Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Retrofit

[Cyberdemon]

I screwed something up on mine by trying to switch from carplay to airplay (Wanted to see if I could stream football). Never got Airplay working and now the unit doesn't seem to like auto detecting when I get in the car (but works fine when I pick it from bluetooth).

Might just need to disconnect and re-pair the whole thing but clearly switching between the two is not easy or pleasant.

[admator]

Hello,

I have successfully installed and functional CarPlay from Andream in my E60 2006 with CIC and L7. Everything works. But I'm solving one last problem. When I turn on the key, I hear the buzzing. At higher volumes, it's pretty annoying. The buzzing can only be heard through Carplay AUX. If I turn on the AUX directly from the phone, the buzzer will disappear.

Question1: Do you have any ideas on how to remove the buzz?

Question2: Is there any Carplay from other manufacturer that allows you to pair audio with Combox BT? (I have it too)

Thanks a lot!

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by admator

Hello,

I have successfully installed and functional CarPlay from Andream in my E60 2006 with CIC and L7. Everything works. But I'm solving one last problem. When I turn on the key, I hear the buzzing. At higher volumes, it's pretty annoying. The buzzing can only be heard through Carplay AUX. If I turn on the AUX directly from the phone, the buzzer will disappear.

Question1: Do you have any ideas on how to remove the buzz?

Question2: Is there any Carplay from other manufacturer that allows you to pair audio with Combox BT? (I have it too)

Thanks a lot!

Check the output volume on the Carplay unit and the Aux volume on the CIC. Theres a chance of interference from somewhere else in the system but make sure those volumes both aren't maxxed out. Then see if it reduces or eliminates the buzz.

[danzio2020]

Originally Posted by cannyjock

Success! I've managed to code the headunit to use the aux input from the harness using Bimmercode. This is using the Carsara box. The values I changed were:

CDMM_AUX_HU
aktiv

CDMM_USB_AUDIO_SINGLE
nicht_aktiv

CDMM_USB_AUDIO_DOUBLE_0B
nicht_aktiv

@Cyberdemon I tried to code it with the can cable as it is - this didn't work, the app couldn't connect to the headunit module. I then wired in the iDrive harness, connecting it to the can high cable (not sure if this really matters) and I could then code it.

It was a little tricky to route the cable from under the front of the gearstick, down to the drivers footwell and back up into the headunit area but it worked - the Bimmertech video helped again.

The sound seems better than via the aux cable, with bass in particular better defined. I need to spend more time playing with the EQ and try some direct comparisons but so far so good.

I still have Bluetooth streaming via the Combox working which was one concern raised earlier.

The only (very minor) negative is that when the system starts up there doesn't seem to be any sound, until I switch to aux again - however this is very easy as I have a shortcut button set up for it (the row of numbered buttons on the CIC headunit) and just press this then it's OK. It seems that the aux in volume stays as 0 unless I do this. Doesn't really bother me.

BTW - never coded the BMW before, Bimmercode (£30) and a cheap (£20) vGate adapter was very easy to use. Only issue I had was that it wouldn't seem to connect to the car, then I tried starting the engine and it worked OK then. Seems easier than using a laptop with cable, and gives some easy shortcut options in addition to 'expert' coding.

Thanks that worked perfect with my RoadTop/CarSara box. No need to run an aux cord with those parameters coded!

If not using the iDrive controller cable you’ll need to disconnect the CAN headunit from the CAN carplay plug and add put the little CAN loop to the headunit CAN plug.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by danzio2020

Thanks that worked perfect with my RoadTop/CarSara box. No need to run an aux cord with those parameters coded!

If not using the iDrive controller cable you'll need to disconnect the CAN headunit from the CAN carplay plug and add put the little CAN loop to the headunit CAN plug.

Did you get it to code without the IDrive extension cable just by using the white loop to terminate the connection instead of hooking it to the can at all? I didn't quite understand the comment.

How do you guys feel about the audio quality going through the HU now?

I picked up a cable for coding but haven't had any time to tear the interior apart again.

