Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted March 16 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted April 2 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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted April 14 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. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 2078 Report post Posted April 24 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neal 543 Report post Posted May 10 (edited) 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted May 14 On 4/24/2024 at 7:57 PM, Driftit said: Does it use the factory screen? No it replaces it completely. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted June 7 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted June 19 Finally working, I will post some pictures soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 2078 Report post Posted August 17 On 6/19/2024 at 8:28 PM, Herbmiester said: Finally working, I will post some pictures soon. How are you liking the system? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted October 1 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted October 2 (edited) 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 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted October 3 Sorry, what I meant to say was the microphone was a bit muffled. After the firmware update it was a lot clearer. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted October 3 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 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edog 9 Report post Posted October 8 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted October 12 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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edog 9 Report post Posted October 19 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted October 19 Try these settings. Resolution 640 x 240. Harman head unit. IDrive_B(CCC). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edog 9 Report post Posted October 19 (edited) 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 923 Report post Posted October 19 Yes check the LVDS cable, wrong way round was an issues for me also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
