[Kraftwerk AG]

Comparison Chart Listing 7 Fxx Wireless/Wired/iD 4 Android
Auto/Apple Carplay Retrofit Kits



Option 1: Joyeauto CarPlay Mirroring Interface
Use Promo Code: BMW20 for $20 off and free DHL or FedEx overnight shipping!
https://www.joyeauto.com/category/wi...apple-carplay/


Price: $419 USD (price quoted for one unit) depending on CCC/CIC/NBT/EVO iDrive

Pros:

• Supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay
• Supports steering wheel controls
• Supports AirPlay and screen mirroring
• Integrates with the built-in microphone in iDrive 4. External mic is needed in CarPlay mode for 'Hey Siri'
• Unique AD, Bimmer-Tech & Joyeauto front camera/sensors do in fact work
• Supports full-screen mode
• UI accessed through BMW icon on CarPlay homescreen

Cons:

• No touch screen support (except for NBT EVO iD6)

Option 2: Andream/Carlinkit/Indiwork/Road Top/Kremersino/Et. Al. Clones
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3300...480e9daeaQbX5P

For more discussion, go here: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1675929

Price: $268 USD (price quoted for one unit) depending on CCC/CIC/NBT iDrive


Pros:

• Supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay
• Supports steering wheel controls
• Front camera/sensors do work
• Supports full-screen mode
• Cheapest option of all
• No external mic is needed in CarPlay mode

Cons:

• No touch screen support
• Sourced only through aliexpress. No website to give confidence on the company
• Does not have a vented box like Joyeauto (potentially heat may cause issues)
• Does not have an external wifi antenna

Option 3: Unique Audio Developments CarPlay Mirroring Interface
https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/carp...ies-2013-2016/

Price: £465.99 GBP (about $572 USD)(price quoted for one unit) depending on CCC/CIC/NBT iDrive
Rebranded Joyeauto wireless kit

Pros:

• Supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay
• Supports steering wheel controls
• Supports AirPlay and screen mirroring
• Integrates with the built-in microphone in iDrive 4. External mic is needed in CarPlay mode for 'Hey Siri'
• Unique AD, BimmerTech & Joyeauto front camera/sensors do in fact work
• Supports full-screen mode

Cons:

• Mixed reviews about customer support by email. Chat is best during business hours only and seems good
• No touch screen support

Option 4: Bimmer-Tech NBT EVO ID5/ID6 Navigation Retrofit
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw...ation-retrofit


Price: Starts From $1700 USD

Pros:

• Supports steering wheel controls
• Front camera/sensors do work
• Supports full-screen mode
• Works just like OEM stock
• Factory mic is used
• Touch screen support is included, but optional for a lower cost
• Uses factory Wi-Fi antenna

Cons:

• Most expensive option

Option 5: Android 9-10 10.25" Multimedia Navigation System for BMW 1 Series 2 Series F20 F21 F22 F23 F87
https://avinusa.com/10-25-multimedia...2-f23-f87.html


Price: Starting at $389.99 USD (price quoted for one unit) depending on iDrive CIC/NBT

Pros:

• Supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay
• Good customer support, as AVIN is based in US
• Hi-res screen 1280 x 480P, 1920 x 720P screen + $39.99
• Front camera/sensors do work
• Supports hi-res full-screen mode
• Very active dissussions on F30 forums https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1699764
• Uses Wi-Fi antenna

Cons:

• More expensive than the Andream clones
  

Option 6: Unichip CarPlay Smartbox
https://www.unichip-tec.com/apple_carplay_smartbox.html

Price: $439 USD (price quoted for one unit)

Pros:

• Supports full-screen mode
• Supports steering wheel controls
• Front camera/sensors confirmed working

Cons:

• Poor customer support
• Requires a standalone microphone
• Doesn't support wireless CarPlay (but a wireless option is 'coming soon')
• No touch screen support

[pbedrosi]

Old thread, great list.

What do you think about Indiwork updated box directly from them?
https://indiwork.co.kr/shop/carplay-...t-for-bmw-nbt/
seems to be updated, includes wireless capability. I read some users buying their rear view camera box (2019). Around $300 usd converted.

[dAPEX]

Do any of these not use the auxiliary input for the sound system? I find the audio quality of the aux port to be pretty bad.

[sl8anic]

They do use aux, but it in this case (or in case of modern Fxx cars anyway) the aux connection is into the fiber-optic harness, that is before analog conversion. In other words aftermarket HU's insert themselves into the digital audio loop, not via 3.5mm audio jack. However, at least in case of Avin (which is the HU I installed) it does have a provision to use analog 3.5mm plug in if the digital "splicing" doesn't work. I can't comment on how well that works, sound quality-wise.

Originally Posted by dAPEX

Do any of these not use the auxiliary input for the sound system? I find the audio quality of the aux port to be pretty bad.

[Antho4.40]

Anyone have tried the coika HU screen from aliexpress?

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/10050...yAdapt=glo2fra

[ferraricare]

Yes, installed a few weeks ago: hard to beat for the cost, works well if a little slow but connection setup required several attempts.

[dmcguire]

I know this is an old thread, but if anyone is looking, the Mr12Volt solution plugs directly into the fiber MOST interface on the F22. Works great on my 2016 M235i.

https://www.mr12volt.com/collections...ts/p2000-nbtmm