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      01-13-2019, 02:32 PM   #1
markdmor
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Avin 8.8" Andriod v7.1 Multimedia Navigation System Reivew

Good afternoon. Kind of a newbie here. Just got an Avin 8.8" Andriod v7.1 Multimedia Navigation System for the wife's 2010 BMW 528i E60. Thought I would post a review. Hopefully, this is in the correct spot.

Here is what I got from Avin…

8.8" Andriod v7.1 Multimedia Navigation System with anti-glare screen protectors:
https://avinusa.com/8-8-bmw-5-series...on-system.html
https://avinusa.com/8-8-anti-glare-t...6-e67-e68.html
Right after I purchased this, the v8.1 came out. I could not get a solid answer from Avin as to what are the advantages (start up time, etc.) of the v8.1 versus the v7.1 besides the obvious of running on a 6 core CPU vs. a 4 core. I stayed with the v7.1 figuring it had been out for a while and would be more stable/bug free. I wish that were the case. Please read on...

Dashcam Front Recording DVR Camera:
https://avinusa.com/bmw-dashcam-fron...l-dvr6035.html

Trunk Release Backup Camera with 2.4GHz wireless transmitter/receiver:
https://avinusa.com/bmw-trunk-releas...mw-thcam1.html
https://avinusa.com/24ghz-wireless-b...ansmitter.html
Figured it was worth getting the wireless instead of running a video cable from the trunk to the screen.

Apple CarPlay USB adapter:
https://avinusa.com/apple-carplay-an...b-adapter.html
The wife has everything on her iPhone. Apple CarPlay was one of the main reasons on got this unit. So far, its been a disappointment. Please read on...

OBDII Wifi module:
https://avinusa.com/torque-compatible-wifi-obd2.html

TPMS Monitoring System with internal sensors:
https://avinusa.com/tpms-tire-pressu...ystem-usb.html

iDrive Controller Upgrade Cover (arrows):
https://avinusa.com/bmw-idrive-contr...ade-cover.html


And now for the review...

8.8" Andriod v7.1 Multimedia Navigation System with anti-glare screen protectors:
- Bug... bluetooth would not recognize the internal microphone in the screen. I can hear the caller, but they can not hear me. I had to get an external microphone.
- Bluetooth does automatically connect to her phone and download contacts. Also, the button on the steering wheel can be used to answer calls and Siri can be used to make calls.
- When her phone is a hotspot, the unit does connect to it and can be used to surf the web, get software updates, and mirror her phone screen.
- Bug... when I set the clock to 12 hour time, it seems to revert to 24 hour time after a few seconds.
- The exiting iDrive integrates pretty well with the new screen. There is also a way to get back to the old menu.
- It is hard to tell if my screen has the latest software since Avin support has been non-existent for the last few weeks. More on that later.

Dashcam Front Recording DVR Camera:
- The dashcam records video and audio to the microSD card inserted into the side of the unit.
- Bug... the camera does not communicate with the ADAS software on the screen which would be used to set the recording loops, etc.
- I have verified that I have the latest ADAS software

Trunk Release Backup Camera with 2.4GHz wireless transmitter/receiver:
- Pretty much works as advertised. Put the car in reverse and the video comes up along with a picture of the car on the side with the front and rear sensors
- After the car is put into drive from reverse, takes a few seconds for the main screen to come back up, but not a big issue. That delay can be over ridden by pressing the menu button on the iDrive

Apple CarPlay USB adapter:
- To use Apple CarPlay, you need to connect the box USB dongle.
- Bug... Apple CarPlay does not recognize the external mic. I can hear the callers, but they can not hear me. Need to use Bluetooth.
- Bug... Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth seem to step on each other. When I go to play music playing CarPlay, you hear one second of music then it stops. Turning Bluetooth on and off seems to resolve this issue. I did notice in my other car that has factory Apple CarPlay, when you connect your iPhone, the system automatically disconnects it from Bluetooth, probably to avoid the two systems stepping on each other.
- Siri seem to work
- Bug... while the iDrive integrates with the screen, it seems to work only until the last click, then you have to use the touchscreen
- I have verified that I am using the latest CarPlay and box software

OBDII Wifi module:
- Pretty much works as advertised... attach the unit to the ODBII port, connect the wifi to it, and bring the software up on the screen
- When you insert the module, it is difficult to get out. I attached one of those cell phone rings to the back of the unit.

TPMS Monitoring System with internal sensors:
- Pretty much works as advertised... insert the new sensors into the tires, connect the USB dongle, bring up the software, and it displays pressure and temperature information
- Bug... the factory BMW TPMS system does not recognize the new sensors and displays a warning message on the dash
- I verified that I am running the latest TPMS software

iDrive Controller Upgrade Cover (arrows):
- works as advertised and easy to install

Summary and Avin Support:
- Aside from the 12 hour clock issue, it is hard to believe that Avin would release a unit with the obvious issues mentioned above. These problems should have been could with initial testing... completely unacceptable.
- Avin phone support does not exist. Their phone number always goes to voice mail. Not sure why they even bother having a number.
- Prior to the holidays, Avin was available for chat support on their website and have been quick to respond to e-mails. For the past few weeks, chat support has not been available and Avin has not answered my e-mails... completely unacceptable.


If you have any questions for me to help you or have any ideas to help me with the issues above, please do not hesitate to ask or respond.

Thank you for your time!!!
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      01-14-2019, 12:14 AM   #2
markdmor
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Avin 8.8" Andriod v7.1 Multimedia Navigation System Reivew - Update

Quick update. Avin e-mailed me a firmware update for the front dash camera. The screen now sees the front dash cam.


Still working on all the other issues...
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      06-14-2019, 12:33 PM   #3
kelvint63
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GPS antenna with 2 head units.

Hi! Is there any issue hooking up the 2 units to the factory GPS antenna?
I've the GPS antenna requires voltage (that's provided from the head units) and that you can't have both units providing voltage at the same time because it might damage the antenna.
Does BMW power the antenna separately; or is a DC Blocker needed for one of the head units?

Thanks

Kelvin
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      06-30-2019, 06:01 PM   #4
werdn
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Thanks for the review, is there a bluetooth audio connection for this?
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      03-25-2022, 03:40 PM   #5
vkirichenko
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What about the sound quality when listening musing via bluetooth? Does it worth it?
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