DIY Carplay/Android Auto Carsara Install and Setup Tips

[GTiceman]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

Geez! so may issues and bugs across 'brands' noted in these threads.
I hate re-do's and seemingly infinite troubleshooting hours.

Curious if the pricier Bimmer-Tech MMI is more reliable?
I'm inclined to pay ~$200 more for better support, less hassles. "time value of money" so-to-speak.

...comments/thoughts?

I considered it just because I am an hour from Bimmertech and could likely have them help with any issues easily. I am very happy with my decision with the Carsara. I have had no real issues. Didn't run the USB or iDrive cables. My only reinstall was trying to code but I had issues and might try again once I install the induktiv wireless charger. Plus it was $400+ more, not $200.

[FloorBeamer]

A question, just to be sure:

Audio over quadlock is also possible for cars without combox?

Thanks 🙏

[G0FNDM3]

Originally Posted by GTiceman

I considered it just because I am an hour from Bimmertech and could likely have them help with any issues easily. I am very happy with my decision with the Carsara. I have had no real issues. Didn't run the USB or iDrive cables. My only reinstall was trying to code but I had issues and might try again once I install the induktiv wireless charger. Plus it was $400+ more, not $200.

I have the MMI Prime and have been silently following this thread. So far I haven't encounter any major issues. The sound quality is pretty much spot-on to the factory CIC. This is without the coding that most are doing to receive better sound however my car is equipped with a complete Bavsound speaker set along with their amp. That may have something to do with the sound remaining good. : Anyway, one only issue I had was that I had to re-pair my iPhone which I believe is a CarPlay issue in general because I've had to do that plenty of times in my wife's 2017 X5 that came with factory CarPlay.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by FloorBeamer

A question, just to be sure:

Audio over quadlock is also possible for cars without combox?

Thanks 🙏

Yes, the Combox does not play into the equation it's just telling your car to take Aux from the back of the headunit.

Originally Posted by Atomicteal_M3

I have the MMI Prime and have been silently following this thread. So far I haven't encounter any major issues. The sound quality is pretty much spot-on to the factory CIC. This is without the coding that most are doing to receive better sound however my car is equipped with a complete Bavsound speaker set along with their amp. That may have something to do with the sound remaining good. : Anyway, one only issue I had was that I had to re-pair my iPhone which I believe is a CarPlay issue in general because I've had to do that plenty of times in my wife's 2017 X5 that came with factory CarPlay.

Good to hear, based on the other threads on F30post that show that the Bimmertech box is the same as the others, it's probably hard to make a clear distinction if your car has other upgrades. I suspect it might be entirely down to the quality/shielding of the wiring harness that Carsara uses.

[FloorBeamer]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Yes, the Combox does not play into the equation it's just telling your car to take Aux from the back of the headunit.



Good to hear, based on the other threads on F30post that show that the Bimmertech box is the same as the others, it's probably hard to make a clear distinction if your car has other upgrades. I suspect it might be entirely down to the quality/shielding of the wiring harness that Carsara uses.

Thanks again Cyberdemon!

Because of your tutorial, extensive knowledge and great tips of all the people around here, I decided to go for the Carsara! It is now a bit cheaper because of the Ali anniversary sale.
I also purchased a Veepeak for coding.

Can’t wait to get started!

Thanks again! 👍👍👍

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by FloorBeamer

Thanks again Cyberdemon!

Because of your tutorial, extensive knowledge and great tips of all the people around here, I decided to go for the Carsara! It is now a bit cheaper because of the Ali anniversary sale.
I also purchased a Veepeak for coding.

Can’t wait to get started!

Thanks again! ������

I second that sentiment so much so, took the plunge, ordered the Carsara/Cam set-up today!

Wouldn't have done it without the outstanding expertise, and patience shared by Cyberdemon...many thanks
Plan to do the Code out method for install...

[Boston4]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

I second that sentiment so much so, took the plunge, ordered the Carsara/Cam set-up today!

Wouldn't have done it without the outstanding expertise, and patience shared by Cyberdemon...many thanks
Plan to do the Code out method for install...

Visiting from the E90Post and also ordered the same thing today.

Was pretty sold on the BimmerTech option but this seems like it's worth a try - worst case, if it doesn't work right, I can get my money back through PayPal/Amex.

Still a little confused on why you would/would not have to manually connect the iDrive controller but we'll figure it out. Just need to find a day to tackle this along with the R7 and dashcam hardwire.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by Boston4

Visiting from the E90Post and also ordered the same thing today.

Was pretty sold on the BimmerTech option but this seems like it's worth a try - worst case, if it doesn't work right, I can get my money back through PayPal/Amex.

Still a little confused on why you would/would not have to manually connect the iDrive controller but we'll figure it out. Just need to find a day to tackle this along with the R7 and dashcam hardwire.

I concur on the BimmerTech inclination AND the contingency noted.
Also, hardwiring a Nextbase 622GW dashcam along with the MMI/Back-up cam...likely to be an all-weekend adventure

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Boston4

Still a little confused on why you would/would not have to manually connect the iDrive controller but we'll figure it out. Just need to find a day to tackle this along with the R7 and dashcam hardwire.

The signals come through the quadlock connector. It's important to remember this is designed as a "one box fits all" kind of solution so the iDrive harness may work on certain configurations either due to the many various options/permutations and configurations that were available with the CIC. Some have noted their iDrive cables worked fine, but it seems to be people coming from non M3 platforms that had success with it.

