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      09-15-2020, 10:56 PM   #1
Bigjule1111
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Best android unit options

Hello gents .. just wondering on the best android unit options as of late ? Last yr I seen one but haven't seen any new info on it .. if I recall the one system I seen had a issue with the idrive not functioning.. Also looking for best option just to get android auto on the current system ..I have a 2014 .. Thanks
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      09-16-2020, 03:53 AM   #2
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I just installed a generic Andream unit in both our X5 and 650i. Super easy install, wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Same unit as Bimmertech MMI Prime but at a fraction of the cost. There's also an official firmware now to enable widescreen Android Auto.

This is a superior option compared to an android headunit replacement since those just not great at all.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNDPQQ
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      09-16-2020, 12:27 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hugo_nz View Post
I just installed a generic Andream unit in both our X5 and 650i. Super easy install, wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Same unit as Bimmertech MMI Prime but at a fraction of the cost. There's also an official firmware now to enable widescreen Android Auto.

This is a superior option compared to an android headunit replacement since those just not great at all.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNDPQQ
Thanks for this - good to know it's same as Bimmertech MMI Prime. The link just defaults to aliexpress homepage but assuming this is the unit https://bit.ly/3iAYxxm

Do you have any videos of it in operation?
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      09-16-2020, 01:36 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMM6GC View Post
Thanks for this - good to know it's same as Bimmertech MMI Prime. The link just defaults to aliexpress homepage but assuming this is the unit https://bit.ly/3iAYxxm

Do you have any videos of it in operation?
They are all the same lol but I bought this one: Link

Apologies for the broken link in my first reply. Looks like they use a time limited url shortener when copying links from the app.

I've been meaning to do a video on these but work has kept me busy. Will try and get one done though.
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      09-16-2020, 09:26 PM   #5
Bigjule1111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hugo_nz View Post
They are all the same lol but I bought this one: Link

Apologies for the broken link in my first reply. Looks like they use a time limited url shortener when copying links from the app.

I've been meaning to do a video on these but work has kept me busy. Will try and get one done though.
def would like to see ..I'm going to do some research on this ..I mite just pull the trigger .thanks 👍
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      09-16-2020, 09:28 PM   #6
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How long did it take to ship to the US ? assuming u are here .. I see only 5 bucks shipping ..lol ..that's some pony express shit ! ..also can you mirror your phone to the stock unit ? ..thanks
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      09-17-2020, 09:16 AM   #7
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I am a little confused by the description that you can add a front or rear view camera to this MMI interface. Will the original rear view and side view cameras still work on my display? Will there be a new section on my I-drive to access this interface and see my phone screen?
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      09-18-2020, 06:51 PM   #8
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This runs independent of i-drive, you hold down menu button for three seconds and it takes over screen. Its a bit wonky, sometime doesn't start up, icons in latest upgrade are too small (higher resolution screen is culprit). Typical google product, half baked in many ways.
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      09-18-2020, 10:10 PM   #9
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I've had no problems with the unit or Android Auto on either of our cars. As soon as I start the car and select a driver profile the unit starts up and android auto is up and running.
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      09-20-2020, 10:13 AM   #10
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I'm really thinking about snatching up this unit .. so what other features does it have ? Or simply just gives u android auto and car play capabilities? Thanks
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      09-20-2020, 01:25 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigjule1111 View Post
I'm really thinking about snatching up this unit .. so what other features does it have ? Or simply just gives u android auto and car play capabilities? Thanks
It allows screen mirroring and usb as well, and you can add surround camera etc if your car doesn't have it. But essentially the main features are CarPlay and AA.
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      09-20-2020, 03:51 PM   #12
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I.found a shop near me that I believe has the same one for sale .. they want 500 for the unit ..that includes installation.. that's a bit much u think ? I did a android unit swap on my old e60 a few yrs back and I had some issues so I'm a lil apprehensive
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      09-21-2020, 11:20 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigjule1111 View Post
I.found a shop near me that I believe has the same one for sale .. they want 500 for the unit ..that includes installation.. that's a bit much u think ? I did a android unit swap on my old e60 a few yrs back and I had some issues so I'm a lil apprehensive
What shop is that? $500 professionally installed is not a bad deal.
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      09-21-2020, 01:54 PM   #14
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It's s shop In edison nj ...never dealt with them .. I seen the add on facebook marketplace..so I reached out to them.. honestly seems a bit high considering if it's this same unit posted here . the unit cost $180.. so let's say 200 shipped .. $300 for install. Is that good ,? I really don't know
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      09-21-2020, 08:10 PM   #15
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To hugo.. quick question.. is there any customer support? I was going to order and even though it says android it only list iphones that are compatible..I do know t's also for car play so that's iphone based .I just want to make sure I purchase the correct one . Also doesn't have the 6 series listed as a supporting vehicle..
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      09-21-2020, 08:11 PM   #16
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I mite just do the $500 deal instead of ali express ...has it listed as 12 to 20 days shipping .. i seen alternative options for shipping ..how long did it take for u ?

Last edited by Bigjule1111; 09-22-2020 at 04:03 AM..
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      09-22-2020, 04:51 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigjule1111 View Post
To hugo.. quick question.. is there any customer support? I was going to order and even though it says android it only list iphones that are compatible..I do know t's also for car play so that's iphone based .I just want to make sure I purchase the correct one . Also doesn't have the 6 series listed as a supporting vehicle..
Granted the sales pitch is pretty weak. I don't have an iPhone so can't comment on CarPlay but android auto works a treat. The install is dead simple so I can't really comment on the customer service since I've not had to reach out to them. As I mentioned this same unit is installed in our F15 and F12.
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      09-22-2020, 05:31 AM   #18
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Cool ..so I'm just going to follow that link and purchase the one that's there .. Thanks
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      09-22-2020, 05:33 AM   #19
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And I like you have a android aswell
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      09-22-2020, 01:50 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigjule1111 View Post
It's s shop In edison nj ...never dealt with them .. I seen the add on facebook marketplace..so I reached out to them.. honestly seems a bit high considering if it's this same unit posted here . the unit cost $180.. so let's say 200 shipped .. $300 for install. Is that good ,? I really don't know
I agree that $300 seems a bit high but it is a business with overhead. Plus then the responsibility is all on them. I looked at videos of how to remove the center dash pieces and the monitor and it looks straight forward but many people are not that brave. I'm probably going to attempt it anyways...this is a feature i wish i had. I use Poweramp for Android as my Music player and love that I can assign a different EQ preset to each track. Where are you getting yours from?
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      09-22-2020, 04:32 PM   #21
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I'm.going.to order from the link..$ 200 with dhl shipping ..I have done similiar.. I swapped my unit to a dynavin unit awhile back ..that was on a e60 5 series ....I really don't want to do it again though .. I mite just take it to a local shop and see if I can get it done for $200. ..the shop that's charging 500 ..that's it north jersey.. I'm all the way in South Jersey ..so bit far.. or I mite try to convince my cousin to do it for me ..lol. Well see .. just need to get the system to me first
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      09-22-2020, 08:06 PM   #22
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Biggest challenge with the F12/13 you are likely to run into is stuffing the cables and box back behind the headunit. I went full tilt and routed all the cables to the glovebox for the Android box and ran a usb extension to the armrest.
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