e9x - Head Unit - Andriod OS

Nov 14, 2016
655
262
0
North Wilkesboro
Hello,

I am looking for a good replacement Head Unit that runs on 4.1+ Android OS.

The main features I am looking for:
Bluetooth audio
Steering Wheel Controls
Clean Interface
Anything else is a plus

but, I am also looking into this so I can root the OS and force it to install the JB4 Mobile app.

Price Guidelines 250-330$

Any and All Ideas are appreciated!

Thanks,
Derek
 

335iguy

New Member
Nov 28, 2016
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Charlotte, NC, USA
I have a Nexus 7 flo (32GB, WiFi only) tablet with a Vader Clip. Ran the aux and power down through the center console. There is AutoMate Dashboard you can download, as well as tasker to automate turning tablet on and off when car starts, etc. Takes a bit of time to set up, but I've got mine with Android Marshmallow 6.0, ElementalX Kernel (for USB OTG power and ODB II). I use MHD, Google Maps (download maps offline for your area when in Wifi so you don't have to use data 24/7). I also have Music on it and a few other apps. This is what I followed to do mine: http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16933439

If you need help, feel free to message me. Here's what mine looks like minus that blue aux cord (this was before the wire tuck):
jaTQ5AAl.jpg
 

AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
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Hong Kong
Theres only a few android HU replacement that fits the E90 slot.

IIRC 2-3 variants of Android 4.x and 2 variants of Android 5.x
Don't think they can be rooted but you should be able to run MHD off it as the HU supports USB Host
 
Nov 14, 2016
655
262
0
North Wilkesboro
Theres only a few android HU replacement that fits the E90 slot.

IIRC 2-3 variants of Android 4.x and 2 variants of Android 5.x
Don't think they can be rooted but you should be able to run MHD off it as the HU supports USB Host
If there is a will, there is a way!

I am a developer and IT Support so.. I will find a way :p I just need a good 'Test' platform for the idea.

Plus, the HU would be an overall upgrade to the car since its my daily xD
 

AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
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Hong Kong
TBH from my POV I can't really think of a use for rooting the HU

However, it would be more useful to find compatible kernel sources so we can compile new kernels and slipstream drivers which will allow the possibility of upgrading and using clean roms.

One thing that's always on my mind is the compatibility of a USB DAC with one of these HUs from the kernel side. The software support is there since Android 4.x, if the kernel is compiled USB DAC drivers then the HU can be used as a CAS (Computer as Source) with clean audio output and support for different formats of audio.

I am an IT admin of sorts.... vmware...windows...linux...netapp...
 
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Nov 14, 2016
655
262
0
North Wilkesboro
TBH from my POV I can't really think of a use for rooting the HU

However, it would be more useful to find compatible kernel sources so we can compile new kernels and slipstream drivers which will allow the possibility of upgrading and using clean roms.

One thing that's always on my mind is the compatibility of a USB DAC with one of these HUs from the kernel side. The software support is there since Android 4.x, if the kernel is compiled USB DAC drivers then the HU can be used as a CAS (Computer as Source) with clean audio output and support for different formats of audio.

I am an IT admin of sorts.... vmware...windows...linux...netapp...
Rooting would just be to re-enable the play store or, re-install the JB4 application. Either way at this point I would need a test HU to play with.

The HU is probably not going to have the google playstore or, an application to directly download APK files to the HU.

This is why I say Rooting might be needed. I don't know this information for certain.
 

AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
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Hong Kong
ahh... play store...
most likely you would need to install the package through something like opentwrp

btw there are some discussions regarding Android HUs on xda developers but i dont have the time to read through it
 

AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
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Hong Kong
native android HU
something like this (rk3188) from china..
something like this (Dynavin) which is rebranded from china...

or get a bezel and fit any 2DIN HU you like... but then you will need to do the wiring as it's not plug and play

Another thing to consider... if you remove your bmw HU without relocating it, the diagnostic tests in ista-d will take longer to complete and you cant program your car with gt1/ista-p. If I remember correctly theres a VO to disable the MOST bus in the car which may solve this issue but i cant be bothered to try it out. Also, you might need to loop/bypass/terminate the CANBUS L/H signals on the radio plug to make the tests run at a normal speed. But I haven't investigated in to this further so...
 
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ATL-IS-N54

Sergeant
Nov 20, 2016
261
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ATL ga
I know Eonon makes some cheap android HUs... They are knock offs Dynavin which are like 4-600... I have an older Eonon in my e46, features are great, glare is too much for a drop top. But that's another issue... Android, reverse camera, all the USB and micro SD support you would want from one box, idk about routing tho
 
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doublespaces

Administrator
Oct 18, 2016
9,303
4,331
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AZ
Ride
2009 E93 335i
native android HU
something like this (rk3188) from china..
something like this (Dynavin) which is rebranded from china...

or get a bezel and fit any 2DIN HU you like... but then you will need to do the wiring as it's not plug and play

Another thing to consider... if you remove your bmw HU without relocating it, the diagnostic tests in ista-d will take longer to complete and you cant program your car with gt1/ista-p. If I remember correctly theres a VO to disable the MOST bus in the car which may solve this issue but i cant be bothered to try it out. Also, you might need to loop/bypass/terminate the CANBUS L/H signals on the radio plug to make the tests run at a normal speed. But I haven't investigated in to this further so...

My car actually doesn't have Logic 7. My last 335i had it and I figured most cars do, but apparently mine does not, only the HiFi, 10 speaker setup.

So in this case, I wonder what kind of effect this has on my iDrive if I replaced it? I don't think the HiFi only cars have a MOST fiber link.

I wonder if you can even do this with an iDrive car? Probably not..
 
Last edited:

rebo0t

Specialist
Mar 14, 2017
59
13
0
Ride
E90 335i
I like the Joying units, good customer service. They have a new one coming out soon with DSP amp with Intel powering it
 

AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
566
269
0
Hong Kong
time to bump this thread...i didnt fasten my meth tank properly and spilled water on my logic 7 amp...

this would be the time to do a conversion... any news on this?