CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 Hi all My 2012 5 series f10 needs Apple CarPlay installed, however after doing some research, I'm not sure whether I should leave the stock head unit and get the kit installed, or if I should switch to an android head unit from Xtrons. The head unit's drawback is that I will no longer have the factory-installed microphone and will instead use the head unit mic. I get to retain the microphone if I choose the first option. Does anybody have suggestions for the best choice? The head unit will run you £424 plus £140 for installation. The alternative choice is £700 for installation. Thank you for your time, everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennycarlotta Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 Do you mean a replacement screen when you mention "xtrons head unit"? You shouldn't mess with the idrive unit, which is the car's head unit. The new screens I installed did not come with a microphone, but instead made use of the one that came with my BMW. Share your research by posting the URLs for the two options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Author Share Posted June 17, 2023 Specifically, displays. https://xtrons.co.uk/bmw-5-series-android-12-qualcomm-octa-core-4gb-ram-64gb-rom-qsb12fvci?awc=36028_1686983242_9fdb4c8ca7d0ef2aa85ca4fc326fe479 Road Top Wireless Carplay Android Auto for BMW 1 3 5 6 7 Series X1 X3 X5 X6 2008-2012 Year with CIC System, Mirrorlink Support, Navigation, YouTube, Camera Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennycarlotta Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 I have previously utilised this company for replacement screens; I dare assume xtrons has the same setup; however, the Bavarian screens did not require an aftermarket microphone. Also installed a Droid UK one, which performed identically. Without a doubt, all suppliers' screens originate from the same Chinese factory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Author Share Posted June 17, 2023 Just now, jennycarlotta said: I have previously utilised this company for replacement screens; I dare assume xtrons has the same setup; however, the Bavarian screens did not require an aftermarket microphone. Also installed a Droid UK one, which performed identically. Without a doubt, all suppliers' screens originate from the same Chinese factory. I've seen these in another post. I also want to know if the xtrons ones are the most recent and how to update the programme when needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Author Share Posted June 17, 2023 I take it the microphone already installed in my BMW would work with this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Author Share Posted June 17, 2023 The question remains, should I use this new Android display or my existing display? Will I also retain the steering wheel controls? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Author Share Posted June 17, 2023 Should I simply utilise an app on my iPhone or should I consider purchasing the DAB option instead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennycarlotta Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 Yes, all in-car functions function precisely as they do now; the Android displays simply receive the same data as the original display, but also add additional functionality. If it were up to me, I would choose a DAB app over an add-on that utilises a flimsy stick-on antenna, as their signal quality is never optimal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDudette Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 I got a droid unit from droiduk and put it in. This works with the standard mic that came with the car. You can also use a 3.5mm jack to connect an extra mic, which is what I've done. I found an original BMW mic for a good price, attached a 3.5mm jack plug to it, and then put it in. Since my car is a convertible, I put the second microphone right next to the first one in the steering hood. It works well, but the mic sound on phone calls is a little low, but I can still be heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheresX Posted June 17, 2023 Author Share Posted June 17, 2023 So I purchased it from Amazon XTRONS 10.25-inch Car Stereo Android 11 Octa Core Touch GPS Navigator iDrive System With Integrated 4G LTE BMW 5 Series F10/F11 CIC DSP CarAutoPlay Android Auto Support DAB+ OBD2 DVR TPMS Camera https://amzn.eu/d/415i28L Now I'm pondering if the processor is fast enough or if I should rescind the order and go with this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDudette Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 If it were me, I'd always look for the CPU with the greatest specifications and the maximum amount of memory since, just like with a computer or a laptop, you want the gadget to work swiftly and smoothly. When I link my vehicle to my smartphone via CarPlay, I utilise the built-in radio applications on my iPhone to listen to live streaming radio. I also have a 4G SIM card in my unit, however you can't use the Wi-Fi in the unit with the data sim at the same time if you have car play going. This is because car play connects to BT via an app called z-link, which utilises the Wi-Fi mode. No one tells you this. I found this out the hard way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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