Non-iDrive Upgrade Options...

st0nge · 02-10-2024, 05:10 AM

I'm looking to modernize my '11 135i a bit, my daily work truck has apple carplay, touch screen, love being able to have maps/spotify open on the screen. I had a '12 1er a few years back with iDrive and it was solid.

This 135i specifically had the BASE stereo package, so no amp, no under seat subs, and poor speakers. Upgraded with a Bimmertech Alpha One amp, and swapped in a set of HK speakers and it now sounds absolutely incredible.

I've looked into various options, swapping in dashboard for OEM iDrive unit, cutting into existing dash and installing aftermarket (android?) type iDrive unit, or replacing the existing HU with a double din unit that supports carplay, whether that's a chinese android unit or a big name brand here in the states. Most double dins I've seen swapped in look meh, but some have looked clean.

I currently play music from phone via bluetooth using a bluetooth/aux adapter under the center arm rest.

Does anyone have suggestions and what you may do in this position?

Stubbie Blue · 02-10-2024, 02:56 PM

I installed a single DIN Android headunit with Carplay and Android Auto in 2018 and it's still working great.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1510420

There are now many other single DIN headunits with floating screens on the market. The advantage of a single DIN in a 1 series is you can place the screen a little higher just under the air vents, compared to a double DIN.

02-10-2024, 05:10 AM	#1
st0nge New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Non-iDrive Upgrade Options... I'm looking to modernize my '11 135i a bit, my daily work truck has apple carplay, touch screen, love being able to have maps/spotify open on the screen. I had a '12 1er a few years back with iDrive and it was solid. This 135i specifically had the BASE stereo package, so no amp, no under seat subs, and poor speakers. Upgraded with a Bimmertech Alpha One amp, and swapped in a set of HK speakers and it now sounds absolutely incredible. I've looked into various options, swapping in dashboard for OEM iDrive unit, cutting into existing dash and installing aftermarket (android?) type iDrive unit, or replacing the existing HU with a double din unit that supports carplay, whether that's a chinese android unit or a big name brand here in the states. Most double dins I've seen swapped in look meh, but some have looked clean. I currently play music from phone via bluetooth using a bluetooth/aux adapter under the center arm rest. Does anyone have suggestions and what you may do in this position?
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02-10-2024, 02:56 PM	#2
Stubbie Blue Private First Class 145 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I installed a single DIN Android headunit with Carplay and Android Auto in 2018 and it's still working great. https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1510420 There are now many other single DIN headunits with floating screens on the market. The advantage of a single DIN in a 1 series is you can place the screen a little higher just under the air vents, compared to a double DIN.
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