E82 Android Auto Retrofit

[bodhi]

Mrs Bodhi has very graciously given me a budget to do some preventative maintenance and make a couple of upgrades to the 125i, and one thing I'm looking at is retro-fitting Android Auto to modernise the interior slightly. Mine doesn't have iDrive at all, which looks to limit my options slightly.

I could fit a Double DIN Stereo but that seems to involve cutting out parts of the dash and meaning you can't refit the original stereo, so I'm looking at the Andream screens to replace the cubby hole.

So this sort of thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByBa3tEAypk

Few questions:

- The Andream site looks interesting to navigate - any idea which model it is I need?
- How is the Android Auto support? Is it wireless or does it need a cable?
- Would it still use my existing headunit?
- Can I still use the Bluetooth built into the head unit for calls? What about my current BT Adapter for music?
- What's the installation process like?
- Anything else to be aware of/consider?

[bigdom]

I think without iDrive that is going to be a right pain to operate imho, especially if you need to use the touchscreen. There's an example of your issue on this site, so it might be worth making contact to see whether its a viable option?

https://droiduk.com/product/bmw-1-series-e81-e82-e...

[bodhi]

Some of the Andream units look to come with a fake iDrive controller, however they are LHD only and look like I'd lose the one functional cup holder in the car. I want better tech but not at the expense of having to go back to holding drinks between my knees

It would only really be used for Spotify and Maps, which work ok on my phone currently with Google Driving Mode - although not as well as the old Android Auto for Devices, grr Google - was just thinking one of those may make it easier to use on the move rather than arguing with Google Assistant.

[Court_S]

I’ve done this to her 125i….

It’s touchscreen only, but it works well enough (depends on how much you fiddle with music / nav etc). Our phones connect automatically to it and having CarPlay modernises the car no end. This will replace any existing Bluetooth music function albeit, I think Android Auto is a wired solution.

Downside is that none of these aftermarket screens / CarPlay solutions will work with the OE mike so you have to install an aftermarket jobbie at the top of the a pillar or some such location.

Sound is via the Aux socket, so I’ve ran a cable under the centre console and drilled a hole for the cable to get to the aux socket cleanly.

I’ve replaced the ashtray the cubby from a later car as that’s more useful and drilled a hole to route a phone cable to keep it neat.



These solutions are a compromise, but one that for me is well worth it.

I have an Andream screen in my 335i to replace the stock CCC screen and it’s good.

[bodhi]

Cheers Sam - that does look good and is giving me a few other ideas of some improvements I can make

Will admit Wired Android Auto would be a bit of a deal breaker, as with the lack of storage space in the E82 I can see myself ending up with the phone still in its mount just to connect it up, which would defeat the object ever so slightly for me.

Think I might move this idea to "Phase 2" and focus on a few mechanical bits for now and have another look in summer.

[Court_S]

bodhi said:

Cheers Sam - that does look good and is giving me a few other ideas of some improvements I can make

Will admit Wired Android Auto would be a bit of a deal breaker, as with the lack of storage space in the E82 I can see myself ending up with the phone still in its mount just to connect it up, which would defeat the object ever so slightly for me.

Think I might move this idea to "Phase 2" and focus on a few mechanical bits for now and have another look in summer.

Ditching the ashtray for the cubby makes a big difference and somewhere to sling a phone and cable. It would also be possible (with a long enough cable) to route the cable required into the armrest.

[bodhi]

Court_S said:

Ditching the ashtray for the cubby makes a big difference and somewhere to sling a phone and cable. It would also be possible (with a long enough cable) to route the cable required into the armrest.

I'll need to have a think about that as I will be honest, my ashtray is still used for it's original intended purpose...I know that's a terrible admission in these parts, but it's one of the few places I can have a cig whilst sitting down in the warm

The armrest idea is interesting though, as I still have the original phone kit in there, which is serving no purpose whatsoever.

On the microphone issue, is it possible with the screen installed to keep using the car's built in Bluetooth for calls and just use the screen for music/nav etc? With the BT dongles I've used with it I've always disabled the ability for them to make calls and let the phone handle those with the car, can I do the same with this?

[Court_S]

bodhi said:

I'll need to have a think about that as I will be honest, my ashtray is still used for it's original intended purpose...I know that's a terrible admission in these parts, but it's one of the few places I can have a cig whilst sitting down in the warm

The armrest idea is interesting though, as I still have the original phone kit in there, which is serving no purpose whatsoever.

On the microphone issue, is it possible with the screen installed to keep using the car's built in Bluetooth for calls and just use the screen for music/nav etc? With the BT dongles I've used with it I've always disabled the ability for them to make calls and let the phone handle those with the car, can I do the same with this?

It’s possible to remove the useless old phone charger and replace it with a big old cubby (I still need to do that to her 125i) which should give plenty of storage for a phone.

You can still use existing microphone by switching from aux to a standard input. The aftermarket mics are pretty discreet if located at the top of the a pillar trim.