Integrating Apple CarPlay into your BMW enhances your driving experience by seamlessly connecting your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system. Enjoy features like navigation, music streaming, calls, and messages directly on your BMW’s screen. For BMW owners looking to activate this feature, especially in fullscreen, BMW CarPlay coding offers a straightforward and efficient solution.
Activating BMW CarPlay through coding is a popular method, particularly for models produced after 2016 with Professional Navigation (option code 609) and an 8.8 or 10.25-inch screen. This process allows you to unlock Apple CarPlay, often in fullscreen where available, along with screen mirroring for Android devices and video in motion capabilities.
Before proceeding with BMW CarPlay coding, it’s essential to determine your BMW’s software version to choose the correct coding method.
Checking Your BMW Software Version
To identify your current iDrive software version, navigate through your BMW’s iDrive system:
- Go to Navigation in the main menu.
- Press the Options button next to the iDrive controller.
- Select Settings.
- Choose Position & Version History.
- Select Check Version.
You will see a version string starting with NBTEVO_XXXXX. Note down this version as it will determine whether USB or ENET coding is required.
USB Coding for BMW CarPlay Activation
For BMWs with software versions NBTEvo_H, I, J, K, L, M, N, or O, USB coding is the applicable method. This is a simple and quick process that you can perform yourself.
USB Coding Procedure:
- Purchase: Obtain the BMW CarPlay activation coding file.
- Download: You will receive a file after purchase.
- USB Preparation: Copy the received file to a USB stick.
- Car Connection: Plug the USB stick into your BMW’s USB port.
- Activation: The system will automatically detect the file and initiate the CarPlay activation. This process typically takes about one minute.
Once completed, BMW Apple CarPlay will be activated on your iDrive system.
ENET Cable Coding for BMW CarPlay
For newer BMW software versions, specifically NBTEvo_P, Q, R, S, T, U, W, V, X, or Y, ENET cable coding is necessary. This method requires a bit more setup but is still user-friendly.
Requirements for ENET Coding:
- ENET Cable: An Ethernet to OBD cable to connect your car to your computer.
- Windows PC or macOS: A laptop running Windows or macOS. A native macOS application is often available for convenience.
- Stable Network Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection for software download and activation.
ENET Coding Procedure:
- Download App: Download the CarPlay activation application provided after purchase.
- Connect ENET Cable: Start your BMW and connect the ENET cable to both your car’s OBD port and your computer’s Ethernet port.
- Launch App: Open the downloaded application.
- Enter Activation Code: You will receive an activation code to enter into the application. This code is unique to your purchase and unlocks the CarPlay feature.
- Start Coding: Click “Start” in the application to begin the coding process.
- Wait and Enjoy: The coding process usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once completed, your BMW will have fullscreen Apple CarPlay activated.
BMW Fullscreen CarPlay
Fullscreen CarPlay maximizes the display area on your BMW’s screen, providing a more immersive and user-friendly experience. It’s important to note that fullscreen CarPlay is automatically activated on software versions NBTEvo_N, O, P, Q, R, S, U, V, W, X, and Y.
For versions older than NBTEvo_N, CarPlay will be displayed in a 3/4 screen format. To achieve fullscreen CarPlay on these older versions, a separate BMW iDrive Firmware Update might be required.
BMW Models Compatible with CarPlay Coding
CarPlay coding is compatible with a wide range of BMW models manufactured between 2016 and 2022, equipped with Professional Navigation (8.8 or 10.25 inch screen). Below is a list of compatible series:
- BMW 1 Series (F20, F21): 2016-2020
- BMW 2 Series (F22, F23): 2017-2020
- BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34): 2017-2019
- BMW 4 Series (F32, F33, F36): 2017-2020
- BMW 5 Series (G30 with iDrive 6 and 10.25 inch screen): 2017-2019
- BMW 6 Series (F06, F12, G32): 2017-2019
- BMW 7 Series (G11, G12): 2015-2019
- BMW X3 (F25, G01): 2017-2019
- BMW X3M/X4M (F97, F98): 2019-2020
- BMW X4 (F26, G02): 2017-2019
- BMW X5 (F15, F85): 2017-2018
- BMW X6 (F16, F86): 2017-2018
- BMW M2 (F87): 2017-2022
- BMW M3/M4 (F80, F82, F83): 2017-2020
- BMW M5 F90: 2018-2019
- BMW i3/i8: 2018-2021
If you are unsure about compatibility or have any questions regarding BMW CarPlay coding, it is recommended to Contact us or consult the FAQ page for further assistance. Unlock the convenience and enhanced connectivity of Apple CarPlay in your BMW today through simple and effective coding solutions.
