BMW MMI vs Android Screen Upgrade | f22 m235i | f30 328i

[@arthurfulford]

Sorry... meant to start that with nice video! Haven’t found anyone else do a comparison video of the two. Was looking prior to ordering the MMI. Keep up the good work, your videos have definitely been a added value to BMW community. 👍

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you. Gal you enjoyed it

[@aidencristiano3874]

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[@joaquincody6949]

@Aiden Cristiano Instablaster :)

[@aidencristiano3874]

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[@aidencristiano3874]

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[@CartubeCoIl]

I took the MMI route, why? even though I had the 6.5" and payed extra to retrofit 8.8" screen I preferred it over android unit for two main reasons. F series are not designed like the G series for touch screen, the screen is not in ideal distance from our hands. The second reason is AA or CP is good enough for me and don't distract me as much as android where you can install anything you want. I am really happy with the MMI unit, it has wireless connection which start to work as soon as I open the car so when I am in drive, it's all working.

[@FritzRamos]

All good points. Thanks for sharing.

[@hamzaelmahdy7886]

do you have the links to these products?

[@anthonymelhado8824]

I went the same route and awaiting my 8.8” to come in. Awful android experience. Honestly who wants to start their bmw and see android screen load and load while you’re already reversing and driving off?

[@ziedotz7183]

@@FritzRamos can I not get an android screen with mmi box because I want Apple CarPlay

[@rodmunch69]

@@anthonymelhado8824 that's what I've been wondering, but what people never seem to bring up -- what is the boot time with Android? Assuming it works off the same aux power rules as everything else, it should fully power off everything after 10-15 mins, meaning it has to do a full reboot, and these are not high end systems, so I'm assuming the boot time isn't all that great. I could be wrong, but I haven't seen that addressed. BUT, also, does MMI have the same issue or is it more instant?

[@todddooley793]

Thanks brother, this is exactly the information I was looking for

[@WhatTheFlipOfficial]

I had the android screen on my M4 and regretted not going with "THE CORRECT" MMI box with wireless android auto. If you use carplay it's a toss up and you'll enjoy the larger and higher def screen. I've since sold the car and bought another one, this time I'm going with the MMI box. The price difference is insignificant, however wireless AA is a life changer for android users. There are very few android screens that can do wireless android auto. Not the shitty android mirror link, but the true wireless android auto that is in newer cars.

[@TrendyBull]

Which MMI did you go with, and would you recommend it? Been debating same with my M4 as well

[@neonpolo]

thanks for the video, answered all of my questions regarding a new screen or the mmi box. subscribed!

[@KingDav33]

There is a third solution, upgrading the head unit to a newer iDrive version. I own a 2016 BMW F36 with iDrive 4.0 and I can upgrade to iDrive 6.0 by installing a newer original BMW head unit.

[@FritzRamos]

Thanks for sharing. Does the screen, head unit, and controller all have to be swapped over together?

[@KingDav33]

@@FritzRamosIf the screen is a 8.8 professional navigation screen, only the head unit has to be swapped and the controller swap is optional. The new head unit has to be coded for the individual car.

[@pepperronichillhouse117]

@@KingDav33 This is partially correct… if your HU is NBT EVO, then you can swap the HU and keep the rest as is - you might need signal converter for the screen and antenna. If it is NBT, you cannot simply swap HU but need extra stuffs swapped too. There is actually a fourth option if you have nbt evo and looking for only wireless carplay, which is to force update the HU with id6 and install antenna. You will lose the bmw navigation, but who cares about it when you have google map/waze/apple map.

[@nathanwalledge368]

@@pepperronichillhouse117 question with this. I have nbt evo and I don't really want an android headunit. Just retrofitted a reverse camera and with the android auto mmi I installed the reverse cam looks tacky. So I want to keep the oem retrofit reverse cam. Having that plus the mmi is alot of money. It would be simpler to buy an android headunit but they look tacky. Can I use the carplay on id6 with android auto?

[@arthurfulford]

I have the MMI in my F36 with the factory 8” screen. I also have the HK stereo so installation was tight as the head unit is larger. I placed the MMI box under the center console storage tray. I like it, especially since I got wireless CarPlay. But I’m on my second unit and will be returning it soon. Even after multiple firmware updates I have issues with the MMI randomly displaying a blank screen and/or rebooting. So I’ve ordered a fully loaded high spec Android screen. It was definitely more money, so hopefully it does the job. I like that it has some more flexibility and the bigger screen, 10.25”, is a plus. 🤞

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you for sharing, I hope it works out for you this time. Third time's the charm.

