Road Top Wireless CarPlay Interface Decoder for BMW Mini NBT

Update Just wanted to offer an update to my almost 1 year experience with the Road Top box I installed in both my Mini F57 and Mini F54. Originally I pointed out that that this product works very well as long as it's character flaws are understood. Well, working through character flaws/design limitations/bugs is defined by the level of customer service a company offers to manage such issues. The level of complexity that electronics and the software that runs atop those electronics inevitably brings along bugs. Software is all about maturity through iteration and not perfection out of the gate- this is especially true for consumer electronics that are built to a cost. Therefore an interface like the Roadtop Carplay/AA box, where you're dealing with complicated interoperability can live or die based on long-term support IMO. And I'm happy to say that despite a few issues, the team at Roadtop (specifically Sarah) have provided STELLAR/FANTASTIC/ PEARLESS after sales customer support. They (Sarah) never once ignored my inquiries or failed to provide a fix or answer to the many post dales questions I asked. Here are some issues that Sarah and team helped me manage through over the past year regarding how the RT box interfaced with my Mini NBT/NBT Evo head units. - New software to improve overly aggressive transition form MIni UI to CP/AA. - Hand-holding me through some of my ignorance about how the interface operates and it's limitations. - helping me through physically reversing the Left and Right Audio AUX pins for my Clubman install (turned out that BMW/Mini did not properly document which of the two Aux pin on the Quadlock connection was R/L, so my F54 Clubman had a channel swap issue, whereas the same year F57 Cooper did not. They also provided me a new harness at a discounted cost when I messed up the pin swap on the original RT harness. - worked with me to clear up the fact that I could not swap the LVDS cables (as mentioned in my original review it caused blank video) Sent me a replacement USB/Video interface cable, when I thought that the original cable maybe faulty (turned out the connector into the RT box wasn't fully seated due to the tricky CLuman install I mentioned in my original review). - And most recently (like yesterday) they provided a software patch to the MCU that fixed a bug where Bimmercode failed to communicate or allow parameter changes to various ECUs, including the headunit and Amplifier. This particular bug has been widely discussed on various BMW forums over th epast couple of years and Even my inquiry to Bimmer Tech respective to whether it was an issue with their relabeled "MMI" version of this box (I'm pretty sure RT, BimmerTech and Adream all use the same basic platform, but unsure if there is any unique features that separate them). In summary, it's been a great experience. Many thanks to Sarah and the team at Roadtop for making the $600 I sent on their product well worth it both from a CS and long-term improvement to my beloved Minis! Purchased this product twice, once for my spouses 2016 Mini Cooper F57 "Justa" convertible with the base 6-inch NBT system and then again for my 2016 Clubman F54S with the upgraded 8-inch NBT EVO Harman Kardon Stereo system. The most complicated part of installation was finding a place for the Roadtop box. As others have done, I located the back box over the glovebox in the F57 and behind the HVAC controls in the F54. The F54 was by far the most challenging given it barely fit in a diagonal area that had barely enough clearance with the bottom edge of the NBT system. Wire management was OK and I located the BT/Wi-Fi antenna under the empty center speaker location in the F57 and on the metal cross-brace just above the NBT EVO unit in the 54. Make sure you are certain of where you want to place the antenna before setting it, because once it sticks it isn't coming off. One of the reasons for installing the roadtop unit in my spouses F57 was to also install a back-up camera. I purchased the Natika camera and because Minis (i.e. BMW) interiors area assembled like a complex puzzle, I had to rip out the backseat, trunk trim and rear seat trim. of the F57 to run the cable along the passenger door sill and up into the area behind the glovebox. It was time intensive but satisfying and the little mini's interior went back together as tight as it was prior to tear down. You just need to take your time and think about how the puzzle comes apart and goes back together. It took me about 6 hours all together taking my time across to mornings. The F54 also took some time, but not because of having to take stuff apart. It was due to a bad assumption on my part. Given the challenging placement of the roadtop box and connector configuration, I decided to take the longer roadtop supplied LVDS cable and run it from the headunit to the roadtop box and take the shorter BMW cable and use it between the roadtop box and screen. I didn't for a moment think the pin-outs were different. This resulted in no video to the display and after a day of believing that the roadtop box was faulty, I thought, well maybe the cables are different. And they were. swapped them back and viola, everything worked. After using the systems for almost 3 months I have to say that I am very pleased with the results- especially in my F54 with the 8-inch screen. I also find that the Android Auto (via Samsung Note 20 Ultra in my set-up) seems to be less finicky than Carplay (via iPhone XR in my wife's set-up), especially when your using wireless connections. It could be that my wife's XR is a little too old for the latest carplay version, but unless you specifically turn off the phone's Wi-Fi and BT you'll find the video going black if you are connected via cable. By comparison my Samsung/AA set-up is much more reliable and has never dropped out. It can also be quite irritating if both the Samsung and Apple phones are in the same car, as they both end up fighting for dominance over wireless. So I either use my phone in my wife's car, or disable my wireless connections and use my wife's iPhone. The other annoyance is how aggressive the Roadtop box is about taking over the NBT system. If I try to exit into iDrive to, say, check tire pressures or change a car setting, the Roadtop box will interrupt and pull the NBT system back under its control. SO it takes a few cycles to finally get the roadtop box to "let go". But with the exception of those easily worked around issues. I have to say the roadtop box works very well and in fact fixes the Mini's "backward" rotary knob control. And Sarah (Roadtop Technical support) was excellent and replied within 12 hours (I believe she is located in China). So very much recommended.

