Since
the other topic is 100 pages of complaining about the bugs in android 7.1, I thought I would open a new one for discussion about the newest generation of aftermarket head units. What bugs are still there? Are there any workarounds? Let's discuss!
Android 10 units have arrived and its also possible to upgrade from 9.0 to 10 (Snapdragon only atm). Android 10 discussion thread: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1699764
Where to buy?
Most people have chosen the Aliexpress route. There are a lot of sellers and prices are cheapest. However with chinese sellers the after-sales support is hit and miss. You can also purchase from EU/USA based sellers where prices are higher but support *should* be better.
What to buy?
This topic is about Android 9.0 based headunits. There are 2 "main" units people are using: units with Snapdragon 625 CPU and units with PX6 CPU. There is also a model with Intel CPU, but it's not so popular. I think most people are using a SD625 unit, here's why:
- Faster in multicore use (a bit)
- More frequent firmware updates (this is very important because bugs still exist in both units)
- Better audio quality
- Faster GPS fix
Advantage of PX6 units is that you can have a 1920x720 screen with them, while the Snapdragon units are limited to 1240x40 (which is bearable).
I have recently ordered this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33027583700.html (well actually the F20 equivalent) and will keep you updated once it arrives
! EDIT: here's my review:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=218
Important information/tips
Identifying Your Headunit
- Headunits are identified easiest with checking the "Appver" string under "Settings" -> "System Info"
- PX6 Units always have a "970" or "970A" at the end., there is no Version number, they are identified via the build date (begin of the string) (example: 2019062501_1280x480_970)
- Snapdragon 625 (short SD625), do always start with "KSW-P-Userdebug_OS_v u" and Version number at the end (example: Ksw-P-Userdebug_OS_v3.8.0)
Root SD625 Unit the easy way
Root SD625 + Magisk/Xposed tools for advanced users
Note on Root PX6 Units
SD625 Factory Reset/ recovery installation
How to resore Bricked PX6 unit
Installing Netflix on SD625
Workaround with Tasker to fix silent sound at startup
Tasker beginner guide
How to use Cflumen for true automatic Backlight control)
Using Viper4Android (Sound mod)
Reinstall missing DocumentsUI app
Activate OK-Google systemwide
Make Taskbar smaller
Guide to create own Splash screen
Retrofit OEM Look USB Port
how to insert sim card correctly
8080-01 Harness pinout
How to Power up Headunit at your Desk
translated and fullfeature Factory_config.xml
Enable Google Maps Zoom with Idrive (Tasker)
Hide taskbar (global immersive mode)
Firmware updates
Firmware updates are often posted in this topic, but they can be difficult to find due to the amount of posts, so I have collected the latest updates here. Sometimes I might miss miss one, so tag/pm me and I will update this post.
Snapdragon units
Version 3.9.8:
https://mega.nz/file/FM4DmaqJ#-Io0fT...LPhCmSRVj8Wa9c
Instructions for updating (Snapdragon):
1. NO NEED TO Unzip the downloaded file
2. Copy the Ksw-P-Userdebug_OS_v*.*.*-ota.zip in empty USB pendrive and attach USB to unit
3. Turn on unit, the upgrade window will pop up, click on it.
4. After finish the upgrade, you must pull out the USB, otherwise, each time you turn on unit, it will remind you whether if upgrade.
(Note: Do not cut power while upgrade)
PX6 units
Download:
https://mega.nz/#F!kbYFBS5C!gE-QFJoU...PxiJA?YCQWUSRB
MCU updates
MCU is the bridge between our car and the headunit. More information:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/wik.../MCU_Explained
Just like firmware updates, Snapdragon and PX6 units have their own MCU files. The correct MCU file also depends on your car system (NBT/CCC/CIC). There are also different vendors for these units, and attempting to update with wrong vendor's MCU will lead to "Upgrade not allowed" error. You can check your vendor from the system info screen, in the middle of the MCU version string. The most common vendor seems to be "GS" but I have also seen "ALS" and "LZH".
Snapdragon units
Download (GS & LZH vendor):
https://mega.nz/#F!kbYFBS5C!gE-QFJoU...PxiJA?YCQWUSRB
Download (ALS vendor): seems impossible to find MCU update for this vendor
Instructions for upgrading MCU (Snapdragon):
1. Unpack/copy ksw_mcu.bin to root folder on a SD card or USB memory stick.
2. Insert.
3. Go to Settings, System info, MCU upgrade.
PX6 units
Download:
https://mega.nz/#F!kbYFBS5C!gE-QFJoU...PxiJA?YCQWUSRB