[@robless9765]

What mmi unit did U get? I have a 2015 f30 w hk and Nav and larger screen(assume 8”) in was trying to figure out I I should upgrade to the android 10” touchscreen head unit or just upgrade to mmi so I can have car play

[@arthurfulford]

@@robless9765 The brand was Carlinkit. I got it from the very popular A~Z website. I got lucky and picked it up for like $250 at the time. When it worked I liked it... maybe I got a bad one. I know the same hardware is used for different brands. So they just re-badge them, and tweak the firmware.

[@rodmunch69]

How did you install it under your center console, do the wires run that far or did you get an extra harness? I haven't seen anyone else do this -- but I have seen other people saying these thing run hot, so being in FL, that could mean stability issues if that's the case, and having it away from the other electronics would actually be a good thing.

[@salciarcia3356]

Great video Fritz. Thank you. I have an F22 with the 8.8 inch original display and it's cracked and bubbled. I want to replace it with the same one, but new ones are ridiculously priced and used ones aren't in such great shape. Do you have any advice for replacing the existing display?

[@Schnitzer325ci]

Great comparison review. Thanks. Don't agree with swapping controls on the steering wheel though, you clearly don't use cruise enough. Most people are right handed, don't forget that.

[@TheBioniXman]

Another good video, thank you.

[@FritzRamos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sleepyghost4297]

Man it’s like me and you do the same mods haha thanks for all your vids!

[@ramyemam_]

Great informative video! I just got an F20 it has the larger screen and 7 buttons iDrive controls, I used the MMI unit before on an Audi A4 and always felt that I needed the screen to be touch enabled, so for the F20 I am more leaning towards replacing the screen with a touch one that supports Apple CarPlay, my worries are the screen quality may not be as good as the factory one, any thoughts on this?

[@seansurfn2]

about to do this myself

[@FritzRamos]

Nice! Which one are you going with?

[@hbone06]

Oh wow I just noticed that BMW swapped the controls on the steering wheel. On my E46 the cruise control buttons are on the right. You are so right.

[@Mau105]

so it appears I am stuck with the older Idrive controller, but will research it

[@JarettH]

Thanks, Fritz! Useful and helpful video, as always! Did you ever look into swapping the cruise control buttons with the volume/media buttons on the wheel? I thought it was backwards since day one.

[@iulianghinea]

Regarding the buttons oh the steering wheel buttons - I use cruise control buttons 10 time more than media buttons...

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Great video, my guy.

[@gringotom242]

Thanks for these videos very informative!

[@amkkoo9184]

What mmi box did you recommend? The link no longer works.

[@AZAR44]

Great videos thanks from France 😋

[@lellisga]

First minute of the video: Why you are and Fast answer. Subscribing

[@AChang-ju6gb]

Hi Fritz, great informative video. I have a question, there are whole bunch of MMI, Andriod Screen Upgrade and CP/AP only screen units. My two questions are: 1. It seems like for most screen selection is done through the iDrive / steering scroll wheels, I think we would need the touch screen to enter things like destination address. How does one enter that with the wheel without using the phone? 2. One car play unit seems to loose the audio when switching to the BMW iDrive screen. Is this true for the MMI/Android screen you tried? Or it is specific to the reviewer’s unit? It seems like a better option for that person is to pair up the phones audio through the BMW via Bluetooth to have good audio and control via BMW. Not sure if that makes sense. Oh, did you describe what units you have in case different makers has different functional features? Thanks, great video.

[@chen3494]

I’m already have a MMI box installed with wireless CarPlay. If you take it out and put the android screen instead, does it still have wireless CarPlay by itself?

[@FritzRamos]

I believe the new ones do, but if you are happy with your current unit I wouldn't upgrade.

[@carsinourdna9388]

Great video 👍🏼

[@dwkwb8]

Link to Amazon MMI unit is broken.

[@christocilliers4820]

Surely they cant void the warranty of the entire car if you put an Android radio while stil in warranty ?

[@Mau105]

Extremely useful video, very well done. Wondering if its a simple matter to change out the BMW control wheel to the updated one?

