E85/6 Z4M CarPlay/Android Auto with original hardware

[tomscott]

Hi All,

Ive been looking for a solution like this for a while. I have toyed with the idea of replacing the original screen with a new one with all the newer tech but the downside is you loose the original functionality.

The ideal would be to have both as it keeps the car looking OEM.

Anyway ive been following a company called carphonics for a while and they do conversions for the early 2000s BMW nav systems. There are quite of a lot of examples of 3/X5/7 Series and apparently this is available on the Z too.

If you dont want to read my waffle there is loads of info linked below
https://carphonics.co.uk/shop/upgrades/ ... onversion/


So I decided to get in touch. Essentially if you have the TV functionality already installed all that would need modifying is the microphone but this can be done to work with the OEM look on the steering wheel. If you dont have TV functionality this can be retrofitted. They can also add a touchscreen layer into the display but for the Z this isnt really going to work. Looks like you can add all sorts of other functionality like a fire stick etc

It is £360 if you have the TV functionality and £390 if you dont. Installation is £80

There are a couple of stipulations, you need an idrive controller for this to work and my concern in the Z is where it could be located to be useable and ergonomic, there is no centre mounted cup holders for example. He did mention that there is a smaller one but it would be an additional cost. The other thing is the resolution and quality of the display, as the Z is a bit of distance away it actually should work ok the drawbacks of the screen are obvious but it is what it is. Unlike the 3/5/7 series where it’s much closer to you.














The vid runs through different installs and what can be done to the OEM headhunt. There is also the ability to add a reverse camera etc.

Few more details from the page:

Phone Call / Microphone
For phone calls, you can use our universal microphones which we provide in the package, or you can use your existing OEM microphone. We would need to modify the microphone to make it work with the Apple CarPlay /Android Auto. You can purchase a modified one from us, or send your microphone to be modified. You will also need to purchase the Bluetooth ULF adapter, which connects to your existing hands free unit. For older cars, like early e39, the cable is slightly different, so please contact us, so we can make you a custom connector.

Features include:
– Wireless Apple Car Play
– Wireless Android Auto (CarPlay for Android)
– Wireless Phone Screen Mirrorring
– Spotify Music
– Waze Navigation
– Google Maps Navigation
– Apple Maps Navigation
– TomTom Amigo Navigation
– TuneIn Radio
– Speed Camera Alerts
– Siri / Google Assistant voice command control
– Voice activated operation (Dialling contacts)
– Send and receive messages through voice actions using WhatsApp, iMessage, SMS, Messenger
– USB Media Input
– Compatible With All Existing Hardware, Parking Sensors etc
– Full Screen Carplay
– Any Many Other Apps Available

Anyway I thought I would post for discussion and see what peoples opinions are. Obviously this isnt a cheap option but I think it is a really good compromise between ripping the OEM unit out and loosing the original functionality to adding a huge amount of ability to the original.

They are based in Enfield London. If there is enough interest I would be happy to see if there is some sort of group buy option etc

[B21]

I don't know the E85 systems so ignore any errors..

It looks like they've thought out all the gotchas..

UK presence massive advantage.

The Carplay interface is deliberately 'clunky' to avoid the driver over scanning the display..

But..it may be that the OE screen res doesn't do it justice.

On the E89 at 1280 by 480 pixels Carplay works really well.

In general you want to avoid head down..I use an iPad in the Volvo for 'carplay' but its actually too fussy with too much fine detail..

Looks like a good solution..the usual proviso of the aux input is not the greatest sound input but if its the only show in town then..

[Beedub]

This looks EPIC.....

[SGRG]

Very interesting. Are you going ahead with this Tom if so when is it scheduled for?

[RAYK47]

Personally I think it's a great idea, I have a E89 and have had a Mr12Volt MMI box installed. For the most part it is great, totally transforms the car entertainment system and most importantly for me anyway, is it looks completely stock. I didn't want to change the originality of the car so something that kept it looking original was key.

[beanie]

The need for an idrive controller kills it for me. Such a shame the controls can’t be routed through the existing knobs and buttons.

[SGRG]

The need for an idrive controller kills it for me. Such a shame the controls can’t be routed through the existing knobs and buttons.

Apparently touchscreen can be added so technically no need for it if you want. I reached out to them this is what I got in return:

1. TV Tuner with car play £389.99
2. TV tuner retrofit loom £100
3. Reverse Camera front/back £350
4. Touch screen £180
Total £1019.99

[Worcester_spoon]

Just checking I’m not being stupid - I assume this will fit the pop up nav on the top of the dashboard in my e85 as opposed to changing the head unit (my head unit doesn’t have a screen)?

[beanie]

The need for an idrive controller kills it for me. Such a shame the controls can’t be routed through the existing knobs and buttons.

Apparently touchscreen can be added so technically no need for it if you want. I reached out to them this is what I got in return:

1. TV Tuner with car play £389.99
2. TV tuner retrofit loom £100
3. Reverse Camera front/back £350
4. Touch screen £180
Total £1019.99

That’s a much better solution for me, even if the screen is a bit of a stretch.

[tomscott]

Unfortunately I think it's a bit pointless having the touch screen interface on the Z even for the most long armed person you arent going to be able to use it while driving. It was designed for the X5/3/5/7 series where the screen is in the usual place.

Im waiting on the guy to let me know what the options are, he has retrofitted into Zs before so il see where he thinks the idrive controller could be implemented.

I did say to him that it would be better to control from the head unit.

[Justino]

Following this as I would be interested.

My work around so far is to use Amazon Echo Car and a mount for the phone which uses the CD slot, which I modified with a Magsafe Popsocket. That way i can see the screen (not Car Play granted), and having the audio set to Aux allows the sat nav instructions over the car speakers. Any music/radio is then through the phone also - ideal in Italy listening to BBC Sounds.

I have seen threads where people have changed the screens, but I am surprised there isn't an easier plug and play screen swap option, with a switch to toggle inputs between oe display, or Car Play so you don't lose the functionality.

[beanie]

You might be right about the reach to the screen, it’s been so long since I even opened mine I can’t remember how far away it is

[Calps]

Great find tomscott!

This is (almost) the utopia solution I've been looking for.

I say almost, as bluetooth connectivity for audio (versus aux-in) would be preferable from a sound quality and music controls point of view - maybe this is something that has been addressed in some of his latter installs?

I am definitely interested, and will be following. I'm up for a group buy as well - I'd need to know if it involves going onsite to the vendor (a challenge based on my location, but not impossible), or if it's a straightforward self install for an enthusiastic diy-er. Let's see what comes of it.

It would be great if he had any images/videos of previous Z installs - I've checked their social pages and found nowt, although I'd imagine installs in our cars are probably the minority of his work.

[tomscott]

Car play has to have a wifi connection or a cable connection to work so I would think there is some sort of solution in this it maybe hasnt been detailed.

[tomscott]

You might be right about the reach to the screen, it’s been so long since I even opened mine I can’t remember how far away it is

I tried and cant reach the screen and have a comfortable driving position, especially with the amount you need to touch it to make it work

I have recently activated it in my mini JCW and I find the idrive wheel a lot easier to use and the screen is well within reach