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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
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Android auto upgrade - Interface unit or plug/play screen
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12-20-2023, 04:32 AM | #1 |
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Hi... thinking of upgrading from the standard CIC display to android auto/apple car play setup.
Is it better to go for an interface unit using original screen or a plug/play screen (with Android software etc installed I assume) with original head unit? My car - 2011 323i with the "small" CIC display. I am confused as to what is the best option... any comments appreciated. Cheers !! |
12-20-2023, 05:28 AM | #2 |
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Drives: 2009 e92 335i MSport DCT
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Sydney Aus
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The Apple CarPlay interface is designed with touch interface in mind and so it’s easier to use that way
Downside is it’s not ideally located in an e series I have the interceptor box and use the Idrive knob to steer around. It’s chinesium (has bugs in the software and struggles to connect sometimes) once connected though it’s brilliant. I use Siri to start navigation and music. Works a charm The zero to60 YouTube channel did a bunch of reviews/install vids
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02-17-2024, 12:48 AM | #4 |
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You've probably already sorted this by now, but thought I'd chime in for those looking for info in the future.
As mentioned, CarPlay works with the iDrive knob only but it's much better with a touch interface. Plus the higher resolution of a modern LCD display makes a significant difference. I installed an Android display in my CIC equipped E91 LCI back in 2022. My recommendations would be;
After a stack of research, I settled on the AvinUSA version (Android 11 6GB RAM + 128GB Internal Storage, Qualcomm Snapdragon). Yeah, it's the same hardware as you'd find on AliExpress - but they have great customer support and an excellent self-help support site. They've been doing BMW Android head units since the 2000's. At the time, the exchange rate was favorable so it worked out the same as buying from China anyway. After a few initial teething problems (of my own making) I've had no problems with the unit or CarPlay. Wired / wireless AndroidAuto was a massive pain though, eventually I gave up and switched to an iPhone. ![]() HTH! |
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02-18-2024, 01:38 AM | #5 |
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Hi Guys, thanks for your input.
I have fitted a unit sold by Euro Active Retrofits. It was plug and play pretty much and uses the CIC controller as an input if desired (although also touch screen). I had it fitted up and working within 1.5 hours and functionality seems OK. All I wanted was APPLECARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO (not really interested in other options) and it does everything I was expecting. Even though the device supports wireless carplay I always just plug the phone into USB that I routed up and into the existing "old skool" phone cradle in the center console (nothing visible). Press the CIC menu button and the CIC display is all there so all original functionality still exists, touch the screen and your back into CarPlay.... no real dramas to be honest with you. As for reliability time will tell I suppose but so far I cannot fault the device. https://euroactiveretrofits.com.au/p...f30ecc26&_ss=c Thanks, Simon |
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05-27-2024, 07:00 AM | #6 |
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BMW Series 3 E90 E92 2009-2019 | Apple Carplay & Android Auto Module
https://www.carputech.com/products/b...-auto-module-2 Wireless Apple CarPlay USB multimedia and charging port Full-Screen Mode Easy control with iDrive Wireless Android Auto support Supports Front and Rear View Camera retrofits High-quality audio with an equalizer Works with your existing iDrive screen https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p8MXCDblBB8 ![]() Car Multimedia Carplay Android Auto Screen For BMW 3Series Only $329 for Linux Screen: https://www.carputech.com/products/8...-e93-2005-2010 ![]() Only $539 for The Newest Android 13.0 Snapdragon665 Touch Screen:https://www.carputech.com/products/f...adio-bluetooth More options:https://www.carputech.com/collection...r-bmw-3-series ![]() |
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