Installing the AIO-6 in a BMW – Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

In the summer of 2024, we introduced an innovative solution – the AIO-5 Play for BMW. Its unparalleled level of integration and ease of use quickly won the hearts of BMW motorcycle owners.

Today, the next flagship model from CHIGEE – the AIO-6 – is already available. Like its predecessor, it offers the option of fitting into the original BMW mount, reading data from the motorcycle's engine, and being controlled via the original BMW WonderWheel.

The AIO-6 is a more advanced system, and among many new features, it also introduces the option of connecting cameras. This brings changes to installation methods. In this blog, you will learn how to connect the AIO-6 to BMW depending on the configuration.

AIO-6 Installation Requirements

To mount the AIO-6 on the BMW Nav Prep base, two conditions must be met.

1. The motorcycle must have an original BMW Nav Prep navigation base compatible with the 5th or 6th generation of navigation.

If your motorcycle does not have such a base, you can still get BMW functionality using the CGRC Lin adapter. In this case, the installation method is optional.

2. The motorcycle must have the "Preparing the navigation device" software package (SA 272).
If your motorcycle had a Navigation mount selected in its original configuration, it probably already has this package.

If the navigation mount was installed later, at a service center other than a BMW dealership, you may need to install an additional package. Consult your BMW dealership to confirm installation.

The easiest way to check compatibility is the AIO-6 Compatibility page.

Mounting the BMW Module to the AIO-6 Unit

After unpacking the AIO-6, you will notice that the BMW Base and the main unit are separate components. The BMW Module must be screwed onto the AIO-6 main unit according to the attached instructions.

Specifics of Installing the AIO-6 on BMW

There are three main options available, which differ significantly in terms of installation:

1. AIO-6 MAX with BMW base
2. AIO-6 LTE with BMW base
3. AIO-6 with BMW base and cameras (installation is the same for LTE and MAX)

AIO-6 MAX with BMW base

If you chose the basic version of the AIO-6 (MAX), installation is extremely simple—just mount the AIO-6 into the navigation holder. No cables are required.

AIO-6 LTE with BMW base

The AIO-6 LTE comes with many useful functions that work even when the motorcycle is turned off. For this purpose, it is equipped with an ultra-low power consumption mode.

Unfortunately, the original BMW navigation base completely cuts off the power supply when the motorcycle is turned off. If you do not run an additional cable directly to the battery to enable low power draw when the motorcycle is off, the following functions will not be available:

• Remote notifications of low battery voltage
• Remote alarm notifications
• Remote location, tire pressure, and battery voltage tracking
• Remote video preview from cameras (optional)
• Remote geofence alarm (optional)

The cable is connected directly to the BMW base—you need to slightly lift the seal and attach the cable with two screws (see detailed illustrations in the user manual).

This cable allows quick plug & play installation. As you will notice, a few centimeters above the base there is a quick-connect socket. Remember to secure the socket with the built-in cover after connecting.

Next, route the wires to the battery and connect the yellow ACC wire.

AIO-6 with BMW base and cameras

Combining the AIO-6 with a dash cam makes a powerful duo packed with useful features. Installation requires connecting both the cameras and the power cables to the battery, as shown in the diagram below.

BMW K1600, 1200RT (2014–2017), 1250RT (2020)

Owners of these luxury touring bikes may wonder how things work on models with a built-in navigation compartment. These bikes have a housing designed for navigation devices up to 5 inches. The AIO-6 is too large to fit into this integrated space on these motorcycles.

A dedicated solution for these long-distance tourers is in development, and will publish full compatibility information when it's ready.

For a perfect fit on these models, see the proven and reliable AIO-5 Play for BMW.

BONUS – How to connect the yellow ACC wire?

Correctly connecting the yellow ACC wire is crucial for proper system operation. Not sure how to do it? Here are a few tips:

• Prepare a multimeter – it will greatly help you find the wire that gets power when the ignition is turned on.
• Do not connect the yellow wire to the 3-pin navigation base interface – this may cause interference with the motorcycle's electronics.
• Check the fuse box – if your bike has one, it's an easy place to tap the yellow wire.
• Tail/position light harness – this wire perfectly matches our requirement (it powers on with the ignition), is often easy to access, and provides a separate installation point, which reduces the risk of interference.