[BMW DIY Guy]

Hey guys:

I wanted to share my latest video, as I just replaced my 1gen Avin display with the new 2gen into my F32. I was able to walk through every function (except voice commands as I didn't install the mic on purpose) and am very pleased with the unit.

This display also resolved the only two (or 1.5) issues I had with my first gen display being 1) OEM backup camera worked fine on the iDrive side as expected, but wouldn't cut in on the android side. I knew of others with the same car, same display and it worked, but mine wouldn't. That is now resolved and works perfectly. 2) Screen mirroring would never connect. Again I know others that had 1gen and a Samsung phone, but mine just wouldn't connect no matter what I did. That also is now resolved and I demo screen mirroring in the video.

I will say I didn't look, but I believe the device build is the latest DECEMBER build, as there is no official January build, that I am aware of. I am hearing rumor of a coming new build here soon though too, fyi.

The one thing I found interesting with screen mirroring, is any video playing app like HBO GO or Netflix wouldn't display the video.. the app would show, controls would show but the video itself wouldn't stream through to the display. I don't know if that is a feature of the phone, the display, the build, the mirroring software.. I don't know.. just the only interesting oddity I have found thus far. I am not sure it is a fault of the display but something about the mirroring software as the moment I stop the video, I see the app feeding through again, like Netflix navigation showing movie titles etc.

All in all though I remain really impressed having this addition to my car, loved the 1gen honestly, and find the 2gen to just be even better.

***RUMOR ONLY***
I am hearing RUMOR that there may be a full OS update coming for these displays, not just a build update. Before you ask, I do not have timeframe or any solid details beyond it is being reviewed now seriously.

Thanks guys, here is the video:

[CleanKM]

As always, many thanks. The Gen2 I have after replacing Gen1 is a much improvement. Looking forward to seeing a potential OS update.

[jmciver]

Nice video. The Gen 2 appears to be a big improvement over the Gen 1. I am seriously considering this now, especially since it is designed to work directly with the NBT Evo headunits, which is what I have in my car.

A few quick questions....

1) Why didn't you use the GPS antenna splitter to use your OEM antenna with the unit?

2) Do you have any plans to try the Torque App with the unit? I am curious to see how well it works as I believe the Gen 1 did not work any OBDII scan tool aps.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Nice video. The Gen 2 appears to be a big improvement over the Gen 1. I am seriously considering this now, especially since it is designed to work directly with the NBT Evo headunits, which is what I have in my car.

A few quick questions....

1) Why didn't you use the GPS antenna splitter to use your OEM antenna with the unit?

2) Do you have any plans to try the Torque App with the unit? I am curious to see how well it works as I believe the Gen 1 did not work any OBDII scan tool aps.

Thanks and great questions! On the splitter, mainly just because I wanted to show the GPS antenna install. If/when I pull it apart again, I will likely install the splitter.

On Torque, great question and I need to check. I have the adapter and paud app, and use it all the time. I need to check with the display running the app, not my phone.

[Pacsniper]

Thanks for the review of Gen 2, I bought it because of your review and chose express shipping. arrived the next day
Love it so far but I have a question, is it possible for me to change the Right side of the display on the Idrive side to show the entertainment details like yours? mine shows me how much gas I have in the tank and the speed. I'm from California and I dont use Km/h or anything.

[Bestia]

What vendor did you use to purchase and is it compatible with iPhones? Thanks for the review.

[paimon.soror]

Originally Posted by jmciver

2) Do you have any plans to try the Torque App with the unit? I am curious to see how well it works as I believe the Gen 1 did not work any OBDII scan tool aps.

I'm looking for this as well.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Bestia

What vendor did you use to purchase and is it compatible with iPhones? Thanks for the review.

This is from AvinUSA and yes, absolutely works with iPhones too. Their website is avinusa.com

[Leslie731]

Well i bought this unit for my non i-drive e90 less than two months ago so second gen? Two weeks ago it Froze on the startup BMW logo I did PM OP, and Emailed Avin suggestion was to get a SD card reader install and follow the steps to hopefully get it to work As i had this pro installed this will be another expense The installation paperwork and videos are helpful if DIY but really no support for setup Your on your own other than just set date and time Well i'll try the SD advise because as of now i have a 10 inch screen that is worthless and useless

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Leslie731

Well i bought this unit for my non i-drive e90 less than two months ago so second gen? Two weeks ago it Froze on the startup BMW logo I did PM OP, and Emailed Avin suggestion was to get a SD card reader install and follow the steps to hopefully get it to work As i had this pro installed this will be another expense The installation paperwork and videos are helpful if DIY but really no support for setup Your on your own other than just set date and time Well i'll try the SD advise because as of now i have a 10 inch screen that is worthless and useless

No need to have a pro install.. it's not hard to do, and check out my install video.

