DIY Carplay/Android Auto Carsara Install and Setup Tips

[Cyeh93]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

The Quadlock connector needs to be disconnected in order to code the CIC. So if the unit was still connected then the settings didn't take.

You can soft-uninstall the unit if the person can code it where you are. Remove the CIC, uninstall the quadlock connector and put back the original wire configuration, you don't need to remove the Carsara box completely to do this and you can leave the CIC dangling out while you confirm that the coding went through. Once you see "AUX Front" on the CIC, reinstall the Carsara box.

Thank you for your reply. Just to make sure I am clear since I have to schedule the re-coding. I have the newer unit without the quadlock connector. I am using the method that is described by SocalM3 on page 26, by adding my own aux.

The picture shows the connectors that I have; besides the USB Port on the other end. Since I don't have the quadlock as you describe, should I just put everything back to stock? Should we undo the coding that we did before putting back to stock?



Link to image: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PZk6P1LUC2dCq3mx8


Thanks.

[Cyeh93]

Also - Does anyone know the original value for these? I know that the AUX_HU was originally nicht_aktiv, but not sure about the other two. My coder said that one of them was already nicht_aktiv but wasn't sure which; so if I was to put it back to stock, is the Single or Dobule_OB that was aktiv?

CDMM_AUX_HU
aktiv

CDMM_USB_AUDIO_SINGLE
nicht_aktiv

CDMM_USB_AUDIO_DOUBLE_0B
nicht_aktiv

[blk33]

Originally Posted by Cyeh93

Thank you for your reply. Just to make sure I am clear since I have to schedule the re-coding. I have the newer unit without the quadlock connector. I am using the method that is described by SocalM3 on page 26, by adding my own aux.

The picture shows the connectors that I have; besides the USB Port on the other end. Since I don't have the quadlock as you describe, should I just put everything back to stock? Should we undo the coding that we did before putting back to stock?



Link to image: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PZk6P1LUC2dCq3mx8


Thanks.

It will be interesting as to what Cyberdemon says.
From my understanding, the newer carsara carplay pick up power and canbus via the 4 pin connector on the console iDrive. If you unplug the carsara connector from the iDrive and plug the original 4 pin connector back into the iDrive, I think it will bypass the carsara unit and the headunit will be back to normal and able to be coded.

[Cyeh93]

Originally Posted by blk33

It will be interesting as to what Cyberdemon says.
From my understanding, the newer carsara carplay pick up power and canbus via the 4 pin connector on the console iDrive. If you unplug the carsara connector from the iDrive and plug the original 4 pin connector back into the iDrive, I think it will bypass the carsara unit and the headunit will be back to normal and able to be coded.

Thanks. It has been a month since I installed the Carsara and vaguely remembered all the connections but remembered it was simple like that. I also saw your 10 minutes testing post, and that is what I remembered also. Hopefully, it is as simple as reconnecting the iDrive as the other connection was just the video splitter for the screen.

I didn't experience any issue with my iDrive as you described. Yesterday, the iDrive stopped working but it was because the 4 pins connector was loose.

I'll wait to hear from Cyberdemon before I schedule another coding session.

[blk33]

Originally Posted by Cyeh93

Yesterday, the iDrive stopped working but it was because the 4 pins connector was loose.

Yes, I've had the same issue, you have to make sure the plug is pushed in good and hard.
I'll be interested to hear your views as to whether the sound quality improves.
Good luck.

[Cyeh93]

Just reporting back. Today, I noticed that the Aux input changed to "Aux Front", so I moved the Carasa from the armrest aux to the DIY aux on the back of the CIC unit and it works. I didn't do anything since Friday so not sure why "Aux Front" shows up now. Maybe the car needed to cycle through a few restarts or the CIC unit needed to cycle through a few shutdowns.

@blk33 The quality did improve. I don't think it is as good as Bluetooth directly to the CIC, but this could just be the DAC in the Casara unit.

Anyway, one more confirmation that the new unit works and can DIY your own aux to pin 30, 35, and 36 at the back of the CIC unit.

Many thanks to this thread.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Cyeh93

Just reporting back. Today, I noticed that the Aux input changed to "Aux Front", so I moved the Carasa from the armrest aux to the DIY aux on the back of the CIC unit and it works. I didn't do anything since Friday so not sure why "Aux Front" shows up now. Maybe the car needed to cycle through a few restarts or the CIC unit needed to cycle through a few shutdowns.

@blk33 The quality did improve. I don't think it is as good as Bluetooth directly to the CIC, but this could just be the DAC in the Casara unit.

