Need some techie assistance, please.

[sapphireblack]

I am a reasonably competent DIYer but often lack knowledge.

I read about Android Auto kits but confess I'm not entirely sure about compatibility or viability. I don't want to fit the vertical screen type conversion kit of which there are plenty. Updated mapping would be the most useful i suspect.

Has anyone retro fitted such a kit?

[Greydog]

My X5 E70 2009 had several CCC issues not least satnav upgrade cost ? I changed to the Android screen 3 years ago (£200) it allows all the cars OBC functions + Radio GD as normal but adds so much more. Better BlueTooth a full range of Android apps including several free sat nav apps (I chose Tom Tom) subscription but compared to BMW pennies plus it works really well and simple to use and looks OEM. With all the newer versions Andoid10 and above I think Android Auto and Carplay (if you're an Apple Fan) are there. My Android Auto connects with the BlueTooth automatically

[sapphireblack]

Thank for the information.

There's a couple of reasons i don't want to replace the OE system with the upright screen types. One old fashioned but important to me feature is iPod connectivity which i know is lost with most aftermarket upgrades. Control of the iPod via iDrive is a useful, safe feature.The add-on boxes i believe retain that function but comms with the well known seller 'Mr 12volt' is painfully slow and time consuming, so far without any definitive information from them.

[Greydog]

My Ipod still connects through the Aux port in the glove box though I have to admit as I don't do many distance trips these days it's been a while since I used it, and as I can switch between the 2 systems I will have a check to see if control is still there.

[sapphireblack]

My Ipod still connects through the Aux port in the glove box though I have to admit as I don't do many distance trips these days it's been a while since I used it, and as I can switch between the 2 systems I will have a check to see if control is still there.

I'd be grateful for you checking but before you did, i think my aims can't be achieved.

I'm ok with the factory setup, its modern maps with postcode input that would be nice. Music is my first love, as somebody once sang, and full control over an iPod is essential for safe driving. I think I have to accept that at my cars age, it's probably as good as it can ever be.

[Greydog]

OK tried using the iPod to test control this is what happened
My iPod is an Apple iPod about 10 years old using the Aux connection in the centre glove box and selecting Aux in the CCC (OEM system) using the iDrive control I have the same control as the CD player from either the screen using the iDrive control or steering wheel controls
Using the Android screen I can still change tracks using steering wheel controls etc but couldn't view on the screen, then it dawned on me it was still connected to the Aux input. The Android unit has 2 USB inputs I tried both and while the iPod will charge while connected I just couldn't get it to communicate I think it is an Andoid/Apple software issue. Downloaded Carplay and set it up on the Android unit and the iPod connected through Bluetooth and full control and content is back on the screen so I think definitely my old iPod not talking to Android 12 but happy with Carplay. Unfortunately while in Carplay I lose the Android connection to my phone (which is Android) plus no access to SatNav etc so for me Carplay wont be used I will use the wired connection to the OEM CCC
Hope this makes sense and helps

[sapphireblack]

Trying to grasp all that detail, a stirling effort, thank you.

I need to read it a few times to get my head around it properly, but it seems that something is gained, but at the cost of losing something else?

[sapphireblack]

Back again

As you have gone for the full screen conversion kit, i wonder if your results reflect what an adaptor Android auto kit would offer. It is important to me that i retain full versatility and control over an iPod. These Android units are around £300, its important that i got it right. I've wasted much money over years of 'tinkering'.

I should add, every seller of the kits such as i believe you have, has told me the console AUX socket is needed for its functionality. Therefore it is lost to the OE system and screen display of iPod info is simply lost.

And having put a lengthy question to a "screen kit" seller i got this reply, which doesn't surprise me but does disappoint.

Thank you for your follow-up! The device will connect to the OE AUX port, allowing you to use Carplay/Android Auto for your iPod. However, the iPod's information will not be displayed on the monitor screen as it does with the factory setup. You will still have access to your iPod through the iDrive, but the full integration with display features may be limited. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!​‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍

[Greydog]

That is pretty much what I found with the system in my E70

After fitting the Android screen I can switch between the OEM CCC system Radio, CD, Aux, Sat Nav, OBC etc with all control through the rotary controller or steering wheel controls. Press and hold the Menu selector for a few seconds and it switch's to the Android screen/program my unit was originally Android 10 and when outside the house connects to my Wifi, using that connection last year I upgraded the Android system to Android 12 (Android 12 and above have Android Auto as part of their operating system) Using the rotary controller I can scroll through all the Apps in the Android system. My mobile is a Motorola which currently runs Android 14 as its operating system. When I get into the car and turn it on my phone connects through bluetooth for calls but also connects to Android Auto
I can stream and save music from Apps like Spotify so have rarely used the iPod since adding the Android I am happy with the way it works
The iPod still works fine through the Auxport and a press of the Menu button allows full control on the move through the OEM CCC screen

[sapphireblack]

Thats very interesting, thank you. If your revision/upgrades system doesn't need to occupy the AUX-USB armrest ports its the first time I've encountered an upgrade system that doesn't.

May i now trouble you one more time for the make, model and supplier?

[Greydog]

Morning sorry for the late reply it's taken a bit of digging
My unit manufacturer is apparently iCoLink (Chinese I would think) brought through Ebay 3 + years ago, it originally came with the Android 10 operating system. Everything worked fine then sitting on the drive outside the house and connected to the Home Wifi I upgraded the operating system to Android 12 which includes Android Auto retained all my original apps and settings so I am still very pleased with the system
As I now can and do download music through Spotify I haven't used the Apple iPod until your question
Hope this makes sense and helps

[sapphireblack]

Spotify could usurp the iPod for me too i suppose. I've never had it, so I don't know. Upgrades on the drive sound like a positive bonus, although whether I'd be capable

I'm really not keen on the flat/touch screen element of these conversions, but maybe i need to look again. I'm grateful for your input, thank you.