Aftermarket Carplay

[bootleg.rs5]

Looking to get an aftermarket carplay to get a half functional Bluetooth system on my 2008. (Yes I have Tune2Air and it works maybe a third of the times I turn my car on).

Is there any specific maker of a good carplay for this car that I should look for? Where can I buy one. Would likely install myself to save money

[-=zipp=-]

Yes, I installed my Carplay/Android Auto box few weeks ago. I can say it is almost perfect. Cheap and highly functional. I haven't tried Carplay as I use Android, but according to reviews, it works well. Installation is 20mins max, it is plug and play system. Seller is highly cooperative and provides quick support. I had some issues with cropped clock etc. and he provided firmware update the next day that fixed that.
I highly recommend this unit.

Alixpress

IMG_20210113_124630.jpg

IMG_20210113_124652.jpg

IMG_20201228_112004.jpg

[estomax]

woah that's neat, does that replace the MMI functionality or can you switch between the two? does it add any trouble codes to vagcom? also looks like this only works with MMI3G (facelift) c6 a6?

thanks
Marko

[-=zipp=-]

It doesn't replace it. You can quickly switch between standard MMI and this. To select this press and hold Nav or Media button for 2s. To switch back to MMI, press any button - Nav/Media/Tel...
I haven't checked for trouble codes, but I haven't had any issues.
There are number of versions of this box, suitable for most Audi models and MMIs. If you're unsure, just write to the seller, he will tell you which one.

Advantage of this unit is that it uses car's canbus and optics and microphone, so the sound quality, call quality etc. is not touched. It also works with OEM reversing camera, it switches to it and back nicely.
Also, you can connect 3rd party front and rear camera, there is also HDMI port

[aleung2]

Really interested in this. Is yours the upgraded large screen MMI with the cursor on top of the knob? If so I'm yet to see this on the standard specification smaller (and lower resolution) screen MMI that I have though.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[-=zipp=-]

Yes, MMI 3G High, with hard-drive etc. But they do versions for 3G Low and 2G

[aleung2]

I want to see how it looks on a lower resolution screen and see if it's easy to read everything. Can't find a picture of anyone with my system who has done it. The alternative is to get the android one that replaces the screen altogether.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[bootleg.rs5]

Yes, I installed my Carplay/Android Auto box few weeks ago. I can say it is almost perfect. Cheap and highly functional. I haven't tried Carplay as I use Android, but according to reviews, it works well. Installation is 20mins max, it is plug and play system. Seller is highly cooperative and provides quick support. I had some issues with cropped clock etc. and he provided firmware update the next day that fixed that.
I highly recommend this unit.

Alixpress

IMG_20210113_124630.jpg

IMG_20210113_124652.jpg

IMG_20201228_112004.jpg

Does it have a good functional Bluetooth? Because my tune2air through the AMI is mediocre

[-=zipp=-]

What BT do you have in mind? For handsfree? You can choose if you want to use car's BT or this box's BT. Box is OK, but voice quality is better over car's oem BT, so I use this.
Note the Android Auto (and most probably Apple Carplay too) use Wi-Fi for communication

[bootleg.rs5]

My car's bluetooth doesnt work for music. Typically I connect to both the car "Audi UHV" and "Tune2Air" at the same time. The car takes calls, and the tune2air plays music through the AMI port.

Im asking how this aftermarket system plays music? Is it an aux? My car doesn't have a built in aux port anywhere. Is it Bluetooth? If so, does it also require something plugged into the AMI?

[luketc1]

the kit you buy should come with an AMI / 3.5mm adapter compatible with your model year. carplay/android box will output line-level audio via 3.5mm into the AMI adapter

[aleung2]

What happens if you don't have an ami box? The description says you could enable aux instead but i don't have a physical aux input

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[-=zipp=-]

luketc1 - not true

Wi-Fi is used for the connection, the music from Spotify etc. is transmitted via Wi-Fi. As for the handsfree, you can decide yourself if you want to use car BT or Carlink BT.

