Proper way to wire Wifi Antenna (Carplay)?

[9M71]

Just received my OEM WIFI antenna in the mail. Previously i had taken out the HU to confirm that the wifi antenna is indeed missing, and perhaps the culprit of my spotty carplay connection (which added via coding).

For those who added a wifi antenna, what is the proper way to run the coaxial cable? I saw most people just left it bunched up behind the HU, but is it supposed to be ran to the driver or passenger side? The antenna came with some clips, so i imagine theres more than just bunching it up and tucking it away.

TIA!

[kubax86]

Originally Posted by 9M71

Just received my OEM WIFI antenna in the mail. Previously i had taken out the HU to confirm that the wifi antenna is indeed missing, and perhaps the culprit of my spotty carplay connection (which added via coding).

For those who added a wifi antenna, what is the proper way to run the coaxial cable? I saw most people just left it bunched up behind the HU, but is it supposed to be ran to the driver or passenger side? The antenna came with some clips, so i imagine theres more than just bunching it up and tucking it away.

TIA!

Just leave it behind the headunit. It will work perfectly.

[9M71]

Originally Posted by kubax86

Just leave it behind the headunit. It will work perfectly.

Thanks Kubax. Plugged it in and what a world of difference, carplay is wicked fast now, no lag (previously it would lag when running waze + spotify simultaneously).

Only issue is now trying to get full screen carplay. Can you PM me a quote to code this functionality?

[milk242]

If you want oem placement then the antenna actually routes down to the passenger side under the carpet on the styrofoam. The styrofoam actually has a channel in it for the cable to sit.

[9M71]

Originally Posted by milk242

If you want oem placement then the antenna actually routes down to the passenger side under the carpet on the styrofoam. The styrofoam actually has a channel in it for the cable to sit.

Thanks! Even though its working perfectly, i may just route it to the passenger side for the most OEM placement. Have nothing but time nowadays

[dwz]

Originally Posted by 9M71

Thanks! Even though its working perfectly, i may just route it to the passenger side for the most OEM placement. Have nothing but time nowadays

Adding wifi antenna also solve my Apple CarPlay connection issue today I just left it behind the HU. IMO BMW should have this standard long time ago, it is such a small thing but could improve user experience dramatically.

[Nitrile]

Do you have part number for the wifi antenna?

[Morgen Black]

Originally Posted by Nitrile

Do you have part number for the wifi antenna?

Either of these part numbers will work with an F80/F82

61-11-9-278-133

61-11-9-372-321

I installed the part number with 321 at the end in my 18' F80 M3 and it works great. Have a good one.

MB

[stL325]

Can you run apple car play by plugging your phone into USB or do you absolutely need a Wi-Fi antenna? For reference I have a 2018 M3 that did not come with apple car play. Bought CarPlay from BimmerTech - could not connect via usb after installing the software. Either way I did order the antenna which is currently on the way, but was curious

[will1604]

Originally Posted by stL325

Can you run apple car play by plugging your phone into USB or do you absolutely need a Wi-Fi antenna?

Everything I've read says BMW does not do CarPlay over USB. Your experience seems to confirm that.

[kubax86]

Originally Posted by will1604

Everything I've read says BMW does not do CarPlay over USB. Your experience seems to confirm that.

Exactly.
Only wireless.

[paulo_f80m3]

I just did this last night. This is the factory location to mount the factory wifi cable. Under the front passenger floor. I unbolted the seat and lifted the carpet. Fished the cable from the back of the head unit area down the inside of the center console under the carpet to the passenger floor.

[matthewsanchez72]

Originally Posted by Morgen Black

Either of these part numbers will work with an F80/F82

61-11-9-278-133

61-11-9-372-321

I installed the part number with 321 at the end in my 18' F80 M3 and it works great. Have a good one.

MB

Are those part numbers antennas to boost the wifi or just cables?

[NealfromNZ]

Just having a bit of a laugh with the antenna location. Personally I’ve put mine behind the idrive unit and stuck it to the back of the hvac. Not sure about the health advantages of having the antenna sitting a foot away from ones “Crown Jewels”

Work guidelines is that we don’t mount wifi access points closer than 2.5 feet to where people sit for extended periods of time. Wifi should be good for 300 feet or even 100 feet with a low gain aerial and transmit power.

BTW those part numbers above do include cable / antenna