Roadtop is a China‑based brand specialising in CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit solutions for older luxury vehicles. Their product lineup includes two main upgrade paths: complete touchscreen replacement units (usually Linux‑based, sized 8.8″ to 12.3″) and plug‑in MMI decoder boxes that add wireless CarPlay to the car’s original screen without replacing it. The brand is best known for its aggressive pricing, often undercutting competitors like BimmerDirect and Mr12Volt by 30 to 50 percent. However, this low cost is accompanied by considerable controversy around quality control, customer service and warranty support. This review synthesises hundreds of forum posts, Trustpilot reviews from multiple countries, professional installation feedback and direct competitor comparisons to give you a complete picture of what it is really like to buy and live with a Roadtop product.
Product Lineup And Key Specifications
Roadtop offers two main types of retrofit solutions. The table below summarises the key hardware variants, their target use cases and approximate price ranges.
| Model / Variant | Type | Target Systems | Key Features | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Screen (8.8″ / 10.25″) | Complete display replacement | BMW CCC/CIC/NBT/EVO; Mercedes NTG 4.0‑5.0; Audi MMI 3G; Lexus | Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, touchscreen, split screen, reverse camera input, retains original controls | 250–400 |
| MMI Box (Decoder) | Plug‑in interface module | Same as above (keeps original screen) | Adds wireless CarPlay/AA, works with original rotary knob, no screen replacement | 200–300 |
| Portable Screen (8.8″) | Stand‑alone | Any car with 12V socket | 1280×480 IPS touchscreen, dual Bluetooth (phone→display→car), no permanent install | 150–200 |
Most buyers choose the Linux touchscreen option because it offers the largest upgrade effect: a modern, borderless high‑resolution display that replaces the small, low‑resolution factory screen. The Linux‑based system is chosen over Android head units because it boots quickly, has a simpler interface and rarely crashes. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, mirror link, reverse camera input, and split‑screen multitasking. All original car functions (parking sensors, climate control displays, steering wheel controls) are preserved. The MMI box version is preferred by owners who want to keep the OEM dashboard look while gaining CarPlay functionality.
Installation Experience And DIY Complexity
Roadtop kits are designed for DIY installation, and most buyers report that the physical process is straightforward for anyone with moderate patience. However, the level of difficulty varies dramatically between models and car brands.
Positive installation reports are common. One BMW i3 owner described taking just over two hours and noted that the online videos provided by the seller were adequate. An Audi S5 owner who had previously installed similar devices said the Roadtop box took only 30 minutes and worked great. Several users praised the plug‑and‑play harness design that requires no cutting of factory wires.
Less positive reports are equally common, and they highlight a recurring pattern: the first installation attempt may be successful, but the actual long‑term reliability and troubleshooting are where Roadtop falls short. A detailed account on a German forum described a nightmare scenario. The user installed an 8.9‑inch Roadtop touchscreen in an Audi A5, and everything appeared to work at first. The next day the car would not start: the instrument cluster stayed completely dark, and the MMI buttons were unresponsive. The user traced the problem to a loose connection at the gateway module and had to revert the installation entirely. The seller asked for an installation video before processing a refund, which the user could not provide because they needed a functioning car. This story is not isolated.
For non‑technical owners, the options are to pay a professional audio shop for installation (an extra 100–200) or to buy a portable screen that requires no dashboard disassembly at all. The portable Roadtop screen simply mounts on the dashboard or windshield and plugs into the 12V socket. It connects to the car’s AUX input for sound, and the phone connects wirelessly to the screen. Installation takes five minutes and requires no tools. The trade‑off is that it may block a portion of the windscreen or PDC sensors.
Audio And Sound Quality
The audio setup is the most complained‑about aspect of Roadtop systems. Many models route sound from the phone through the Roadtop unit to the car‘s AUX input. This introduces two common problems.
The first problem is sound quality. The AUX connection can sound noticeably worse than the car’s native Bluetooth or CD player. A Mercedes owner wrote that “the main drawbacks of the Roadtop unit are that the backup camera will not appear without switching out of Roadtop into COMAND, and the sound requires the AUX connection”. Another user noted that fixing the sound quality required lowering the treble and bass levels in the car‘s sound settings, which is a workaround, not a solution.
The second problem is the “no sound” scenario, which appears repeatedly across forums. A 2017 F54 owner reported that after installation “things worked fine, but there was no sound.” The solution was to ensure the car was set to AUX input before launching CarPlay. Another user found that skipping the current track would sometimes restart the audio stream that had failed to start at the beginning of the journey.
A small number of Roadtop devices support “Bluetooth passthrough,” where the phone connects wirelessly to the display, and the display connects wirelessly to the car‘s native Bluetooth system. This completely bypasses the AUX input, preserving original sound quality. However, not all models have this feature, and buyers must confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Reliability, Heat Performance And Long‑Term Durability
The most serious reliability issues occur in hot climates. A user who installed a Roadtop unit in a 2013 Mercedes with NTG 4.7 reported that “after being parked in southern heat for long enough, the Roadtop unit will display a black screen until the cabin has cooled down enough.” This makes the system practically unusable for large parts of the summer in many US states.
A review aggregating multiple reports noted that Roadtop devices are “trash quality” and that the seller attempted to pay users for positive reviews. The same source claimed that after requesting a warranty claim, the seller blocked the customer and eventually sent a replacement unit with a broken screen and scratches all over it. This pattern of behaviour is extremely concerning.
