BMW CIC Apple CarPlay USB Multimedia Retrofit Interface Kit

[PaBs1986]

Has anyone installed the X Car Link BMW CIC Apple CarPlay USB Multimedia Retrofit Interface Kit?

If so does it work well? Was it easy to install?

Kit details on link http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=524&cat=16&page=1

Apologies if I have missed the discussion for this, most threads I have read relate to Unichip.

 

[AnubisZed]

Well reading between the lines this is what I believe;

It's the standard Android based interface into your existing CIC system (similar to my Android screen I have).
You will not have the ability to switch music tracks with the steering wheel buttons (it carefully does not mention this in the description), but I would ask them before parting with my cash.
Working on my own experience with the integration of CarPlay and Android Auto and my Android screen it works perfectly and adds a lot of extra features you wouldn't normally have with the standard CIC system.
It's a bit pricey, but then they all tend to be.
From what I know now and if I had CIC in my Z4 I'd probably opt for this system as I only ever really use Android Auto and when my wife drives it she uses CarPlay.
As for it being easy to install I'd say yes it should be. Here's the install video I did for the Android screen, it'll show you the connections you'd have for that system as well, just minus the screen.... https://youtu.be/VC9VFJBDFQM
HTH, and if you need any help with the fitting then give me a shout.

 

[PaBs1986]

Thanks for the insight and the link to your video. It’s great to see such a thorough installation guide. The supplier of your screen would do well to sponsor your vid.

I think this route is the way I will ultimately go, I was just hoping someone on here may have had experience and knowledge of the reliability of X Car Link.

 

[AnubisZed]

Thanks for the insight and the link to your video. It’s great to see such a thorough installation guide. The supplier of your screen would do well to sponsor your vid.

I'm saying nothing

I think this route is the way I will ultimately go, I was just hoping someone on here may have had experience and knowledge of the reliability of X Car Link.

It looks the same fitting and integration etc as my unit so you should be absolutely fine with it. Looks like a standard quadlock Y loom, so you'd unplug your loom from the back of your radio then plug it into this Y loom then the new end into your radio. You'd then unplug the LVDS cable from your radio plug it into the new box then a new LVDS cable from the box to the radio.... job done 8) presumably there will be a USB cable from the new box to plug your iPhone or Android cable into which I'd route into the glovebox.

 

[Ledg]

Did you end up getting the x car link? Did it let you skip songs from the steering wheel? I’d be interested in getting one if it does.

 

[PaBs1986]

Did you end up getting the x car link? Did it let you skip songs from the steering wheel? I’d be interested in getting one if it does.

I’m afraid not. I accidentally scuffed my wheels in a 60s concrete car park

Had to spend my budget on a respray.

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I think the CIC Apple cart play retrofit will have to wait until next year. I will update this spread when I get to it in the future.