Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Retrofit

[ludalex]

Originally Posted by PACarGuy

Kremersino unit definitely works with steering wheel controls. Volume and Track up/down and phone button work. But Voice command button doesn't invoke Siri as you pointed out.
It also does start automatically on engine start, but doesn't go into Carplay mode until you press the Menu button for a few seconds.

I've updated the list, thanks.
By starting on engine start I actually meant automatically going into CarPlay mode without user interaction. This is a big plus for me.

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by ludalex

I've updated the list, thanks.
By starting on engine start I actually meant automatically going into CarPlay mode without user interaction. This is a big plus for me.

Gotcha...there's probably a way to do this with the Kremersino unit, or to get a SW update to do it. They just sent me a SW update to address the reversing issue I have on occasion. I haven't installed the update yet but will later today.

[brettcp]

Originally Posted by ludalex

Unichip (wired)
reselled by Carlinkit

+ connects to OEM microphone
+ can use steering wheel voice command button to invoke Siri
- it's wired only

I just chatted with Unichip, they claim their CIC wireless carplay will be available to order next week.. No installation manual available yet, but they did state that it will use a separate microphone.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by brettcp

I just chatted with Unichip, they claim their CIC wireless carplay will be available to order next week.. No installation manual available yet, but they did state that it will use a separate microphone.

It would be interesting with to see if UniChip uses a QuadLock connector or using iDrive.

[brettcp]

Originally Posted by derbo

It would be interesting with to see if UniChip uses a QuadLock connector or using iDrive.

I've seen this Quadlock vs. iDrive come up a few times.. I know what the Quadlock harness is behind the CIC unit - pardon my ignorance but what is the difference if it uses Quadlock vs. iDrive?

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by ludalex

I've updated the list, thanks.
By starting on engine start I actually meant automatically going into CarPlay mode without user interaction. This is a big plus for me.

Interestingly, I noticed that when I went to apply the kremersino update, the system did start up in CarPlay mode. I thought I had noticed this before as well but wasn't sure if it was doing it all the time. I need to experiment and confirm whether it does it every time, or just when I plug in the usb, etc

[dkmcclelland]

Originally Posted by PACarGuy

Interestingly, I noticed that when I went to apply the kremersino update, the system did start up in CarPlay mode. I thought I had noticed this before as well but wasn't sure if it was doing it all the time. I need to experiment and confirm whether it does it every time, or just when I plug in the usb, etc

My Limicet (JoyeAuto) box doesn't go into CarPlay mode automatically, and has an external mic, but the external mic is HORRIBLE when driving.

Any way to use OEM mic? These models that use OEM mic, how is it wired?

[ludalex]

Originally Posted by PACarGuy

Interestingly, I noticed that when I went to apply the kremersino update, the system did start up in CarPlay mode. I thought I had noticed this before as well but wasn't sure if it was doing it all the time. I need to experiment and confirm whether it does it every time, or just when I plug in the usb, etc

Ah, interesting. Keep us up to date so I can update the list. I might make a new thread but there is already a similiar one.

Originally Posted by dkmcclelland

My Limicet (JoyeAuto) box doesn't go into CarPlay mode automatically, and has an external mic, but the external mic is HORRIBLE when driving.

Any way to use OEM mic? These models that use OEM mic, how is it wired?

Your JoyeAuto is wired, right? Cause wireless JoyeAuto's manufacturer should be IDCORE and not Limicet, weird.
Also, what do you mean the external mic is horrible when driving? Other people confirmed that it's very close to the OEM one.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by ludalex

Ah, interesting. Keep us up to date so I can update the list. I might make a new thread but there is already a similiar one.



Your JoyeAuto is wired, right? Cause wireless JoyeAuto's manufacturer should be IDCORE and not Limicet, weird.
Also, what do you mean the external mic is horrible when driving? Other people confirmed that it's very close to the OEM one.

He has the previous Wired JoyeAuto prior to wireless existence.

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by ludalex

Ah, interesting. Keep us up to date so I can update the list. I might make a new thread but there is already a similiar one.

Since the update, my unit is starting up in Carplay mode every time now. And the reversing issue (where it wouldn't always go into OEM PDC reverse mode) is fixed.

