5.0 out of 5 stars CarPlay retrofit for my Mini Cooper 2016 F55

G.L. · 13 July 2020

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } The media could not be loaded. I am seriously impressed with this piece of kit! I purchased a second hand 2016 Mini Cooper F55, which came with the 6.5 inch non touchscreen visual boost radio. However I was so used to using CarPlay in my previous car that I really wanted a retrofit option for my Mini. Having researched online, I saw technicians were able to install for around £600! This was well out of my budget, I then came across this self installation solution for a fraction of the price.Having watched some installation videos online, I wasn’t phased by the work required and it looked fairly straight forward, even for someone with no previous car electrical knowledge like myself. With the help of the provided instruction booklet and the online videos referenced in the booklet I was able to complete the installation successfully in around an hour. I even made my own step by step installation video to help others out.The system worked flawlessly, when running the CarPlay feature it was identical to factory built version I had used in my previous car. No lagging or distortion, it operates very smoothly. Now I have access to Waze, WhatsApp and all my other favourite apps. I am able to navigate using the existing dials, just like I would operate the screen normally.With this system you are also able to access features factory built CarPlay systems cannot offer, such as the ability to mirror your screen via airplay (if your an iPhone user like myself) which is pretty nifty- you could watch a movie whilst parked up for example. All the audio works through the existing car speakers too.But there are also capabilities for Android users (Android Auto), although I couldn’t test this out as I only own an iPhone. However I have no doubt it would work just as well as the CarPlay integration.This system also allows for rear and front parking cameras to be installed and the kit provides all the necessary cables to do so.Overall I have been extremely impressed with the capabilities of this system, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone considering upgrading their existing interface for a more advanced smartphone integrated version.

1.0 out of 5 stars No success for me with this.

P.J. · 10 September 2020

I had really high hopes for this gadget and was very excited about getting it. As other reviews state, it is fairly easy to install and once installed it looks great. Navigating with Google Maps is impressive, along with text read out/send etc. Plus Bolo Prime for music etc. Thats the good part and it works fine on my house driveway.......Unfortunately. On the road, in towns or in more rural areas, the unit fails. With lots of signal drop out, screen freezing and occasionally turning off completely. I tried my best to overcome these issues by changing my phones network provider to the best performing network, tried a BMW Fakra antenna splitter to use the cars antenna and contacted 'Road Tops' technical support for the firmware password, for a possible SW update (?) but no joy either.So. I returned this item because there is too much temptation to mess about trying to get it to work, whilst driving.A bad idea, unless you want to lose your licence. So. My experience was 'looks fantastic' but doesn't work.Here is the install spec: BMW 4 Series Convertible, NBT4 System, Apple iphone X, EE Network.Hope you have better luck.

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice bit of kit!

A.J.S. · 22 January 2022

Was fairly easy to install and work pretty well. Phone fails to connect sometimes but is usually fixed with a reset using a long press of the back button on the centre console. Had it lock up a few times as well but again with a reset it sorts it out.

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely buy this if it fits

H.b. · 17 June 2021

HOT TIP - Once you have fitted this, programme button 8 on your stereo as the AUX shortcut for your bmw iDrive system. After fitting the item, when you press and hold down button 8, you’ll be set to go to CarPlay.Delivery - arrived a day earlier than anticipated, VERY well packaged and a smart looking box.Communication - received an email to say I should contact them with any issues whilst fitting, and they’d resolve them. Great communication.Fitting - there’s a few videos on YouTube, and I’d recommend the American one where a different brand module is fitted to an F30 (3 series). PAY ATTENTION TO HOW TO MOBE THE OPTICAL CABLE IN THE QUADLOCK. Overall, 5/5 for ease of wiring this module up. 3/5 to BMW for their too tight trim! Ran the aux and lightning cable into the armrest but the trim is tight! I did not need to fit anything for the microphone to work. EASE OF FITTING WITH THE WIRING LOOMS IS 5/5.Ease of use - works with the iDrive SEAMLESSLY. I can use voice control for siri (I didn’t have voice control before fitting this item). I’m using wired CarPlay and I don’t think I’ll use wireless. I’ll give another update after a few weeks of use.Brought a 10 year old car into the 21st century!!!

3.0 out of 5 stars Inconsistent

k.h. · 19 November 2023

This is a great device install took a few hours on my car, when installed it was perfect for a 2 weeks then the screen just went black, since then it’s temperamental, some times it problematic maps not working, freezing, no sounds, disconnects phones but sometimes it’s perfect so I give it a 3 starI have a bmw 3 series gt

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little unit

M.D. · 5 December 2022

Fitted this to my 2014 bmw x3 msport. Works a treat, hiding all the cabling behind the dash was a little tricky but once done it all went back together fine. The interface works perfectly and I now have wired and wireless CarPlay working in the car. Highly recommend.

