MHD Display on iDrive screen

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
Z4 specific photos below

This solution uses an HDMI Android Mini PC and a BMW specific HDMI video display device that integrates with the iDrive controller, Canbus and CIC video display.
This is what I used:
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I power the Android Mini from the Video device with a USB power adapter cable:
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These worked perfectly with the exception that the CIC display connector plug was a different style than what we have on the Z4. I was unable to locate the AMP/Tyco plug so I just made an adapter myself.
I plan to try out some touch screen overlays to see if I can operate the Android apps with just my finger on the screen instead of the RF mouse I am using now.
I have a bunch of pics of taking the dash apart:
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vprdk0oxf-V5DfMbETc5ut70QXTrdFHVwax0YWPIZY-FGP3_5_oDLe6jWfWQQ?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none.jpg

Nxxq6xu57_M7XqeLN0BOvI5sWzIA5DAG9r3xArHTPIhYL_ryPZr4XotLUPigA?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none.jpg

kB4eOdMX65rEqYSVZd4gfUWxNkhQ0p0tuWjc7NOrrvOWSKnMuf1t5EzCFpF5Q?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none.jpg

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UbFXMn9dfzHbYnRDXUPzsl83m8Uou2Umrap0nIqOKf0z0P1HnUj2XzTSc0S2A?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none.jpg

LwVDSHnXpso7qRtwLcwBMGEfdh2nlOKDbuad_ZJHW4q8me_StQEjytVPaAETg?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none.jpg

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Last edited:

JuniorB

Sergeant
May 9, 2017
343
112
0
Rhode Island
Ride
07 e60
So all this hardware integrates into the existing wiring, and is the android mini loaded with apps? Looks interesting!
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
Yep. The android works like any android based tablet. Just has no screen.

I think if I add in an external GPS receiver I can get googlG maps on my idrive if I pair to my phone for data.
 

JuniorB

Sergeant
May 9, 2017
343
112
0
Rhode Island
Ride
07 e60
Hows it all working, is this used with your phone using a hotspot? The center speaker looks like you have logic 7, I'm installing Logic 7 , HD and Sirius, would these be capable without me adding the oem hardware if I was to use the mini pc?
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
The mini pairs to my phone for internet access. after that, you can use the andriod device for anything you normally would use it for. If you intend to use audio, that would have to be sorted out.
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
It has been flawless since I put it in.

Auto starts correctly every time, mhd auto starts and goes to the gauge display.

I still want to pick out a camera. It will have to be the license plate light style.

I camera for the front for parking curbs would be handy.
 

Rob09msport

Major
Oct 28, 2017
1,929
664
0
Monroe CT
Ride
09 335i msport le mans 18 x5
Could you post linksfor where you sourced these idon't want get burned by shady seller I have amazing ability to not pick cheapest priceand still get defective crap
 

Cristy7610

Lurker
Nov 7, 2016
15
2
0
Romania
This is very intersteing!! Just to be sure that I understand corectly here...I have e92 2009 with CIC I-drive and to have this option with MHD, I have to buy these adapters??Sound to good to be truth
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
Can this be simply powered off to access the idrive functions?

No need to power off. You are simply switching between video inputs like on your television. Want to watch the iDrive screen? Press the menu button for 2 seconds. Want to watch the MHD screen? Press the menu button for 2 seconds.
 

Cristy7610

Lurker
Nov 7, 2016
15
2
0
Romania
So, you connect your phone via Bluetooth with this mini android pc and install any android app?Also, for my case(e92 335i 2009 with CIC) do I need to modify something or is just plug&play?
I am very close to buy that AVIN android nav just to get my MHD, but this option is the best one, that why I ask you these details...
Thank you again for your previous reply
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
So, you connect your phone via Bluetooth with this mini android pc and install any android app?Also, for my case(e92 335i 2009 with CIC) do I need to modify something or is just plug&play?
I am very close to buy that AVIN android nav just to get my MHD, but this option is the best one, that why I ask you these details...
Thank you again for your previous reply

Ask away - I will help if i can.

The Android mini is a complete "PC" as you would expect to find in any android tablet - it just has no screen. So it has it's own wifi and bluetooth so there is no need to connect it with your phone unless it is just as a wi-fi access point.

Once you get an Internet connection, you go to the google play store and install whatever Android apps you like.

Best not to assume something like this is plug-and-play. I had to make my own adapter for one of the plugs.
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
1,066
0
Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
Sorry - no source list. I have a bench full of electronics, plugs, etc and I made what I need on the spot.

In my case, the plug that didn't match was the plug to the display screen.
 
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Koolsilver

New Member
Feb 19, 2019
5
3
0
Ride
335i
I did pretty much this exact same thing almost two years ago and love it. I use an “Android Box” instead of the stick just because at the time I could find a better specd one for cheaper. I don’t own an Android phone so I do all my MHD flashing using my setup. One thing to mention I didn’t filly read through the OP but depending how you supply power to your Android device it may either be active when the car is on. If active when only when the car is on this has the downfall of boot time every time the car turns off as well when flashing you have to turn the car on and off which can interrupt the flash. You could then choose to plug it into a circuit that is always on or at least on until the car sleeps. The downfall of this is it kills the battery luckily our car will disable nonessential devices to save the battery usually but I’m sure it’s not great for battery life overall. I personally am looking at using the always on circuit but implementing a device that will cut the circuit when voltage drops to a certain point so that I can have power remain active for a bit after turning the car off.

OP let us know if you find a good touchscreen solution I’ve thought about implementing this but never got around to it.
 
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