As for the 3.5 jack:
- if you don't have AMI, then simply activate Aux option in green menu and select Aux as the Source in the car. The sound is being transmitted over car original wires
- if you have AMI, just use the provided ami to jack cable, and plug it into AMI. You don't plug anything else in that cable, it is there to create Aux in the car menu only

[aleung2]

I see, so you only need to have aux enabled but doesn't need a physical aux jack input? That makes life much easier as I can enable green menu and then activate from there. I wasn't sure before whether it actually needed a aux input or whether just activating it alone was enough.

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[-=zipp=-]

Yes, exactly

[luketc1]

sorry bout that, I'm only familiar with the MMI 3g and newer generations. look forward to seeing pics/vids of some units installed on this thread. I'm debating whether to invest the $$ into a carplay box or speaker/subwoofer upgrades

[-=zipp=-]

No worries, my car has MMI 3G High, with higher res display, joystick and HDD.
Do you really feel the need to upgrade your speakers? I may have BOSE, but I'm familiar with my friend's A6 without BOSE and it sounds very very good, almost like BOSE. I'd go for the carplay box as it adds a lot of new features to the car

[luketc1]

I've been underwhelmed by the stereo since I bought it - 2011 MMI 3g high non-bose. My 2003 Acura MDX (also non-bose) sounded better and got louder stock. In the audi my biggest complaints are max volume and lack of bass. Best sound quality comes from Tune2Air or CD changer as sources. Potential remedies:
- Focal/Hertz 3" components to replace mid/tweeter in front. Would probably leave front stock door "subs" as is. Any 6.5" components in rear doors... Probably ~$500-800 total
- Simple LOC from one of the doors or glovebox for powered sub/amp in trunk... could get this done for $300-400 total
- Both of the above+dedicated 5 channel amp and MOST output... $1500-$2000

...yikes... should probably just go with the carplay box for $200

[ceedubbya]

I just ordered this, should be arriving later this month and I will report back on how everything works once it is installed!

[estomax]

what year car do you have ceedubbya?

[aleung2]

Yes please report back. I'm debating whether to get a car play box or get the whole new replacement 10.25inch android screen instead. That is about double the price though

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[ceedubbya]

what year car do you have ceedubbya?

2010, with the 3g hd mmi

[-=zipp=-]

aleung2 do you really consider the 10" screen? IDK how about you, but for me, it looks ugly, cheap and it doesn't fit the car, it covers part of the fuel meter, MMI functionality is questionable and the system as a whole is cheesy

[aleung2]

aleung2 do you really consider the 10" screen? IDK how about you, but for me, it looks ugly, cheap and it doesn't fit the car, it covers part of the fuel meter, MMI functionality is questionable and the system as a whole is cheesy

Undecided yet but it is the one the doesn't cover the gauges. It does cover the buttons around it but they're moved underneath the screen instead.

The only reason is because I have mmi 3g basic and the resolution is not as good and smaller than your 3g high screen. If I had 3g high I'd be happy to use the existing screen.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[-=zipp=-]

OK, understood, the resolution is a valid argument.
If you go for this Android HU, keep us informed how was the installation and how is the usability.

[aleung2]

Yes will do. I've found a car audio place near me who can fit it for £100 though so I'll get them to do it but I'll ask them how it was compared to something like a carplay box.

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[ceedubbya]

My carplay kit came finally and I got it installed today. Its works flawlessly! Definently worth it. While the installation instructions were a little lacking, the install isn’t too bad and the system integrated well with the native mmi system. Here are the steps for the install in case anyone else wants to do it:

1: remove the glovebox. Suprisingly easy, pop the side trim piece off, unscrew the five screws hold the glovebox in place. Three inside the glovebox and two on the bottom.

2: plug all of the respective mmi interface plugs into the carplay box, the instructions are helpful for this. You don’t have to remove the mmi unit so no need for trim removal keys since you can get to the plugs from the backside of the glovebox.

