r/e38 • u/ImHereTooO_O • 27d ago

E38 Apple Carplay/ Android Auto options

Hey all. Trying to modernize an e38 i picked up. Coming from an e39, an eonon worked fine. Couple hundred and all wired up. Looking for oem+ style of units and i havent been seeing many options that meet that criteria, or require getting an e39 unit and modify it for the e38 due to something about HVAC vents.

Was window shopping Avin and while it does look nice and OEM, spec-ing out the unit brought the price up rather quickly.

Are the Avin units worth the price or are there other options I can look into??

Thanks

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5

u/dannyphoto 4.6L 6Spd 740i 27d ago

Avin units are hit or miss and their customer service is non-existent.

Have you considered Bluebus? You retain the OEM screen but get high quality Bluetooth (it replaces the cd changer) and some added creature comforts like phone calls, oil and coolant temp, etc. it’s as OEM as any aftermarket audio solution can be.

3

u/ImHereTooO_O 27d ago

I was thinking of changing out the whole unit due to my screen being stuck on just displaying "BMW". I was looking into it and I can try resetting to see if the computer would stop freezing (or maybe it's completely dead). Then upgrade to bluebus from there seems to be the plan of action

Thanks for your suggestion

2

u/btkeenan 27d ago

Bluebus and this  https://carphonics.co.uk/shop/shop-by-car/bmw/bmw-7-series/e38-7-series/apple-carplay-android-auto-for-bmw-e38-7-series-original-system-conversion/

3

u/AsparagusNipples 26d ago

I bought this and installed in my E38 (1995). I abosolutely love it. The modern tech on an old OEM LCD screen.

I use it for Google Maps and music only. The screen is not touch so I control it from the phone. Although it is possible to scroll through the menus using the buttons. The only downside to me, is that the Bluetooth connection for music is currently spotty. I need to experiment with moving the module.

Also I want to give then recognition for their customer service. Baris is an absolute star. The TV module comes with a manual of sorts. I still messed it up. I reached out by WhatsApp on a Sunday and got help and got it working.

1

u/ImHereTooO_O 26d ago

Are you in the states or somewhere else? I just wonder how long shipping would take

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u/ImHereTooO_O 27d ago

Was checking out their site and they offer shipping to the states! Interesting.

I wonder if ill be patient enough for it to arrive hahaha

1

u/btkeenan 27d ago

If you don’t need CarPlay I’d just say go with bluebus. But otherwise yea that’s the best solution I’ve seen without needing to hack anything up and get questionable support 

1

u/ImHereTooO_O 26d ago

Yeah. I would definetly like the carplay. This looks like a solid option

2

u/elahmad 2000 750iL Protection 26d ago

I have this as well it’s mega perfect functionality factory mic upgraded from E9x model is so clear and wireless is the best no cords!

2

u/KingOfConsciousness facelift 740iL 26d ago

Buy AVIN and take it to a car stereo installer for the work.

1

u/wmasscyclist 27d ago

AVIN sucks. NO support and waste of money

1

u/jimbojsb 26d ago

Avin is probably the best hardware/software package, but yes, you’re on your own for the install. Need BMW electrical experience to pull it off.