!) Because I'm happy to add features to the car but keeping original stuff, even if it's the software system.

PS: any idea about TPMS, did they exist OEMs?

[AnubisZed]

Completed a walk-through of the video content today and a voice-over plus some more footage, so it's nearly there, alas far too many personal things have got in the way (and are still) just recently so they have had to come first
I can answer any questions in the meantime though.

Hi buddy, I hope everything is under control at home.

Mhmmm, I would have way too many questions to ask as I haven't undone one single bolt yet. I'll better wait for videos, comments and then think about giving it a go.

Do you know if it's possible to keep the standard BMW Menu or on the contrary you'd loose it as consequence of replacing the "hardware box" (the MMI, ain't it?!) Because I'm happy to add features to the car but keeping original stuff, even if it's the software system.

PS: any idea about TPMS, did they exist OEMs?

All original menus etc are exactly the same as currently, this mmi just runs in the position of the CD Changer as an album.
If you dont have CDC then ill include how to sort that in the video.

[AnubisZed]

TPMS was the later system, whereas FTM was the preceeding system, both work with either iDrive or non-iDrive.
TPMS uses sensors/transmitters in each wheel valve and FTM uses the ABS sensors to determine the wheel position/height

[B21]

One question ..given that firmware updates need access to the box ( I know there are sd card extenders)…what’s the negatives and can you mount the box in the glove box?

I realise that firmware updates will be very limited in time before it’s obsoleted?

[Wolter]

One question ..given that firmware updates need access to the box ( I know there are sd card extenders)…what’s the negatives and can you mount the box in the glove box?

I realise that firmware updates will be very limited in time before it’s obsoleted?

I have installed mine behind the radio unit but near the bulkhead to the motorroom. There is an area that can store the box pretty good. You will have a good access to that area when removing the trim (4 torx screws) above your pedals. No need to remove glovebox and imho better to guide the cables to there as well.

I placed it there with future firmware updates in my mind.
I also bought a micro sd card extender but did not install it because according to mr12volt update procedure you need to disconnect cabling during the update as well (see link below)

https://www.mr12volt.com/pages/p2000-se ... re-updates

I have some issues with my unit, the video of the original menu glitches after using the box for a short while and switching back to the cic.
I have an open ticket with mr12volt but their respons is currently lagging a bit. Confident it will be solved though.

Had some time to test it a bit;

• System is very responsive and starts very quickly

• Sound is very good, enough bass, even with build in eq flat

• Volume is slightly lower than radio

• Display contrast/brightness with standard setting very good

• Display dims a bit (not to nightmode) when light turns on during daytime (driving through a tunnel)

• OEM PDC kicks in automatically on my manual drive (front and back), also when using the PDC button in the switchpanel

• Box switches on and to carplay mode when selected as audio source

• If music was playing when switched off, it continues after restart.

[B21]

Wolter all noted thnx!

[Wolter]

I have some issues with my unit, the video of the original menu glitches after using the box for a short while and switching back to the cic.
I have an open ticket with mr12volt but their respons is currently lagging a bit. Confident it will be solved though.

Received respons from mr12volt today. They did not solve it yet but apparently they tried to replicate the issue by installing the unit in 2 different E89’s with CIC. Now that seems like quiet some extensive investigations and troubleshooting…to be continued.
Provided them with a video of my “glitch” symptom that only seem to appear after using the box.

Anyone here that installed the latest version of the box successful on oem cic without (these) symptoms?

[Wolter]

I have installed mine behind the radio unit but near the bulkhead to the motorroom.

Made some pictures of the location. Have used some velcro to stick the box to the ventilation box while still being able to remove for future software updates.

I have an open ticket with mr12volt but their respons is currently lagging a bit. Confident it will be solved though.
Received respons from mr12volt today. They did not solve it yet but apparently they tried to replicate the issue by installing the unit in 2 different E89’s with CIC. Now that seems like quiet some extensive investigations and troubleshooting…to be continued.

Currently my box is in process of replacement by mr12volt. They had no other solution for the glitching other than to swap the unit and cabling as a complete set.