2012 - 2015 CarPlay. Anyone bought either of these?

[Go60 Jay]

Hi all,

There is quite a few options out there now. All offering the same thing but priced slightly differently.

Any UK owners tried one of these products?

The one from Naviks is from the US but they do post to hear. I risk being hit with with import tax though.

Thanks,
John

https://incarmusic.co.uk/wireless-apple-carplay-wi...

https://shopjct600.co.uk/products/carplay-vh-platf...

https://naviks.com/i-24078394-2012-2015-aston-mart...

[SHV12]

I had this one fitted by Aston Martin to my 2015 Rapide S.

https://shopjct600.co.uk/products/carplay-vh-platf...

Bought the kit from JCT600 and had it fitted by Aston Hatfield. Works perfectly (I use Android Auto) and very simple to install. This is the official Aston Martin kit. No holes drilled for extra joysticks; it all works from the console buttons.

[bents99]

I have the NAViKS one. It’s generally good but a bit buggy. It cost a fortune to have installed but that’s the US for you.

[huesey1974]

Hi,
I bought the Naviks one from the US, installed it myself in a couple of days. There is a post here very recently. No issues with mine.

[Go60 Jay]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The price difference between the Aston version and the Naviks is roughly £250. I’m guessing I’m guessing the US one may incur import duties and possibly postage, so really there can’t be much difference at all.

Cheers,
John

[seefarr]

I'm also doing a comparison of options even though I don't yet own one!

I think solutions are limited because that ICE system (at least in Vantage) only ran for 3 years. The systems I can find are below - please anyone let me know if I'm wrong or there are more options.

Aston Installations

Pros: Great reputation with anyone who's used them. Extra joystick means you don't get issues with a control input possibly doing two things like the next two systems - extra joystick install is completely reversible.
Cons: Not near me. Install needs an extra little joystick thing installed which involves cutting holes. No price listed on the website so I fear Aston tax? about £1500 installed.

Naviks

Pros: Lots of people like it and there's a good install video available on the Internets. Cheaper - currently $900/£680 delivered (if you miss customs).
Cons: Some people don't like it - I've seen sound quality, missing cables and instructions problems mentioned (this could be because it's a US system and there are way more of them out there?). You have to import from the USA - may have customs fees (although some have not) and returns would be tricky.

Unique Auto Developments

Pros: Good reputation for this and other Aston Martin systems. This is the official Aston solution for 2012-2015 if you go to a dealer for these cars so that must say something? Local support.
Cons: If you go to a dealer they want to charge you £1900! Unique-AD.co.uk don't sell the 2012-2015 solution from their website and have a notice "This product is exclusively available through Aston Martin dealerships worldwide."
But: As Go60 Jay has found, there are some resellers which I'm pretty sure are the Unique-AD ones. This means you can then find your own, cheaper installer or install yourself.

https://incarmusic.co.uk/wireless-apple-carplay-wi...

https://shopjct600.co.uk/products/carplay-vh-platf...

Edited by seefarr on Thursday 5th September 11:16

[huesey1974]

seefarr said:

I'm also doing a comparison of options even though I don't yet own one!

I think solutions are limited because that ICE system (at least in Vantage) only ran for 3 years. The systems I can find are below - please anyone let me know if I'm wrong or there are more options.

Aston Installations

Pros: Great reputation with anyone who's used them. Extra joystick means you don't get issues with a control input possibly doing two things like the next two systems.
Cons: Not near me. Install needs an extra little joystick thing installed which involves cutting holes. No price listed on the website so I fear Aston tax?

Naviks

Pros: Lots of people like it and there's a good install video available on the Internets.
Cons: Some people don't like it - I've seen sound quality, missing cables and instructions problems mentioned (this could be because it's a US system and there are way more of them out there?). You have to import from the USA yourself so have customs fees and returns would be tricky.

Unique Auto Developments

Pros: Good reputation for this and other Aston Martin systems. This is the official Aston solution for 2012-2015 if you go to a dealer for these cars so that must say something? Local support.
Cons: If you go to a dealer they want to charge you £1900! Unique-AD.co.uk don't sell the 2012-2015 solution from their website and have a notice "This product is exclusively available through Aston Martin dealerships worldwide."
But: As Go60 Jay has found, there are some resellers which I'm pretty sure are the Unique-AD ones. This means you can then find your own, cheaper installer or install yourself.

https://incarmusic.co.uk/wireless-apple-carplay-wi...

https://shopjct600.co.uk/products/carplay-vh-platf...

Aston installations about £1500(Martins Aston Services also fit this)
Naviks, i paid 910 dollars delivered, no import tax.
No idea on the last one.

