Installed a 10.25" Android Auto 7.1 system in place of the stock 8.8" CIC system. Retains all factory functionality (backup camera, GPS, etc.). I was going to do a long-winded write up on the install process, but figured I'll just share the pics and any questions, feel free to ask.
Install was pretty straightforward, no splicing of wires- everything is plug and play. Plugs into the factory harness and I picked up a splitter to use the stock GPS antenna.
I've added a CarPlay adapter, and installed a 2-port USB plug where the factory phone cradle was.
Still working out some of the bugs, but overall pretty happy with the system. There's a big thread on the F30 forum that I've been following that's been a great help:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1500481
I purchased my system from Ugode, with shipping it was $445 in total. CarPlay adapter was $70 from Amazon (there are cheaper ones on AliExpress but I wanted it sooner). The GPS splitter was $7 from AliExpress, and the USB plug was ~$10 on Ebay.
Here's what you receive- the screen, dash kit to fit the factory opening, GPS antenna (which I didn't use as I split the signal from my factory one), and all of the necessary cables to hook everything up
Dash trim removal- top climate control and lower AS/S, traction control, exo pro, etc. trim pieces pop right off with a trim removal tool
Radio trim removal was a bit trickier, as the guides that the AS/S trim panel sit on make it difficult to get these bottom clips out- best way is to remove or loosen up the center console, but I wasn't in the mood to do that so I beat the crap out of this trim piece until it finally came out (which I don't recommend doing)
All trim removed- next up was radio removal, which is held in by four screws. Again, much easier to get out with center console out of the way so those guides on either side aren't blocking the radio's bottom flanges
Next up is removing the front AC vents and surrounding trim- pretty easy to do with a trim removal tool, just pops right out. Unplug the harness for the hazards and lock switch and it's out of your way. This needs to be done to get to the two screws holding the factory screen in place.
I'm skipping ahead to the finished install as I didn't really document beyond pulling the panels and trims- but the install is pretty straightforward- again, no splicing of cables or anything. Just harnesses and plugs.
Here's the screen installed.
The Android system lets you select from several display configurations, I personally like NBT EVO ID5.
Some pics showing the CarPlay capabilities.
Here's a shot of the Android apps section w/ Play Store.
I used the old location of the phone cradle to house my USB ports. I initially wanted to install this in place of the stock cigarette lighter, but after realizing I'd have to pull apart the center console to do so, decided to find another place to house this. Also had a few vinyl decals printed up to indicate which port was for CarPlay (or Android Auto for those with Android phones) and which was for standard USB (thumb drive, external HDD, etc.).
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the system. It has a few bugs I'm still working out, but it provides with some pretty cool functionality that the factory system doesn't. The CarPlay integration is pretty good, I use Spotify via my iPhone for the vast majority of the time, and I'm pleased with how it works here. iDrive controls work with everything on the Android side except for clicking select on CarPlay, but I believe that's more of an app limitation than system. Holding the 'menu' button on the iDrive controller for three seconds allows you to switch back and forth between factory BMW system and Android Auto. Stock backup camera works fine and switches back to previous screen once you move forward.
Any questions, feel free to ask!