[luckyse7en]

Originally Posted by PACarGuy

I haven't noticed any issues with heat but then again I haven't put my hand under the glovebox to check or anything. I did have the one episode of Spotify cutting in and out and the system being laggy once but it hasn't happened since that one time.

Thanks for the suggestion on routing the cables. I was trying to get that slotted cover off but I couldn't figure out how to pry it off so I gave up. apparently too soon!

You have to take the e-brake boot off and you can undo the clips from here to remove that cover.

Also it sounds like your unit is better supported on the updates. I asked JoyeAuto about this and they claim they will provide updates to support any issues. But as other have said, their claims to support will fall on deaf ears after they already have your money and sent you a unit. My unit is working fine for now, but I fear in the future I'll have to buy another unit.

I wonder if they can develop something that includes wireless connection, OEM microphone, GPS antenna and sound system integration. Probably too complicated.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by luckyse7en

You have to take the e-brake boot off and you can undo the clips from here to remove that cover.

Also it sounds like your unit is better supported on the updates. I asked JoyeAuto about this and they claim they will provide updates to support any issues. But as other have said, their claims to support will fall on deaf ears after they already have your money and sent you a unit. My unit is working fine for now, but I fear in the future I'll have to buy another unit.

I wonder if they can develop something that includes wireless connection, OEM microphone, GPS antenna and sound system integration. Probably too complicated.

It is 100% possible for someone to make a box that will plug into the MOST Bus and emulate the CD changer to get high quality audio. Then they can provide an OEM mic that you could stick in the second microphone slot in the dome light. But all of that costs more money for a box that is already expensive.

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by luckyse7en

You have to take the e-brake boot off and you can undo the clips from here to remove that cover.

Also it sounds like your unit is better supported on the updates. I asked JoyeAuto about this and they claim they will provide updates to support any issues. But as other have said, their claims to support will fall on deaf ears after they already have your money and sent you a unit. My unit is working fine for now, but I fear in the future I'll have to buy another unit.

I wonder if they can develop something that includes wireless connection, OEM microphone, GPS antenna and sound system integration. Probably too complicated.

Ah, OK, thanks. I guess it's moot at this stage given I've already drilled the glovebox but good to know for others looking to do this.

Yeah the support from Kremersino seems pretty good so far.

Yeah sound system and mic integration would be much more useful for sound quality. I really wonder why that's not possible but imagine there's probably signifcant coding or programming that would have to happen.

[MJBO]

Anyone else order the Kremersino unit off AliExpress?

Finally bit the bullet and put in the order, but just shows my payment as "being verified".

EDIT: Changed to "Awaiting Shipment - Processing Time remaining: 4 days 23 hours 26 minutes". Woo!

[M BROK3]

Originally Posted by MJBO

Anyone else order the Kremersino unit off AliExpress?

Finally bit the bullet and put in the order, but just shows my payment as "being verified".

EDIT: Changed to "Awaiting Shipment - Processing Time remaining: 4 days 23 hours 26 minutes". Woo!

got mine within 5 days shipped via DHL to US.

I just installed mine this weekend after reading PACarGuy review. So far no complains and surprised on how easy the install was.

[ludalex]

My JoyeAuto Wireless NBT for my F20 will be here soon and I wanted to ask you guys who gave it:

- do you need to route the AUX cable inside the armrest compartment to plug it? If so, is there a video somehow? Cause their installation videos don’t show it.
- is there a video to show how to properly route the microphone next to where the OEM one is?
- where does the female USB connector goes? In the armrest compartment?

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by ludalex

My JoyeAuto Wireless NBT for my F20 will be here soon and I wanted to ask you guys who gave it:

- do you need to route the AUX cable inside the armrest compartment to plug it? If so, is there a video somehow? Cause their installation videos don’t show it.
- is there a video to show how to properly route the microphone next to where the OEM one is?
- where does the female USB connector goes? In the armrest compartment?

