I wanted to provide some additional information for anybody interested in buying one of these head units for their F48.
Before we get started - I didn't take as many photos as I wanted, I apologize.
My setup
-2017 F48 (X1)
-Tech Package with 8.8" ID4 Screen
-iPhone XS Max (for CarPlay)
-Bruised hands (you'll see why later)
First Impressions/Reason
I wanted CarPlay in my BMW especially for Waze and other navigation options. I looked at the bimmertech and retrofit of an NBT Evo unit but ultimately the cost on the NBT unit was going to run close to $2k the bimmertech priced about the same as this screen. Ultimately I decided on the screen since it looked like I'd get more options out of it.
- The box included everything - I opted for the CarPlay adapter and the GPS splitter.
- The color in came in was a dark grey (my trim is black -photos later) I was a bit disappointed with this but it doesn't stand out toooo much.
- The screen is definitely bigger. However, it doesn't seem as bright as the stock screen (which is a bit of a disappointment)
- Overall I give it a 3.5 out of 5 star option. (Check the problem/issues part)
Problems encountered during setup
- My Original head unit barely pulled out from the car and made it extremely difficult (more annoying) to get the cables installed.
- Attempting to put in an SD card [I]after[I] install was not an easy task (I've ended up leaving the back of the door off for right now.
Problems encountered after setup
- Auto PDC caused the screen to freak out and go between the original head unit and the Android unit (I ended up turning Auto PDC off)
- CarPlay seems to work
okay when playing music it seems to do a split second skip in audio from time to time - According to AVINs support site they recommend turning off bluetooth (didn't mention on which device). I turned it off in the car, head unit and phone and it still occurred, I've tried different phones and made sure everything was upgraded (No luck)... If anybody has any ideas let me know. I'm also going to reach out to them but we'll see if I get a response.
- No auto brightness -- This is more of a pain than anything, especially at night; if you select an app or the setting menu, you'll be blinded.
Update: I notice the screen does dim a little bit when the headlights come up, its not dynamic like the original screen - I still find myself needing to manually adjust brightness from time to time.
- WiFi Screen Mirror - When I attempt to use this feature it never seems to work I haven't tried it again after the first few minutes of using the head unit -- I was more interested in CarPlay anyway.
Update: Still no success in using this, I only get a green bar, the phone acts like its connected but nothing is ever displayed.
- If you're playing a video and then go to CarPlay I've noticed the video may continue to play in the background over the CarPlay audio.
- Unable to use Siri in Apple CarPlay, no voice is picked up
UpdateAccording to AVIN, the Head unit microphone is only for calls -- this is a disappointment -- I'm going to attempt to get a USB Microphone and see if it works.
What you've been waiting for... The install
I'll try and provide the most details I can to try and help anybody willing to do this install.
- Tools you'll need Torx screwdriver, trim tools (You can easily get these from any car part store)
1) Start at from the passenger side vent using your trim tools pull the dash trim away working your way to the other side near the screen (don't pull it completely out on each side, just start pulling it partially out)
2) Work your way down towards the Radio Controls/AC Controls
3) once its loosened up enough - Pull out the plug for the trim lights on the passenger side, then the safety switch/emergency light switch plug (right below the screen) -- You may have to tug on the trim a little bit to get it popped out enough (I thought I was going to break it but I didn't have any casualties.
4) Unplug the Radio Controls - AC Controls and don't forget the small LED light at the bottom of the trim after that it should completely come off -- the entire top trim (with the vents) AND the AC/Radio controls will all come off in one large piece. I just placed it in the rear of the car while I was working.
5) You'll see your main head unit - there is two torx screws on either side of the unit, unscrew those and set them aside (don't lose them).
6) This is where I started having problems, My unit barely pulled out, just enough to get my hand in there (hence the bruises). Hopefully yours can pull all the way out -- if so this should be fairly easy.
7) On the right hand side you'll see a blue connector - This is your GPS plug in the middle you'll see the gator clip (where most of the wires are) there will also be two green wires (one is green with a black wrap) that's plugged into this gator clip.
8) If you got the GPS Splitter (I hope so, its worth it) push the clip out from the stock one, put it in the splitter and reinsert one end back into the head unit.
9) Unplug the gator clip, then unplug the two green wires that are plugged in towards the bottom left of the gator clip. (You must put these back in or you'll get no audio)
10) Plug the original gatorclip into the new harness, then plug the other side into the back of your head unit -- remember those green wires, plus those back in to the head unit (it will plug in to the new harness)
11) Right underneath the screen there are two Torx screws, unscrew those (don't lose the screws
) then pull up on the screen, there are two clips in the back of the screen holding it in place, be careful when pulling as you don't want to damage the connector. Unhook the pink connector in the back and set the screen aside.
12) Time to manage the wires -- Run the new screen harness wire (you'll be able to tell on the new harness) up and out of the hole where the screen and existing plug is (keep the pink plug up there too). Run your GPS wire up there too.
13) If you also get two USB and RCA cables with the head unit, Run your USB cable up to the hole for the screen and optionally do it for the RCA cables (it's a tight fit so if you're not going to use them you may want to leave them out)
14) I ran the USB Cable down the passenger side and into the glovebox -- there is a small opening that goes between the dash and you can pull it thru the passenger side vent. Go into your glove box and pull out the right tab using your trim tool, you can then run the USB plus thru there.
15) Take out your new screen, hook up all the wires (they're only going to hook up one way).
If you plan on putting in a memory card DO THIS NOW. Then start pulling the wires down as you move the new screen in place - Also move them further down where the main head unit is going to go (its a tight fit).
16) Before I started putting everything back in its place I went to make sure it all worked, I turned the car on and used the iDrive controller to switch back and forth between the android unit and factory menu - I also tested the audio.
17) from here just reverse everything, tighten the screen back down, slide your main head unit back in and tighten it then pull your trim and hook everything back up.
18) Pat yourself on the back, you're done.
Final Thoughts
I think this can be a good option if you're wanting a bigger screen or more functionality from your stock unit. I rate this a 3.5 out of 5 because it feels like a half completed product (software wise) and can be very glitchy. The screen doesn't look as bright as the original but I think more time with this I'll probably be able to customize it a bit more and enjoy it.
I've attached the photos I did take - hope this helps somebody!