When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
2013 R56 hatch turbo, manual 6-speed
For those wishing to update/upgrade their R56 OEM Navigation screen to Apple Carplay, there are many options which include replacing the Info Circle with 9" Android touch-screen capability. BUT...
If you have the OEM Navigation option, your choices are limited. Nav includes the iDrive "joystick" and center console buttons, and if you choose to go with the complete R&R you'll be taking these controls forever out of the mix, as well as deleting the use of your CD (DVD?) player - which is your actual head unit in this case. Yes, I wanted a touch-screen with Carplay; no, I didn't want to forever forego the OEM iDrive system. The only compromise was adding a converter box, but this would use my existing CIC navigation screen, which isn't touch-screen. We do what we have to do.
I found an affordable Carplay converter box from Ztuzauto, and I'm very impressed with what I got for ~$200.
Installation was a breeze! I watched so many (SO many) install videos for similar versions, but it came down to very limited removal of dash pieces, and just plugging ***** in.
To gain access inside/underneath the CD player, get yourself some plastic trim removal tools, and:
1) remove a few dash trim pieces to expose four T20 screws around the center air vents; pull the entire Info Circle loose at the bottom only
2) vertical center console: large, flat side covers pop off, revealing two T20 screws on each vertical side
3) bottom of console: pull out rubber cover near AUX & USB ports; pop out plastic cover at console base, revealing T30 screw - remove it
4) pull vertical console fascia out a bit, unhook black and white plugs from the back side, plus I had a ribbon cable to disconnect; once disconnected, the console fascia can be pulled out (NOTE: while this is out/disconnected you will not have any HVAC controls, window controls, fog light switch, defroster fan...)
5) two T20 screws to pull out the CD player - pull it out
6) the converter box has instructions for which cables to dislodge from the CD player and where to plug them into the box & included harness; this is why you do NOT have to pull out the large Info Circle above the CD player
7) I added an aftermarket reverse/backup camera - now is the time to run that RCA cable from the rear hatch and check if everything is everything. I also added an aftermarket microphone (installed into the overhead console/control area)
8) stick the converter box in a safe area. My R56 has a "shelf" under the CD player where I could apply the Velcr0 to hold the converter box in place
8) button everything back up in reverse order
EDIT: I forgot to mention the cable that goes underneath the center console and plugs into the joystick. The OEM joystick cable then plugs into this cable and it goes to the kit's harness, so it stays operational. The kit comes with two optional cables, one 4-pin and one 10-pin depending on which plug you need. To change out the cable, you can barely get your arm/hand up in there without removing the entire console; just the two T20 screws in the cupholders will allow enough lift. It's tight, but I did it. As for routing the cable, it comes out the front of the console, under the left side/edge of the vertical console, up the outside of it and then inside the vertical console up near the dash where there are openings in the side structure. It's all hidden beneath the console side cover.
The kit came with a large Velcr0 pad to stick the box inside the vertical console area. The reverse cam wiring instructions were confusing because I have a manual trans. The install instructions want a "trigger" signal to go into the box so that the box will then send 12V back to the reverse camera (via the RCA cable and "convenience wire", provided by the camera manufacturer). Instead of using my reverse lights as the trigger signal, I found the reverse signal wire (from the actual transmission switch) near the FRM (footwell module) in the driver's kick panel; it's a solid light green wire in pin #19 (if that makes any sense to you). The backup camera itself is a whole 'nother install thing. I can elaborate if anyone needs pointers.
This is a nice install!
The 2013 R56 MCS with manual transmission I used to own didn't have OEM navigation, so I ended up with retrofitting aftermarket CarPlay stereo in OEM nav speedo I found on junk yard. Hooked it into AUX input of the factory stereo. I've added a backup camera as well I liked the setup. The only thing that bothered me a bit is the shape of speedo opening made some UI elements a bit hard to tap, especially the ones located in the corners. From your pictures it looks like you might have similar issue, is that true?
Also, you mentioned that you wanted to have a touch screen, so did you get one? If so, how? Was it a replacement screen that is part of the kit, or some kind of overlay that some of the kits use? Do iDrive controls still work?
This is a nice install!
The 2013 R56 MCS with manual transmission I used to own didn't have OEM navigation, so I ended up with retrofitting aftermarket CarPlay stereo in OEM nav speedo I found on junk yard. Hooked it into AUX input of the factory stereo. I've added a backup camera as well I liked the setup. The only thing that bothered me a bit is the shape of speedo opening made some UI elements a bit hard to tap, especially the ones located in the corners. From your pictures it looks like you might have similar issue, is that true?
Also, you mentioned that you wanted to have a touch screen, so did you get one? If so, how? Was it a replacement screen that is part of the kit, or some kind of overlay that some of the kits use? Do iDrive controls still work?
No touch-screen. As I said, the OEM CIC screen stays in place. The screen image for Carplay is clipped around the corners (square peg in a round hole) as you can see. Some other kits offer a setting change for RHD vehicles, which swaps the Carplay buttons to the opposite side of the screen for better viewing. I haven't yet found that setting for mine - don't think I have it, but not a big deal.
By holding down the "HOME" button on the console, the system switches back and forth between the converter box system and the OEM screen system. So yes, all of the original joystick/button controls work when choosing the OEM system.
All of the Carplay stuff comes through via Bluetooth. I can still go with the AUX port, but I read (a lot) that the AUX port provides mediocre sound.
It's nice that you have an option of switching between the two systems. Agreed clipping is not a big deal in your case. For me it was the thing to keep in mind when choosing aftermarket unit in terms of screen size since touch was the only input available in my solution. Funny enough all CarPlay UI was not an issue even with clipped corners, but some native radio controls were so small and so close to the corner it was impossible to touch. Good thing I needed to use on rare occasions only.
Regarding AUX port - I had no issues with it. Quality of sound was great. My R56 was equipped with HK sound system. Is yours too?
Has anyone had the ‘luck’ of the original radio losing some of its icons?
well, during the installation process it turned out that i couldn't enter some settings or start the original navigation.
I now have a wheel pressure icon which pops up and after pumping I cannot delete it. after dismantling the carplay and connecting the cables as in the beginning, nothing changes.
Does anyone know how to restore the correct coding?
