Ok guys I have now had the Andrive unit for a week and I did promise to write a review so here goes. I apologise if I don't cover every detail. I have tried and tested 99% of the functions and sure there are others I will discover along the way. I will be totally honest with this review as I did inform Phil from Andrive that I will share my experience with you whether good or bad.
My X5 is the 2006 model with the single business CD with no nav or DSP. Once I had removed it I was left with the plastic cage area as I have previously shown in a photo. The unit should have slotted straight in but because the Andrive unit screen has increased from 6" to 7", the main body has been moved upwards so it would not fit into the hole. I had to cut out an inch at the top of the cage. Some of you may not need to do this if you have the OEM nav or a removeable cage. Just be aware you may need to make alterations. I had to install a universal single din metal cage to slot the unit into but it worked.
The non android side boots up quick and the android side takes around 30 seconds.
All of the non android functions work really well which I have tried.
DVD/CD Player, Bluetooth Hands Free and A2DP, USB, Micro SD, DVB-T.
The radio signal is very poor and had many conversations with Phil as to what the problem might be. I am aware there are common issues with BMW and aftermarket installations. I thought it may be the included aerial adaptor which was faulty and that there was no 12v supply going to the BMW aerial amp. Phil swapped the adaptor for me and I have 12v to the amp but still a crap signal. The digital TV when not moving is really clear and the picture and sound quality is excellent, however, I am on the hunt for a stronger aerial which would allow me to listen to the digital radio channels whilst driving as the signal starts to go when you move. If I can sort this out them the FM radio is not a priorty.
The android part of the unit is brilliant. If you are used to an android phone then you will be familiar with the functions. It's basically like having a tablet in your car. The root access is a bonus as well. I'm not much of a developer but I like to the flash the odd firmware or two on my Galaxy S2. Not touched the Andive yet. May have to chat with Phil first in case I brick it.
The Wifi and tethering work great. I have a Wifi extender in my garage so when at home the unit auto connects. I can tether from my phone automatically when I leave the house so having constant internet access. Endless choice of music apps to play through. The sat nav works well and you can run any nav program you want as long as it's android compatible.
The steering wheel controls via the included canbus module is responsive and can control volume, track scrolling, function scrolling and phone answering. It might do other things but that will do for now after a week.
With regards to the customer service from Andrive, Phil has been excellent with me as I had a couple of problems to start with. Not only that, Phil has given me assistance with working the unit.
As for the problems, my initial steering wheels function was very laggy and sometimes it didn't work. As I had already said, the FM signal was and still is very poor.
After day 3 of using the unit, I swiped the screen using the enclosed plastic pen which scratched the screen by approx. 2 inches. Far from impressed I checked the pen and it had a sharp lip just off the tip. I contacted Phil immediately and within 24 hours the unit had been collected, a new screen fitted and returned. The service was spot on and appreciated. In the box was also a new canbus box and aerial adaptor. The canbus works a treat now. Phil is now thinking of not including the pens in case it happens to someone else. The screen is very soft and can be marked easily. A screen protector is a must and I need to have one fitted quick
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The unit has a lot of funtions and options you can tailor to your own tastes and all work very well. Asthetically it's spot on, it lights up to match the X5 colouring and auto dims with the lights.
The burning question is would I recommend you buying one? Well, to be honest I think it is a really good system so far and it does everything I need from a media unit apart from the radio of course
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Unfortunatley I have nothing to compare it with as I have never even touched a Dynavin or Haulingan but looking at the technical specs of each unit, the Andrive is more advanced and I am sure Phil will keep his customers informed when updated firmware is available to us. The customer service element of this purchase is also re-assuring as there is backup for you and Phil is always happy to help. The android system sold it for me because of the endless customising and application potential it has.
All I can say up to now is that I could have spend £1000+ on a market leading system with similar capabilities but glad I chose the Andrive. Only time will tell if the Andrive system has the stamina to keep going.
I have spoke to Professor X who has now also installed his unit and I am sure he will also share his initial experiences.
I hope this helps.
Dobbo
