BMW i3: HOW TO Install Apple CarPlay [Compatibility & Retrofit Guide]

[@fogartym77]

Another great and informative video. Thanks Martin!

[@SDX9000]

Thank you for clarifying what is what. I would not need to code anything IF BMW would actually allow me to buy the CarPlay unlock for the car, but they don't. The car was 100% ready to run CarPlay, there is an option to unlock CarPlay digitally, BUT "not for your car" - so the coding tis the only thing people can do.

[@andrewparkeruk]

Thank you Martin, @Wisely and @MAKCoding

[@LukasDePraga]

Thanks for the video. Although I am missing any info if the small business screen also supports CarPlay?

[@MAKCoding]

EntryNav ID4 - No. Needs MMI box or NBTevo Retrofit EntryNav2 ID6 - Yes, only if the unit has WiFi port. If it doesn't have WiFi port then need to replace the unit or fit MMI box

Hi! Thanks for that video, very informative! I’m an i3 owner from France, with a facelift and no apple CarPlay (2019 car). Can I order from MAK’s website and will it work on my car even if it’s not a UK model? Should be the same software right?

[@MAKCoding]

Yes! We code Carplay all around the world😊

[@gregmccarter3243]

I bought a 2015 from a dealer 2 years ago and after a week i founnd out it had carplay all installed...i was so happy....and it also had the hold state of charge coded in also.....

[@benedekfodi]

there was an MMI box installed, right?

[@frankpeutz9106]

Martin, could you perhaps make a (short) video about the correct adjustment of the windshield washer jets of the BMW i3? In the past this was quite easy with a needle in the washer and just aligning it, with the i3 this does not work and I can't find anything about it in the user manual. The washer on the driver's side sprays against the wiper arm and I would like to correct this. Thanks in advance for the effort and all your videos about the i3 (I am curious when you will have a workshop again). Frank

[@angelarodrigues2829]

In Portugal we instal a MMI box with some specialist

[@richardpiper4828]

Very interesting and helpful. Fortunately, as you know Martin, I was one of the few who spec’d CarPlay as the BMW option. I have been reading that CarPlay 2 was expected to be released in 2024 but has yet to arrive. Do you know what this will bring and whether it will require new in car hardware?

[@nargaroth-BMIK]

Best Video on the topic, as usual. One question remains. Can I check if Carplay is really activated? I own a 2022 model with the small screen but I dont have Carplay option in the menu.

[@MAKCoding]

If you don't have the option then it's not activated. Message us your vin and we can check if we can activate it for you

[@TackNej]

Good video👍🏻

[@TackNej]

I have had Harman Kardon coding for the head unit to get full frequency output for my DSP/Amplifier, what happens to that if I apply a USB CarPlay coding?🤔

[@MAKCoding]

Nothing. Carplay Activation doesn't change headunit coding. And definitely doesn't change any other modules including the AMP

[@TackNej]

@@MAKCoding Thank's😀 You will soon have one more customer 😉

[@1ssac1]

How about all you need to know about android auto ? :)

[@BetsBestBits]

I hate all things Apple, except Pink ladies 😜

[@MAKCoding]

Android Auto needs MMI box on BMW iDrives as BMW never built in on ID4/5/6 systems. Only ID7 onwards

[@1ssac1]

@@MAKCoding that's all I need to know ?

[@deanofmean]

So no easy android install on the i3 at all on any model??

[@uttherkunst3806]

1:15 fox?!?! FOXXXXXX!!!!!

[@wiselyauto]

YES! A lot of them all around London. They love to nibble on i3 aerials. 😅

[@marklola12]

Ha that seals the deal with me not getting the used i3 lease i need android auto

[@wiselyauto]

May we suggest an i4 then? 😉

[@anthonyscrivener2267]

I’ve been wanting a mmi box for my 2016 with small screen for a while but lots of reviews complain about bugs like phone stays connected to the car even once switched off off outside their home. Is this just poor install or are some devices better than others or is there a wider issue with these boxes?

[@anthonyscrivener2267]

Also great video. Thanks.

[@MAKCoding]

Depends on the box and install. The box gets powered through the iDrive. Even after turning the car, the iDrive stays in "sleep" mode for 15 mins to quickly boot up in those 15 mins if needed (in case driver comes back etc). Hence why the box stays on even after turning off but will fully power off afterwards

[@DoshindeReus]

My software version says H1835E1R. So no NBTevo or anything else. What does that mean? I have the small screen on a facelift model

[@Thatbeetle]

It means you can't have it.

