Hardware to add Carplay/android auto anyone buy?

[prodigal77]

You don't need to get the bimmertech one, that is the same unit as the one on aliexpress with a huge mark up. You can get this one:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4001039636964.html?trace=wwwdetail2mobilesitedetai l

Originally Posted by montez

Thank you very much for the answer! Everything is clear so far.
One more question - where can I buy box recommended for NBT EVO id6 (M3 F80 2018)?

[montez]

Originally Posted by prodigal77

(...)You can get this one:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/400103...bilesitedetail

I've checked aliexpress, they mostly have CIC and NBT verions. For my car I need EVO and I wonder if anybody has tested any MMI box.

[prodigal77]

Oh I see, my mistake. I am still learning all the differences with nbt, evo, cic.

Originally Posted by montez

I've checked aliexpress, they mostly have CIC and NBT verions. For my car I need EVO and I wonder if anybody has tested any MMI box.

[sna66]

That $200 box is easily the BEST mod I did to my 2015

[jd__m4]

Doesn’t Evo ID6 have CarPlay and just requires coding/activation?

[prodigal77]

Nice! I plan on getting it soon! I never even knew about this, I thought bimmertech was the only legit option for my nbt evo ID4. This is great news

Originally Posted by sna66

That $200 box is easily the BEST mod I did to my 2015

[Sinnakle]

Originally Posted by prodigal77

Nice! I plan on getting it soon! I never even knew about this, I thought bimmertech was the only legit option for my nbt evo ID4. This is great news

Installed this 2 days ago. I bought the Road Top version on Amazon took about 2 1/2 hours to do. Since I have NBT EVO headunit there is enough room to place the box under the HU instead of taking apart the glove box on the older NBT HU. If you have a MY 16 you should have NBT Evo. Hardest part is getting the cables packed behind the HU.

Road Top sent me their newest firmware update out of the box it was excellent if you're an android user the only thing was Maps wouldn't swap to Nightmode based on my headlights. The newest update they sent me yesterday fixed that issue. Overall I'm very happy. It's pretty seamless to a lot of videos on youtube are earlier firmware version a lot of the issues are ironed out now. I start the car get in and its regular BMW NAV takes about 10 seconds or so and android auto automatically switches over and google maps is on the screen ready to go.

[McIntoshMotorSports]

I'm going the coding route (2016 F80) as others have stated there's virtually no noticeable lag and tbh I'll be in Carplay 99% of the time anyway and it is known to run smoothly.

If for some reason I do experience crashes and noticeable lag, going to just source an updated head unit, controller, touch screen etc and just do the full swap. Will report back!

[prodigal77]

That's great feedback and thank you for the info/tips! I ordered the CarSara one off Alibaba and it has been handed off to USPS, just waiting for it to arrive. How would I go about updating firmware when they update? Do I need access to the MMI box itself? Thanks! Super excited about having seamless Android Auto and also adding a front camera.

Originally Posted by Sinnakle

Installed this 2 days ago. I bought the Road Top version on Amazon took about 2 1/2 hours to do. Since I have NBT EVO headunit there is enough room to place the box under the HU instead of taking apart the glove box on the older NBT HU. If you have a MY 16 you should have NBT Evo. Hardest part is getting the cables packed behind the HU.

Road Top sent me their newest firmware update out of the box it was excellent if you're an android user the only thing was Maps wouldn't swap to Nightmode based on my headlights. The newest update they sent me yesterday fixed that issue. Overall I'm very happy. It's pretty seamless to a lot of videos on youtube are earlier firmware version a lot of the issues are ironed out now. I start the car get in and its regular BMW NAV takes about 10 seconds or so and android auto automatically switches over and google maps is on the screen ready to go.

[kmouze]

I have a 2018 M3. Anyone know which box/model to purchase specifically? Android user here. Thanks

[montez]

Originally Posted by kmouze

I have a 2018 M3. Anyone know which box/model to purchase specifically? Android user here. Thanks

I have the same question (also for 2018 M3 (nbt evo)).
I have already tested one dedicated module but it did not fit - had different plug. I sent it back. I am still interested in getting android auto in my car. Does anybody tested it with 2018 M3? I wish I could also use oem bluetooth for music while operating android auto...