Tutto Perfetto BMW F30 NBT 2013

F. · 16 October 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } L’installazione con un pò di dimestichezza si riesce.. non lo avevo mai fatto prima ed ho seguito alcuni video su YouTube. Per quanto riguarda la mia avevo NBT con sistema HK quindi il blocco stereo grosso.. se avete questo dovete smontare il portaoggetti.. non è possibile incastrarlo dietro o a lato.. è gia abbastanza in pressione aggiungendo il blocco cavi centrale.. lo smontaggio portaoggetti è abbastanza semplice il più è ricordarsi le viti dove vanno ( circa una decina) l’unico cavo da staccare per me è stato l’accendi sigari.. il cavo airbag rimane collegato appoggiandolo in terra..Per quanto riguardo invece il sistema di montaggio vero e proprio bisogna avere pazienza nel staccare i cavi specialmente il quadrato grosso, lo schermo e quello della plancia centrale.. considerate che io ho due pale al posto delle mani quindi se ci sono riuscito io ci può riuscire chiunque senza fare danni. L’importante è fare piano smuovendoli destra e sinistra e alla fine vengono. Ho fatto il tutto con batteria attaccata. Sul mio NBT ( si riconosce dal menu idrive se nel menu principale quando vengono evidenziate le opzione il rettangolo è pieno e colorato) non c’è stato bisogno di attaccare il microfono ne di attaccare fisicamente l’aux.Il sistema funziona bene, può funzionare sia selezionato aux come fonte, sia selezionando Bluetooth ( opzione aggiunta in un ultimo aggiornamento che era già installato sul box, e che si seleziona tramite il menu del carplay “usa bt auto”). Gli unici difetti per ora riscontrati che sono presenti su tutti sono, Quando si ferma per fare benzina o caffè o comunque soste brevi il carplay ha qualche problemuccio al rientro, e l’altro è la voce di Siri troppo bassa. Tutte cose sicuramente che con qualche aggiornamento futuro verranno risolte.Per il resto funziona tutto alla grande, mai perso segnale, parte in automatico appena si entra in macchina, i comandi al volante si possono usare per selezionare e scorrere le voci del menu.Pienamente soddisfatto di tutto!

Great product

J.v.A. · 2 February 2024

Really easy to install and to configure. The system works almost flawlessly.Best upgrade to this vehicle, makes it feel so much more up-to-date.Only thing is the OEM Park distance screen shows when you are in reverse. (If you only have the backside of park distance indicators, you do not have the button on the center console.) This screens stays on, if you press back you simultaneously use the original system and the carplay system together.But this situation is only when you parked the vehicle and most of the time, get out of the vehicle. So not that much of an issue!

Super Produkt

D.S. · 7 January 2025

Funktioniert einwandfrei , Plug and Play.

Pas évident à installer mais génial !

p. · 12 March 2023

Sur un x1 F48 NBT 2017 , fonctionne parfaitement.Attention : c’est assez long à installer et le declipsage des garnitures fait un peu peur …-Bien penser à mettre le système BMW sur AUX ( même sans câble jack, le circuit aux est compris dans le faisceau attaché au dos de l’autoradio)- déconnecter le Bluetooth BMW.Pour le reste c’est comme si l’option était activée en usine .

Perfecto para un bmw con NBT.

M.Á.C. · 23 November 2024

Por fin tengo android auto en el coche y a un precio más que razonable (más si lo compras en una oferta).No es difícil de instalar, pero lleva un tiempo. Hay vídeos explicativos. Recomiendo comprar un juego de "palancas" de plástico que facilita mucho el desmontaje de los embellecedores. La otra cosa que hace falta es un destornillador con la punta correcta torx.Lo único que cuesta un poco de trabajo es "guardar" todos los cables detrás del modulo de la radio, un poco de paciencia y se consigue.Funciona muy bien, el móvil se conecta por wifi y por BT al módulo y a partir de ahí tienes android auto con todas las funciones. Cuando arrancas automáticamente salta, si no lo hace porque ha fallado la conexión, pulsando el botón "menú" 3sg pasa del sistema normal del coche a este.La única "pega" que le pongo es que funciona a través de la entrada auxiliar del coche, con lo que no puedes poner la radio cuando lo estás viendo, pero instalas un programa de radio en el móvil y lo tienes solucionado.Por último, instalé también una cámara (comprada aparte) de aparcamiento y totalmente compatible entre este módulo y el coche. Al poner la marcha atrás se ve la cámara y al poner la "d" vuelve, siguiendo funcionando los detectores de proximidad y puedes configurarlo para que la señal de los detectores se vea en una esquina de la cámara.Consejo: lleva una salida USB, yo dejé un cable conectado y sacando la punta por el salpicadero justo delante del huecos de los "vasos", que es donde suelo dejar el móvil y me sirve de punto de carga.