130i CCC to Android

[Herbmiester 932]

Does anyone have recommendations', for one of the head units that replace the I Drive in an e87? I need Android Auto capability. If anyone has one they want to sell or know of a good deal I am all ears. FYI my 130i already has an Xtrons system that sort of works, but I cannot find the proprietary USB cables to use android Auto. If anyone can help me with cables that may be a solution. I am aware that many of the units are similar but are just sold with different brand names. 

[M3AN 4016]

FWIW, and as late as this is, I'm still happy 4.5 years into my Avin USA 10.25" dashtop unit ownership. It runs Android and automatically tethers to my phone so I don't need Android Auto, I have a full Android desktop and app store.

I think mine is Android 10 or 11, not sure about upgrades so in 10 years or so I might be screwed.

If you go this route get as much RAM as you can.

[Herbmiester 932]

I went and bought a new unit. It uses Linux instead of android. It still allows you to use android Auto or Apple Carplay. It allows a connection to the original BMW software so you can use this set the temp, playe the radio, check the oil etc. It hasn't arrived yet but I will do a review when it does. 

[Driftit 2093]

On 4/14/2024 at 9:06 PM, Herbmiester said:

I went and bought a new unit. It uses Linux instead of android. It still allows you to use android Auto or Apple Carplay. It allows a connection to the original BMW software so you can use this set the temp, playe the radio, check the oil etc. It hasn't arrived yet but I will do a review when it does. 

Does it use the factory screen?

[Neal 546]

Another option option is a mmi module like MR12volt.
 

Options include being able to use factory hand free mic etc.

https://www.mr12volt.com/collections/bmw

Edit

sorry , see you’ve got it covered.

 

 

Edited May 10 by Neal

[Herbmiester 932]

On 4/24/2024 at 7:57 PM, Driftit said:

Does it use the factory screen?

No it replaces it completely.

 

[Herbmiester 932]

Well this has not been a happy story so far. I cannot get it to talk to the CCC unit. So far I have tried a new adaptor loom and a second CCC Radio/DVd unit and both have the same issue with the inability to get any clear video resolution from the CCC unit. The Linux unit needs the correct resolution set in the system, this being the original resolution of the old Idrive screen. I believe this is 240 x 400 but I can't confirm this for sure. This may be part of the issue. The other potential issue is the Grey LVDS cable from the CCC unit to the Linux screen. This is an original part but it may have become damaged. I have checked it for continuity and seems ok. What I would like to do is get an original E87 CCC screen and see if I can get the  CCC unit to display on the original screen. This would then help me eliminate the CC unit being at fault. The last possible issue may revolve around the fibre optic cables, I am unsure what info they send to the CCC unit, and I am unsure how to test if they are damaged. 

 

[Herbmiester 932]

Finally working, I will post some pictures soon. 

[Driftit 2093]

On 6/19/2024 at 8:28 PM, Herbmiester said:

Finally working, I will post some pictures soon. 

How are you liking the system? 

[NZ_InFerno 371]

On 4/14/2024 at 9:06 PM, Herbmiester said:

I went and bought a new unit. It uses Linux instead of android. It still allows you to use android Auto or Apple Carplay. It allows a connection to the original BMW software so you can use this set the temp, playe the radio, check the oil etc. It hasn't arrived yet but I will do a review when it does. 

Do you have a link to what unit you bought? @Herbmiester

[Herbmiester 932]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004898088485.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.3a961802iMYPj5

It seems to work quite well, I had to do a firmware update to make the speaker work, it now works but can be a little bit unclear. 

Edited October 2 by Herbmiester

[Herbmiester 932]

Sorry, what I meant to say was the microphone was a bit muffled. After the firmware update it was a lot clearer. 

[NZ_InFerno 371]

3 hours ago, Herbmiester said:

Sorry, what I meant to say was the microphone was a bit muffled. After the firmware update it was a lot clearer. 

Thanks for the link! Mine needs a new screen so shopping around the different units 

[Edog 10]

On 10/3/2024 at 7:37 PM, Herbmiester said:

Sorry, what I meant to say was the microphone was a bit muffled. After the firmware update it was a lot clearer. 

Hey @Herbmiester I’ve been thinking of going through Ali too (cheers for the link) and have a few questions - how’s the overall interface? Is it laggy at all? Does Bluetooth work well especially with music? Any quirks you found to get it working as above? 

Considering whether the NZ $500 odd difference is worth it between this and the Avin if they have similar functionality. 

 

[Herbmiester 932]

The Linux OS, is far quicker to start up compared to android. There is no noticeable lag, and it offers wireless Carplay and android Auto. It doesn't have as many features as an android head unit but it does do carplay and android auto very well.

 

[Edog 10]

Sweet. Cheers.
 

I ended up buying the same one from Ali. I have the same issue with the resolution when trying to get into the original menu and have tried all resolution settings with no luck - what did you need to do to get it working? 

[Herbmiester 932]

Try these settings. Resolution 640 x 240. Harman head unit. IDrive_B(CCC).

[Edog 10]

Thanks, still no luck unfortunately. The other idea is that the LVDS cable is the wrong way, but the end with the locator marries with the port so should be fine. I’ll see if I can play around with other settings

Edited October 19 by Edog

[Herbmiester 932]

Yes check the LVDS cable, wrong way round was an issues for me also.

[NZ_InFerno 371]

So I did order the Linux screen earlier this month, and got it working great,  but not fully installed yet. 

How did you route the new wiring @Herbmiester suspect I'm going to have to remove the support structure holding the CCC unit to get behind and run the two cables to the screen. 

Mine also came with a tray for the screen to sit in, with separate metal bits and zero instructions on how they fit to the tray. I think it be worked out how they go but it's 

Does it have a screw at the back to hold the tray down, or is it purely leveraging off the two existing fixing points for the old screen?

Edited November 30 by NZ_InFerno

[Herbmiester 932]

I put the wiring to the side of the structure. Its a bit tight but I managed to get it throgh and down. I just have the 2 screws at the front holding it down. Mine already had an older android head unit in place so it was already cut to fit.