[Leslie731]

OP i'll give it a try, and take a look at your video know you were surprised at my screen freezing at just two months in as was I

[plthomas]

Does anyone know how this works with the latter 2017 and 2018 BMWs with higher resolution? (1440x540 vs the 1280x480 of the older units)

I see AvinUSA has a separate version for NBT Evo which is $90 more, but as far as I can tell, it's still 1280x480. Anyone tried it?

[reddemon73]

Originally Posted by raichean

No need to have a pro install.. it's not hard to do, and check out my install video.

Hi,

I just had the BimmerTech smartview HD installed in my car. Will this work with my existing setup?

Are you from the Seattle area too? Thanks

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by reddemon73

Hi,

I just had the BimmerTech smartview HD installed in my car. Will this work with my existing setup?

Are you from the Seattle area too? Thanks

Honestly not sure my friend as I am unfamiliar with their unit, but I would GUESS so.

And yes.. I am just south of Seattle. 8)

[1QuikWS6]

Very informative videos of the new Gen2 review, install, & DVR install as usual

I had previously been contemplating the OEM 10.25 screen retrofit (BTW, dash cutting is not necessary as your video states - modifying the screen plastic housing is possible/better)

But, at the same time, I wanted to add an aftermarket Front Facing Camera to be installed in lower grill to view my expensive CF front spoiler when pulling in to spots with curbs + Screen Mirroring - this of course meant I had to get a unit such as Bimmertech to allow a 2nd Video feed to my screen. These go around $300+ & are bulky

This new AVIN Gen2 10.25 is the solution to all my problems + more. I get:

• Larger screen with no mods necessary
• Android side with new style touch/tile display
• Capability of retaining/using OEM iDrive
• Control of either with wheel buttons/iDrive controller
• Retention of OEM Rear Camera in either mode
• **Addition of xtra RCA feed for additional camera
• **Built in Screen Mirroring
• **WiFi OBD2 Adapter for Torque App

This is win win for me + it's currently on sale!

I like the AVIN Custom DVR camera also, but would prolly use the static Front Grill Camera more often - so plans are to use a RCA Video A/B Switch - (2) Inputs Front Camera + DVR Camera to (1) Output to AVIN unit.

I'll mount the A/B Switch unit hidden under center console, but remote mount the switch in the cubby under armrest for ex access. Keep it on Front Camera most of the time, but able to switch over to DVR camera easily...

Some questions:

1. You mention MicroSD cards in video, but is there a slot on side of screen to easily insert/remove an SD card? If so, can you show pic of location?
   
2. I'm assuming if I have either music or videos on an SD card that there is a way to access the files and play either?
   
3. What is max SD card size that can be used reliably?
   
4. Is the unit OS on an SD card, or flashed to internal memory?
   
5. How high off the dash is the unit when installed (measurement from dash @ base of screen to top edge of screen)?

TIA
Jay

[BMW DIY Guy]

Answering what I can while at work..


You mention MicroSD cards in video, but is there a slot on side of screen to easily insert/remove an SD card? If so, can you show pic of location?

**The slot is on the lefthand side, slightly behind the bezel edge (drivers side) under a small cover. (Don't drop the cover into your dash when cracked open, that sucks!). I don't have a pic immediately handy, but if you scroll down on the product page for it on AvinUSA you can see a shot of the back of the display, and the small cover.

I'm assuming if I have either music or videos on an SD card that there is a way to access the files and play either?

**The music and video primary tiles can be used to browse SD contents and play files.

What is max SD card size that can be used reliably?

**You can run up to a 128gig SD card.

Is the unit OS on an SD card, or flashed to internal memory?

** Flashed internal.

How high off the dash is the unit when installed (measurement from dash @ base of screen to top edge of screen)?

** Great question, don't have the dimensions handy, but feels like roughly the same as the OEM 8.8, just fills in all of that bezel space the OEM had.. I will have to check.

[1QuikWS6]

Excellent - thanx for the reply!

I see the SD slot now, just didn't scroll that far thru their pics till now

I did notice that this is running Android 4.4.4 - that's fairly outdated as my phone is running 7.0 Do they notify customers of updates to OS & do you know if plans to update soon?

When you get a chance to measure that's fine - that was another thing I din't like about the OEM swap, the 10.25 monitor was much higher and different angle than my factory screen

[jmciver]

Two quick questions...

1) Do the USB plugs also provide power?

2) Does the unit offer split screen capability? For example, GPS on one side (2/3) and then another input on the other side (1/3)?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Two quick questions...

1) Do the USB plugs also provide power?

2) Does the unit offer split screen capability? For example, GPS on one side (2/3) and then another input on the other side (1/3)?

yes on power, no on split screen.

[x328x]

What was wrong with the gauges. When u reved it looked like it was stuttering

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by x328x

What was wrong with the gauges. When u reved it looked like it was stuttering

I am very rarely on that screen.. I will check it.

[x328x]

Also can you show what apps look like in the screen. Do they looked stretched. Do u mind dl torque pro and showing that