[jw505]

Hi Chris,

Thanks very much for the post. I am also very interested to add Carplay to my 2014 A5. After seeing the report I immediately jumped on to it and searched a bit on chinese website and found two main suppliers of this kind of device (yes I'm a chinese). thought I just write down what I gathered here.

* the device is claimed to be non-destructive, no split of the cables required. As you showed in the pictures, it just put an extra box (called smart box) into the connection and then uses the orginal screen.
* price listed on the website is around £250 - 300 range, depending on which company to buy from.
* I required an installation guide video, as I plan to buy it and ship it to the UK then install it myself. I will see if I can upload it to youtube so you can have a reference.
* good point on the BT function. I will ask the seller if they have a model with BT.

not sure if the forum has a policy on posting item link. I'm happy to link the items I found if needed.

My questions:
1. is it difficult to open the middle control frame and install the box myself? I haven't got time to watch the full video (at work).
2. possible to add a BT adapter myself if the box doesn't take BT connection for carplay.

 

[jw505]

Thanks Grangey, all valid points.

the warranty issue may be fine. I was promised the box doesn't split the cables or tear off any sticker, i.e. I can remove it and restore the original arrangement if there's a warranty need. The continuous background running MMI is true but I dont know if it would be a problem. so far I haven't seen any issue shown on MMI but not shown on dashboard. several warnings I encounters include tyre pressure, service due and low fuel level.

I have watched the video guide it's actually a Q5 fitting video. I think I can handle it. also they will provide support during installation.

I'm still waiting the answer on BT capability.....

 

[jw505]

all right... i think having both BT and cable connection will confuse the MMI. I think carplay alone is enough for me. I have ordered a unit. Look forward to trying it!

 

[jw505]

from the online shop I bought it, it is CNY 2450, i.e. GBP 280 + shipping. It supports Carplay(full function), Android mirroring to screen, and Carlife, but all with only cable connection. I am debating if Apple Maps is sufficient for me as I am using Waze currently and really like it. None the less I'm happy to give it a try and worst case I can remove it and sell on ebay (or here?). Mine should arrive sometime next week. Look forward to it.

 

[jw505]

Hi Grangey, where did you find yours? it sounds quite cheap. I'm still waiting for my ordered one. If it's the same I would like to cancel my order and reorder yours

 

[jw505]

after long time sitting with the units (due to a new born baby ), I have finally got time to install the units in my A5 and A3 cars. they both work but A5 clearly has a smoother feel.
took bunch of videos and photos during the installation because the instruction wasn't clear. The seller explained things and helped me (in chinese) install both units.

regarding the voice control/mic. I am using Siri and it's fine so far.

Hopefully I can update my experience in a proper format so people can use it as a guide.