Aftermarket android auto/carplay in an f10 bmw

jumbone

I have a 2014 520d with 6.5 inch CIC screen

Decoding the vin gives me these options:

I want to upgrade to a big screen and android auto (+ carplay for partners phone). Also wish to add a reverse camera.

Ideally want to retain stock system if no phone in the car and for all the other idrive stuff (service history etc).

Seems there are 3 options:

• upgrade to big bmw screen, add an 'MMI box' (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385998492370)
• go for an android screen (e.g. https://icodebmw.co.uk/shop/android-screen-with-apple-carplay-android-auto/bmw-5-series-f10-f11-f07-rhd/android-navigation-unit-for-bmw-5-series-f07-f10-f11-rhd/)
• go for a linux screen (https://thecockpituk.com/products/bmw-5-series-f10-f11-linux-screen-upgrade-cic-nbt-10-inch)

Can anyone talk me through pros and cons of each? e.g.

• do android/linux give you a **** interface when not using carplay/aa
• is a touchscreen useful in an f10 with the screen, if you have one do you use it or do you find you stick with idrive
• i can add a second sim to my mobile plan if android is the way to go (to save my battery from hotspotting) or do people just use android auto?
• Can any of the options give me new car related features e.g. diagnostics/gauges that are better than torque on a phone? i.e. can they get info over canbus etc?
• steering wheel controls - do they all support them?

drunkmonkey

Go to a pro with this before you spend any money there's coding involved.

jumbone

I think the only coding required would be if I upgraded to a bigger oem screen, the aftermarket ones (and mmi boxes) don't need coding

I've got bimmercode and an e-sys cable anyways.

Kind of hoping to DIY as I've spent too much on this car already

Harcrid

I have been running the below in an F10 for about 3/4 years now.

https://www.andream-eu.com/product/1010/

Its not the same as the Android options as it only adds Car Play / Android Auto functionality so there is no opportunity to install apps from Google Play store as there is on the Android units buts I did not need that. It works well for me with spotify and google maps which is all i wanted. I also added a backup camera which works well with this. The car will use the stock BMW interface until you touch the screen which will then launch Car Play. You can switch back and forth between stock screen as you wish.

Some notes: I rarely use the touchscreen and use I-Drive controls mostly. Steering wheel controls dont really interface with it outside of volume. I still use the stock BMW phone system for calls. I had to run a cable from the back of the headunit to the AUX socket in the armrest to get the audio to work. Wireless CarPlay has been very stable and I never habe to go wired. Its a chinese unit so random odd behaviour can occur, but for me its been rare. No coding was required.