C30 General : BluePower BLP-990A

[spacenase]

I've just finished installing the new Android version of the BLP-990 in my C30 and I thought I'd give some early impressions.

Like the older BLP-990 it's a neat installation that looks factory. I like the fact that the DVD/main control unit fits into the glovebox and that it's mostly plug-and-play. Even the ribbon cable for the screen is not too difficult to fit. I thought that they could have found a better way to do the power tap for the screen, but that's nit-picking.

In use, the screen is clear and responsive and the fact that you can download and install lots of Android apps on it makes it very customisable. I'm still finding the best apps for each of the functions so it's not quite how I want it yet. Waze is working fine though, as is the wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It's replacing the basic Performance system and the internal amp gives a definite improvement in sound. Again, it'll take me a bit of time to get it exactly how I want it and I'm considering some speaker upgrades to improve it further.

I have had a few issues with it and with BluePower though, that I'm trying to get resolved.

I ordered the DAB+ USB stick option and whilst I received the stick and a choice of 2 aerials, there's no written instructions or information provided with it, so there's nothing about the app it requires to work. Since it's a generic device with no manufacturer information, it's hard to find any useful information on the net. I've found DAB+ app that works with it, but I'm trying to find out if there is an "official" app from BluePower.

I also ordered a OBD2 connection option that was not provided and there is no information on why. It is no longer listed as an option either. I've asked BluePower about this a couple of times and not had a response yet.

A (badly translated) user manual came with the unit, but no installation instructions. I asked BluePower for some and they sent them for the wrong factory unit. Fortunately I found some online for the original BLP-990 unit and they proved to be the same.

Overall, I'm not really impressed with the support provided by BluePower, especially given the cost of the unit. There are also a couple of issues with using it.

The unit seems to randomly decide whether it is going to fully power on or sit in standby when you turn the ignition on. Not a major issue though.

My reversing sensors no longer beep, so I can't use them. I've asked BluePower for help on this as I don't want to lose the use of them. I've also noticed that the loud seatbelt warning beep no longer happens, so it looks as if sounds do not come through from the factory interface to the head unit. The climate information pops up on the screen though, so that part works okay.

The screen switches to the reversing camera when I put the car into reverse, even though I don't have one fitted. It means you end up with a black screen with a "No Signal" error whenever you put it into reverse. I have not found a way to disable this and have again asked BluePower for help.

Overall, I think it is a good unit and is a good option for the C30. It just feels like the version 1.0 it pretty much is and needs some tweaking and updates to make it excellent. My main disappointment at the moment is the lack of useful responses from BluePower, but hopefully they'll help get the outstanding issues resolved with a bit of nagging.