3: this is where it gets tricky, you need to plug the power cord into the climate control unit but to get the unit out on facelift cars you need to remove the airvents above it to get to the clips holding it in place. I was actually able to get the vents off using a small screw driver to pull the clip tabs inside the air vent and a credit card to wedge the vents out one side at a time.

4: once all of the cords are installed make sure you test the sytem before reinstalling everything. Reinstall is much easier since everything just snaps back in place. I left the included usb input near the fuses in the side panel in case i ever need to update the carplay system.

Pics of the install and results:IMG_7361.jpg
IMG_7362.jpg
IMG_7363.jpg
IMG_7364.jpg


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[estomax]

that looks great, wish the non facelift route was that easy and OEM looking!

[aleung2]

Looks great. I'm so jealous of the high res screen you have. I've ordered the complete new android screen which should arrive in about a week or so but I'm getting a car audio shop to install it.

If it was just the carplay box I'd probably give it go myself to be fair.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[gocarplay]

it is not hard to get a carplay on an old car now days ,new editons just need to retrofit a dongle,supports air play mirror link and voice command.www.gocarplay.com

[gocarplay]

u got android screen for audi?did u ever try to use the miu drive AI box

[aleung2]

No, never seen those before. Besides I wanted to upgrade my low res screen anyway

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[-=zipp=-]

ceedubbya: I'm glad you like it, I love mine as well :-) One of the best and easiest mods I did to my car! BTW: I think you don't need to remove the airvents, just pull the climatronic should be enough

aleung2: I'm very interested how will you like the android tablet in the car, I hope you will post a review after you get it installed. How it interoperates with car MMI system, car buttons (steering wheel, central console) etc.

[aleung2]

-=zipp=- I certainly will indeed!

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[ceedubbya]

ceedubbya: I'm glad you like it, I love mine as well :-) One of the best and easiest mods I did to my car! BTW: I think you don't need to remove the airvents, just pull the climatronic should be enough

aleung2: I'm very interested how will you like the android tablet in the car, I hope you will post a review after you get it installed. How it interoperates with car MMI system, car buttons (steering wheel, central console) etc.

I tried just pulling it, but it was way too wedged in there, had to get at the clips with a screwdriver after removing the vents. Was tuggin on it for a good long time before I just decided to remove the vents. I suppose its car to car on how tight your clips are.


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[DC Dawg]

Does this one work with a 2G MMI ( i have a 2009)

[alex--monteiro]

^ did we get a reply on this?


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[aleung2]

There certainly is one that works with 2g yes

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[alex--monteiro]

My carplay kit came finally and I got it installed today. Its works flawlessly! Definently worth it. While the installation instructions were a little lacking, the install isn’t too bad and the system integrated well with the native mmi system. Here are the steps for the install in case anyone else wants to do it:

1: remove the glovebox. Suprisingly easy, pop the side trim piece off, unscrew the five screws hold the glovebox in place. Three inside the glovebox and two on the bottom.

2: plug all of the respective mmi interface plugs into the carplay box, the instructions are helpful for this. You don’t have to remove the mmi unit so no need for trim removal keys since you can get to the plugs from the backside of the glovebox.

3: this is where it gets tricky, you need to plug the power cord into the climate control unit but to get the unit out on facelift cars you need to remove the airvents above it to get to the clips holding it in place. I was actually able to get the vents off using a small screw driver to pull the clip tabs inside the air vent and a credit card to wedge the vents out one side at a time.

4: once all of the cords are installed make sure you test the sytem before reinstalling everything. Reinstall is much easier since everything just snaps back in place. I left the included usb input near the fuses in the side panel in case i ever need to update the carplay system.

Pics of the install and results:IMG_7361.jpg
IMG_7362.jpg
IMG_7363.jpg
IMG_7364.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

This looks great! Could you post the link for the product itself?


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[-=zipp=-]

The link is here already, I posted it