[@FritzRamos]

Not at all. It's just a programing feature in the settings on the android side. You can program 2 commands for the voice function on the steering wheel. One for a short press and one for a long press.

[@duncare1990]

How do I programme the buttons on the steering wheel to trigger the correct apps with this Android headunit installed?

[@Mau105]

More accurately, might you know whether the newer Idrive controller is a simple plug and play. Have a '15 F22 235i with the older Idrive and smaller screen.

[@stephenlozano2816]

I’m pretty sure it’s a different pin connector on the 7 button iDrive controller. I have a 2015 M235i with the larger screen and the 7 button iDrive controller.

[@Mrshowoff76]

Not sure what to do, I have the Bigger OEM Screen on my f30 with the 7 button layout idrive system although I am not under warranty. Should go with the android screen anyways? Or should I go with an MMI Box instead?

[@FritzRamos]

Installation might be easier with the MMI, but if there is a specific feature from the screen that you want you can do either.

[@Mau105]

Both Idrive controllers are 4 Pin, there may be another part that allows NAVI, will look at BMW parts schematic.

[@FritzRamos]

I looked into it. It appears that some controllers are specific for certain years. Is you controller compatible with your year?

[@Riseup425]

I have an MMI box. I have to disconnect this box anytime I need to have my cars codes read. I’m not sure if this is just because of my Sulev warranty on my n26, but BMW says they have to use their BMW code, reader, and whatever I have plugged into the car stops it at 50%.

[@steph34]

I have the 8.8" stock screen in my BMW 2016. I don't have warranty anymore. What is the best option between MMI box and Android screen ?.. Great video by the way

[@FritzRamos]

You could go either way depending on if you want a bigger screen or if you're happy with the 8.8. That will lead your decision

[@steph34]

@@FritzRamos Thanks

[@m7b7b]

Great video. Just was wondering if i but the Android screen will there be any coding required at all anywhere during installation? If it is only a matter of installing it i find it easy to do but if there is coding involved that's where i slow down a bit

[@xaviervidal7815]

I have a2015 BMW 335i and just order the Android screen replacing the old 6.5 screen.

[@FritzRamos]

Nice! Hope you enjoy it

[@xaviervidal7815]

@@FritzRamos Just got done installing in it in my wife car she loves this unit man. Best upgrade we did to this car so far. Everything works perfect and it read all my audio from both sides Android side and bmw BT. I didn’t have to run the auxiliary jack to my aux

[@MakoRam]

Wonder if you can help me. I installed one of these in my F30 and everything works fine including CarPlay except that when I try to make or receive calls the Bluetooth defaults to “Local Host” on my iPhone and I can’t hear anyone since my BMW phone system doesn’t pick up. During the call I can switch to BMW Bluetooth but the screen system keeps fighting back and taking over the call and as I mentioned I can’t hear nor be heard on the call. It sure how can I make my BMW Bluetooth default for calls. I went into screen settings and changed Bluetooth to OEM but then CarPlay won’t work. Don’t know what else to do and can’t find the manufacturer website for support

[@305dadecounty305]

So I got the 8.8 screen but it has the de-lamination problem and now can’t see anything on the screen. No warranty. 2014 335i F30, should I go with the Android screen? Also if I have an iPhone how would I be able to go about playing KZbin videos? Or would it be better to switch to an android phone?

[@FritzRamos]

An android screen would be cheaper, unless you are committed to the OEM look. iPhone will be fine, just make sure the screen comes preloaded with an app like z link so you can wirelessly connect.

[@amitinderdeepak]

You're really informative... I watched a few 9f your videos. But I was wondering one thing. You sit really low down in the car, how do you even look out from it.

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you! It's probably the camera angle lol. The 2 series is a low and short car with a dash that isn't too high

[@christopherjz]

who sits high in a BMW?

[@tigerc325]

Does the original idrive system work the exact same way? For example, when you get your csr serviced at the dealership, will they still be able to reset the counter for “services required” under the vehicle info

[@smcarmel]

Which one for Apple Car play?

[@user-db6eq9kj4j]

Where can I find a relatively priced MMI box (with international shipment) as I am based in Cape Town South Africa

[@finnleygordon577]

Do android head units still use the iDrive controller and let you access I Drive system

[@samtaybron2606]

Help I have the basic CIC Sysyem with the 6.5 screen. Someone gave me a CIC MMI Prime box but the video cable does not fit my screen. What do I do?

