Ah, the thrill of driving a BMW – the proper weight distribution, the responsive dealing with, and unparalleled smartphone integration capabilities due to BMW Apple CarPlay. However do you know that you just don’t must miss out on the latter in the one you love E90 or F30 BMW 3 Collection? Be part of us as we discover how one can simply deliver your getting old Bavarian magnificence into the smartphone period!
The Greatest BMW CarPlay Options
Earlier than explaining methods to get the function in your automotive, let’s discuss what makes BMW CarPlay price it within the first place. Apple CarPlay transforms the iDrive display screen into an extension of your iPhone, providing a world of contemporary conveniences.
To begin with, you get entry to navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. This will prevent out of your built-in nav system attempting to route you thru an deserted warehouse district.
Second, the musical expertise will get a critical buff too. You possibly can stream from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and different audio apps straight by your BMW’s infotainment display screen. As a result of life’s too quick for CD changers and people scratched mixes from 2009. Moreover, communication turns into safer and extra intuitive with messaging and calls dealt with by voice instructions, which retains your arms on the steering wheel.
Final however not least, newer Apple CarPlay programs and retrofits provide wi-fi connection. This fashion you may go away your cellphone in your pocket, protecting your inside free from cable muddle. What really units BMW’s CarPlay aside is its integration with the iDrive controller, permitting you to navigate the interface utilizing the acquainted rotary dial.
What Yr Did BMW Get Apple CarPlay?
In case you’re questioning whether or not your BMW ought to have include CarPlay from the manufacturing facility, right here’s a brief historic recap. BMW first launched Apple CarPlay of their automobiles in 2016 as an elective additional on choose fashions with the NBT Evo iDrive system (often known as iDrive 5.0 or later).
Initially, BMW charged a subscription price for CarPlay entry – roughly $80 per 12 months after the primary 12 months. Nevertheless, after appreciable backlash, BMW deserted this subscription mannequin in December 2019. Since then, CarPlay has been out there as a one-time buy choice or included as commonplace tools on new fashions.
Right here’s the fast breakdown by BMW technology:
- F-series fashions (2016–2018) – elective CarPlay out there on some fashions with NBT Evo.
- G-series fashions (2019–current) – CarPlay extra broadly out there, ultimately turning into commonplace.
- Pre-2016 Emodels – no manufacturing facility CarPlay choice out there.
In case your BMW rolled off the manufacturing line earlier than 2016 or if it has an older iDrive system, you’re within the “retrofit required” camp. Don’t fear – we’ve received you lined as properly.
BMW CarPlay Retrofit for 2016 and Earlier Vehicles
So, your BMW predates the CarPlay period? You’ve nonetheless received choices that don’t contain buying and selling in the one you love Bimmer for one thing newer. Learn on to take a look at what are your three important routes.
Possibility 1 – Manufacturing facility CarPlay Activation
In case your 2016 and up BMW has the NBT Evo head unit with ID5/ID6 software program, you would possibly simply want a easy software program BMW CarPlay Activation coding (and, optionally, a Wi-Fi antenna). That is probably the most cost-effective resolution, however solely out there for a small portion of latest BMWs with the latest tech.
Possibility 2 – CarPlay MMI Prime Retrofit
The most well-liked choice for pre-2016 BMW homeowners is the CarPlay MMI Prime retrofit. This plug-and-play resolution works with over 95% of BMWs produced since 2008, that means it’s suitable with most E-series, F-series, and early G-series autos.
It integrates with the present iDrive system, provides wi-fi connectivity, works with nearly all iDrive programs (CIC, ENTRY, NBT, and so on.), and requires no coding. Set up is simple for newer programs, although older CIC programs require extra superior DIY abilities. Notice although that it doesn’t help touchscreen management, counting on the intuitive iDrive controller as a substitute.
Possibility 3 – Full Head Unit Improve
For the complete manufacturing facility expertise, you may improve your whole head unit to the NBT EVO with ID5/ID6 software program. This complete however costly choice replaces the top unit itself, generally together with the display screen, iDrive controller, and a few different elements.
The primary profit?
A totally modernized BMW expertise with HD screens, improved processing, and native CarPlay. The draw back? Value: doubtlessly 1000’s of {dollars}, reasonably than lots of. If you wish to get extra exact information concerning the prospects, take a look at this information on The way to Retrofit BMW Apple CarPlay right into a 2016 or Older Automotive.
Abstract
In case you plan to maintain your BMW for at the very least a number of extra years, a CarPlay retrofit is completely well worth the funding. Not solely does it modernize your driving expertise, however it might probably additionally add to your automotive’s resale worth, particularly for fashions the place potential consumers would count on this expertise.
That is why it’s price bringing the one you love BMW into the trendy period. Your driving expertise (and your passengers) will thanks for it. In spite of everything, the last word driving machine deserves the last word smartphone integration – whether or not it rolled off the meeting line final 12 months or final decade.
