Android for Idrive...

Hi guys, saw a video on YT shoeing the idrive screen being removed and replaced by another which has Android 8 on it with LOADS more stuff! has anyone done this or know any caveats...

Cheers Rich

 

Install on this one seemed to go ok...

https://www.bmwland.org.uk/index.php?threads/android-audio.2209/

 

Have a look on the https://avinusa.com/ site

There are several other companies offering similar / but different versions & cheaper.....
(Buy cheap buy twice)
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1007001&page=11https://www.ewaying.com/collections/bmw-big-screen-navigation/products/10-25-quad-core-android-4-4-car-multimedia-interface-for-bmw-x5-e70-x6-e71-gps-navigation-support-cic-ccc-idrive-id6-evo-nbt-ew969a?variant=13280378159169

From my viewing, the Android system started at version 4.0 allbeit this was clitchy so several updates later and they had the 4.4 system
Last year they increased the processor and released the 7.0, allbeit again a clitchy and slow to operate system, the link above referred to the 7.1 system, though this system was buggy and a version update to 7.2 released, due to the updated processor this was apparently very noisy and the system generated too much heat, somewhere in the gubbins static noise was produced leading to several complaints
November 2018, a hardware and software update was carried out, so the current latest and best version is the 8.1, allbeit a lot of similar complaints are made to clitchy, crashing and slow to boot functions appears to have been carried over on bimmerfest, https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1007001&page=11
It’s apparent there is still some issues with the system, as such I’ve yet to embark on the change

Allbeit, I think the screen update is much needed and would very much lift the interior
I was tempted to ask similar, though............

 

I've had one, (Avinusa) fitted to my X5 e70 and it looks great, really updates the cabin.The sound quality from the android is not great if you have it turned up. However it's given me dab radio, internet access etc and plenty of apps to add if required plus all the stuff as before from the BMW system.
One heath robinson bit I don't like is that the sound output from the android screen is routed through an audio cable into the audio plug in the armrest. This means that if you have a memory stick plugged into the usb in the armrest then you have to go into the BMW settings screen to switch between the two. Hence if your playing music from the stick then sound won't come from the android and visa versa. You can plug the music usb into the android screen and do it all through the android screen but as I've said the sound quality for music is not as good. I would like to find an audio specialist who can somehow put the android output straight into the head unit directly and for the head unit to be able to switch automatically as necessary according to where the audio is coming from. Stuff like that is way above my pay grade unfortunately.
All the original functionality remains such as steering wheel controls etc so I would give it 9 out of 10.
I can post some pics if anyone is interested.
Happy New Year to all.

 

Bob, Hi. Thats great, you've actually done it i'm impressed. whilst i had my 300zx, i was building a CarPC in a 2U slot with a 7" front touch screen, now i know its do-able with a custom bit, i think i'll start thinking about maybe adapting my PC for the E93, just a thought... Pics would be nice... i've attached a pic of my MR2 i had a long time ago in which i put a Dell PC behind the seat and built in a 8" touch screen, one of the first..

Rich

 

ok
will do some pics

 

How’s the sound quality if you use the bmw screen - is it as was / the same as pre upgrade
Also
The sat nav - does phone link work without the need for Apple CarPlay ?
I have maps on phone that has a cracking display (don’t have phone handy) can this be displayed via phone link ?

Avin have the new screen, without the Airplay for circa £400, I’m thinking ...... will I won’t I

 

Bear with me as I'm not a techy but it seems to me that if the sound originates within, or transmits through the android screen then the sound will be of the output quality of the new android screen.
If you download your new sat nav app, (I've now got Google and Wave on the android) to the android then they work absolutely fine including interrupting any music or radio playing as per the original bmw setup and you may well not notice any audio decline. It is when you play music whatever the source such as memory stick, dab or internet streamed that can be distorted depending of course on the originating digital format, MP3 etc. I'm getting close to my knowledge deficit here lol.
The android does have mirror link by the way which from memory is more ios friendly than android. I think even for android 8 I had to have a cable connection which is daft but I think for ios it will do it properly.
The people at Avin will answer questions very helpfully all be it with a 24 hour delay so give them a go.
There is also a bloke called ITGuy who is on youtube and does answer questions well.
I'm now getting a techy nose bleed as I've used the words android, ios, youtube, digital, mirror link and MP3 in the same paragraph, what is happening to meee!!

 

Well screen ordered from Avin tonight
10.25” Android 8.1 with 2GB RAM and 6 Core CPU (PX6) c/w Igo maps
However
From my reading, I’m more than sure I’m only going to use it on the OE setting and benefit from the screen update

 

I'm deffiately more than impressed with the install

 

There's two parts to these types of headunits.

The android part, and the MCU

The MCU controls all the sound quality,buttons and function mappings. Both the android bit and MCU can be updated with custom ROMs/MCU updates.

Sound quality on mine is better than what the original head unit was and I can use the hardware graphic EQ

 

Some pics as promised. Screen still has protective film on it so is a bit misty. OHP I would be interested in the how and what to upgrade the sound. SNRBRTSN, I agree with your sentiments, it's a great upgrade just for the astetics. I've just realised I should have shown another screen of icons. Put Avinusa in youtube and there's a good demo video there by ITGuy.

 

It certainly lifts the “cockpit”

 

Very nice !

 

It's a very neat and snug fit at the back of the unit as well.

 

I bought mine from ewaying and had nightmares with it.screen flicker like a boot screen crash,sat nav wouldn't pick up GPS ,sound through usb playback sounded like it was playing under water . basically paid £400 for a screen as it only really worked through mirror link not independent ly. I believe it to be the junction box interface getting extremely hot that's causing the problems

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I looked at several offerings on eBay/Amazon & Avin it appears the Avin screen is the most robust - I may prove myself wrong in which case I shall return for refund!
The 7.1 system appears to have the flaws you note

Having looked at several forum and you tube posts all suggest similar train of thoughts, however, ultimately it’s the screen update I’m after if the android maps work - either google maps or Igo - bonus!

 

Get your self a phone magnet for air vent download Waze GPS app give me £200 for the advice and saving you £200.

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Ok!
This option is cheaper than plan b
Plan b is replace with the Porsche I can’t find (yet)

 

Feel your pain.

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