On the positive side, some users have reported that firmware updates can fix many initial bugs. One i3 owner updated the firmware on his Roadtop unit, after which the device “runs buttery smooth and all previous issues have been fixed. The device will now automatically connect to a paired device instead of asking for confirmation via the central iDrive button.” This shows that the hardware can perform well, but the out‑of‑box experience is highly inconsistent.
Customer Support, Warranty And Returns
Roadtop’s customer support receives extremely polarised feedback. A Trustpilot reviewer in Switzerland praised the team as “very supportive,” saying they shared tips via email and an updated software, and that after a few tries “everything is working absolutely perfect”. However, the same Trustpilot page contains reviews describing the company as “thieves” who “stole €240 from me without sending me anything”. Another user who bought the product as a gift and asked a simple compatibility question was refused help because they lacked the original proof of purchase. The company stated they would not provide support for a product bought by a third party.
The return process is where Roadtop receives the most severe criticism. A customer who returned a damaged wireless CarPlay unit reported that after three months they had still not received a refund, even after the seller promised to issue it via PayPal. Another user who could not complete the installation because the instructions were for an older model was asked to send a video before the return was approved, which the user could not provide because the car was already in a driveable state. The overarching pattern is that support is unpredictable: some customers receive excellent help, while others are blocked or ignored.
Trustpilot And Security Score Overview
| Platform | Score | Key Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot (UK) | 2.8 / 5 (Average) | Mixed: some installations perfect, others report non‑delivery and blocked refunds |
| Trustpilot (Brazil) | 2.6 / 5 (Poor) | Widespread complaints about blocked accounts, fake positive reviews and failed warranty claims |
| ScamAdviser (roadtop.online) | 74 / 100 (Legit) | Some scam indicators but overall considered legitimate by automated algorithm |
The Trustpilot data is incomplete because the brand does not have an active verified profile; only 7 reviews are visible on the UK site. The low number of reviews relative to the brand‘s sales volume is itself a warning sign, indicating that many dissatisfied customers may not have a channel to leave feedback.
Roadtop Vs. Competitors
For buyers who are price‑sensitive, Roadtop is often the cheapest option, but the value proposition becomes less compelling when labour costs and potential rework are included. The table below compares Roadtop with three direct competitors.
| Brand / Product | Price Range (USD) | Installation Difficulty | Audio Method | Support Reputation | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadtop Linux Screen | $250‑400 | Moderate (DIY) | AUX (mostly) | Polarised / poor after‑sales | Inconsistent |
| Roadtop MMI Box | $200‑300 | Moderate (DIY) | AUX | Same as above | Inconsistent |
| BimmerDirect MMI | $450‑550 | Moderate (DIY) | Factory amp via MOST | Good, English support | Considerably better |
| Mr12Volt MMI | $450‑500 | Moderate (DIY) | Digital MOST bus (CD changer) | Good, active forum presence | Very good |
| Carlinkit Adapter | $60‑100 | Plug‑and‑play | Car‘s native Bluetooth | Fair | Depends on car model |
The key takeaway is that Roadtop is almost always the cheapest entry point, but its quality and support are a lottery. BimmerDirect and Mr12Volt cost significantly more, but they deliver digital audio via the car‘s MOST bus (optical fibre network), bypassing the AUX input entirely and preserving original sound quality. Their support is widely regarded as reliable, and they provide clear English‑language documentation. For cars that support them, the extra $150–250 may be worth it to avoid the frustration of black screens, lost audio and months‑long refund battles.
Pros And Cons Of Roadtop
Pros
- Very affordable compared to almost all competitors; often $150‑250 cheaper.
- Retains all original car functions; parking sensors, steering wheel controls and OEM menus remain accessible.
- Linux‑based touchscreens are fast, stable and crash very rarely compared to Android head units.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work as expected for the majority of users for whom the hardware functions.
- Portable screen version requires zero dashboard disassembly and can be removed or moved between cars.
- DIY installation is feasible for patient owners; ample online video guides exist.
- The 10.25‑inch screens offer a dramatic interior modernisation at low cost.
Cons
- Inconsistent quality control; some units work perfectly, others fail within two months.
- Audio routed through AUX is a frequent source of poor sound or no sound at all.
- Customer support is unpredictable; some users receive excellent help, others are blocked and ignored.
- High‑temperature black screen issues reported in southern US climates and similar hot regions.
- Refund and warranty process is extremely difficult; multiple accounts of delayed or denied refunds.
- Documentation is often outdated or a generic translation; installation videos are essential.
- Some users report that the seller offered cash in exchange for posting a positive review, damaging trust in the rating system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Roadtop safe to buy?
The answer depends on your risk tolerance. The hardware is not inherently dangerous; it is a standard decoder or screen replacement module. However, the company‘s post‑sales support is reported to be highly unreliable by a significant number of customers. If you are comfortable with DIY installation and can afford to lose the purchase price if something goes wrong, Roadtop may be acceptable. If you need guaranteed support or warranty protection, avoid the brand.
What is the difference between the Roadtop Linux screen and the MMI box?
The Linux screen replaces your car‘s original display with a larger, higher‑resolution touchscreen. It is a permanent hardware change that modernises the dashboard. The MMI box (decoder) plugs into the existing wiring, leaving the original screen in place. It adds CarPlay to the factory screen, preserving the original look. The MMI box is easier to hide, but the Linux screen offers better image quality and a larger display area.
