Android Auto retrofit

AppleBananaGigachadRatZoo said:
As you might know, our cars don't support Android Auto. Does anyone know whether this product (https://www.android-car-dvd.com/products/ew-bmcp-nbt01a?variant=36626800115875) would work for the SE? It looks like it should, but I've learned not to assume that something works for the electric just because it works on other Minis.
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Andream lists both MINI and BMW i3 as compatible vehicles, so I suspect it will work in an SE. Have you discussed SE compatibility with Andream on their chat line?

I was so happy to find the Bimmercode hack that activates the disabled AM radio tuner in the i3 also works in the SE. That similarity increases my confidence that the SE will be compatible with this device. I don't think BMW created a special head-unit for the SE; they just programmed out the AM radio available in other MINIs.
 
Teddydogno1 said:
I bought this for my Carplay-only vehicles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1V21BBK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

It converts wired Apple Carplay to wireless Android Auto. I have not tried it in the MINI yet as I don't drive it a lot (wife's commuter), but it works fine in my Toyota RAV4 that only has Carplay.

Rob
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There's a note in the product listing that it's not compatible with BMW and Teslas, and so presumably it also wouldn't work in the MINI.
 
Teddydogno1 said:
I bought this for my Carplay-only vehicles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1V21BBK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

It converts wired Apple Carplay to wireless Android Auto. I have not tried it in the MINI yet as I don't drive it a lot (wife's commuter), but it works fine in my Toyota RAV4 that only has Carplay.

Rob
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After seeing this I ended up buying one. It looks like it requires 'wired' CarPlay which my 2023 SE does not have. I will be sending it back. The price was definitely right, and I was really hoping that it would work out!
 
I don't use AA but that's kind of ingenious. if it's really as simple to set up as they claim, and works as smoothly as wireless CarPlay, that is a really cool option. My brother-in-law is only slightly miffed that my sister's Niro EV only offers wired CarPlay, and when I got her one of those dongles to use for wireless, he was even more miffed that it didn't simply help him connect his Galaxy.
 
Brawndo said:
Nice find, I just ordered. About $230. I'll update when I get it. I've been running an old iphone with a data only sim that always lives in the glovebox for the last few years instead.
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Thanks for testing this out. I have t pulled the trigger yet.
 
Update: received from a US address. Took about 10 minutes and a few tries to set up. Works as intended. Only negative so far is that it takes a full minute to boot up and connect to my phone. Small price to pay. I'll update if anything changes after living with it for a bit.PXL_20250905_215413643.MP~2.webp
 
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Thanks for this!

Already installed. Mounted right rear interior access panel, in front of the tail light, and below the 12V outlet. Used a recessed USB cigarette lighter adapter for power.

Also installed an OBD Link as a full time interface for ABRP on Android Auto. I'm now receiving real time battery info displayed on the infotainment, freeing up the instrument cluster to display other info. But more importantly, this AA interface gave me access to a capable route planner with real time data displayed on the infotainment.

All of this wasn't exactly cheap, but considering Mini Connected services runs $100 annually, this will pay for itself in a few years while unlocking new capabilities.
 
Yup no complaints now that I've lived with it. I have mine still unmounted in front of the cupholders, plugged into the cigarette lighter (usb adapter there).

I've noticed that port seems to power up upon opening the door, which means that ~1min boot up time once I get seated, buckled, and in gear is closer to 30 seconds from motion.

I was able to change cell plans to a cheaper non-2nd-SIM plan which means the unit will be "paid for" in less than a year.
 
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