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MMI - SSD Swap

Original by GilliamOS

Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) in your car's Multimedia Interface (MMI) is not only feasible but also offers a stable and moderately easy solution, despite being somewhat time-consuming.

This guide will briefly cover the DIY process, assuming familiarity with removing the MMI, using CloneZilla (or a similar tool), and not focusing on increasing the drive's capacity. For those interested in expanding capacity, other detailed guides are available, but be warned, it's a challenging endeavor.

If you're not comfortable with disassembling components, cloning drives, or similar tasks, this guide might not suit you. It's advisable to seek assistance for these steps. 

The goal here is to replace the original hard disk drive (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD). The benefits are significant, including faster performance, reduced heat generation, and increased stability due to the absence of moving parts. Throughout my experiments, one combination of components has proven to match the original drive's stability while being cost-effective.

  1. Transcend 64GB mSATA Drive (Qualified for 0°C to 78°C)
    or
    Swissbit 60GB industrial-grade mSATA drive (For wide temperature ranges, qualified for -40°C to 85°C)
  2. mSATA to IDE Adapter
  3. Vantec IDE/SATA to USB adapter (for cloning the MMI drive)
  4. mSATA to USB Adapter

Installation Steps:

  1. Remove the HVAC controller, connectors, 8mm bolt, and the MMI unit from the car.
  2. Unscrew the three screws labeled "H" on the bottom of the MMI and all screws on the top. Carefully pry the top off.
  3. Keep track of the screws' locations as they come in three different lengths.
  4. Lift and set aside the DVD drive, whether connected or not.
  5. Slide the middle clip between the two ribbon connectors back and under the HDD, then lift the sled out from the connector end.
  6. Detach the right-angle connector from the drive and set it aside.

For cloning:

  1. Connect the drives and clone or image the original drive using your preferred tool and method. I recommend CloneZilla for creating a backup image.
  2. Install the cloned mSATA drive into the adapter, attaching the right-angle connector last.
  3. Place the adapter and sled back into the MMI and secure with screws.
  4. Reconnect all connections, including the previously removed bolt.
  5. Reinstall the HVAC controller.

Upon turning on the car, the MMI should boot up immediately and operate as usual. It's likely that numerous codes will be stored across the car's controllers; use your preferred scanner to clear these codes. This upgrade significantly improves performance and longevity, making it a valuable enhancement for your vehicle.







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