Ah, the fun of driving a BMW – the right weight distribution, the responsive dealing with, and unparalleled smartphone integration capabilities because of BMW Apple CarPlay. However do you know that you simply don’t should 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 deliver your growing old Bavarian magnificence into the smartphone period!
The Finest BMW CarPlay Options
Earlier than explaining get the function in your automotive, let’s speak about what makes BMW CarPlay value it within the first place. Apple CarPlay transforms the iDrive display screen into an extension of your iPhone, providing a world of contemporary 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 making an attempt to route you thru an deserted warehouse district.
Second, the musical expertise will get a severe buff too. You possibly can stream from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and different audio apps immediately via your BMW’s infotainment display screen. As a result of life’s too brief for CD changers and people scratched mixes from 2009. Moreover, communication turns into safer and extra intuitive with messaging and calls dealt with via 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’ll be able to go away your telephone in your pocket, holding your inside free from cable litter. 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 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 (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. Nonetheless, after appreciable backlash, BMW deserted this subscription mannequin in December 2019. Since then, CarPlay has been obtainable as a one-time buy possibility or included as customary tools on new fashions.
Right here’s the fast breakdown by BMW era:
- F-series fashions (2016–2018) – elective CarPlay obtainable on some fashions with NBT Evo.
- G-series fashions (2019–current) – CarPlay extra broadly obtainable, ultimately changing into customary.
- Pre-2016 Emodels – no manufacturing facility CarPlay possibility obtainable.
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 bought you lined as properly.
BMW CarPlay Retrofit for 2016 and Earlier Vehicles
So, your BMW predates the CarPlay period? You’ve nonetheless bought 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.
Choice 1 – Manufacturing unit 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 probably the most cost-effective answer, however solely obtainable for a small portion of latest BMWs with the most recent tech.
Choice 2 – CarPlay MMI Prime Retrofit
The most well-liked possibility for Pre-2016 BMW homeowners is the CarPlay MMI Prime retrofit. This plug-and-play answer works with over 95% of BMWs produced since 2008, which means it’s suitable with most E-series, F-series, and early G-series autos.
It integrates with the prevailing iDrive system, gives wi-fi connectivity, works with just about all iDrive methods (CIC, ENTRY, NBT, and so on.), 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 a substitute.
Choice 3 – Full Head Unit Improve
For the complete manufacturing facility expertise, you’ll be able to improve your complete head unit to the NBT EVO with ID5/ID6 software program. This complete however costly possibility replaces the top unit itself, typically together with the display screen, iDrive controller, and a few different parts.
The primary profit?
A very modernized BMW expertise with HD screens, improved processing, and native CarPlay. The draw back? Price: doubtlessly 1000’s of {dollars}, relatively than a whole bunch. If you wish to get extra exact data in regards to the prospects, try this information on Tips on how to Retrofit BMW Apple CarPlay right into a 2016 or Older Automobile.
Abstract
For those who plan to maintain your BMW for a minimum of a couple of extra years, a CarPlay retrofit is completely well worth the funding. Not solely does it modernize your driving expertise, however it could possibly additionally add to your automotive’s resale worth, particularly for fashions the place potential consumers would count on this know-how.
This is the reason it’s value bringing the one that you love BMW into the trendy period. Your driving expertise (and your passengers) will thanks for it. In spite of everything, 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.
