Ah, the thrill of driving a BMW – the right weight distribution, the responsive dealing with, and unparalleled smartphone integration capabilities due to BMW Apple CarPlay. However do you know that you simply don’t must miss out on the latter in the one that you love E90 or F30 BMW 3 Sequence? Be a part of us as we discover how one can simply carry your growing old Bavarian magnificence into the smartphone period!
The Finest BMW CarPlay Options
Earlier than explaining get the characteristic in your automobile, 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 recent conveniences.
Initially, you get entry to navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. This may 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’ll be able to 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 palms on the steering wheel.
Final however not least, newer Apple CarPlay methods and retrofits provide wi-fi connection. This fashion you possibly can depart your cellphone in your pocket, preserving 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?
For those who’re questioning whether or not your BMW ought to have include CarPlay from the manufacturing unit, right here’s a brief historic recap. BMW first launched Apple CarPlay of their automobiles in 2016 as an non-obligatory additional on choose fashions with the NBT Evo iDrive system (also called 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 possibility or included as customary gear on new fashions.
Right here’s the short breakdown by BMW era:
- F-series fashions (2016–2018) – non-obligatory CarPlay out there on some fashions with NBT Evo.
- G-series fashions (2019–current) – CarPlay extra extensively out there, ultimately changing into customary.
- Pre-2016 Emodels – no manufacturing unit CarPlay possibility 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 acquired you coated as effectively.
BMW CarPlay Retrofit for 2016 and Earlier Automobiles
So, your BMW predates the CarPlay period? You’ve nonetheless acquired choices that don’t contain buying and selling in the one that you love Bimmer for one thing newer. Learn on to take a look at what are your three predominant 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 may simply want a easy software program BMW CarPlay Activation coding (and, optionally, a Wi-Fi antenna). That is essentially the most cost-effective resolution, however solely out there for a small portion of latest BMWs with the most recent tech.
Possibility 2 – CarPlay MMI Prime Retrofit
The preferred possibility 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, which means it’s appropriate with most E-series, F-series, and early G-series autos.
It integrates with the prevailing iDrive system, presents wi-fi connectivity, works with just about all iDrive methods (CIC, ENTRY, NBT, and so forth.), and requires no coding. Set up is simple for newer methods, although older CIC methods require extra superior DIY abilities. Observe although that it doesn’t help touchscreen management, counting on the intuitive iDrive controller as an alternative.
Possibility 3 – Full Head Unit Improve
For the total manufacturing unit expertise, you possibly can improve your whole head unit to the NBT EVO with ID5/ID6 software program. This complete however costly possibility replaces the pinnacle unit itself, generally together with the display screen, iDrive controller, and a few different parts.
The principle profit?
A very modernized BMW expertise with HD screens, improved processing, and native CarPlay. The draw back? Price: doubtlessly 1000’s of {dollars}, fairly than a whole lot. If you wish to get extra exact data concerning the prospects, take a look at this information on Find out how to Retrofit BMW Apple CarPlay right into a 2016 or Older Automobile.
Abstract
For those who plan to maintain your BMW for not less than just a few extra years, a CarPlay retrofit is completely well worth the funding. Not solely does it modernize your driving expertise, however it may well additionally add to your automobile’s resale worth, particularly for fashions the place potential patrons would anticipate this expertise.
Because of this it’s price bringing the one that you love BMW into the trendy period. Your driving expertise (and your passengers) will thanks for it. In any case, the final word driving machine deserves the final word smartphone integration – whether or not it rolled off the meeting line final 12 months or final decade.
