It wasn’t that long ago that I found myself utterly frustrated with the outdated tech in my BMW. While the car itself was a joy to drive, the infotainment system felt stuck in the past. Trying to navigate using the built-in maps was cumbersome, and the lack of seamless smartphone integration for music, messaging, and calls was a constant annoyance. This problem needed addressing because, frankly, driving without easy access to modern navigation and communication tools isn’t just inconvenient – it can be a real safety hazard, forcing you to interact with your phone manually. Finding a reliable way to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to my NBT system became a priority.
What to Think About Before Upgrading Your Car’s System
Upgrading your car’s infotainment, especially in a premium vehicle like a BMW, is typically driven by the desire for modern connectivity, improved navigation, and access to smartphone apps on the car’s display. These systems solve the problem of outdated interfaces, lack of app support, and the danger of using your phone while driving. The ideal customer for a retrofit solution is someone who loves their current car but feels limited by its technology, particularly the lack of modern features like CarPlay or Android Auto. They likely want to use apps like Waze, Google Maps, Spotify, or make calls and send messages safely via voice command or the car’s controls. This kind of product is probably not for someone who is perfectly content with their factory system, or who requires a simple plug-and-play solution without any technical effort. Installing these systems often requires some comfort with basic car electronics and removing trim panels. Before buying, consider:
* Compatibility: Is the kit designed specifically for your car’s make, model, year, and importantly, the exact infotainment system version (like NBT, CIC, EVO for BMW)?
* Features: Does it offer wireless or wired connectivity? Does it support both CarPlay and Android Auto? Are features like mirroring, camera inputs, and voice control supported?
* Integration: How well does it integrate with your existing car controls (iDrive knob, steering wheel buttons)? Will you lose any original functionality?
* Installation: How complex is the installation? Are clear instructions provided? Is technical support available if needed?
* Audio Quality: How is the audio routed? Does it maintain the original sound quality, especially if you have a premium sound system?
Introducing the Solution: The Road Top Retrofit Kit
The Road Top Wireless Carplay Android Auto unit is essentially a decoder box designed to add modern smartphone integration to specific BMW models equipped with the NBT infotainment system from 2012 to 2016. It promises to overlay Apple CarPlay and Android Auto onto your existing factory screen while retaining the original BMW interface. When you purchase the kit, you typically receive the main decoder box and a harness of wiring designed to connect between your original head unit and the factory screen wiring.
This particular Road Top retrofit kit is explicitly for BMWs running the NBT system, covering a wide range of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Series, and X models from 2012-2016. It’s not for cars with the older CIC or newer EVO systems, although there are specific exceptions noted for some F30/F31/F34 and F32/F33/F36 models that might appear to have CIC but use the compatible 6-pin LVDS connector. This product is perfect for BMW owners within this specific range who crave modern smartphone connectivity without replacing their factory screen or head unit. It’s not for cars outside this range or those unwilling to undertake the dashboard disassembly required for installation.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and common feedback:
Pros:
* Adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory screen.
* Retains the original BMW NBT system functionality.
* Supports original iDrive knob and some steering wheel controls.
* Enables support for aftermarket reverse and front cameras.
* Much more affordable than factory upgrades or some competitor MMI boxes.
Cons:
* Installation requires removing dashboard trim and connecting wires behind the head unit.
* Audio often routes via AUX, which might require activating the car’s AUX input or using a physical cable.
* Not all original steering wheel buttons are supported by the retrofit system.
* Some users report potential for minor glitches or audio quality issues depending on the car’s specific setup (e.g., premium audio systems).
* Doesn’t display navigation in the car’s Head-Up Display (HUD) or instrument cluster.
Diving Deep: Unpacking the Features and Their Advantages
Having used this Road Top MMI box for a considerable period now, I can offer detailed insight into its key features and the real-world benefits they provide. It’s one thing to read a spec sheet, and another to live with the system daily.
Wireless and Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
This is the star of the show, without a doubt. The primary reason anyone buys this unit is to get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The ability to use these platforms on your factory screen is transformative. Wireless connectivity is incredibly convenient; you just get in the car, and your phone automatically connects, bringing up the familiar CarPlay or Android Auto interface on the main display. No fumbling for cables, no forgetting to plug in. For longer journeys or if you need to charge your phone, the wired connection via USB is equally reliable. This feature is paramount because it solves the core problem of outdated navigation and media access. You get real-time traffic updates from Waze or Google Maps, easy access to your music library or streaming apps like Spotify, the ability to make calls and send messages via voice or large on-screen buttons, all designed for minimal distraction while driving. Compared to the clunky original NBT navigation, this is a night and day difference.
iOS & Android Phone Mirrorlink
Beyond CarPlay and Android Auto, the Mirrorlink function adds another layer of utility. This allows you to simply mirror your phone’s screen directly onto the car’s display. While not as refined for driving as the dedicated CarPlay/Android Auto interfaces, it can be useful when parked or waiting. Want to show someone a photo, watch a quick video clip from your phone, or use an app that doesn’t have native CarPlay/Android Auto support? Mirrorlink makes it possible. It’s not a feature I use every single day, but it’s a nice bonus capability that factory systems often lack.