[@iulianghinea]

How do you zoom in or out on waze when you do not have touch sreen?

[@JCXY]

Hi my F30 doesn’t have combox/satnav what do I need to get car play and android auto please?

[@YPllayer]

Fritz, I have a 2014 BMW 320i F30 and it's a CIC idrive with the smaller screen. I know it's odd to have this Idrive for the car year but it's a base model. I also have the 5 button controller. My question is will the Andriod head unit work with this being a CIC Idrive?

[@BayernMods]

Hi, yes it will. Fallow the link below for the right unit: bmods.co.uk/shop/bmw-androids/bmw-3-f-series/

[@Dan-ev7wi]

Same situation on a F31, 2013, 318D Did you find a touchscreen that fits?

[@hernlind]

Are there any brand thats better of Worse than others. I'm in the process of ordering in a few day

[@FritzRamos]

Bimmertech is the name brand. Avin also has good review. Personally I have used koason and have had no issues.

[@Ashhong1]

I can’t decide! I have the 8” but really want the touch, and the Android apps could be nice. Did you notice any audio quality differences between these two and OEM?

[@FritzRamos]

The audio quality is better through the oem system in my opinion, but if you don't have that feature you can customize the sound quality through the screen.

[@Ashhong1]

@@FritzRamos thanks, I went with the MMI because I didn’t want to have to deal with the whole Android OS. Hopefully it still sounds decent

[@FritzRamos]

@@Ashhong1 sure thing. Let me know how it goes

[@youngodyssey16]

Nice video ,can you use this on 328i 2013

[@nipuniilm]

when will this screen release for G20 3 series or it already has? i have a 330i g20 without navigation and this screen will be briliant.

[@spaceman1827]

Hi, I am looking at buying a 2015 m235i. I ran a VIN check to see what radio it has and it says it has the S645 US radio. What android screen do I need ? Do I also need the MMI box? Very new to BMW and I'm a bit confused

[@CarlosGuzman-bs1vi]

Can you screen mirror?

[@kdonoghue]

Will the Android unit void the whole warranty or just that related to iDrive?

[@FritzRamos]

I've gotten mixed feedback but sounds like it's just the idrive /head unit portion

[@marcodasilva9002]

Hi i have a bmw f30. Installed a android system to the car. idrive does not work with the new screen, plus i get no signal on the screen. Help would be appreciated with this. Thank you

[@FritzRamos]

No screen connection sounds like a plug is not fully engaged or you have a defective unit.

[@marcodasilva9002]

Sorry let me re-frase that. Screen does work, but not getting no radio signal, or audio from speakers. Thank you

[@FritzRamos]

@@marcodasilva9002 Try switching between your audio sources and connecting (or disconnecting) the aux and making sure you don't have the optical cable.

[@marcodasilva9002]

Hi Fritz i have tried everything to be honest. I have just sent you a video and a pic on your messenger . Thank you

[@sman4604]

I've gotten this and it's horrid. It always calls roadside assistance and recently my camera stopped working as well

[@Justsomeguy1015]

Been wanting to see a video like this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I do want to ask is there any audio differences in both the units? I know for the mmi box it uses aux cord but I’m not sure about the android. Does it retain the EQ on the original car?

[@FritzRamos]

Glad you found it helpful. Yes it maintains everything from the OEM system but you can make additional tweeks to the sound quality if you want.

[@gravl1]

Im confused. Does the Android screen have Apple carplay in it? Or do I need the MMI and buy a separate screen upgrade? I want to be able to use the stock USB for wired connection. I have the convertible, so adding a backup camera and a bigger screen is kind of important.

[@lukesalvidge118]

Doubt you'd be able to use the stock USB for wired connection without a total re wire

[@mehdi08300]

Hi my question isn’t related to this video but I think you can help me, I have a bmw f20 with the small screen , if I buy id 6 unit, screen 8.8 inch and the idrive commande will it be plug and play, I mean , I just have to change id unit and plug the new screen + the new command and it will working without coding ? Thx , and great video

[@BayernMods]

Yes, it works without the coding. As your head unit will stays, and it is just plug and play, please.

[@knulleriboy]

I have one question, does any of these solution interfere with BMW connected drive?

