E89 Android iDrive Screen Group Buy - NOW CLOSED

[AnubisZed]

Hi Dave,

I can't believe I never spotted this... "Optional Apple Carplay (built in, no dongle required) = $90".

Do you know if they can add it to my unit with just a software update?

Thx

Pav,
In short no!
I was made aware of it the other week by another forum but it's not yet actually available, and to be honest for 3 times the price is it really worth it?
It's a factory set hardware change so is not a simple software change, I did ask them and they said it couldn't be done. It'll be another month yet before they'll be able to supply a unit with it in.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

Thx. I'll go buy the same dongle as you. I might as well add it as an option.

 

[AnubisZed]

First post has been edited.
I'm aware that two of the initial four have been fitted (one of which I fitted myself)
If anyone is unsure on fitting then I'm happy to fit this unit for you, I charge £50 to fit and I'll need around 2 hours. I offer free drinks and toilet breaks and a good chat (normally car related!! ) while you wait. I'm in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Failing that I'm happy to give technical advise on the fitting process if you get stuck or would simply like some info.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

I’m so close. Just struggling to get the stereo to go back in. I’m thinking I maybe shouldn’t have put the trim with the heating controls in until after.

 

[AnubisZed]

I’m so close. Just struggling to get the stereo to go back in. I’m thinking I maybe shouldn’t have put the trim with the heating controls in until after.

Pav,
Firstly yes you have to put the air-con trim back as there are two screws under it where the radio goes.
Secondly just make sure that all of the caballing behind the stereo is well out of the way (well as much as you can anyway) and the stereo goes in at an angle with the back edge (connections) is pointing down towards the front of the car.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

Finally got it in. Just need to get the centre trim and gear stick back on and I'm done. It got dark quick so I'll finish that tomorrow.

FYI - I got the DAB adapter to work with the existing aerial by using these 2 products:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Fakra-Connector-Aerial-Antenna-DAB-Splitter-SMB-Car-Radio-SMA-Adapter/292603395516?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078582F1V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[AnubisZed]

Finally got it in. Just need to get the centre trim and gear stick back on and I'm done. It got dark quick so I'll finish that tomorrow.

FYI - I got the DAB adapter to work with the existing aerial by using these 2 products:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Fakra-Connector-Aerial-Antenna-DAB-Splitter-SMB-Car-Radio-SMA-Adapter/292603395516?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078582F1V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Excellent news bud

Photos when done 8)

 

[EHaryanto]

Hi Dave,
I watched and watch again your video installation tried to familiarize myself. Kindly there will be someone helping me installing the unit Thursday next week.
Can I ask you what happened with the audio from the auxiliary (black cable), it seems you do not connect to anywhere till the end. Is that right?

 

[AnubisZed]

Hi Dave,
I watched and watch again your video installation tried to familiarize myself. Kindly there will be someone helping me installing the unit Thursday next week.
Can I ask you what happened with the audio from the auxiliary (black cable), it seems you do not connect to anywhere till the end. Is that right?

At 42:30 in the video I start to route the AUX cable to the AUX socket in the centre console. You do need to drill a hole in the plastic tray and cut a small hole in the rubber mat to make a nice neat install of it. If you do not want to drill then you'll have to route the cable out of the centre tunnel and then into the centre console and shut the lid on it (not a great idea) or you could route it right to the back and try to bring it in from there. I was happy to have the hole as I'd already done it for a previous install of an AUX cable (as you can see in the video)
Hope that helps

 

[gadgetJunky72]

Has anybody with iDrive and/or an auto gearbox fitted this yet?

 

[AnubisZed]

Has anybody with iDrive and/or an auto gearbox fitted this yet?

The one I did on Good Friday was an auto. Very easy to do, the auto knob just pulls straight off (press the button and pull upwards unclipping the loom plug first)
As for iDrive I can't see any problems with that either.

 

[AnubisZed]

Has anybody with iDrive and/or an auto gearbox fitted this yet?

