I apologize if this has been covered already, I did search but I'm new here so I'm still getting used to the terminology. I'm looking at buying my first Mini as soon as next week but have a couple stumbling blocks that I'm trying to get past. One is the lack of AA connectivity. Searching around here and Google I see there are interface modules that add Car Play and Android Auto to some models but I'm just not informed enough on the nuances of Mini models/infotainment systems to determine if the model I'm looking at is covered. The vehicle I'm interested in is the 2022 2-door Cooper SE in Signature trim. Will I be able to retrofit this car with Android Auto using one of the aftermarket solutions (if not now, in the future)? Any any vendors/brands more preferable than others? I'm very handy with electronics and cars but I'm trying not to hack this one up more than I need to. Thanks in advance!

 

Hi, no you will not be able to retrofit AA into your MINI.
You can buy aftermarket boxes that intercept the signal if you want to rip apart your dash in your brand-new car.
Honestly it's disgraceful that MINI don't offer AA.
Further, any 3rd party app integration, like Spotify or Deezer, seems to have been removed this year at some stage. The new MINI App also does not currently support this kind of connection....
So all you will get is a 'no frills' Bluetooth connection to your brand new expensive MINI. Quite **** to be frank.
You have been warned.... MINI does not play nice with Android users.

 

Thanks for the reply! I'm generally fine with ripping apart the dash in my brand-new car as long as it accomplished my goals and the result is not super janky and buggy. For now I'll see if I can live with it. Ended up ordering a Signature Plus SE so there is Nav and Sat radio (for a year).

 

Any update on your AA project? Did you installed a 3th part hardware?

 

No progress on this yet. I do miss AA from my previous car a lot so it's still on my radar but I havent really figured out what hardware I need. I'm also holding out hope there will be an update that enables it. Seems unlikely.

 

I found this:

MINI Cooper Android Auto

The original Android Auto is included as an option only in MGU head units, and since MINI Cooper is yet to be equipped with iDrive 7.0, for now you won’t find this feature on any car from the MINI range. Luckily, thanks to the MINI Cooper Android Auto retrofit for 2011+ vehicles, dedicated Android users don’t have to wait for the upcoming manufacturing decisions or save up for a new iPhone. Getting your hands on the Android Auto retrofit means you’ll get to enjoy your favourite phone apps like Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, WhatsApp or Messenger, and control them all with Google Assistant voice commands. No better way to stay focused on the road!
Click: https://www.bimmer-tech.net/category...o-mmi-retrofit
Compatible with:
Mini: Clubman F54, F55, F56, Convertible F57, Countryman F60, Paceman R60, Paceman R61

I haven't yet received my VIN number for my new order. So I can't call and ask if it will work. It is much more expensive than the parts from Aliexpress, ($649 vs $250) but I trust Bimmer-tech. They have a good reputation.
Maybe you can ask with your VIN if you are still interested.

 

I think I may have found a possible new solution. Actually there are a couple. I've been looking at the Ottocast Wireless Carplay/Android Auto Adapter. It's basically a dongle that plugs into wired Carplay systems and converts it to wireless Android Auto. Seems pretty straight forward and doesn't involve modifying the car.


Prior to that I had been looking at a category of devices called Carplay AI Box which seems to essentially be Android phone type hardware in a box that connects to Carplay. They run a full Android UI and also connect to Carplay and AA wirelessly. I don't need the Android UI so I'd prefer to go with the Ottocast.

I plan to order the Ottocast this weekend to try it out. I do have some concerns about compatibility as they say on the site "Suit for a car with wired CarPlay built-in 2016-2021(Except BMW cars)" but I'm going to see what happens.

I'll update here with my findings.

 

Subscribed... Android here, looking forward to what you learn. And whether the HU requires CarPlay for this to function.
Edit: watching linked video above, looks like CarPlay is required on the HU to sync with the dongle.

 

I'm still waiting for it to arrive. It may be here (NH) this week or not, I really have no idea:


I will post my impressions and test it out when it does arrive.

 

UPDATE #1: Ottocast U2-X arrived today. No workie in the Mini SE. When plugged in I see some sort of orange ring flash then it never connects to Carplay. I reached out to support and have a couple other ideas to try out. Functions fine in my F250 and wife's Ford Edge so the device works. It would be great to get it working in the SE but I knew it was a risk.

 

I found this item from JoyeAuto.com, a Chinese supplier.
https://www.joyeauto.com/mmb-android...apple-carplay/

This device is supposed to plug into your USB port in the arm rest and provide a wireless connection to an android or ios device, connecting to the Apple CarPlay app on the NBT-EVO HU. I contacted them, traded a couple of emails. They could not state it would work with MINI NBT-EVO and when I asked if I could be their test, buy it, and return for full refund if it didn't work out they never responded. Since this is designed for BMW implementations, I thing its worth a try. Note they were also keenly interested whether the CarPlay was a factory option. Mine was not original factory.

 

Ciao Apex, ti è arrivato il box cinese?! Funziona?! Io ho il tuo stesso problema su un Cooper S Cabrio appena ritirata....

 

Has anyone had any luck with this one? mine is a 2023 Cooper SE
I'm in love with that car but having such a recent car with Android Auto is really dumb. I have seen expensive retrofit options but Spending $700 for a basic electronic device that you have to take your dashboard apart to DIY install is past my dedication to android. But also considering how the car is pushing me towards the dark side..it's just as playful as the 500e except doesn't go out of breath after 40-50 so I quickly end up doing 60-70 in a 35 before I even realize. having Waze at my fingertip sounds like a good investment.

 

We have this: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...1954la02-01~a/ But we sold out currently. Worth a shot.

All options: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...men-parts.html