[@FritzRamos]

All OEM functions should be maintained

[@knulleriboy]

@@FritzRamos Okay! Do you know if coding/reading fault codes is affected?

[@janreith6523]

Thanks from Denmark

[@FritzRamos]

You're welcome! Denmark! That's awesome, hope all is well over there

[@rtyson02]

Hi. Do you think it’d be possible to install both the android screen and the MMI CarPlay box. The reason being I want the bigger screen and CarPlay but want to retain the BMW Bluetooth and factory microphone. The android screen built in CarPlay or single CarPlay requires forgoing factory mic and Bluetooth which I don’t want. So basically just using the android screen as a display only. It’s for a BMX X3 F25 2016. There is no LCD screen only option for this model so I’d had to install the 10.25 android screen.

[@BayernMods]

Hi, you can get a CarPlay with an Android screen, as Bluetooth and microphone still will work, please. However, MMI box and Android screen aren't compatible together, please.

[@Oceansky521]

Fritz do you know how to mirror phone to the android 10?

[@FritzRamos]

The screen should have a preinstalled app. I have to use a usb to connect, but i think newer models can do it wirelessly

[@Oceansky521]

@@FritzRamos I figured it out but I'm having an issue with the Bluetooth connection. Seems that I would have to have everything on the Android instead of iDrive..I switched it back since I'm happy without the carplay

[@celsdogg]

Fritz, you've convinced me to get an MMI! I am going to have my F22 long term, might as well make it work for me! Thanks for the good video comparison. One comment about the warranty: in the US it will not change coverage for anything outside the iDrive/headunit. Even if someone brought it in for something wrong with the iDrive unit, BMW would have to prove that the MMI caused the issue. It'll give the owner a headache fighting it for sure but with a little persistence they'll be fine. Anything collected in your catch can? Thanks!

[@FritzRamos]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing. No oil so far so that's good news I suppose. We'll see how it goes as the mileage goes up

[@juanleezys9966]

Hello, is there anyone here in La, that could install a retro fit for me

[@drcoolcat]

Hey Fritz. Thanks for your wonderful videos. I have recently upgraded my E70 x5 with the android 10.25 screen as well. But i have a problem with the sim card slot. Nothing seems to go inside. Does it hold a micro sim or a nano one? and which one is a sd slot and which one is sim slot. Appreciate if you reply or do a video on this issue. Thank you

[@DerMZGER]

I just upgraded as well with my E70 X5, I used the Xtrons… which one did you use for your X5. I am actually having problem with sound. I am still getting regular audio for CD but nothing from the new unit even the Bluetooth.

[@drcoolcat]

@@DerMZGER Hey there. I have installed a Chinese Android 10 version one. I managed to insert a micro sim in the device, its working but no sound. Regarding the sound, as you said I am also not able to get the sound out from the headunit, but from the original BMW unit the sound is there. I can hear the sound from the BMW mode and with bluetooth but nothing from the headhunt media. I have searched a lot but couldn't get the solution for this issue. I think its most likely some settings issue in the unit which we don't know. My bluetooth, wireless CarPlay thru Zlink is doing fine but nothing from the android headhunt. Second issue i got is the phone calls, when i get a call on my phone, i have to change its mode from local host to BMW one, otherwise I won't hear the voice of the caller. Don't know why that happens

[@seahawksareawesome3506]

I have a bmw m235i and I have a wire hanging on the bottom of my car it’s in the front of the car wondering if you can help me find where it goes

[@FritzRamos]

Can you send a picture to me on IG @vroomtuber

[@seahawksareawesome3506]

@@FritzRamos I figured out what it was it was a ambient temperature sensor

[@grocerylist]

BMW can't void your warranty because of the display/headunit. I have the larger BMW screen but didn't have a backup camera or PDC. I went with the MMI for $250 with a backup camera. Maybe they've improved since when I was looking but I'd read about too many people having problems with the android headunits. And with MMI you don't have to worry about the Android headunit not getting Android updates in the future.

[@FritzRamos]

Cool. Thanks for sharing

[@ntrinidad716]

are these MMI boxes any diff than the ones from Bimmertech?

[@xaviervidal7815]

Yes don’t buy from eBay I order one and it was bad. Can get the back up camera to work and won’t let me get back to the main screen. They suck bro

[@ZeroAnderster]

If you buy a 150€ one from Aliexpress it's exactly the same thing as Bimmertech.