- You don't have to route the AUX cable inside the armrest, but it will be much cleaner if you do. If you don't, you'll have it running from somewhere under the passenger dash all the way across to the armrest outside the center console. It will be odd that way and look messy.
- I posted earlier a video showing how to loosen the headliner and pop out the upper mic/lighting/bluetooth mic console to route the new mic wire and mount the new mic next to the OEM one. It's pretty easy actually. Just remember to pop out the inside black mic panel cover so that the sound is not blocked to the new mic.
- The female USB compartment goes either in the glove compartment or in the armrest. I put mine in the armrest because I added a USB split dongle to get more charging power from the cigarette lighter in the armrest.

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by M BROK3

got mine within 5 days shipped via DHL to US.

I just installed mine this weekend after reading PACarGuy review. So far no complains and surprised on how easy the install was.

Great to hear. I exchanged a few messages with the seller on the AliExpress app to confirm which iDrive I have and my address, and it should now be on its way. He sent me the install “guide”, but I think the vids I’ve watched will be more helpful!

[MJBO]

The install guide if anyone wants to read before purchase

[ludalex]

Originally Posted by PACarGuy

- You don't have to route the AUX cable inside the armrest, but it will be much cleaner if you do. If you don't, you'll have it running from somewhere under the passenger dash all the way across to the armrest outside the center console. It will be odd that way and look messy.
- I posted earlier a video showing how to loosen the headliner and pop out the upper mic/lighting/bluetooth mic console to route the new mic wire and mount the new mic next to the OEM one. It's pretty easy actually. Just remember to pop out the inside black mic panel cover so that the sound is not blocked to the new mic.
- The female USB compartment goes either in the glove compartment or in the armrest. I put mine in the armrest because I added a USB split dongle to get more charging power from the cigarette lighter in the armrest.

- Ok. For both USB and AUX though I couldn't find any video/tutorial to explain how you route those cables to the armrest. Do I need to drill a hole?
- Yep saw that. Although what's the most convenient way to route the mic cable from the console to the headliner is not shown in the video. I do remember seeing an installation tutorial on YouTube showing just that but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by ludalex

- Ok. For both USB and AUX though I couldn't find any video/tutorial to explain how you route those cables to the armrest. Do I need to drill a hole?
- Yep saw that. Although what's the most convenient way to route the mic cable from the console to the headliner is not shown in the video. I do remember seeing an installation tutorial on YouTube showing just that but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks

- as explained earlier in the thread, you just run both cables under the center console and into the armrest either through the slotted cover on the driver's side of the armrest (you have to pop out the cover by removing the e-brake leather boot), or by drilling a hole in the armrest.
- The video shows how to loosen the headliner so you can tuck the cable into it. To run it from the headliner to the dash, I just tucked the mic cable behind the a-pillar trim cover. First pull the rubber molding off so you can get better access to it.

[M BROK3]

Originally Posted by ludalex

- Ok. For both USB and AUX though I couldn't find any video/tutorial to explain how you route those cables to the armrest. Do I need to drill a hole?
- Yep saw that. Although what's the most convenient way to route the mic cable from the console to the headliner is not shown in the video. I do remember seeing an installation tutorial on YouTube showing just that but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks

Originally Posted by PACarGuy

- as explained earlier in the thread, you just run both cables under the center console and into the armrest either through the slotted cover on the driver's side of the armrest (you have to pop out the cover by removing the e-brake leather boot), or by drilling a hole in the armrest.
- The video shows how to loosen the headliner so you can tuck the cable into it. To run it from the headliner to the dash, I just tucked the mic cable behind the a-pillar trim cover. First pull the rubber molding off so you can get better access to it.

Removing the A pillar cover is super easy, there is a screw under the "Airbag" plastic cover(it just pops out) and then 2 plastic clips in the bottom.

Then you can pop the side of the dash with a trim tool, also held on with clips and fish the wire down from side to under the glovebox.

I also ordered a rear view camera to install directly with the unit without an emulator, hopefully that will work and this setup will be perfect.

Note on sound, you can get pretty decent sound out of the system if you mess with the spotify equalizer and the in car equalizer, keeping the volume low on the AUX input has worked well for me and also added the below ground loop isolator to reduce static from the AUX input at high volume levels:

https://smile.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground...s%2C181&sr=8-3