Yes the one I fitted on Good Friday was an auto. Very easy to do you prise up the surround with the trim removal tool, unplug the loom connector, press the knob button and pull upwards, done!!
I've not fitted an iDrive one yet but I don't see any problems whats-so-ever due to the items all being held together exactly the same way. the only difference is the 4 pin power plug and LVDS cable for the screen, that the headunit is bigger and that the iDrive controller is already present.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

I asked about the auto because the lights on my shifter stopped working after the install, but they've started working again after I left the car for a while.

The unit flicks between the old iDrive and new Android screens quite a bit. I need to get used to what buttons trigger the switch over as it's really annoying at the moment. Also sometimes the unit starts up on an iDrive screen and other times on the Android home screen. Maybe there's an Android setting that will start the DAB app on startup.

I've also noticed it doesn't pick up the wifi hot spot on my iPhone every time I get in the car. I think it has a better coupling with an android phone. There are a few icons related to SIM cards so I wonder if I can add a SIM card to the unit.

It's a really nice screen. hopefully by changing some settings I can make it behave how I want. I'm going to get in touch with the company to see if they can help me understand more of the settings.

 

[AnubisZed]

I asked about the auto because the lights on my shifter stopped working after the install, but they've started working again after I left the car for a while. No idea

The unit flicks between the old iDrive and new Android screens quite a bit. I need to get used to what buttons trigger the switch over as it's really annoying at the moment. The Media and Radio buttons go back to iDrive
Also sometimes the unit starts up on an iDrive screen and other times on the Android home screen. Not sure on this one, I may have to ask the factory
Maybe there's an Android setting that will start the DAB app on startup. Not that I'm aware of, especially as it's not a buit-in app

I've also noticed it doesn't pick up the wifi hot spot on my iPhone every time I get in the car. I think it has a better coupling with an android phone. I've noticed this before on other hook-ups I've shared with my wife (she's on iPhone and I'm Android)
There are a few icons related to SIM cards so I wonder if I can add a SIM card to the unit. NO

It's a really nice screen. hopefully by changing some settings I can make it behave how I want. I'm going to get in touch with the company to see if they can help me understand more of the settings. I've taken screenshots of everything now, so if there is anything specific I may be able to help. Just take a screenshot and post it here

OK, so to take a screenshot here is what you need to do...
1) Go to settings. Press


2) Scroll down to More Settings. Press


3) Down to Screenshot. Press


4) Down to Set Location of Screenshot Storage. Press and choose SD Card


5) To take a screenshot, go to the screen you want to take, with your finger at the top of the screen slide downwards until the little camera icon comes up (second from the right at the top of the screen). Press the camera icon, the icon bar will go back up off the screen and then the screenshot will take after a short while. It will then be saved on the SD Card

6) Turn off unit and remove SD Card then you can upload the screenshot from any PC using a card reader.

 

[AnubisZed]

"Open Apps" location

 

[gadgetJunky72]

I just installed the Apple Carplay adapter and now the touch screen makes sense.

the great thing about CarPlay and probably android auto is that the icons are nice and big and easy to use whilst driving. I'll probably use the TuneIn radio app more than the DAB unit I installed. I'm very happy with the setup now.

 

[AnubisZed]

I just installed the Apple Carplay adapter and now the touch screen makes sense.

the great thing about CarPlay and probably android auto is that the icons are nice and big and easy to use whilst driving. I'll probably use the TuneIn radio app more than the DAB unit I installed. I'm very happy with the setup now.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

Although at a slightly different price point, this looks like it could be the correct licence plate camera:

https://www.car-interface.com/vendita/en/bmw/938-bmw-rear-view-camera-exchange-license-plate-illumination-with-guide-lines-and-yellow-led-for-1series-6series-z4.html

 

[AnubisZed]

Although at a slightly different price point, this looks like it could be the correct licence plate camera:

https://www.car-interface.com/vendita/en/bmw/938-bmw-rear-view-camera-exchange-license-plate-illumination-with-guide-lines-and-yellow-led-for-1series-6series-z4.html

$$$$$$$$
I think I'd want to have 100% confirmation before I parted with that sort of money, and even then I'd still be dubious and still not want to spend that.
I think I'll be going to a number plate surrounded instead of the camera in the light, the light output really isn't that good compared to the other one.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

I've just ordered one so we're going to find out together