MMI installation - round 2

[Timmyboybunter]

Grrrr :headbang:

Installed an MMI box into my previous car - worked very nicely, let it stay in the car when sold on.

Need to install again into my new car, so ordered the same product, from the same place (AliExpress) and the same seller (Carasara MT Store) as I'm comfortable with the installation and operation, but they have sent a completely different product (due to, apparently, the mainboard of the original version is no longer available).

Ordered: (random image from different seller)



Received:



Anyone had any experience of this new design, before I start pulling the car apart? The main differences seem to be:

1) Single LVDS port, with a lead which splits into 2 (rather than 2 seperate leads)
2) 2 external aerials (little stubby versions) rather than 1 - on the original I assumed the single external aerial was wireless, with built in bluetooth - could be wrong though
3) Micro SD card slot - no idea (and no mention) of what this is used for
4) No huge bulky wiring harness to place between the original quadlock connector at the back of the head unit. Assume power is being supplied by the iDrive controller, hence why that now has an inline harness involved.

Thoughts? Instructions received in the next post.

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Instructions

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Better view:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154531333611?hash=item23fac905eb:g:VpAAAOSwn-lg7-Fy

 

[AnubisZed]

Yep, looks like they have completely changed the design. Alas I've not fitted one of these new ones yet, I will do when my son gets around to sorting one out then I'll fit his, so will then know.
All I can suggest is follow what they have sent you in the form of a standardised set of instructions, although they seem to be a direct translation, they do make sense. I'd certainly start with Method 1 and see what happens from there.

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Thanks Dave - I did a bit more reading earlier on and have found lots of moans and groans from E9X owners complaining about iDrive controls not working etc (which I guess explains why the instructions have 3 different methods to try).

Not convinced I want to be a guinea pig here as it'll annoy me - I think I need access to the LVDS port on the screen too, which is an added fiddle.

May try and find a different seller with the original version and get this one returned.

 

[Argyll Andy]

You should’ve taken the old one out the 30i oke: :rofl:

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Yes I've had that thought 73 times already today

 

[Argyll Andy]

Was there not an unused previous version for sale on here that dropped price significantly when it was pointed out to the seller the new price?

 

[Timmyboybunter]

I have memories of an Android screen being offered for sale after someone changed their mind, rather than an MMI box - could be wrong though. Will double check the classifieds before bugging more sellers for the old version!

 

[Argyll Andy]

Could well be, tbh I never paid much attention to detail

 

[Anonymous]

I assume it still has the audio feed via the 3.5mm analogue?

 

[Timmyboybunter]

I assume it still has the audio feed via the 3.5mm analogue?

Yup. One of the posts on the E9X forum suggested the OEM microphone can't be piggybacked how I did with the last one - pretty sure the mic lead is identical though (actually a VW part supplied with the kit) so not convinced that is correct. Biggest worry is the iDrive controller issues being caused by dodgy harnesses supplied - one chap re-did his harness and the whole lot sprung into life.

 

[AnubisZed]

Here...
https://a.aliexpress.com/_vk5ZEN

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Ta Dave, I've sent them a message just to double check what version they're sending.

Probably have a quick play with the one I have today - uf it works, will save faffing around with returns/refunds etc.

 

[birdy_z4]

I’m just fitting this version and up to yet the idrive is working fine and seems to be ok

Microphone is a vw and does not fit in the steering cowel as too big. Ordered some bits to make my own y cable as it was cheaper than buying another bmw microphone.



Sound quality is not bad at all

 

[Timmyboybunter]

I’m just fitting this version and up to yet the idrive is working fine and seems to be ok

Microphone is a vw and does not fit in the steering cowel as too big.

Interesting, thanks - have you unclipped the actual microphone bit from the end of the supplied lead, so it can be used alongside the original BMW microphone? (See Dave's video on YouTube - I haven't checked the lead is compatible yet)

 

[birdy_z4]

I decided that I want to keep the capability of both and asked Carsara for the splitter which they do not supply.

The microphone works but not under the cowel and there is no splitter

 

[birdy_z4]

Picture show the idrive connection and the microphone joint

 

[birdy_z4]

So actually got the microphone to fit with the help of some double sided phone tape and removing the blank on the other side

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Thanks for the pics - I see what you mean. The mic wire supplied with this version (for other people browsing) is the 2 wire (black/yellow) in the pics above - and yes, can't be attached to the OEM mic like the original version as demonstrated towards the end of Dave's video.

Had more of a think, and don't want to mess around with this new version after all - so have ordered this one:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32912826217.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.226d4f6aDyiiUM

The seller, Shenzhen Car DVD Playor Store, promises me it is the original version and not the updated one (I sent pics to him - so hopefully we were having a sensible conversation!) - my order was £158.26, but the current price just a couple of hours later is £183.50.