Support for Original and Aftermarket Cameras
For many older BMWs, adding a reverse camera wasn’t standard, or the quality of the factory option wasn’t great. This MMI box provides video inputs specifically for aftermarket reverse and front cameras (CVBS input). It also integrates with the factory reverse camera if your car had one. This is a significant safety benefit. Adding a clear, wide-angle reverse camera makes parking much easier and safer, especially in tight spots. Support for a front camera is also helpful for navigating tricky obstacles or driveways. The module automatically switches to the reverse camera view when you put the car in reverse, which is seamless and feels like a factory implementation. One minor drawback noted by some users is that aftermarket cameras might not always display dynamic steering lines that move with the steering wheel, which the factory system often does. However, for most, a clear static view is still a huge upgrade. It also supports integrating with 360-degree camera systems if you choose to install one.
USB Playback
The unit also includes a USB port, allowing you to play music or videos directly from a USB drive. This is a simple but effective feature. If you have a large collection of media files you prefer to keep offline, you can load them onto a USB stick and play them through the car’s system. It adds flexibility to your media options beyond streaming or relying solely on your phone. It’s a fallback that ensures you always have entertainment available.
EQ Adjustable
The product description mentions EQ adjustability. While the audio is typically routed through the car’s AUX input, which can sometimes introduce minor quality degradation compared to a direct digital connection, having an EQ setting within the MMI box software can help fine-tune the sound. This is particularly relevant for users with premium sound systems like Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen, where getting the audio just right is important. While some tweaking might be needed, the ability to adjust equalization is a positive step towards optimizing the audio output via AUX.
Seamless Integration with Original Controls and Interface
One of the biggest advantages of this Road Top MMI box is how well it integrates with the existing car. You switch between the original BMW interface and the CarPlay/Android Auto system by simply holding down the ‘Menu’ button on your iDrive controller. This means you don’t lose any of your car’s original functions or settings – climate control, vehicle info, original radio, etc., are all still accessible. Furthermore, you navigate the CarPlay or Android Auto interface using your factory iDrive knob, just as you would the original system. This feels incredibly intuitive and avoids the need for touch screen overlays that can look out of place or complicate interaction. Support for voice control (Siri or Google Assistant) via the steering wheel voice button is also maintained, allowing for hands-free operation of your smartphone features, significantly boosting safety. However, it’s worth noting, as mentioned earlier, that not *all* original steering wheel buttons control the retrofit system; primarily the voice control, Tel button, and the iDrive knob/buttons are functional within the CarPlay/Android Auto interface.
Installation Considerations
Installation is perhaps the biggest hurdle for most users. As the product description clearly states, it involves removing dashboard trim panels and connecting the decoder box wiring harness between the head unit and the screen. While the kit is designed to be plug-and-play with factory connectors (meaning no cutting or splicing of original wires is required), getting to those connectors requires some effort and basic tools. It’s not a trivial process for someone who has never worked on car interiors before. However, numerous online videos and forums, often linked in the instructions, provide step-by-step guides that make it manageable even for a novice DIYer. The satisfaction of completing the installation yourself and saving significant money on professional installation is a major plus. A common issue reported is a blank screen after installation; this is often resolved by correctly setting DIP switches on the box to match your car’s screen size and resetting the unit by holding down the back button on the iDrive controller. Routing the AUX cable (if needed) neatly can also take some time. While it requires effort, the installation is generally feasible for the mechanically inclined and well-documented by the online community.
Overall, the features provided by this Road Top retrofit kit breathe new life into the NBT system. They bring modern connectivity, enhance safety through voice control and camera support, and integrate relatively seamlessly with the car’s existing controls and display, offering a vastly improved user experience compared to the original setup alone.
Hearing From Others: Real Experiences with the Product
Having looked at feedback from other customers online, it’s clear my positive experience isn’t unique. Many users express significant satisfaction with the Road Top unit. One user, who had tried several other methods like iDrive software upgrades and large Android screen replacements with poor results, found this kit to be the reliable solution they’d been searching for, praising its ease of installation compared to their previous headaches and its smooth operation. Another reviewer compared it favorably to much more expensive alternatives, finding the installation straightforward and appreciating the addition of both Apple CarPlay and a reverse camera. Some users noted that while the instructions weren’t perfect, they were sufficient with the help of online resources. A common theme is that despite initial installation challenges, the functionality and integration once set up correctly meet or exceed expectations for the price point. A few mentioned minor issues like the dynamic parking lines not working with aftermarket cameras or needing to adjust audio settings, but these didn’t seem to detract significantly from their overall positive reception of the unit.
Wrapping It Up: Is This the Right Upgrade for You?
If you’re driving a compatible BMW from the 2012-2016 NBT era and are tired of the limitations of the factory infotainment system, particularly the lack of modern smartphone integration, this Road Top Wireless Carplay Android Auto retrofit kit offers a compelling solution. The problem of outdated tech isn’t just inconvenient; it forces manual phone interaction, which is dangerous. Bringing features like Waze, Spotify, hands-free calling, and messaging onto your factory screen makes your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
This MMI box stands out as a great fit for several reasons: it provides seamless wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, integrates well with the original BMW controls, and supports valuable additions like aftermarket cameras, all without replacing your factory display. It’s a cost-effective way to modernize your ride. If you’re ready to ditch the outdated navigation and embrace the world of smartphone connectivity in your BMW, Click here to check out the product and see if it’s right for your car.