Retrofitting Apple CarPlay / Android Auto in your BMW

In today's tech-driven world, staying connected on the go is more important than ever. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have revolutionised in-car entertainment and functionality, offering seamless integration of smartphones with vehicle infotainment systems. But what if your BMW didn't come equipped with these features? Is it possible to retrofit Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your BMW? The answer is a resounding yes. Whether you're looking to enjoy hands-free calls, access navigation apps, or stream your favourite music effortlessly, retrofitting these modern conveniences into your older BMW can significantly enhance your driving experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the feasibility, methods, and benefits of bringing your BMW's infotainment system into the digital age.

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is an in-car system that seamlessly integrates your iPhone with your vehicle's infotainment system. It allows you to make hands-free calls, send and receive messages, use Apple Maps for navigation, and stream your favourite music, all via your car's display. With Siri voice control, Apple CarPlay ensures a safer and smarter driving experience.

What is Android Auto?

Similarly, Android Auto is an in-car system that seamlessly integrates your Android smartphone with your vehicle's infotainment system. It allows you to make hands-free calls, send and receive messages, use Google Maps for navigation, and stream your favourite music, all via your car's display. With Google Assistant voice control, Android Auto ensures a safer and smarter driving experience.

Basically, the Android alternative to Apple CarPlay.

How Do I Retrofit This?

Retrofitting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your BMW is a straightforward process with the right tools and guidance. Bavarian Automotive offers comprehensive retrofit kits designed to seamlessly integrate these modern features into your vehicle, enhancing your driving experience with advanced connectivity and functionality.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Check Compatibility: Ensure your BMW is compatible with the retrofit kit. We have a compatibility checker tool on our website to help you determine the correct kit for your specific model and head unit. You can also refer to the image below.

Choose the Right Kit: Bavarian Automotive provides a variety of retrofit kits compatible with most BMW models from 2005 to 2019, including CCC, CIC, NBT, and NBT EVO head units. These kits support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering wired and wireless connectivity options.

• Installation Process: We do also provide installation services around the UK

• Plug and Play: Our retrofit kits are designed to be plug and play, meaning no coding is required. This simplifies the installation process significantly​ (Bavarian Automotive)​.
• Installation Service: We provide installation and have a range of fitters around the UK, if fitting is required.
• Retain Original Features: These kits maintain all original BMW functionalities, including steering wheel controls, iDrive knobs, parking sensors, and cameras.

 Benefits of Retrofit Kits:

• Full-Screen Support: The kits support full-screen CarPlay and Android Auto on original BMW screen sizes (6.5", 8.8", and 10.25")​ (Bavarian Automotive)​​ (Bavarian Automotive)​.
• Enhanced Functionality: You can use navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps, stream music from Spotify and Apple Music, and use messaging apps like WhatsApp.
• User-Friendly Interface: Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer simplified interfaces with large buttons and voice actions to ensure safe and intuitive use while driving.
• After-Sales Support: Bavarian Automotive prides itself on providing excellent after-sales support, including detailed instructions and video guides to assist you through the installation process. They also offer a one-year parts warranty for peace of mind​ (Bavarian Automotive)​.

By following these steps and utilising the high-quality retrofit kits from Bavarian Automotive, you can enjoy the full benefits of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your BMW, making your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

What iDrive do I have in my BMW?

BMW iDrive is an advanced in-car information and entertainment system used in BMW vehicles, designed to centralize control of various functions such as audio, navigation, communication, and vehicle settings. Launched in 2001, iDrive has undergone several updates and iterations to improve functionality and user experience.

CCC (Car Communication Computer) iDrive System: The CCC iDrive system was used in BMW vehicles produced between 2003 and 2010. It features a DVD-based navigation system and was typically found in the following models:

• 1 Series: E81, E82, E87, E88 (2004-2008)
• 3 Series: E90, E91, E92, E93 (2005-2008)
• 5 Series: E60, E61 (2003-2008)
• 6 Series: E63, E64 (2003-2008)
• X5: E70 (2007-2009)
• X6: E72 (2008-2009)

BMW Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Integration for M-ASK CCC iDrive 

MASK (M-ASK) iDrive System: The MASK iDrive system, a simpler version than CCC, was used in BMW models with basic navigation and multimedia functions. It was commonly found in:

• 3 Series: E90, E91, E92, E93 (2005-2012)
• 5 Series: E60, E61 (2003-2010)
• 6 Series: E63, E64 (2003-2010)
• X5: E70 (2006-2013)
• X6: E71 (2008-2014)

 

BMW Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Integration for M-ASK CCC iDrive 

CIC (Car Information Computer) iDrive System:

• 1 Series: E81, E82, E87, E88 (2008-2014), F20, F21 (2011-2013)
• 3 Series: E90, E91, E92, E93 (2008-2013), F30, F31, F34 (2012-2013)
• 5 Series: E60, E61 (2008-2010), F07 (2009-2012), F10, F11 (2010-2012)
• 6 Series: E63, E64 (2008-2010), F06, F12, F13 (2010-2013)
• 7 Series: F01, F02, F03 (2008-2015), F04 (2008-2015)
• X Series: X1 E84 (2009-2015), X3 F25 (2010-2013), X5 E70 (2009-2013), X6 E71 (2009-2014)
• Z Series: Z4 E89 (2009-present)​

 

BMW Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Integration for CIC NBT

NBT (Next Big Thing) iDrive System:

• 1 Series: F20, F21 (2011-2017)
• 2 Series: F22, F23 (2013-2017)
• 3 Series: F30, F31, F34, F80 (2012-2017)
• 4 Series: F32, F33, F36 (2013-2017)
• 5 Series: F07, F10, F11 (2012-2017)
• 6 Series: F06, F12, F13 (2012-2017)
• 7 Series: F01, F02, F03 (2012-2015)
• X Series: X3 F25 (2012-2017), X4 F26 (2014-2018), X5 F15 (2013-2018), X6 F16 (2014-2019)
• Z4: E89 (2013-2016)

NBT Evo ID5/ID6 iDrive System:

• 1 Series: F20, F21 (2017-2019)
• 2 Series: F22, F23 (2017-present), F45 (2074-present), F46 (2017-present)
• 3 Series: F30, F31, F34 (2017-2019), G20 (2018-present)
• 4 Series: F32, F33, F36 (2017-present)
• 5 Series: G30, G31, F90 (2016-present)
• 6 Series: G32 (2017-present)
• 7 Series: G11, G12 (2016-present)
• X Series: X5 F15 (2016-2018), X6 F16 (2016-2019), X3 G01 (2017-present), X4 G02 (2018-present), X5 G05 (2018-present), X6 G06 (2019-present), X7 G07 (2018-present)

 BMW Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Integration for EVO