[Zinedine]

Hi everyone,

I have just received my iX last week. Been waiting for it since December due to allocation issues the dealer had. In my country (Qatar), they told me they've only received 20 units so far with many orders postponed till January delivery.

Anyways, as glad as I am my vehicle arrived, I have an issue getting Android Auto to work. Carplay works fine.
I'm afraid there is an issue with the car.
We also have an x7 and my phone works fine connecting to it with android auto.
I have tried with 3 different androids and none work on the iX but all work on the x7.

I took it to the dealer but they were not helpful at all, saying "head office from Germany has told them Android auto is not yet supported in this region/country".
Sadly, they get to fool many customers here with such answers but to me, it just doesn't make any sense how they can say that when I have had it running on another BMW for years.

I'd appreciate if anyone has any advice about this, as I've completely lost hope with how poor the service center is here.

I've reset the car to factory settings, tried different phones, press and hold volume knob to reboot idrive and still didn't succeed.

[ricerboi]

Originally Posted by Zinedine

Hi everyone,

I have just received my iX last week. Been waiting for it since December due to allocation issues the dealer had. In my country (Qatar), they told me they've only received 20 units so far with many orders postponed till January delivery.

Anyways, as glad as I am my vehicle arrived, I have an issue getting Android Auto to work. Carplay works fine.
I'm afraid there is an issue with the car.
We also have an x7 and my phone works fine connecting to it with android auto.
I have tried with 3 different androids and none work on the iX but all work on the x7.

I took it to the dealer but they were not helpful at all, saying "head office from Germany has told them Android auto is not yet supported in this region/country".
Sadly, they get to fool many customers here with such answers but to me, it just doesn't make any sense how they can say that when I have had it running on another BMW for years.

I'd appreciate if anyone has any advice about this, as I've completely lost hope with how poor the service center is here.

I've reset the car to factory settings, tried different phones, press and hold volume knob to reboot idrive and still didn't succeed.

So first thing I would try is to go to System Settings and then do "Update Apps and Services" then disconnect the Android Device, hard reset the iDrive (press down volume dial for 30+ seconds while screen goes black the *2nd* time), then reconnect to see if it works?

[Zinedine]

Originally Posted by ricerboi

So first thing I would try is to go to System Settings and then do "Update Apps and Services" then disconnect the Android Device, hard reset the iDrive (press down volume dial for 30+ seconds while screen goes black the *2nd* time), then reconnect to see if it works?

I do not have the option of "Update Apps and Services".
I'm guessing that option is for cars with connected drive feature *which my car doesn't have, because connected drive is not functional in Qatar. (they have promised though it will be available end of this year.
I don't know if my car will qualify to get it immediately with some software tweaks or update through dealer or it lacks the hardware.

I will try the hard reset tomorrow once I take back my car from the service center, but can you clarify what you mean by "screen goes black the *2nd* time" ?
within the 30+ seconds I keep pressing, it should go black and come back on twice?

[WattyB]

I'd had connection issues with CarPlay on a different vehicle before to do with running a VPN. No idea if that would be a factor here based on how AA connects to the vehicle, but maybe worth a shot if you do use one?

[Zinedine]

Originally Posted by WattyB

I'd had connection issues with CarPlay on a different vehicle before to do with running a VPN. No idea if that would be a factor here based on how AA connects to the vehicle, but maybe worth a shot if you do use one?

no using any VPN.
Strange thing is the same phone is connection to AA just fine on other cars (BMWs) without changing any settings on the phone.

[ricerboi]

So when you're holding down the volume button, it will go black once, then come back on, and when it goes black the second time, you can release the button.

[Zinedine]

Originally Posted by ricerboi

So when you're holding down the volume button, it will go black once, then come back on, and when it goes black the second time, you can release the button.

I just got the car back.
Tries the hard reset, however I still get the connection failed error.

[Zinedine]

https://www.androidpolice.com/chip-s...-auto-carplay/

Found this article
I wonder if this is the issue.