Anyway, one more confirmation that the new unit works and can DIY your own aux to pin 30, 35, and 36 at the back of the CIC unit.

Many thanks to this thread.

Glad it worked out, sorry I didn't see this over the weekend. Weird that it didn't take right away.

[GTiceman]

Originally Posted by Cyeh93

Just reporting back. Today, I noticed that the Aux input changed to "Aux Front", so I moved the Carasa from the armrest aux to the DIY aux on the back of the CIC unit and it works. I didn't do anything since Friday so not sure why "Aux Front" shows up now. Maybe the car needed to cycle through a few restarts or the CIC unit needed to cycle through a few shutdowns.

@blk33 The quality did improve. I don't think it is as good as Bluetooth directly to the CIC, but this could just be the DAC in the Casara unit.

Anyway, one more confirmation that the new unit works and can DIY your own aux to pin 30, 35, and 36 at the back of the CIC unit.

Many thanks to this thread.

What year is your car?

[blk33]

Originally Posted by Cyeh93

Just reporting back. Today, I noticed that the Aux input changed to "Aux Front", so I moved the Carasa from the armrest aux to the DIY aux on the back of the CIC unit and it works. I didn't do anything since Friday so not sure why "Aux Front" shows up now. Maybe the car needed to cycle through a few restarts or the CIC unit needed to cycle through a few shutdowns.

@blk33 The quality did improve. I don't think it is as good as Bluetooth directly to the CIC, but this could just be the DAC in the Casara unit.

Anyway, one more confirmation that the new unit works and can DIY your own aux to pin 30, 35, and 36 at the back of the CIC unit.

Many thanks to this thread.

When you say 'I noticed that the Aux input changed to "Aux Front" ' Does this appear in the CD/Multimedia Menu?
Mine currently shows "Aux Front" in this menu which is through the arm rest.
Where did you get your connectors for the quadlock?
I was thinking of hacking into something like this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...67587142%22%7D
Rob

[Cyeh93]

Originally Posted by GTiceman

What year is your car?

2011 328i e93 Convertible

[Cyeh93]

Originally Posted by blk33

When you say 'I noticed that the Aux input changed to "Aux Front" ' Does this appear in the CD/Multimedia Menu?
Mine currently shows "Aux Front" in this menu which is through the arm rest.
Where did you get your connectors for the quadlock?
I was thinking of hacking into something like this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...67587142%22%7D
Rob

I don't think that pin will work. you want something like this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...26431320%22%7D

The pin comes from the white/black 12 pins connectors. I couldn't figure out how to pull the pins out without cutting the plastic. Since I just wanted the pins with the wires, I didn't care about cutting the plastic.

I didn't want to wait for shipping so I ordered this from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Note - This cable has a chip; not sure what it does. Not sure if it was the cause, but my AC stopped working, only hot air. I desoldered the chip and reconnect the wire. The AC works again and I don't want to touch it.

WARNING - Once you insert the pin into the quadlock, it was impossible for me to get it back out. I accidentally reversed the rights and the ground pins, so I had to cut, swap and solder.

Oh - Yes to your "Aux Front" question. I don't remember it saying Aux Front before we programmed it. I am just happy that it works now.

[Ccieszyn]

Out of curiosity, How are you all getting the latest updates for the carsara box? What is the latest version? What does it do? And is there a general location where they are stored for the community?

[M3DE]

I have been lurking here for quite some time as I was considering the installation of a Carplay/Android Auto module for my E92 M3. I'm now posting my experiences as a future reference for whoever is considering doing the same. I highly recommend you do. It is such a nice infotainment upgrade.

I considered buying a Carsara unit from Alibaba and install it myself but decided against that. I ended up buying below unit via an authorized reseller locally and had it installed professionally. The unit cost €650 and with installation it came out to €900.

https://www.ampire.de/LDS-CIC-CP.htm...CIC-CP&p=59912

I think this unit is basically a non-quad lock model Carsara with a CE certification and local support.

I have been using the unit for a few weeks now and I am pleased to say I am very happy with it. The integration with iDrive is great and the installation is not visible at all. The aux-in cable runs through the center console and cannot be seen unless you open the center console storage bin where the snap-in adapter lives.

The sound quality is absolutely fine, I notice no difference between an iPod, music from the in-car hard disk based multimedia system or Bluetooth streaming, versus the aux-in sound and the Carsara unit. My car is an LCI with the Harman Kardon sound system and combobox.