I have an F56 (2016) Mini with the stock 8.8” infotainment and wanted CarPlay. Researching options, this MMI came out on top due to availability and decent reviews, and something I could handle on my own. I’m fairly handy, but even better, I’m resourceful. Watched several YouTube videos on installation of these (not specifically the Road Top) before even receiving it. There are many videos you can find on this. The included directions are aimed at BMW series cars, so YouTube was a needed supplement to take down the head unit, air vents, and knowing which screws (all T20 bit) needed removed. Also, I placed the WiFi antenna through the compartment above the glovebox- so that cover needed to come off, too. I’ve seen some reviewers affix this antenna to other areas, but instructions state clearly do not affix to a metal surface. It took me about 1.5 hrs in total, had a couple issues with blank screen at first after holding Menu button for a couple of seconds. But I unplugged power to the MMI, redid the plugs, and plugged power back in- it worked! There’s a 1,2,3 step sticker on the new MMI box with order of steps that I didn’t see at first, but my fix was right there. Just had to start over. Reassembly was tricky, tight space and all, the connector clip is large and I really had to maneuver the new box down low behind hvac controls (there’s space there), then was able to push everything back together. It does what I want and gives a nice wide view of navigation via my phone app, and music quality is just as good as the stock system (I’m not sure why folks have struggled with sound quality, but I was concerned. But, it’s great!). Calling worked without any additional mic setup. All in, I’m happy with it! It will really enhance my driving experience no doubt.

Works just as advertised! Install was pretty straightforward, but I would suggest watching several different YouTube videos before you tackle the install. In doing so, I picked up several different tips from different users that made the install quite easy. The only snag I ran into was that after hooking everything up the screen was black. Several interior lights were on, so I had assumed that the accessory ignition was on. I later realized that I didn’t have my car keys with me, so the accessory ignition was not on as I had thought. Once I grabbed my keys and turned on the accessory ignition, everything on the screen came up as it should. For those reviewers who said the audio is bad or the screen resolution isn’t great, one of the things I learned from watching different YouTube videos was that there is a settings menu where these things can be adjusted. Once I adjusted the settings everything sounds and looks amazing!!! I highly recommend this unit!

I recently purchased this device for my 2017 Mini Cooper Base Model and I am quite satisfied with its performance, albeit with a few caveats. Installation and setup were straightforward, but it did require some tweaking in the settings menu to optimize its fit on the screen. Once adjusted, the display and interface integration were quite impressive. However, it's important to note that the sound settings needed some adjustments. The default loudness levels were not ideal, so I had to spend some time in the settings menu to get the volume back to what I was accustomed to without the device. This might be a minor inconvenience for those not too tech-savvy. The most significant drawback, however, is the echo experienced during phone calls. The quality of the call is significantly diminished due to this echo, which is more pronounced on the receiver's end. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you rely heavily on hands-free calling while driving. Overall, while the device works quite well with the 2017 Mini Cooper Base Model and enhances the overall driving experience, but users should be prepared for some initial setup adjustments and be aware of the less-than-ideal call quality. Despite these issues, it's a worthwhile addition for those looking to upgrade their car to carplay.

I've owned 2 of these. First one started failing with "No signal" then black display a little over a year after installation. Second one failed same way after a year again. Switching to cheaper/better detached carplay unit for under $100

This is for a 2018 MINI Cooper 4-dr with non-Navi 6.5 screen. *****Note that upon receiving unit, I would highly recommend contacting company for updated product software. This should make it so that upon first install, everything should work. If not, you might have to wait for customer support as they are located in China.**** Initially the installation was a bit of pain. Taking apart the dash took some pulling. If this is the first dashboard removal, it'll take some force to remove. Be careful as there are sharp parts. I accidentally cut my finger, thus I highly recommend wearing some mechanic gloves. During the first attempt to install, everything was done according to instructions, but but upon attempting to activate the unit with the long menu press, nothing happened. After several failed attempts, I then contacted customer support. Because of time zone difference, wasn't able to get a response until a bit later. Response was followed with easy update instructions via download and USB. During the second attempt I reinstalled the unit, with the updated software loaded onto a USB and plugged into the USB adaptor cable to the carplay box. After some tinkering, product worked as described. Once the product is working, it greatly enhances the car driving experience. This little upgrade makes a world of a difference with Android Auto or Apple Carplay. One of the easier upgrades with a large return on investment. Highly recommend.

Road Top Retrofit Apple CarPlay add-on worked better than I expected. Example, I thought Bluetooth, WIFI, Mic and Rear Camera would all have issues between the existing and the addon. So far, all the default settings and behaviors have been flawless. I still need to update the software (firmware) but honestly I might not because if ain’t broke, why try to fix it. For less than $250 USD, this was a bargain. It arrived less than 12 hours after ordering as well.

The product is good and ultimately does what it should. However, the installation instructions are a joke and wrong. Dor Mini F54 with 6.5inch NBT non-Evo and non fibre-optics. it is necessary to connect via AUX. However the instructions explicitly only point out that need for the BMW 1/2 series. One spends hours over hours trying to figure out why that sound does not work. Finally I took the whole center console apart to route an Aux cable down to the Aux input. Amazon customer service was not able to help and referred to Road Top. Toad Top however refused to assist, since the product had not been purchased through their website. I think this is just bad customer service and does not deserve more than 2 stars.

Saved me from buying a new car with CarPlay!

Excelente producto fácil de instalar siguiendo videos en YouTube. En mi opinión funciona mejor que muchos sistemas que vienen ya instalados de fábrica, en especial a la hora de cambiar de usuario de telefono

tiene muchos defectos la interfase, no funciona con cámara de reversa, no funciona "oyeSiri" no se reproduce audio de la aplicación Waze, se escucha mas bajo el audio de la aplicación nativa del auto