However the article is a few months old and if it's true, an update from BMW should've fixed it by now.

[takriti]

Salam Zinedine,

Did you get to solve the problem?

I am in Qatar too, and I faced the same problem with a test drive iX M60 recently. AA didn't connect and gave me the same error message you had. I can connect AA using the same phone on other cars.

By the way, how do like your iX in general? I am considering ordering one. Any advice is appreciated.

[Zinedine]

Salam,
Unfortunately not yet. I contacted the workshop and they told me to wait. They said "Google & BMW are working on this and hopefully it will be addressed with an update"

Same thing with me, it works on our x7 on iDrive7.

I found some posts where people said they fixed it through updating apps on the infotainment system, but my car doesn't have connected drive, and updating apps in the infotainment isn't an option I have.
I did take it to the dealer though and they said they updated everything to the latest version but sadly it didn't solve the issue.

The iX is a great car. Other than the AA, there are no issues at all. It's been a great unique experience switching to an EV. I have no interest in going back to ICE.
I highly recommend the car.
When I purchased, they gave me a free wallbox charger. I don't know if they still give it for free or not, but I advise to invest in one. It's very convenient, I never charge outside of my home.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

[takriti]

Thanks for the reply and advice. I hope the AA issue will be solved soon.

I am also reading that iDrive 8.5 will be out soon. It may help solve the issue if existing models can be upgraded.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by takriti

Thanks for the reply and advice. I hope the AA issue will be solved soon.

I am also reading that iDrive 8.5 will be out soon. It may help solve the issue if existing models can be upgraded.

The existing vehicles and head unit are not upgradable to 8.5 from what we know so far…. We only know this because the head unit that comes with the i7 is the updated model and will support 8.5. Rumor has it that vehicles being built after March 2023 will have the same head unit. Perhaps those will be upgradable, but not the existing vehicles.

[Zinedine]

So I managed to get someone's iPhone to try Carplay, and it works perfectly.

I dont know why AA does not work for me.

I came to realize that the Carplay resolution is way better than AA (comparing to my AA working on iDrive 7 on an x7).

Anyone tried both carplay and AA on the iX? Do the resolutions compare?
I find carplay is very crisp and clear and AA seems blurry and pixilated compared to it.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by ricerboi

So first thing I would try is to go to System Settings and then do "Update Apps and Services" then disconnect the Android Device, hard reset the iDrive (press down volume dial for 30+ seconds while screen goes black the *2nd* time), then reconnect to see if it works?

FYI, that’s a soft reboot. A hard reset is a little more involved. By the way, there’s no reason to wait for the second black screen. All you’re doing is rebooting iDrive twice in that scenario. If you never let go with the volume down button, it will just keep rebooting in cycles.

[Paladin1]

Diagnostic reboot ('hard" reboot) = In the car, doors closed, car off, foot off the brake, press the Start button rapidly 3 times. You should get a popup dialog box in the instrument cluster confirming "diagnostic mode." Hold down the Volume scroll wheel as with a normal reboot until the main screen goes goes blank, then release. When the system reboots completely, turn off/exit the car, lock it, and wait an hour or so (the car needs to go into "sleep" mode - this can sometimes take an overnight wait). Return, start the car and see if the issue is resolved, however this sounds more like a regional AA issue.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Diagnostic reboot ('hard" reboot) = In the car, doors closed, car off, foot off the brake, press the Start button rapidly 3 times. You should get a popup dialog box in the instrument cluster confirming "diagnostic mode." Hold down the Volume scroll wheel as with a normal reboot until the main screen goes goes blank, then release. When the system reboots completely, turn off/exit the car, lock it, and wait an hour or so (the car needs to go into "sleep" mode - this can sometimes take an overnight wait). Return, start the car and see if the issue is resolved, however this sounds more like a regional AA issue.

I love it! Whenever I say what I said before, you usually follow up with the rest of the details. Let’s keep this trend going because I’m too impatient to type all of that!

