Apple CarPlay allows you to connect your phone to your car, and in a way, its like having an IPhone on your idrive in your BMW. It allows you to play music from your music apps, listen to your text and whatsapp messages, send and receive calls, use Waze and Google Maps, and so much more.
So how do you actually get it on your idrive?
The problem is that BMW did not provide cars older than 2016 with the facility to actually use apple CarPlay, so the only way to use Apple Carplay in your pre 2016 BMW is to retrofit a device to your system so that it can recognise and manipulate your idrive into allowing CarPlay to work.
What do I need?
To get CarPlay on your pre 2016 BMW, you will need the MMI box retrofit from Whip Customs. We provide a full kit with the mmi box and all wires you will need to install it. It is simply plug and play with no coding required. However, you will need to remove some trim panels and the entire headunit to be able to add this MMI box to your vehicle, so we recommend professional installation. We can install this device for only £75 based in East London. You can purchase the MMI box here.
Will my IDrive look different after installing the MMI box?
No, simply put, the MMI box is an extension to your IDrive. Your infotainment system will load up as normal and all functions will remain. To use CarPlay, simply hold the menu button on your controller for a few seconds and you will be greeted with the CarPlay system. If you want to go back to the original system, just press the menu button again.
Please note: You will need a working Aux port for this to work.
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