[@DoshindeReus]

@Thatbeetle why not? What does it mean? Why don't I see NBTEvo?

[@z00h]

@@DoshindeReus Because you have a poverty spec head unit?

[@DoshindeReus]

@@z00h where can I find my head unit so I know which type I have

[@marcd6897]

when you have a small screen, you cannot have CarPlay I’m afraid.

[@Kaal5218]

Godly

[@obsessedcloset2638]

Do you have a contact number as I’m looking for some work needing done on my i3?

[@wiselyauto]

Wisely Automotive - 0208 050 7600 MAK Coding - 07366 188993

[@chrishar110]

Damn, I saw the video too early, there are no comments yet!!! I'll come later to read the comments.

[@zulupenman]

Look great video but as a i3 owner and professional installer technician and KZbin reviewer .. there is a much better option in my humble opinion.. firstly don't play around with the complex i3 head units software.. 2) Apple CarPlay is nice but not that nice.... as to override the whole gorgeous BMW i3 interface screen i3 platform with just a basic looking CarPlay screen that's available on a Hyundai or any other cheap new car.. the standard i3 menu iDrive system and look with the skeltor BMW i3 car showing all the internal components and ReX and motors power train power direction is so beautiful to look at why would one cover that with CarPlay?? To me.. it like having a Michelin silver service dining setting with porcelain dinner plates and crystal glasses setting ....and ... a then throwing a cheap plastic picnic table cloth over it all with placing plastic plates and plastic knives and forks and cups on it.. why will you do that..?? my suggestion is go for the third screen option !!! as I have demonstrated and installed on my KZbin video review on my channel giving the ultimate fighter jet pilot cockpit look with dedicated Apple CarPlay screen keeping the original i3 iDrive beautiful screen set up. Not to mention having a toggle between all the bmw menus and back to Carplay ...-and quite frankly BMW have done a lot of shortcuts cheap and nasty changes to the new later model i3's .. they don't look anywhere near as good as original 2014 and 2015 model builds.. including the new tile interface on the new iDrive system which looks absolutely cheap... please don't get caught up and wanting CarPlay all integrated into your BMW iDrive system... go for something very clever think outside the square and believe me if you watch my video it looks friggin awesome in my i3 .... I hope that helps anyone who's thinking of doing this, but thank you Martin it was a great video and full marks to the company doing the aftermarket upgrades but yes I think there's a better option by far -Andrew Penman KZbin ⚔️

[@MAKCoding]

Dude Carplay is literally built in on i3's with EVO units. Part of the BMW iDrive. If you really want to look at electric info whilst driving then splitscreen Carplay works. If not then Fullscreen Carplay works better for majority of people But having a whole another screen 😅 it's just going back in time

[@RichardBrooklyn]

Paragraphs are always an option.

[@Conservator.]

I have Apple CarPlay built in from factory and I use it all the time for Google maps and YT music for example. It’s so well integrated that the ‘map’ and ‘media’ buttons take me directly to Google Maps and YT Music when I’m in CarPlay. With one press on the menu button I’m back in the iDrive system. It’s how BMW has designed it and it works flawlessly. I wouldn’t dream (have nightmares tbh) of installing a third screen on my dashboard. Now that would really degrade it to a aftermarket eBay special but that’s just my opinion. Everyone should do what he/she likes best and it’s great that have that many options!

[@Thatbeetle]

Seriously? I had a 2018 I3 and couldn't wait to install carplay so I didn't have to look at the crappy BMW graphics. Plus if you think having a silly little screen down by your knees is advisable for keeping your eyes on the road you gotta be kidding.

[@loonymoon1]

@@Thatbeetle TBH I feel same. I feel the car looks much more modern with the carplay interface... as it's only idrive 6 underneath - if it was a newer version then maybe but not idrive 6... Using the idrive with carplay is a bit annoying though , but most things I use Voice for so not a problem.

[@Alextraz]

Now thats how you make a 110% usuful video content. Many thanks.

[@tatra7002]

Modify EVO - By the way, do you know that what you are presenting is a scam? This is a normal theft against BMW. Violation of the license terms, just like if you had an illegal copy of Microsoft Windows.