[Caslad]

seefarr said:

I'm also doing a comparison of options even though I don't yet own one!

I think solutions are limited because that ICE system (at least in Vantage) only ran for 3 years. The systems I can find are below - please anyone let me know if I'm wrong or there are more options.

Aston Installations

Pros: Great reputation with anyone who's used them. Extra joystick means you don't get issues with a control input possibly doing two things like the next two systems.
Cons: Not near me. Install needs an extra little joystick thing installed which involves cutting holes. No price listed on the website so I fear Aston tax?

Naviks

Pros: Lots of people like it and there's a good install video available on the Internets.
Cons: Some people don't like it - I've seen sound quality, missing cables and instructions problems mentioned (this could be because it's a US system and there are way more of them out there?). You have to import from the USA yourself so have customs fees and returns would be tricky.

Unique Auto Developments

Pros: Good reputation for this and other Aston Martin systems. This is the official Aston solution for 2012-2015 if you go to a dealer for these cars so that must say something? Local support.
Cons: If you go to a dealer they want to charge you £1900! Unique-AD.co.uk don't sell the 2012-2015 solution from their website and have a notice "This product is exclusively available through Aston Martin dealerships worldwide."
But: As Go60 Jay has found, there are some resellers which I'm pretty sure are the Unique-AD ones. This means you can then find your own, cheaper installer or install yourself.

https://incarmusic.co.uk/wireless-apple-carplay-wi...

https://shopjct600.co.uk/products/carplay-vh-platf...

One other thing worth mentioning is that Aston Installations will also fit a higher resolution screen which makes a big difference.

[LTP]

Caslad said:

One other thing worth mentioning is that Aston Installations will also fit a higher resolution screen which makes a big difference.

I had a long chat with Aston Installations at the AMHT event at Gaydon on Saturday. Unless I misunderstood them, I got the impression that:

1. Their installations are entirely reversible, with no holes in leather, cut wiring harnesses, etc
2. They do not fit a higher-resolution screen to the 12.25MY-on Garmin system - the higher resolution screen applies to the earlier Volvo nav system (although they are working on Garmin). The Garmin screen is the same resolution as the one they currently fit, but there was something I didn't quite understand about Garmin not using RGB but having black as one of the three colour drivers.

I will be off to Tewksbury soon to have their rear magnetic connector fitted to my 15MY V8V as I was seriously impressed, especially compared with all the fiddling with the cigar-lighter-type socket in the boot cubby I currently do. I will be trying to resist an Alcantara steering wheel while I'm there

By all means correct me if I'm factually wrong about the Aston Installations stuff

[AMV8Stuart]

I had the AI install with HD screen on my 2006 V8V. Completely reversable, the only hole is in the replacement trinket holder that they print but they also give you the original holder back anyway.

Also had them upgrade the AM2 to AMI3 in my 2016 N430 which is just some wiring and a replacement unit in the boot/trunk.

Both installs are completely worth it and AI are brilliant. I did succumb to adding an alcantara steering wheel whilst I was there. Temptation overcame futile resistance!

[Minglar]

LTP said:

Caslad said:

One other thing worth mentioning is that Aston Installations will also fit a higher resolution screen which makes a big difference.

I had a long chat with Aston Installations at the AMHT event at Gaydon on Saturday. Unless I misunderstood them, I got the impression that:

1. Their installations are entirely reversible, with no holes in leather, cut wiring harnesses, etc
2. They do not fit a higher-resolution screen to the 12.25MY-on Garmin system - the higher resolution screen applies to the earlier Volvo nav system (although they are working on Garmin). The Garmin screen is the same resolution as the one they currently fit, but there was something I didn't quite understand about Garmin not using RGB but having black as one of the three colour drivers.

I will be off to Tewksbury soon to have their rear magnetic connector fitted to my 15MY V8V as I was seriously impressed, especially compared with all the fiddling with the cigar-lighter-type socket in the boot cubby I currently do. I will be trying to resist an Alcantara steering wheel while I'm there

By all means correct me if I'm factually wrong about the Aston Installations stuff

Sounds spot on to me LTP.

AI fitted CarPlay to my 2012 V12V last year and I was told the screen upgrade wasn’t really necessary as my car has the Garmin one. I do agree with you though. If AI eventually produce another upgrade I think I’ll get it fitted as the Garmin screen is still fairly low res compared to Mrs Minglars new SUV (not an AM) I find the main problem with these older screens is the viewable area, and sometimes a very small part of the display can get cropped off. There is a lot of information to cram in to a small area. I don’t think replacing the screen is a big job for AI. Possibly a drive down there and wait. They are splendid people to deal with and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them. They have great contacts for other types of work too, not just infotainment upgrades. BRM.