[cannyjock]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Did you get it to code without the IDrive extension cable just by using the white loop to terminate the connection instead of hooking it to the can at all? I didn't quite understand the comment.

How do you guys feel about the audio quality going through the HU now?

I picked up a cable for coding but haven't had any time to tear the interior apart again.

I'm happier with the audio quality now - I would give it 8 out of 10 compared to other sources, although I haven't done too much testing. I've set the EQ back to standard now and the bass is decent.

You could try just replacing the loop first to try coding like that, if it doesn't work then try the separate cable option?

[e92335drew]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000...archweb201603_

Is this the carsara link that everyone is recommending? It's on sale for black friday and I'm thinking of finally pulling the trigger after trying to do research on how well these actually run.

Im in an 09 e92 without combox, so i'm already running a USB powered bluetooth thats plugged into the aux. The sound from that is actually pretty good, so I assume that this will be the same with the Carsara unit.

The one item I was always wondering about, is making sure that I don't need to wire up a new microphone as the factory unit works great. If i can wire into an aux at the back of the factory unit that would be lovely, and have protool to code.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by e92335drew

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000...archweb201603_

Is this the carsara link that everyone is recommending? It's on sale for black friday and I'm thinking of finally pulling the trigger after trying to do research on how well these actually run.

Im in an 09 e92 without combox, so i'm already running a USB powered bluetooth thats plugged into the aux. The sound from that is actually pretty good, so I assume that this will be the same with the Carsara unit.

The one item I was always wondering about, is making sure that I don't need to wire up a new microphone as the factory unit works great. If i can wire into an aux at the back of the factory unit that would be lovely, and have protool to code.

Yes that is the unit. As discussed above, it sounds like you can code to get aux directly through the HU cable which is slightly better than running it through the 3.5mm jack. (I'll have to test that when I have free time), but generally, I'm OK with the audio quality even using the aux 3.5mm, and if it can improve, great.

You don't need a new microphone, the kit includes a pigtail which runs up your A pillar and spilts the signal for you. I tried making several calls and quality seemed great, no concerns at all.

[GTiceman]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Yes that is the unit. As discussed above, it sounds like you can code to get aux directly through the HU cable which is slightly better than running it through the 3.5mm jack. (I'll have to test that when I have free time), but generally, I'm OK with the audio quality even using the aux 3.5mm, and if it can improve, great.

You don't need a new microphone, the kit includes a pigtail which runs up your A pillar and spilts the signal for you. I tried making several calls and quality seemed great, no concerns at all.

Thanks for confirming this unit. I just got my M and was going to hold off tearing it apart but I might jump on the sale. I hate pulling off the A pillar.

I retrofitted CiC into an 07 335 with no iDrive but messing with the M scares me!

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by GTiceman

Thanks for confirming this unit. I just got my M and was going to hold off tearing it apart but I might jump on the sale. I hate pulling off the A pillar.

I retrofitted CiC into an 07 335 with no iDrive but messing with the M scares me!

The A pillar was not bad just getting the little airbag badge off for me was a pain. A good thin guitar pick actually probably would've been perfect in hindsight. My regular trim tools were too thick.

[e92335drew]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Yes that is the unit. As discussed above, it sounds like you can code to get aux directly through the HU cable which is slightly better than running it through the 3.5mm jack. (I'll have to test that when I have free time), but generally, I'm OK with the audio quality even using the aux 3.5mm, and if it can improve, great.

You don't need a new microphone, the kit includes a pigtail which runs up your A pillar and spilts the signal for you. I tried making several calls and quality seemed great, no concerns at all.

Ah damn, you have to do all that! I was hoping it would just use the stock harness from the HU and work.

[brettcp]

Looks like we'll be getting Waze on the carplay dashboard soon (instead of being forced to use Apple Maps):

https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/23/...ashboard-apple

Looking forward to this!

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by brettcp

Looks like we'll be getting Waze on the carplay dashboard soon (instead of being forced to use Apple Maps):

https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/23/...ashboard-apple

Looking forward to this!

Google maps introduced this feature in August. Since Google owns waze it was only a matter of time.