Since it works without I simply never bothered trying to figure out why. It didn't work in my configuration and unplugging it made life easier and one less cable to route.

[luckyse7en]

Took the plunge and ordered this today with the option D camera cyberdemon recommended. Coming from the first Joyeauto box. All the improvements with this version make this a worthy upgrade IMO.

Only thing is, I'm having a hard time finding coding software and files. Never coded before and pretty confident I can figure it out, just can't find any daten files on the net. All links posted in various forums are dead. Maybe I'll just see if a local shop can do it for me, probably be cheaper than the cost of the cable I'd have to buy....

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by luckyse7en

Only thing is, I'm having a hard time finding coding software and files. Never coded before and pretty confident I can figure it out, just can't find any daten files on the net. All links posted in various forums are dead. Maybe I'll just see if a local shop can do it for me, probably be cheaper than the cost of the cable I'd have to buy....

I would say unless your time is less valuable than money (and this is because I went the NCSExpert Route) just spend the extra few bucks to buy something like the Bimmercode or a similar app with a BT dongle.

The amount of time I spent trying to get my old Windows laptop working, watching youtube videos, figuring out why my .ini file wasn't working properly etc I could've spent drinking beers or doing something else and I saved like $50.

[Bamboo123]

So fitted my new unit in seems to be working however now i get wireless carplay random freezing and disconnect from carplay randomly i dont think its the unit and think its my iphone 8+. Anyone getting same problem with wireless carplay ? follow a F30 post seem like im not the only 1 with the problem this is strange and sad

[luckyse7en]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I would say unless your time is less valuable than money (and this is because I went the NCSExpert Route) just spend the extra few bucks to buy something like the Bimmercode or a similar app with a BT dongle.

The amount of time I spent trying to get my old Windows laptop working, watching youtube videos, figuring out why my .ini file wasn't working properly etc I could've spent drinking beers or doing something else and I saved like $50.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into the app. I wasn't sure what the latest app for coding was. I remember carly was a thing but not anymore because of them changing to a subscription model or something?

Anyway, with bimmercode I should be able to code those 3 options? Can anyone explain why the usb ports have to be disabled to make it work? I understand the aux headunit option, just not sure why usb has anything to do with it. Either way ill do all 3, just curious that's all...

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Bamboo123

So fitted my new unit in seems to be working however now i get wireless carplay random freezing and disconnect from carplay randomly i dont think its the unit and think its my iphone 8+. Anyone getting same problem with wireless carplay ? follow a F30 post seem like im not the only 1 with the problem this is strange and sad

Where have you positioned the antenna? Some people have installed the antenna too close to the box or CIC and that can cause substantial interference. I have my antenna mounted directly under the plastic under the CIC screen and it has a lot of air around it. Haven't had any connection issues.

[Bamboo123]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Where have you positioned the antenna? Some people have installed the antenna too close to the box or CIC and that can cause substantial interference. I have my antenna mounted directly under the plastic under the CIC screen and it has a lot of air around it. Haven't had any connection issues.

mounted where the bimmertech has done. hmmm didnt think it could be interference at the start as the screen freeze but music still playing then it will disconnect and connect back. Maybe i will try move the antenna driving me crazy when its working its brilliant!

[Boston4]

Quick PSA here - once you order from the Aliexpress site, they send you a message asking to clarify which car you have before they ship. My order just sat in their queue for a week because I never checked the messages.

[luckyse7en]

Originally Posted by Boston4

Quick PSA here - once you order from the Aliexpress site, they send you a message asking to clarify which car you have before they ship. My order just sat in their queue for a week because I never checked the messages.

I can confirm this happens. Luckily I guess I have notifications turned on for aliexpress. So when they sent me a message I got an email about it. But it took them like 2 days after my order to message me.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by Boston4

Quick PSA here - once you order from the Aliexpress site, they send you a message asking to clarify which car you have before they ship. My order just sat in their queue for a week because I never checked the messages.

Originally Posted by luckyse7en

I can confirm this happens. Luckily I guess I have notifications turned on for aliexpress. So when they sent me a message I got an email about it. But it took them like 2 days after my order to message me.

Interesting?!?
Placed an order jus days ago...no 'vehicle verification' requested. Order shipped, in US Customs now.

Perhaps that step depends on the 'store' purchased from...practically speaking, Aliexpress acts as a 'broker/clearinghouse'.

[tdott]

Where is the best place to buy the carsara unit? Anyone got a link?

[luckyse7en]

Originally Posted by tdott

Where is the best place to buy the carsara unit? Anyone got a link?

Used the link cyberdemon posted in the original post.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000...287d4c4dTJXCK5

[Bungers]

I don't suppose anyone has looked into side loading an OBD app like torque? Would be sweet to be able to have hidden vital data on a big screen?

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Bungers

I don't suppose anyone has looked into side loading an OBD app like torque? Would be sweet to be able to have hidden vital data on a big screen?

For Carplay, no. Audio, maps, and messaging are the main "Frameworks" that Apple allows people to build apps for. (Reason you haven't seen any Carplay games, video players, etc).

Android auto is more limited, I believe someone had Torque working but only on an older and no longer available version of the OS.

I think the only way you could get this done would be to do screen mirroring, and I think that would require a BT dongle if screen mirroring is running over Wifi. You may get weird connection problems but you could certainly try it as a science experiment.