iDrive v Aftermarket

[SwissTone]

I'm guessing each MMI option has its own interface or are they uniform? I've been looking at this as mentioned before: https://www.iceboxauto.com/bmw-z4-series-e89-2009-13-wireless-apple-carplay-wired-android-auto-cic-menu
The attraction is they offer fitting, but it would help to know if there are better options out there or much of a muchness..?

Been a lot of work done on this search AnnubisZed posts..

There are many boxes all with their audio feed using a 3.5 mm plug…many people state that the audio quality for music playback is much inferior to other audio sources (some say it’s fine)

The current gold standard seems to be Mr 12 Volt second generation version with the MOST connection..seems at the moment he’s the only supplier of said audio connector..

Agreed, Mr12Volt seems the best option atm due to the MOST part. This is the route I'll be going, thanks to the guidance of AnnubisZed

 

[B21]

Just a warning, in my experience, the DAB on the e89 is virtually useless.

In my part of the world with lots of hills etc I found it’s not quite as good as the F56 Mini or Volvo XC70 DABs but it’s not that bad…you haven’t fitted some LED bulbs have you? Many generate electronic hash bang on the DAB frequencies..

Mine had some cheap ones in the rear lights ..every time I braked the DAB disappeared..changed to higher quality and all is well..

I haven't changed any bulbs, maybe Andy put some cheap ones in at some point

When I try to use DAB I get about half a dozen stations, whereas (in the same location) in a 2015 Ford and 2016 Mercedes I get every single station you can imagine.

I think the DAB tuner in the E89 is a ‘DAB’ tuner those fitted to your other cars are ‘DAB+’. Hence the difference…

 

[Argyll Andy]

I haven't changed any bulbs, maybe Andy put some cheap ones in at some point

I ever had it long enough to need to change bulbs but I will agree, the DAB reception was sh!te but in all honesty I put that down to my location

 

[Silverstar]

I'm guessing each MMI option has its own interface or are they uniform? I've been looking at this as mentioned before: https://www.iceboxauto.com/bmw-z4-series-e89-2009-13-wireless-apple-carplay-wired-android-auto-cic-menu
The attraction is they offer fitting, but it would help to know if there are better options out there or much of a muchness..?

The two options are this box which connects via the AUX port or the Mr 12V option which connects via MOST. If you are not bothered about having the sound come via the AUX port than the icebox auto seems like a good deal. It's a good price from a UK supplier with a EU 2 year warranty so you have more protection than buying something direct from China / Hong Kong. Bonus is that they offer fitting so in case there are any techincal issues they will have to deal with it and sort it out.

 

[zimzimmer]

So Mr12Volt is out of stock right now (thanks guys
2 weeks lead time currently, but sourcing and fitting have been confirmed
Now all i need is a car !