Apple CarPlay is a fantastic way to integrate your iPhone seamlessly with your BMW’s infotainment system. Enjoy navigation, music, calls, and messages directly on your car’s screen. If your BMW didn’t come with Apple CarPlay enabled, or if you’re not experiencing it in fullscreen, you might think a complicated and expensive upgrade is needed. However, BIMMER-REMOTE offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution: Apple CarPlay coding.
This guide will walk you through how to activate Apple CarPlay, and even unlock fullscreen display and screen mirroring on compatible BMW models produced after June 2016 with Professional Navigation (the 8.8 or 10.25-inch screen and option code 609). Our lifetime activation service is compatible with all regions, software versions, and languages, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Check Your BMW iDrive Software Version
Before proceeding with Apple CarPlay coding, it’s crucial to identify your BMW’s iDrive software version. This determines the coding method required and compatibility with fullscreen CarPlay.
Here’s how to check your firmware version:
- Go to your BMW’s Navigation menu.
- Press the Options button on your iDrive controller.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Position & Version History.
- Choose Check Version.
You will see a version string starting with NBTEvo_XXXXX. Note down the letters following “NBTEvo_” as this is your software version identifier.
USB Coding for Apple CarPlay Activation
For BMWs with software versions NBTEvo_H, I, J, K, L, M, N, or O, Apple CarPlay activation can be performed quickly and easily via USB coding.
USB Coding Procedure:
- After purchasing our Apple CarPlay activation service, you will receive a specifically prepared file.
- Copy this file to a USB stick (standard USB drive).
- Plug the USB stick into your BMW’s USB port.
- Wait approximately 1 minute.
That’s it! Apple CarPlay is now activated in your BMW. Simply connect your iPhone and enjoy.
ENET Cable Coding for Apple CarPlay and Fullscreen
For newer BMW software versions, specifically NBTEvo_P, Q, R, S, T, U, W, V, X, or Y, an ENET cable coding method is used to activate Apple CarPlay and unlock additional features.
What you’ll need for ENET Coding:
- ENET Cable: This cable connects your car to your computer. You can find a suitable ENET cable via this link: BMW ENET cable.
- Windows PC or macOS: You’ll need a laptop running Windows or macOS. A native macOS application is available for your convenience.
- Stable Network Connection: Ensure your laptop has a stable internet connection during the coding process.
ENET Coding Procedure:
- Download the activation application that we will send you after purchase. This is a simple, one-click application designed for ease of use.
- Start your BMW engine.
- Connect the ENET cable to both your BMW’s OBD-II port and your computer’s network port.
- Launch the downloaded application on your computer.
- You will receive a unique activation code from us. Enter this code into the application. This code is specific to your purchase and unlocks the features you’ve selected.
- Click the “Start” button in the application.
- Wait for 2-3 minutes while the coding process completes. The application will notify you when it’s finished.
Once completed, your BMW Apple CarPlay will be activated, potentially in fullscreen mode, depending on your software version.
BMW Fullscreen CarPlay: Expanding Your View
Fullscreen CarPlay maximizes the display area on your BMW’s screen, providing a more immersive and user-friendly experience.
Fullscreen CarPlay is automatically enabled on BMWs with software versions: NBTEvo_N, O, P, Q, R, S, U, V, W, X, or Y.
If your BMW has an older software version, CarPlay will display in a 3/4 screen format. To achieve fullscreen CarPlay on these older versions, a separate iDrive firmware update is required, which we also offer: BMW iDrive Firmware Update.
BMW Compatibility: Will This Work For Your Car?
Our Apple CarPlay coding and activation service is compatible with a wide range of BMW and MINI models equipped with Professional Navigation (8.8 or 10.25-inch screen) produced after June 2016.
Compatible BMW Models:
- 2016-2020 BMW 1 Series (F20 / F21)
- 2017-2020 BMW 2 Series (F22 / F23)
- 2017-2019 BMW 3 Series (F30 / F31 / F34)
- 2017-2020 BMW 4 Series (F32 / F33 / F36)
- 2017-2019 BMW 5 Series (G30 with iDrive 6 and 10.25 inch screen)
- 2017-2019 BMW 6 Series (F06 / F12 / G32)
- 2015-2019 BMW 7 Series (G11 / G12)
- 2017-2019 BMW X3 (F25 / G01)
- 2019-2020 BMW X3M/X4M (F97 / F98)
- 2017-2019 BMW X4 (F26 / G02)
- 2017-2018 BMW X5 (F15 / F85)
- 2017-2018 BMW X6 (F16 / F86)
- 2017-2022 BMW M2 (F87)
- 2017-2020 BMW M3 / M4 (F80 / F82 / F83)
- 2018-2019 BMW M5 F90
- 2018-2021 BMW i3 / i8
If you are unsure whether your BMW is compatible or have any questions regarding Apple CarPlay coding, don’t hesitate to Contact us or visit our FAQ page. We are here to assist you in enhancing your BMW driving experience with Apple CarPlay!
