ninetom Wireless CarPlay Retrofit Kit Decoder Instruction Manual

1. Producte acabatview

The ninetom Wireless CarPlay Retrofit Kit Decoder integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities into your compatible BMW vehicle's existing NBT/ID4 infotainment system. This system allows for seamless use of smartphone features such as navigation, music, calls, and messages directly on your car's display, utilizing original vehicle controls.

The kit is designed for non-destructive installation, preserving all original vehicle functions and interior aesthetics. It supports both wireless CarPlay and wired Android Auto, along with mirror link capabilities and integration with existing or aftermarket camera systems.

Image 1.1: ninetom Wireless CarPlay Retrofit Kit Decoder and integrated display in a BMW interior.

2. Compatibilitat

This Wireless CarPlay Retrofit Kit Decoder is compatible with specific BMW models and years equipped with the NBT/ID4 infotainment system. It is no compatible with CIC or EVO systems.

Compatible BMW Models and Years (NBT System):

• BMW 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 Series: F01, F02, F3, F06, F07, F10, F11, F12, F13, F15, F16, F18, F20, F21, F22, F25, F26, F30, F32, F33, F34, F36, F48, F80, F85, F86 (2012-2016)
• BMW X1, X3, X4, X5, X6 Series (2013-2016)

To confirm your car's system, please refer to the images below. If you are unsure, consult a professional or contact customer support with pictures of your car's infotainment system.

Image 2.1: Compatibility chart for BMW models and years with NBT system.

Image 2.2: Visual guide for identifying BMW CIC, NBT, and EVO systems.

3. Què hi ha a la caixa

The ninetom Wireless CarPlay Retrofit Kit Decoder package includes the following components:

• Caixa descodificadora
• Cable d'alimentació
• Cable LVDS
• Cable RCA
• Antena WIFI

Image 3.1: All components included in the decoder package.

4. Instal·lació

The installation process is designed to be non-destructive, utilizing original car wiring and connections. No cutting or breaking of wires is required. It is recommended to watch the provided installation video before beginning.

4.1 Procés de desmuntatge

The following video demonstrates the initial steps of disassembling the car's dashboard components to access the head unit. This typically involves carefully prying off trim pieces and unscrewing the main head unit.

Key Disassembly Steps:

1. Carefully use a plastic pry tool to remove the trim surrounding the air vents and infotainment screen.
2. Unscrew and remove the air vent assembly.
3. Unscrew and gently pull out the climate control panel. Disconnect its wiring harness.
4. Unscrew and carefully slide out the main head unit (CD player/radio unit). Disconnect all existing wiring harnesses from the rear of the head unit.

Nota important: When installing the new MMI unit, it is often easier to place it behind the dash screen rather than attempting to fit it behind the original head unit, as there is typically more space available there. Ensure all fiber optic cables are transferred correctly if present in your original setup.

5. Configuració i connexió

After physical installation, connect your smartphone to the retrofit kit for wireless CarPlay or wired Android Auto functionality.

5.1 Connexió CarPlay sense fil

To establish a wireless CarPlay connection, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your iPhone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled.
2. On your iPhone, go to Bluetooth settings and search for available devices.
3. Select the device named "AutoKit_XXXX" (where XXXX is a unique identifier) and pair with it. Confirm the pairing code if prompted.
4. Once paired via Bluetooth, your iPhone will prompt you to use CarPlay with "AutoKit". Select "Use CarPlay".
5. The CarPlay interface should now appear on your car's screen.

5.2 Connexió automàtica d'Android per cable

For Android Auto, connect your Android smartphone to the kit's USB port using a high-quality USB cable. Ensure the Android Auto app is installed on your phone.

Image 5.2: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces.

6. Instruccions de funcionament

The retrofit kit allows you to control CarPlay and Android Auto using your vehicle's original controls, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands.

6.1 Funcions bàsiques

• Navegació: Use Apple Maps, Google Maps, or other compatible navigation apps for turn-by-turn directions.
• Música i mitjans de comunicació: Reprodueix música de la biblioteca o dels serveis de reproducció en temps real del teu telèfon.
• Trucades telefòniques: Fes i rep trucades amb mans lliures.
• Missatges: Send and receive messages using voice commands.
• Control de veu: Activate Siri (for CarPlay) or Google Assistant (for Android Auto) for voice-activated commands. Nota: When using Siri, it is recommended to turn off the car's Bluetooth to avoid conflicts.

Imatge 6.1: Ex.amples of CarPlay functions: Siri voice control, navigation, music playback, and reverse camera view.

6.2 Mètodes de control

The system supports control via:

• Botons del volant: Use existing steering wheel controls for audio, calls, and voice commands.
• Controlador iDrive: Navigate menus and select options using the original iDrive knob.
• Voice Operation: Utilize Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free control.

Image 6.2: Various control methods for the CarPlay/Android Auto system.

6.3 Funció d'enllaç de mirall

The kit supports screen mirroring (AirPlay for iPhone, AutoLink for Android) to display your phone's screen content directly on the car's display. This allows for viewing videos, photos, and other applications not natively supported by CarPlay/Android Auto.

6.4 Reproducció multimèdia USB

Connect a USB flash drive to the kit's USB port to play music and videos directly through the system.

Image 6.3: Mirror Link and USB media playback features.

6.5 Integració de la càmera

The system supports integration with:

• Original reversing camera and parking radar.
• Aftermarket reversing cameras.
• Front camera DVR (CVBS input).

When the vehicle is in reverse, the camera view will automatically display on the screen.

Image 6.4: CarPlay main interface with various application icons.

7. Solució De Problemes

Aquesta secció aborda problemes comuns i ofereix solucions.

7.1 Problemes de connectivitat

• El CarPlay/Android Auto sense fil no es connecta:
  - Ensure your phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.
  - Verify that the correct "AutoKit_XXXX" device is paired in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
  - Try restarting both your phone and the car's infotainment system.
  - Disconnect your phone from the BMW factory Bluetooth to prevent conflicts.
• Intermittent Bluetooth disconnection during calls:
  - This can sometimes be resolved by restarting the system or ensuring no other Bluetooth devices are interfering.

7.2 Display and Audio Problems

• No display or incorrect display:
  - Double-check all cable connections, especially the LVDS cable, to ensure they are securely seated.
  - Confirm that your vehicle's infotainment system is set to the correct input source for the retrofit kit.
• Loss of original car functions (e.g., Head-Up Display, trip info):
  - This often indicates that a fiber optic cable was not correctly transferred or reconnected during installation. Carefully review the installation steps and ensure all original connections are restored.
• Mala qualitat d'àudio:
  - Ensure the audio output settings on your phone and the car's system are correctly configured.

7.3 Problemes generals

• System slow to boot up:
  - This can occasionally occur. Ensure your phone's operating system and the kit's firmware (if applicable) are up to date.
• Difficulty with physical installation:
  - If you are not confident with the installation process, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified auto repair shop.

8. Especificacions

9. Garantia i Suport

The ninetom Wireless CarPlay Retrofit Kit Decoder comes with a garantia gratuïta d'un any.

For installation assistance, troubleshooting, or any other inquiries, please contact customer support. You may also receive a link to an installation video after purchase. If professional installation is preferred, consult a qualified auto repair shop.