In order for the sound to be just right though, I did have to go into the Carsara settings and dial down the volume. By default all sound is set to the maximum and that sounds awful. Once I dialed it down (general volume and carplay volume) to about 80% the problem was solved. I did play around with the equalizer, but left it at default in the end. The sound is great.

I have a Galaxy S10 and use Android Auto wirelessly and this works almost without a hitch (occasionally I have to turn bluetooth off and back on to get it to connect). I have installed an OEM wireless charger as a replacement for the standard snap-in adapter. So my smartphone sits in the center console fully charged as I enjoy AA. The phone does tend to overheat in the center console unless I leave the cover open (charging and running AA at the same time). I haven't used wired AA yet, so I am not sure if the USB connection charges the phone while in use with AA.

https://www.leebmann24.de/bmw-wirele...102449887.html

AA looks great on the big screen in my car, especially after I tweaked the color settings. By default the colors look a bit bleak, but now they look nice and vibrant.

I also like the extra USB-in that Carsara provides. I have filled a 400GB micro SD card with movies, music videos and children shows. Even subtitles work with the media player that comes with the unit and video up to 1080p is supported. I am happy to report that the media player continues working as the car is in motion. This is legally not allowed in Germany, so I was worried that this EU certified unit would not work while driving. So as long as I can evade the police my kids can watch baby shark during long drives after their iPads run out of battery.

One last thing I noticed tinkering, is that it is possible to choose a different audio source while using the Carsara unit (instead of aux-in). You loose all sound in AA, but you can listen to music from the in-car multimedia system or an iPod and skip songs using the buttons on the steering wheel as normal while navigating with Waze on the multimedia screen.

[drwankel]

[mrvedit]

Originally Posted by M3DE

...
I considered buying a Carsara unit from Alibaba and install it myself but decided against that. I ended up buying below unit via an authorized reseller locally and had it installed professionally. The unit cost €650 and with installation it came out to €900.

https://www.ampire.de/LDS-CIC-CP.htm...CIC-CP&p=59912

I think this unit is basically a non-quad lock model Carsara with a CE certification and local support.
...

Thanks for sharing great info about an alternate unit.
Have to 100% agree that adding Apple CarPlay (or Android AA) to cars is extremely worthwhile, whether its a $250 DYI project or a $1000 professional install. I'm considering a 2004 Merc SL600 and the biggest concern was whether Apple CarPlay is available. And it is. ($700 to replace the entire radio/nav/screen.)

[mrvedit]

Originally Posted by mrvedit

...
I currently have the "older" Carsara working to some extent - The mic does not work even after trying both the supplied mic and the stock mic; this means I have to grab my phone and talk into it for phone calls. It also randomly reboots every hour or so.
...

Here is an update on my previously reported problems:

I took it all apart and discovered that the mic wiring had pulled out of the harness; probably from pressing everything in during the last assembly. I fixed that, removed some other unnecessary wiring from the harness, wrapped it better and was extra careful with the QuadLock. It has not rebooted since. However I still have a rattle due to the QuadLock; I can barely access it from the passenger side footwell and will zip-tie it somehow. If there is a next time, I will wrap it in some foam.

For anyone still only "on the fence", just do it and buy one of the units described here; you will be very happy with the result. And there are plenty of people here willing to help with any questions or problems you might have.

[i2023u]

Is there anyone knows how to use factory 360 camera on X5 with newer carsara unit ?

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by i2023u

Is there anyone knows how to use factory 360 camera on X5 with newer carsara unit ?

Could you clarify your question?

Do you have an X5 and want to hook the 360 Camera up to it because your vehicle wasn't equipped?

Or are you trying to hook this up to an M3?

[i2023u]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Could you clarify your question?

Do you have an X5 and want to hook the 360 Camera up to it because your vehicle wasn't equipped?

Or are you trying to hook this up to an M3?

Sorry for the confusion. My X5 has already the factory 360 camera and rear view camera installed.
Are they working in carplay for new version of carsara unit without switching back to BMW menu ?

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by i2023u

Sorry for the confusion. My X5 has already the factory 360 camera and rear view camera installed.
Are they working in carplay for new version of carsara unit without switching back to BMW menu ?

What year is your car? Do you have a CIC or NBT system?

[i2023u]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

What year is your car? Do you have a CIC or NBT system?

2016 X5 (f15) NBT

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by i2023u

2016 X5 (f15) NBT

If you have an NBT (NBT Evo started production 7/16 on the X5) you may want to do more research on the NBT unit.

I suspect it would just revert to the default IDrive screens when you're reversing.