DIY Carplay/Android Auto Carsara Install and Setup Tips

[carscatscoffee15]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

They're functionally the same. There seem to be some slight differences in the basic software UI (only the device main menu) but the Bimmertech you are mostly paying for stateside shipping and support, not the hardware or functionality.

It is unclear if the MMI Prime supports audio via the headunit itself.

Has anyone figured this out? Whether the bimmertech MMI Prime supports audio via quad lock as well?

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by carscatscoffee15

Has anyone figured this out? Whether the bimmertech MMI Prime supports audio via quad lock as well?

Yes, it should. They are the same basic hardware with slightly different software builds. Coding the options should yield the same result as long as there were no changes in the wiring harness.

[red998]

The Rear view camera works when I press the brake pedal. I tapped black/blue stripe wire on the right side. Is there a different wire I should have tapped? My car is E92 2010 6MT.

Thanks guys. Forum is an excellent resource.

[N54.CEL]

Just curious, is there any sound quality difference between CarPlay wired vs wireless? I know the boxes uses aux for sound so I’m thinking there’s not but anyone try?

[Hivand_M]

Anyone know how to update the Carsara firmware? Looks like their site is non existent anymore..

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Hivand_M

Anyone know how to update the Carsara firmware? Looks like their site is non existent anymore..

I have to assume since they stopped producing these boxes that any software updates were out the door with it, but the final quad lock version was remarkably stable in terms of features so I'm not sure what else you'd need in the firmware.

[Hivand_M]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I have to assume since they stopped producing these boxes that any software updates were out the door with it, but the final quad lock version was remarkably stable in terms of features so I'm not sure what else you'd need in the firmware.

That's what I assumed too. And not sure what I want I just thought along with iOS updates, new firmware will be required? Everything is still stable so far though.

[bugg]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

For AA apps are all driven from your phone, if you experience crashing see if restarting your phone helps. Android will kill applications on it's own due to high memory usage, so if your phone is older and Google maps is trying to use too much RAM it might just kill it on it's own.

Quick update - switched to iOS and the Carsara box functions incredibly smoothly. Obvious differences between AA and CarPlay aside it seems like these boxes are much more optimized for Apple products. Pairing speed is much faster and almost too aggressive (maybe related to how frequently the box searches for paired phones?) When connecting to my dash cam via Wi-Fi, the carsara box occasionally kicks that connection off and takes over.

[kolosy]

so with Carsara mia, is Bimmertech the way to go now?

or is this them and still legit? https://www.carsaratek.com/products/...droid-auto-box

Just going off the comments here about them disappearing and the original post referencing Aliexpress...

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by kolosy

so with Carsara mia, is Bimmertech the way to go now?

or is this them and still legit? https://www.carsaratek.com/products/...droid-auto-box

Just going off the comments here about them disappearing and the original post referencing Aliexpress...

Carsara still sells a unit but it is a newer unit. It appears easier to hook up but lacks the ability to do audio through the quad lock so it is aux only.

Mr12Volt offers the more expensive unit with great audio but it has some software/UI quirks. If you prefer audio quality over regular functionality then that may be a better choice.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Carsara still sells a unit but it is a newer unit. It appears easier to hook up but lacks the ability to do audio through the quad lock so it is aux only.

Mr12Volt offers the more expensive unit with great audio but it has some software/UI quirks. If you prefer audio quality over regular functionality then that may be a better choice.

what are the quirks? i hate the idea of using a '80s audio transport for '20s tech (and the cable dangling over the side of the armrest).. can't seem to find the software issues through search..

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by kolosy

what are the quirks? i hate the idea of using a '80s audio transport for '20s tech (and the cable dangling over the side of the armrest).. can't seem to find the software issues through search..

None of the aux audios require an external cable. You route it under the center console and up into the armrest.

There is a whole thread on the mr 12 volt unit a few clicks up.

[namsu2430]

Hi

I have one of the original carsara unit with the quadlock aux.

