Android Dash Display Screen

[Frankie169]

I just want to say a massive thank you to Dave for fitting my android unit to my car this weekend, he is very professional in his approach to doing the install and did a faultless job, not only fitting the unit but also the cruise control and DAB radio unit, Dave is a massive asset to this forum, cant thank him enough

 

[IRD]

I just want to say a massive thank you to Dave for fitting my android unit to my car this weekend, he is very professional in his approach to doing the install and did a faultless job, not only fitting the unit but also the cruise control and DAB radio unit, Dave is a massive asset to this forum, cant thank him enough

I would definitely second that observation. Great bloke.

 

[mcbutler]

As for fitting I have the installation video and I offer to fit as well.
Yes it is a lit of money and your access to the cars systems is limited to speed, revs, fuel, temp doors open etc, there is no access to things like service info or any of the connected BMW apps etc.

Photo attached I took the other evening.... I need to lower the brightness just a little so it's not quite so in your face, although the camera picked that up more than I noticed at the time.

For me this is a real issue, I like a completely dark cabin during night driving, especially on motorways. Can you turn the display off Dave?

 

[enzed4]

I noticed a version of this with a non-reflective screen on Ali Express. Looked very good, but too many versions/options to know if it would be worth the risk, especially seeing how much effort AnubisZed has put into making the version in this thread viable.

 

[mcbutler]

I noticed a version of this with a non-reflective screen on Ali Express. Looked very good, but too many versions/options to know if it would be worth the risk, especially seeing how much effort AnubisZed has put into making the version in this thread viable.

agreed, so many versions of android, processor etc. I guess whichever you buy it’ll be old hat tech in 12 months anyway! I will keep my dinosaur OEM for now.

 

[AnubisZed]

I just want to say a massive thank you to Dave for fitting my android unit to my car this weekend, he is very professional in his approach to doing the install and did a faultless job, not only fitting the unit but also the cruise control and DAB radio unit, Dave is a massive asset to this forum, cant thank him enough

I just want to say a massive thank you to Dave for fitting my android unit to my car this weekend, he is very professional in his approach to doing the install and did a faultless job, not only fitting the unit but also the cruise control and DAB radio unit, Dave is a massive asset to this forum, cant thank him enough

I would definitely second that observation. Great bloke.

Thanks guys I love "tinkering" in this sort of field, although I like the mechanics as well I prefer this side of cars, oh and driving them :driving:

 

[AnubisZed]

I noticed a version of this with a non-reflective screen on Ali Express. Looked very good, but too many versions/options to know if it would be worth the risk, especially seeing how much effort AnubisZed has put into making the version in this thread viable.

agreed, so many versions of android, processor etc. I guess whichever you buy it’ll be old hat tech in 12 months anyway! I will keep my dinosaur OEM for now.

Yes they have brought out newer updated versions now. If you were to buy one then I'd suggest going Android 9.1 with the 6 core processor and 4gb RAM, that would give you the top spec.
Personally I would still have one in another Z4, but if it had the full iDrive package already installed then there is a add-on box you can buy that is plug-n-play with iDrive and gives you the most used features like reversing camera (integrated with PDC) and the ability to connect to your phone for either Apple Carplay or Android Auto. This way you keep your folding screen and all OEM quality components.

As for night-time driving, as I use Android Auto most of the time it displays a DarkMode screen so is OK on the eye, this is the same if I use sat-nav from my phone (well it is the same for the on screen sat-nav apps as well). You can turn the screen off if you want to though.

 

[Tinker15]

And his cruise control fitting is excellent!

 

[mcbutler]

I noticed a version of this with a non-reflective screen on Ali Express. Looked very good, but too many versions/options to know if it would be worth the risk, especially seeing how much effort AnubisZed has put into making the version in this thread viable.

agreed, so many versions of android, processor etc. I guess whichever you buy it’ll be old hat tech in 12 months anyway! I will keep my dinosaur OEM for now.

Yes they have brought out newer updated versions now. If you were to buy one then I'd suggest going Android 9.1 with the 6 core processor and 4gb RAM, that would give you the top spec.
Personally I would still have one in another Z4, but if it had the full iDrive package already installed then there is a add-on box you can buy that is plug-n-play with iDrive and gives you the most used features like reversing camera (integrated with PDC) and the ability to connect to your phone for either Apple Carplay or Android Auto. This way you keep your folding screen and all OEM quality components.

As for night-time driving, as I use Android Auto most of the time it displays a DarkMode screen so is OK on the eye, this is the same if I use sat-nav from my phone (well it is the same for the on screen sat-nav apps as well). You can turn the screen off if you want to though.

Can you put a link up to this plug n play module Dave, you have peeked my interest

 

[AnubisZed]

agreed, so many versions of android, processor etc. I guess whichever you buy it’ll be old hat tech in 12 months anyway! I will keep my dinosaur OEM for now.

