Here are the steps I took in order to install the CarPlay
This is the video I followed. I didn’t have any panel tools so I used my kids plastic spoon and knife to pop out the aircon panel.
Wireless Apple CarPlay Retrofit for Audi A6 A7 C7 MMI 3G - YouTube
Connection diagram
My additional comments.
Please note that after removing the MMI unit , it will trigger the airbag fault which needs to be cleared with VCDS when you put it back together. It happens when you disconnect the passenger off airbag notification.
1. If you want to use AUX, then you need to replace the green connector block on the 48 harness
2. If you use AMI connection then no need to change the green connector block
3. MMI control- You need to connect the blue cable from the CarPlay to the yellow white cable from the 48 harness. For RMC it is connected in the different block on the 48 harness but it’s an only one yellow white cable so you cannot make a mistake.
4. Unit comes with the dedicated microphone. I don’t use it but I installed it in the panel above the head.
I used my cat’s toy to push it behind the ceiling and behind the airbag on the pillar.
I ran the cable underneath the seal on the pillar and behind the glove box which also needs to be removed in order to place the CarPlay unit.
5. CarPlay unit I placed behind the glove box. There is some space to place it. Cables can be pushed from the MMI through the small gap. It’s pretty easy.
6. CarPlay USB is currently located in the glove box. There was a blanked whole which I used to run the cable from the CarPlay which is just behind the glove box.
My hacks.
I wasn’t happy with the performance of the wireless CarPlay so seller asked me to try the cable CarPlay. It works very well and charges the iPhone. I’m good with that. I’m a network engineer and I prefer cables anyway.
Audio hack
I keep my phone connected to the original MMI Bluetooth. That way I keep all the regular MMI behaviour of the phone calling + CarPlay enhancements and I don’t need AMI or AUX cables .
On the phone I configured it to force the Bluetooth speaker for the phone calls.
Settings->general->accessibility->call routing
MMI media is set to my phone as a music streaming device. That way Apps send audio back to the MMI. I use Spotify and tunein. Sometimes you need to manually change the app to use Bluetooth as an audio output. Happened twice so far. Not a big deal.
I ordered AMI aux cable anyway just to see how would that work but don’t think I will use it.
Those are my findings so far. Lack of touch screen is not an issue at all. All MMI controls work very well.
Some photos
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
