Few technologies have improved our safety and efficiency while behind the wheel like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Gone are the days of looking at paper maps from MapArt or printouts from MapQuest. Beyond navigation, we can make phone calls, send text messages and choose from a nearly unlimited list of entertainment options. Best of all, all of this can be done using voice commands so we can keep our eyes on the road ahead of us.
If you happen to own an older vehicle that has a color infotainment system screen, RDV Automotive Technology might have a solution for adding Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to your vehicle. The RDV interfaces add smartphone connectivity to your existing display, but most work with the factory stereo system controls and use the microphone already in the vehicle. In short, they are a genuinely seamless add-on.
Add-On CarPlay for BMW
We recently reached out to Steven Sanchez, the owner of SoReal Sounds in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Steven had a client contact him about adding Apple CarPlay to his 2015 BMW X5. After confirming the compatibility of the RDV Automotive Technology, he provided the client with an explanation of its functions and the project’s cost. The client was thrilled with the plan and scheduled an appointment to complete the upgrade.
On the day of the appointment, Steven’s team brought the car into their shop and got it ready for the upgrade. As you can see from the images below, their attention to detail includes protecting the center console and shifter with a blanket to ensure that no damage could happen during radio and trim removal.
Having an expert technician work on your vehicle will not only save time but can prevent damage. Knowing how to remove trim panels and components like the display and radio module eliminates the chances of shattered trim pieces, broken retaining clips and damaged wiring.
After the radio was out of the X5, the SoReal Sounds team mounted the RDV CP1-NBT module in the dash and connected the included vehicle-specific wiring to the wiring in the BMW. RDV modules include premium-grade OE-style connectors and harnesses. These features help ensure that the interface integration is seamless and doesn’t affect the reliability of the factory infotainment system. In newer vehicles that might be under an extended warranty, not having to cut any wires to complete the installation prevents hassles should something in the factory system fail. Many dealerships love to cite modified wiring as the cause of a failure and will try to deny warranty coverage.
The RDV CP1-NBT connects to the radio as well as the display. The feed to the display interrupts the signal from the factory radio to show the CarPlay or Android Auto information. This interface also includes a backup camera interface with dynamic parking line display. If your vehicle doesn’t have a backup camera, the mobile enhancement dealer can add one that displays automatically when the transmission is in reverse. It should go without saying that a backup camera is one of the best accident-prevention technologies you can add to a vehicle.
When all the connections were complete, the SoReal Sounds team connected a phone wirelessly to the interface and checked the function of all the controls and the display. They made sure the microphone worked to make calls and use voice commands. They checked that the display showed the Apple CarPlay screen correctly. Most importantly, they confirmed that all the factory infotainment system features continued to function as before their work began. Once satisfied with the functionality, they replaced the radio and display and reinstalled the trim pieces.
CarPlay and Android Auto Features
The CP1-NBT interface features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity. So even if you change phones in the future, the system will continue to function reliably. The wireless connection from the phone is automatic, so just after you start the vehicle, your iPhone or Android-based smartphone will connect automatically. You can leave it in your pocket or purse, and it will function flawlessly.
Upgrade Your BMW with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Steven tells us his client is thrilled to have Wireless CarPlay in his BMW. With the price of new vehicles at an all-time high, this upgrade was a great alternative to looking at trading it in. If you are interested in adding CarPlay and Android Auto to an older BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Rolls Royce, Toyota, Lexus, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, Subaru, Ford or many other popular platforms, check the RDV Automotive Solutions website to see if they have a solution available. If you’re in the Boston area and are interested in an interface for your vehicle, contact the team at SoReal Sounds. We know they’d be happy to help upgrade your vehicle with modern smartphone connectivity solutions from RDV Automotive Solutions.
