[Bruceybaby16v]

Hi all,

I realise this is an oft discussed topic and the search function has educated me a lot to the topic but I'm still feeling a little confused and hopeful someone in the know can steer me in the right direction with up to date information for 2024. So my Apologies in advance if this feels tired! And also for the novel I am about to spew forth.

So I have an E91, Jap Import (UK based) with - if I've learned anything from the forum thus far - a CIC unit. Big Screen so ProNav I think but as it's Japanese, this can't be updated to UK/EU maps without HDD cloning yada yada.

Despite an incredible amount of spec on this 09 LCi car (Manufactured 08 according to online sources), there is no whiff of Bluetooth connectivity anywhere. A feature I would dearly love to add.

I owned a pre-lci E91 before this without iDrive so I've come across a lot of content pertinent to the iDrive variants when looking before and they all seemed to be either retrofit "MMI" android boxes that added carplay/Android Auto to the existing screen, or a direct replacement screen.

The eonon HU i added to my last car offered an Android UI but was direct wired into the car, I could add Wireless carplay/AA options if desired but stuck with simple BT functionality for playing spotify and calls with a MIC I fitted myself. This unit did NOT require wiring to the AUX, just relocation of the Fibre optic cable within the provided wiring harness

I'm really hoping for a bit more functionality with this one and a desire to keep it as OE as possible and for that reason I would rule out one of the screen replacement options.

I'd like to have the features of Android Auto as this will provide me with Spotify and Maps as far as I understand it (never actually used these services before) but I am unsure if I will have to retrofit a microphone in the headlining or if these later model cars already have a mic installed that can just be plugged in?

I don't understand WHY but I believe any option (bar the MOST option by Mr 12v) will require wiring to the AUX? I don't mind the work making that a neat job, just the potential lack of Audio Quality having done so?

My understanding is the best option for sound quality is Mr12V MOST system, and this is because it convinces the car it is in fact a CD changer? Retaining Fibre Optic Audio? I believe I may have to code this into the system and carry SOME confidence of being able to do this.

Do people have any recommendations in either direction and real world experience of what might be the best option? I don't want to spend the absolute world, but I also don't want the disappointing experience of past android systems that take several minutes to boot up.

I'm not adverse to the current Audio experience using AUX with my phone connected but haven't yet had the opportunity to fire a CD into the HU to test out how much better that quality is.

I don't mind extra work running cables etc, I just want the best bang for buck experience adding in Android Auto / Car Play functionality but Ideally, not sacrificing the AUX experience.

Lastly, I have a reverse camera which is factory fitted and works as you'd expect. Do I stand to lose this functionality or will either systems still engage the camera on screen when R is selected?

TIA

[opjose]

I was just looking for an Android upgrade to my CIC/HK system. After many days of searching, watching videos and reading through forums I decided to go the Mr12Volt MOST route as this preserves all existing functionality.

Every other screen or solution involved sub optimal audio connections.

From what I recall reading in another forum, if you have an existing backup camera system, that will remain fully functional if desired.

[Bruceybaby16v]

Originally Posted by opjose

I was just looking for an Android upgrade to my CIC/HK system. After many days of searching, watching videos and reading through forums I decided to go the Mr12Volt MOST route as this preserves all existing functionality.

Every other screen or solution involved sub optimal audio connections.

From what I recall reading in another forum, if you have an existing backup camera system, that will remain fully functional if desired.

Thanks man thus does seem the prevailing theory of those who've bought it. Appreciate your input

[opjose]

BTW: Here is the manual...

https://www.mr12volt.com/pages/user-manuals

And in this link around the 9:10 minute mark you can see that you can use either an existing camera or ones you add to the car yourself.

[smass]

I have had several different MMIs. The Mr12Volt is the least buggy, easiest to install and has the best support. I just ordered one for my latest E90 and the newest version has OEM mic support. In the past, the phone calls sounded very bad and Siri could not understand me all the time. We will see if the new one is better.

The reverse camera integration is perfect. It comes up fast, supports dynamic lines, overlays PDC and looks great.

[MParallel]

Good question. I just found out about the MMI Pro from Bimmertech, but after watching some video's, it looks to offer the same functions as the Mr12Volt, bar the fiber optic (MOST) connection.
Which is a big con.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by MParallel

I just found out about the MMI Pro from Bimmertech

The MMI Pro looks to me to be the same as the Ali Express units at 4x the price. I was willing to consider Mr12Volt for the audio quality, but as I rarely listen to music in cars I opted for a RoadTop from Ali Express.

[MParallel]

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

The MMI Pro looks to me to be the same as the Ali Express units at 4x the price. I was willing to consider Mr12Volt for the audio quality, but as I rarely listen to music in cars I opted for a RoadTop from Ali Express.

I wouldn't be surprised. In fact I suspect many vendors getting their stuff from Ali E, relabel and jack up the price.
Same probably goes for Mr12volt.

I listen to music all the time and I would want the best quality possible. Since I have the H/K option, it would be a shame to not use the MOST bus.

EDIT: Just realized the Mr12Volt doesn't have an HDMI port, which the BT MMI does have. That kind of sucks as the HDMI connector gives it many option for Chromecast devices and such.

[oVeRdOsE.]

mr12volt is different, might be the same brain ( i dont know), but its not the same ali device for sure.

where I live, mr12volts was 3-4x the price, so no tks.

I have the individual sound system, so yeah , sound quality was kind of important for me. I'm not a audiophile, but I own 12 sound system at home, and a closed and acoustic home theater.


Just before I purchased this 220$cad MMI, Ive noticed the latest review from those device were positive on sound quality under aux, some reviewer were like : ''i dont know what people were saying about a huge sound quality drop.''


I dont know if its an update or not, but indeed, I did not see a noticeable difference between a CD and my MMI a2dp, and impossible to distinct while driving.


If you have OEM a2dp bluetooth on your CIC, you can stream the MMI box to the bluetooth. some reported a really great sound quality.

Options are : cheap MMI, mr12volts and xtrons. Imo, xtrons is a better choice, because you're not limited . However, it's super expensive. Im running xtrons on my audi, and its flawless.


Here my small review on the ali MMI

Pros :
- wireless connectivity
- cheap
- fast
- easy to use, great integration with the OEM knob control
- does what you can expect from android auto / carplay
- make the car more modern.
- volume and track skip steering buttons works

Cons :
- eat the phone battery (phone is hot !) ; 18%/h on a S23 Ultra (big battery)
- very limited ! not much app compatible with android auto and the hacks are very weak
- for a N54/N55 forget about monitoring your engine with something like jb4/mhd
- no GPS sound when on the FM radio since you're out of the AUX
- MMI box module got priority , means on every car ignition ON , the MMI popout even if you shut down the car with the OEM CIC display. Very annoying when you're multiple driver and few are occasional so no phone linked.


got this one (price went up)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...2e121802FZoBBy