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by cannyjock

I'm happier with the audio quality now - I would give it 8 out of 10 compared to other sources, although I haven't done too much testing. I've set the EQ back to standard now and the bass is decent.

You could try just replacing the loop first to try coding like that, if it doesn't work then try the separate cable option?

I'm a little confused about the wiring. I currently don't have the idrive pigtail installed. it didn't work for me when I first installed the carsara unit. I do want to be able to code. could you post a picture of how you have yours wired to allow coding?

[Jonzny]

Hey, maybe someone knows the answer to this or maybe I am just doing it wrong.

Installed this back in June it has worked great for me using wireless Carplay.

Just sold my car, new owner has android- he can connect the bluetooth but the Wifi is asking for a password? I don't recall there being one when I set this up, if there is one does anyone know what it is?

[icanturn]

is it asking for a PIN? Try 1111 or 0000

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Jonzny

Hey, maybe someone knows the answer to this or maybe I am just doing it wrong.

Installed this back in June it has worked great for me using wireless Carplay.

Just sold my car, new owner has android- he can connect the bluetooth but the Wifi is asking for a password? I don't recall there being one when I set this up, if there is one does anyone know what it is?

The head unit lists the WiFi password as 88888888 if that's needed for the android setup. I've only paired my iOS phone so far but might try my android device since my iPhone seems to get shit coverage lately.

[GTiceman]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

The A pillar was not bad just getting the little airbag badge off for me was a pain. A good thin guitar pick actually probably would've been perfect in hindsight. My regular trim tools were too thick.

My trim tools are pretty thick too. My other concern is this car is dead silent right now inside, no squeaks or rattles. I worry that one this trim is pulled it will never be the same.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by GTiceman

My trim tools are pretty thick too. My other concern is this car is dead silent right now inside, no squeaks or rattles. I worry that one this trim is pulled it will never be the same.

I've done the A pillar on all 3 of my cars and never had an issue. First it's a "Soft" piece, usually rattles happen with the hard bits. The fact that it's covered with fabric keeps it quite tight.

The little cap that sticks on is held really secure by some metal tabs, nothing to rattle there either. Pretty low risk, just make sure the cable is dressed and zip tied snug. That would be the only thing that could possibly tap around when moving but I haven't noticed any obvious issues.

I definitely wouldn't call my car "dead silent" between the exhaust alone and the squeaks from the door seals and tire noise I wouldn't call it the calmest place in the world but it's not bad. I haven't noticed any major rattles to annoy me on long highway cruises.

[pbonsalb]

If I have an 08 with CCC (no usb or Y), am I better off converting to CIC or buying one of these CarPlay retrofits like joyeauto or carsera or others? I am not an audiophile, listen to the radio or pandora, and would like Waze on the display.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

If I have an 08 with CCC (no usb or Y), am I better off converting to CIC or buying one of these CarPlay retrofits like joyeauto or carsera or others? I am not an audiophile, listen to the radio or pandora, and would like Waze on the display.

I've been eyeing this one to add to my CCC in one of my cars. https://www.android-car-dvd.com/collections/for-bmw/products/ew963wadcpxccc?variant=33378244952200

It replaces the screen, the mic is built in there so doesn't seem like it will have mic issues like some of these boxes.

But haven't seen anyone here try it.

[GTiceman]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I've done the A pillar on all 3 of my cars and never had an issue. First it's a "Soft" piece, usually rattles happen with the hard bits. The fact that it's covered with fabric keeps it quite tight.

The little cap that sticks on is held really secure by some metal tabs, nothing to rattle there either. Pretty low risk, just make sure the cable is dressed and zip tied snug. That would be the only thing that could possibly tap around when moving but I haven't noticed any obvious issues.

I definitely wouldn't call my car "dead silent" between the exhaust alone and the squeaks from the door seals and tire noise I wouldn't call it the calmest place in the world but it's not bad. I haven't noticed any major rattles to annoy me on long highway cruises.

I meant the other pieces like dash trim but thanks for the feedback. My car isn't silent by any means but I meant no squeaking. I hit the door seals with 303 and keeps them quiet. Did you hide your module above/around the glove box?