Quote:
Originally Posted by j.gerbes
I'd like to retrofit Apple CarPlay to my 2014 F30 with CIC headunit. It would be good to hear some of your feedback and suggestions before making a decision.
It appears that I have five options:
[SIZE="3"]Option 1: BimmerTech CarPlay MMI[/SIZE]
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-3-series-f30-f31-f34-f80/connecteddrive-retrofits/carplay-mmi
Price: $525 USD
Pros:- Good customer support
- Firmware updates (though the 'October 2018' update is still pending)
- Integrates with the built-in microphone
Cons:- Expensive compared to Unichip
- Doens't support steering wheel controls (?)
- Doesn't support wireless CarPlay
- Doesn't support full-screen mode (but apparently will in the 'October 2018' update)
- May be a re-branded generic kit - see here
- No touch support
[SIZE="3"]Option 2: Unichip CarPlay Smartbox[/SIZE]
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Unichip-Carplay-navigation-box-for-B_60737501642.html
Price: $409 USD (price quoted for one unit)
Pros:- Cheapest option
- Supports full-screen mode
- Supports steering wheel controls
Cons:- Bad customer support
- Requires a standalone microphone
- Doesn't support wireless CarPlay (but a wireless option is 'coming soon')
- No touch support
[SIZE="3"]Option 3: Unique Audio Developments CarPlay Mirroring Interface[/SIZE]
https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/carplay-navigation-reverse-camera-interface-bmw-f30-3-series-2013-2016/
Price: £375.99 GBP (about $475 USD)
Pros:- Cheaper than BimmerTech option, but more expensive than Unichip
- Supports steering wheel controls
- Supports AirPlay and screen mirroring (though I don't think I'd ever use these features)
- Integrates with the built-in microphone
Cons:- Mixed reviews about customer support
- Doesn't support full-screen mode
- Ugly oudated UI
- Doesn't support wireless CarPlay (their wireless option only supports NBT. CIC support is 'coming soon')
- No touch support
[SIZE="3"]Option 4: Avin 10.25" Android Screen with CarPlay USB adapter[/SIZE]
https://avinusa.com/10-25-bmw-3-series-4-series-m3-f30-f31-f32-f33-f34-f36-f80-2011-2016-android-multimedia-navigation-system.html
Price: $539.97 USD (promotional price + Android 8.1 option + CarPlay USB adapter)
Pros:- 10.25" touch screen
- Integrates with the built-in microphone
- Supports full-screen mode
Cons:- Poor CarPlay implementation (android app + USB adapter)
- Quite expensive
- Doesn't support steering wheel controls for CarPlay (?)
- Doesn't support wireless CarPlay
- Poor customer support
- Proven to be a rebranded generic kit - may be available cheaper elsewhere
[SIZE="3"]Option 5: NBT Evo Retrofit[/SIZE]
Price: $1,500 - $2,500 USD (price varies depending on supplier and coding cost)
Pros:- OEM retrofit instead of third-party
- Supports steering wheel controls
- Integrates with the built-in microphone
- Touch support (via touch screen option)
Cons:- Most expensive option by far
- Extensive upgrade process
- Doesn't support full-screen mode (but can be enabled via coding)
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Great summary!
I am in the same dilema.
But so far looks like I will take BimmerTech MMI CarPlay + BimmerTech Mirroring and maybe front view camera.
As I am in Australia Naviplus is a strong option too, but I heard almost nothing about it, someone has infos to share with us?