Yes they have brought out newer updated versions now. If you were to buy one then I'd suggest going Android 9.1 with the 6 core processor and 4gb RAM, that would give you the top spec.
Personally I would still have one in another Z4, but if it had the full iDrive package already installed then there is a add-on box you can buy that is plug-n-play with iDrive and gives you the most used features like reversing camera (integrated with PDC) and the ability to connect to your phone for either Apple Carplay or Android Auto. This way you keep your folding screen and all OEM quality components.

As for night-time driving, as I use Android Auto most of the time it displays a DarkMode screen so is OK on the eye, this is the same if I use sat-nav from my phone (well it is the same for the on screen sat-nav apps as well). You can turn the screen off if you want to though.

Can you put a link up to this plug n play module Dave, you have peeked my interest

Sorry Mark I missed this post.....
Here you go...
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=524&cat=16&page=1

 

[movan]

Edit: people using similar devices and posting about it on other forums report that they get a considerably better GPS fix once they either replace the GPS antenna with another one, or use the BMW original antenna (if the car has original nav) with a splitter.

.

For those of us American Z4 E89 owners who did not purchase the in-dash BMW GPS option, my understanding is that US-destined Z4s have a factory-installed GPS receiver antenna behind the center roof reading lights.

...and if that is correct, does anyone know if the Fakra cable for the GPS receiver was also pre-installed? If yes, anyone know where the lead / wire travels to (despite being unused) such that I can find it and connect into it and use it with my new Android head unit?

While the reception of my Android-included aftermarket GPS antenna may be ok, it would be much stronger if I could tap into the factory GPS unit (if it exists). Thanks for any advice.

 

[B21]

I would assume that the cable would route to the TCU box on the LH side of the boot (trunk) as you look at it from the rear, on the rear mid bulkhead

 

[movan]

would assume that the cable would route to the TCU box on the LH side of the boot (trunk) as you look at it from the rear, on the rear mid bulkhead

Thanks for your reply. If that's the case, rather than tearing up the car further to get at that cable, I should just buy a new Fakra cable and run it via the windshield header trim between the factory GPS antenna in the center ceiling lights to the Android head unit.

 

[B21]

would assume that the cable would route to the TCU box on the LH side of the boot (trunk) as you look at it from the rear, on the rear mid bulkhead

Thanks for your reply. If that's the case, rather than tearing up the car further to get at that cable, I should just buy a new Fakra cable and run it via the windshield header trim between the factory GPS antenna in the center ceiling lights to the Android head unit.

My guess of course as I haven't traced the whole cable route.. :tumbleweed:

But normally with GPS aerial cable they avoid any interim junctions etc..

I'm sure given how small now the GPS aerials are you can do a neat job.

 

[ultramega]

I also have DAB but Dave is researching aerials for me. The windscreen aerial I currently have fitted in not powered and reception is variable.

What was the outcome of the DAB antenna research? I’m probably going to add it to my android screen, but I was just going to use the stick on windscreen antenna.

 

[AnubisZed]

I also have DAB but Dave is researching aerials for me. The windscreen aerial I currently have fitted in not powered and reception is variable.

What was the outcome of the DAB antenna research? I’m probably going to add it to my android screen, but I was just going to use the stick on windscreen antenna.

The short version is..... don't bother!!
Use one of the Internet based apps like TuneIn on the Android screen instead.

 

[IRD]

I also have DAB but Dave is researching aerials for me. The windscreen aerial I currently have fitted in not powered and reception is variable.

What was the outcome of the DAB antenna research? I’m probably going to add it to my android screen, but I was just going to use the stick on windscreen antenna.

Dave has answered your question. We never found a good screen aerial. I no longer own that car now although it belongs to another Forum member. Hope you find a satisfactory solution. Dave is very helpful and also extremely knowledgeable.

 

[ultramega]

The short version is..... don't bother!!
Use one of the Internet based apps like TuneIn on the Android screen instead.

Ah, right. I was leaning that way anyway, but wanted a back up.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Hi Dave,

I was reading another forum on the internet, I think you were on it.

It was saying the oem iDrive controller can’t be used with an android head unit, if the car didnt have idrive to start with.
Has anything changed since then, or can it be coded in etc?

I am more interested in the units with the built in carplay, but would rather use the BMW controller.

I have fitted the tweeters, as per your youtube video. They clip straight in! Thanks!

 

[AnubisZed]

Hi Dave,

I was reading another forum on the internet, I think you were on it.

It was saying the oem iDrive controller can’t be used with an android head unit, if the car didnt have idrive to start with.
Has anything changed since then, or can it be coded in etc?

I am more interested in the units with the built in carplay, but would rather use the BMW controller.

I have fitted the tweeters, as per your youtube video. They clip straight in! Thanks!

Alas not that I'm aware of, its either the OE iDrive controller with the iDrive system or the aftermarket controller with the non-iDrive system.