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I love it! Whenever I say what I said before, you usually follow up with the rest of the details. Let’s keep this trend going because I’m too impatient to type all of that!

Probably should set up a boilerplate!

[Zinedine]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Diagnostic reboot ('hard" reboot) = In the car, doors closed, car off, foot off the brake, press the Start button rapidly 3 times. You should get a popup dialog box in the instrument cluster confirming "diagnostic mode." Hold down the Volume scroll wheel as with a normal reboot until the main screen goes goes blank, then release. When the system reboots completely, turn off/exit the car, lock it, and wait an hour or so (the car needs to go into "sleep" mode - this can sometimes take an overnight wait). Return, start the car and see if the issue is resolved, however this sounds more like a regional AA issue.

Interesting. I'll give that a go when I get my car back.
Just had it dropped off at the dealer to replace the windshield.
It got cracked from a rock hit.

What is this type of diagnostic/hard reboot supposed to achieve or do vs the normal soft reboot?

And going back to my earlier post today, any of you guys experienced both AA and Carplay on this car and notice different resolutions?

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by Zinedine

Interesting. I'll give that a go when I get my car back.
Just had it dropped off at the dealer to replace the windshield.
It got cracked from a rock hit.

What is this type of diagnostic/hard reboot supposed to achieve or do vs the normal soft reboot?

And going back to my earlier post today, any of you guys experienced both AA and Carplay on this car and notice different resolutions?

I just use CarPlay. Not sure why you would use both unless you have one of each phone? Get used to the reboot procedure. Whenever you have an issue, treat it just like a computer running Microsoft Windows (any version) - rebooting is step one. And just be happy it wasn’t your roof which follows the same angle of the windshield. Don’t ask me how I know.

[Zinedine]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I just use CarPlay. Not sure why you would use both unless you have one of each phone? Get used to the reboot procedure. Whenever you have an issue, treat it just like a computer running Microsoft Windows (any version) - rebooting is step one. And just be happy it wasn’t your roof which follows the same angle of the windshield. Don’t ask me how I know.

I know how you know. I've seen your post about your chipped glass roof. I believe there was a picture and that last I read you kept it as is?
Mine got hit right at the top of the windshield. I'm glad insurance covers the whole thing.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by Zinedine

I know how you know. I've seen your post about your chipped glass roof. I believe there was a picture and that last I read you kept it as is?
Mine got hit right at the top of the windshield. I'm glad insurance covers the whole thing.

Yup, that was me. Even with a $0 glass break deductible, I’m going to wait until I absolutely have to do it. The repair is incredibly expensive and it’s bound to happen again considering the first 4 or 5 inches follows the same slope as the windshield. With my luck I’d get a rock coming home after getting it swapped out. Not to mention I have to get the entire roof re-tinted which XPEL said they would do again for free. Considering that I can’t even see the crack because of the headliner and that it’s completely on the inner layer of the glass, I don’t really even notice it and it’s very hard to see without a flashlight from the outside.

It’s the repair itself and frightens due to how much of the vehicle has to come apart. Glad it was just your windshield!

[KRS_SN]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Yup, that was me. Even with a $0 glass break deductible, I’m going to wait until I absolutely have to do it. The repair is incredibly expensive and it’s bound to happen again considering the first 4 or 5 inches follows the same slope as the windshield. With my luck I’d get a rock coming home after getting it swapped out. Not to mention I have to get the entire roof re-tinted which XPEL said they would do again for free. Considering that I can’t even see the crack because of the headliner and that it’s completely on the inner layer of the glass, I don’t really even notice it and it’s very hard to see without a flashlight from the outside.

It’s the repair itself and frightens due to how much of the vehicle has to come apart. Glad it was just your windshield!

I'm a bit uneasy that you're driving with cracked glass around the roof. I could be wrong but the chassis flex alone with the amount of torque in the m60 could if the roof was part of the overall structure cause a shatter effect in the wrong conditions which in a tricky situation when driving could be catastrophic. If it was me I'd get it fixed ASAP.