Has anyone else got issues with the latest Android auto making the screen ratio messed up with no dual app mode. Everything seems stretched was fine last month.



https://ibb.co/mSzt63G


Edit,: figured out this is part of the new Android auto coolwalk Update. So I've rolled back and disabled auto update for now

[alpinefd]

on the e92 m3, do you still have access to the vehicle setting menu? like mdrive, mdm, servotronic etc.

[vilord]

I recently updated my carsara firmware, and also updated android auto, reset everything and re-paired it...

this fixed google maps being stuck on day mode all the time, but now my phone gets super hot and burns through battery quickly, the audio sometimes skips, and the maps screen is slow to update.

has anyone else run into this or similar?

[vilord]

Answering my own question: The stuttering maps and skipping audio was completely resolved when I switched from 2.4ghz to 5ghz wifi (switching from wifi channel 6 to channel 36).
I'm very happy with the v3.5.0.6 firmware as it also now automatically reconnects to android auto when i boot up the car, i used to have to go through shenanigans of holding down buttons and selecting connect.

And:

Originally Posted by alpinefd

on the e92 m3, do you still have access to the vehicle setting menu? like mdrive, mdm, servotronic etc.

Yes, the MMI units we've been using all have video in and out, and you hold down a button to switch between looking at the CIC and looking at the carplay screen. On mine, holding down "back" switches back and forth, holding down "menu" also switches back and forth but brings you out of carplay/android auto to the underlying MMI menu screens.

[vilord]

Oh also, didn't see it in the thread.
To make it so that both the aux in for the armrest and the aux in on the back of the radio work at the same time, you want to code this:
RSE_3
rse_mid_rueko

Instead of this:
CDMM_AUX_HU
aktiv

CDMM_USB_AUDIO_SINGLE
nicht_aktiv

CDMM_USB_AUDIO_DOUBLE_0B
nicht_aktiv

(you'll want to change those three back to how they were, or default/factory code the CIC first)

(not my photo)

[namsu2430]

Originally Posted by vilord

Answering my own question: The stuttering maps and skipping audio was completely resolved when I switched from 2.4ghz to 5ghz wifi (switching from wifi channel 6 to channel 36).
I'm very happy with the v3.5.0.6 firmware as it also now automatically reconnects to android auto when i boot up the car, i used to have to go through shenanigans of holding down buttons and selecting connect.

And:

Yes, the MMI units we've been using all have video in and out, and you hold down a button to switch between looking at the CIC and looking at the carplay screen. On mine, holding down "back" switches back and forth, holding down "menu" also switches back and forth but brings you out of carplay/android auto to the underlying MMI menu screens.

Hi I've been having similar issues. Where did you get the latest firmware?

[vilord]

I messaged the seller on aliexpress and he sent me both the old and new firmwares. I'll see if I can post them somewhere and link back here

[motoridersd]

There's a comprehensive list of firmware versions and links to them over on the F30 side. There are slight differences between units so make sure you look at your current software and HW version to pick the right one

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...16&postcount=3

[motoridersd]

I've had my unit for about 2 years, and it has always taken way too long to sleep after I lock my doors. I often get "increased battery discharge warnings". I'm getting them a lot more lately, so that probably just means I need a new battery, but I still wonder if others have the same issue with the unit staying on for a long time.

You'll know because if you're near the car, your phone will connect to the box. Android Auto in my case.

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by motoridersd

I've had my unit for about 2 years, and it has always taken way too long to sleep after I lock my doors. I often get "increased battery discharge warnings". I'm getting them a lot more lately, so that probably just means I need a new battery, but I still wonder if others have the same issue with the unit staying on for a long time.

You'll know because if you're near the car, your phone will connect to the box. Android Auto in my case.

Mine does stay connected for a little longer than I would think it should, though haven't gotten any increased battery discharge warnings or battery issues from it.

One thing I do get every so often upon opening the driver door is a random Central Electronics Failure error, accompanied by the little image of a car up on a lift in the dash display and I can see the CC-ID 207 code by pressing the BC button. I can never find any other trouble codes in Carly or ISTA, and there are no other symptoms or issues, but it pops up every now and then. I suspect it has something to do with the Carsara box interrupting the CAN signal or something like that, but am too lazy to remove the whole thing to check as I really like having Carplay, and it doesn't seem to affect anything about the car's operation.