[Go60 Jay]

Minglar said:

Sounds spot on to me LTP.

AI fitted CarPlay to my 2012 V12V last year and I was told the screen upgrade wasn’t really necessary as my car has the Garmin one. I do agree with you though. If AI eventually produce another upgrade I think I’ll get it fitted as the Garmin screen is still fairly low res compared to Mrs Minglars new SUV (not an AM) I find the main problem with these older screens is the viewable area, and sometimes a very small part of the display can get cropped off. There is a lot of information to cram in to a small area. I don’t think replacing the screen is a big job for AI. Possibly a drive down there and wait. They are splendid people to deal with and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them. They have great contacts for other types of work too, not just infotainment upgrades. BRM.

I have to say, I’ve dealt with Aston Installations too. They are fantastic. I just don’t want the joystick.
Anything else, I would go to them for.

[Go60 Jay]

LTP,

When I visited AI earlier this year, I swapped my alcantara steering wheel from my Vantage S, for a standard leather one. Maybe they’ll do a good exchange for you 🤭😉

[Minglar]

Go60 Jay said:

Minglar said:

Sounds spot on to me LTP.

AI fitted CarPlay to my 2012 V12V last year and I was told the screen upgrade wasn’t really necessary as my car has the Garmin one. I do agree with you though. If AI eventually produce another upgrade I think I’ll get it fitted as the Garmin screen is still fairly low res compared to Mrs Minglars new SUV (not an AM) I find the main problem with these older screens is the viewable area, and sometimes a very small part of the display can get cropped off. There is a lot of information to cram in to a small area. I don’t think replacing the screen is a big job for AI. Possibly a drive down there and wait. They are splendid people to deal with and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them. They have great contacts for other types of work too, not just infotainment upgrades. BRM.

I have to say, I’ve dealt with Aston Installations too. They are fantastic. I just don’t want the joystick.
Anything else, I would go to them for.

The controls/joystick (well it’s a rotary knob really) used to be fitted just ahead of the armrest, on show behind the gear lever. Nowadays they create a replacement ashtray and everything ie controls/joystick and toggle switch between AM OEM and AI CarPlay, goes in there out of sight. I was given my original ashtray back should I ever wish to revert it back to OEM. They certainly know what they are doing with the electrical system in these cars and indeed the later ones too. The whole install is very neat and I suspect anyone who isn’t familiar with these cars would never even know it is a retro fit. When my car was in they arranged refurbishment of the wheels, fitted new tyres, new TPMS sensors, a geometry check, and a rear view camera too. I was and still am very pleased with everything. There are probably cheaper options available but the standard of their work is first class and the whole process was incredibly smooth. No complaints from me at all. BRM.

[Caslad]

Re the screen upgrade, apologies for not being clearer & those above who pointed out this is only relevant for the older cars are quite correct.

[Go60 Jay]

All,

Just a big thanks for your replies 🙃

Cheers,
John

[LTP]

Go60 Jay said:

LTP,

When I visited AI earlier this year, I swapped my alcantara steering wheel from my Vantage S, for a standard leather one. Maybe they’ll do a good exchange for you ????

That's odd, in that the traffic is usually in the opposite direction. It is a bit of a thread derail, but can I ask why you wanted leather over Alcantara?

[Go60 Jay]

LTP said:

That's odd, in that the traffic is usually in the opposite direction. It is a bit of a thread derail, but can I ask why you wanted leather over Alcantara?

Hi,

I prefer the look and feel of the leather steering wheel. To me the leather steering wheel matched the interior perfectly. This is a personal thing so please, no one take offence, but I think the alcantara looks out of place in such a classy car. To me it compares to a jap import, with a Momo steering wheel.

But like I said, it’s my taste, and no criticism of anyone else.

John

[AMVSVNick]

Minglar said:

Sounds spot on to me LTP.

AI fitted CarPlay to my 2012 V12V last year and I was told the screen upgrade wasn’t really necessary as my car has the Garmin one. I do agree with you though. If AI eventually produce another upgrade I think I’ll get it fitted as the Garmin screen is still fairly low res compared to Mrs Minglars new SUV (not an AM) I find the main problem with these older screens is the viewable area, and sometimes a very small part of the display can get cropped off. There is a lot of information to cram in to a small area. I don’t think replacing the screen is a big job for AI. Possibly a drive down there and wait. They are splendid people to deal with and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them. They have great contacts for other types of work too, not just infotainment upgrades. BRM.

They are the best and incredibly lovely people too.