The Media rabbit hole
This will be a long-winded post about the rabbit hole I started a while ago with the Kremersino Apple Car Play/Android Auto add-on module.
TL;DR- Bought Apple Carplay Module in Aug 2017, no bass
- Replaced Apple Carplay Module in Oct 2017 with the updated unit, Perfect.
- Version 3 module was announced with OE mic support. I bought it to find out it required combox.
- Retrofitting Combox today.
- Verified success that was way overboard what I wanted to do.
#The long story
August 2019, I bought a Kremersino ACP module that added wireless car play and android auto options to the factory CIC without adding a crazy android head unit. Unfortunately, the module I bought had no bass due Kremersino deciding to use cheaper parts when creating their PCB board. After talking to their sales/support guy Michael, he told me to send back my unit to get an updated version (version 2) with a revised PCB in October 2019. After finally receiving the warranty replacement unit, everything was working correctly and fine.
I should've stopped here.
When I saw that version 3 was announced to utilize OE mic and offer airplay options, I got ecstatic. I ended up purchasing impulsively to only find out OE mic is access with Bluetooth Audio. Somehow Kremersino was able to redirect Carplay audio to Bluetooth Audio and use the Bluetooth access to the OE Mic. This is great workaround and there was one problem: I did not have a combox. Instead of unbolting this new unit, I decided to retrofit the combox.
#Combox Retrofit
Combox retrofits were becoming more common and it looked like something I could tackle with my knowledge of BMW Tools. I figured I could have the hardware for under $300.
With reversibility in mind, I bought adapters from Kufatec. I bought a set of antennas adapters, TCU/MULF to COMBOX adapter and MOST circuit bridge (loop).
##Parts list
- BMW BN2000 Combox 84-10-9-257-163 (as long as it is a BN2000, it should be fine. Can be had for $100shipped on eBay)
- Kufatec TCU/MULF to COMBOX adapter
- Kufatec Antennae adapter for Bluetooth.
- Kufatec MOST loop terminator
## Installation
Installation was pretty straight forward.
- Unplug TCU and MULF and remove all plugs from them.
- Install MOST loop terminator on one of the fiber optic plugs
- Attach the adapters for TCU/MULF to COMBOX
- There are two CANBUS HI and CANBUS LO wire that are supposed to be connected to PDC module but I did not do this since Assist is being deleted on this install.
- Attach the ANT adapter for Bluetooth (white beige) and attach it to combox.
- Purple/Black connectors were not used on the combox for my car so I tucked the wires.
- Clean up that wiring mess.
I did run into a few hiccups that aren't too major but worth mentioning. First, the Kufatec adapters did not have a notch in both the TCU/MULF adapters. I filed down the TCU/MULF plugs on the car harness side and went on my way. Not entirely happy I had to do this but it wasn't a major setback. Second, the black USB plug from the MULF did not allow me to face the combox like factory where the fiber was facing the front of the car. I had to flip it where the ANT plugs are facing the front of the car. Not a major issue just a note.
## Coding
This is really where the fun happens. During my research, BMW updated the CIC to use certificates for authentication and required FSC codes for adding features to the CIC. I was a bit disappointed in that but luckily my car personally has CIC.C16A, the last version that didn't require FSC codes for BMW Apps. I figured why not add it!
### Workflow
- Tool32 to add my VIN to Combox and CIC
- Open NCS Expert
- Delete Vehicle Orders (VO) #0310,#639(BMW SOS)
- Add VO #0311,#6VC (Control for Combox),#6NR (BMW Apps),#644 (Enhanced Bluetooth)
- FA write to CAS and NFRM
- Code defaults to CIC, MEDIA, KOMBI
- Open ISTA/D
- Check faults and erase faults
- Verify faults are all gone
##Verification
I was able to see my Bluetooth audio setup and the name of the car's Bluetooth matched the last 5 digits of my VIN as it is supposed to. BMW app is also working with Spotify and the app even showed my car! The screenshot shows the gas all wrong but it did eventually work after a few miles were put on the car.
## Was this all worth it?
Yes. Typically this would cost about $800 from Bimmerretrofit or similar vendor. For $220 and The original goal of having Apple Carplay work with OE mic is now working with Kremersino's module. It isn't fully consistent detecting Siri and switching over to Bluetooth audio is something Kremersino can fix in an update but overall its awesome!
I want to thank
FaxData for setting up a wonderful
thread about what it takes to setup a combox in 2019.
Thanks for reading.
Exterior pic cause OEM+ looks great!
