BMW Z4 Aftermarket Apple CarPlay Retrofit - Full Installation DIY

[@Herrschorr]

greetings from Germany 🇩🇪… have bought a Z4 2.5l last summer…and have already installed this unit…best decision i have made…but a lot of work for a man, that is no working man, just a teacher for little kids…nice work 👍🏼☺️

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, it's not super easy if you have never taken a car interior apart, but well worth the effort. Thanks for watching and congrats on cool car!

[@augustbystrom8789]

Have you done any tuning to the engine?

[@bellendcheeses1208]

Hi Herrschorr ,I live in Austria.Can you tell me where you got your system from?Most are really expensive and have a long delivery time.

[@dcairo18]

Thank you so much for this vid! I've been looking for a HU unit with I-drive to purchase and install on my 2013 E89. Had no clue on how to install it. Was going to have a shop install this but you just gave me the motivation to DIY this. Really appreciate your videos. Thanks!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad I could help. Take your time and I'm sure you can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@randomnik70]

I was thinking about getting myself a used Z4, but am still contemplating... I had no idea you can retrofit to something like this so easily! Thanks man! Subbed

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Go for it! It's a fun car and I have many (old and new) videos that should help you with quite a few things a long the way!

[@mohamadalkhatib8903]

From where we can get these if you please

[@kurtaper]

Another great video and as a fellow Chicagoan, I can appreciate the challenges of doing this outside. You're a brave guy! Also, just want to recognize the improvements in your content, new logo, etc. Nice job all around!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Doing it outside just makes me work faster, haha! Glad you have noticed some improvement, I'll keep working on that. Appreciate you watching!

[@WhalesOfWallStreet]

Well done with this video, probably one of the quickest and easiest explanations I have ever seen. You have saved people a lot of money as well!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@DeepSeaSkateBoard]

When does the review video drop? I want to hear your opinions before taking the plunge on one of these, especially how the controller works with carplay etc. Loving the channel!

[@n3307v]

You're very brave. I would never attempt this my E89. Glad it worked for you.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks! I tend to approach these things with.. ‘why can’t I do it?’ attitude and it has worked for me so far. If you check some of my older videos, I’ve ever rebuild an engine without any prior experience. Thanks for watching!

[@dedysahara8891]

membeli dimana head unit nya

[@elpadre8268]

Couldn't find your follow up video. How did this retrofit turn out? Are you happy with it?

[@robcrawford5165]

YOu are da bomb!! so much help to install my own! keep doing these please!

[@pempcar]

Very helpful installation tutorial for Z4 owners! marvelous!

[@xr500t]

Excellent job! and in January even! I'm ready to do mine next.....I'll watch for your update on the interaction with the I drive. I'd be interested to know how Android or Apple carplay behaves in the aftermarket. Either way, it's on my list. Keep up the great work!

[@Herrschorr]

apple carplay work wireless and fine..no issues

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It was chilly, not going to lie! I want to drive with it for at least a little bit to make sure I can give a good honest review and not just say, 'It works so far after 3 hours with it'. It's been a couple of days and I haven't noticed any issues with wireless CarPlay. Thanks for watching!

[@mwnd10]

you make it seem easy thanks men

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Just a lot of patience and methodical thinking. Can't rush these things. Thanks for watching!

[@garycole-bw5oi]

Where did you purchase this unit?

[@heitormoura9460]

Thank you for the video. What is the brand name? Your link does not lead to any unit for the Z4 .

[@jbassiro]

Any chance you could provide an updated link of the model you purchased?

[@kevinjohnson2656]

Thanks for doing this! I really want carplay on my E89 which already has the tech package. Looking forward to your review!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

You can install the interface to add CarPlay like I did on my 550i. Thanks for watching!

[@bimmerfan6538]

Yes, yes yes! This is what you need after putting those speakers in!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It's a complete set now!

[@linliu1895]

Could you please tell me how does the screen play music to the car? I searched a lot of products like this one , but they all playing music through AUX, so you'll have to drill a hole under the arm resting box and connect to the AUX port in it. I did not see this process in this vedio(maybe I missed though). Thank you for your vedio!

[@robinstrong-k9w]

I have the same problem

[@holaminombreesfranz7143]

I got a e89 too and I really want a screen, the one you put looks great. I just wish they made a retractable one, like the original version

[@BORAT77]

The factory retractable screen costs 10,000 Euros.

[@davidtalucci419]

Congrats on the brilliant video, you gave me hope again. I read on the web that if you make changes like the one you made, you will have a problem at the time of diagnosis, because the diagnosis computer would detect a defect. Have you encountered something like this? Thanks a lot.

[@bigbooste9264]

Looks great!

[@Nerojan]

Great video! Can you let me know how you routed the USB cables to inside the glovebox please as that bit was skipped on the video?

[@bashd4035]

Hello from Japan. Your videos have been very informative, and I've been following you for a long time. Thank you. I have a question. When I look at reviews of this "Screen" option, I see that there have been some reports of issues related to sound. Have you used it, and did you encounter such problems? If so, how did you resolve them?

[@mohdalarjan2958]

Thats great information and its valuable I have my E89 2.0 and I really wants to know the model of the screen so I can order it and install it

[@vincecaruso6465]

Did you make a follow up video? I don't see it listed on your page. Could you possibly make a video for E89 (2010-2016) to install the backup cam with this and if it's possible to retro fit comfort access (not keyless entry) so you don't have to take the key out of your pocket? Thanks for this video and thanks in advance if you're able to do the new ones.

[@rshhome]

Where did you buy that system? Was looking at a z4… 2011-2016 and want to do the same.

[@nicholasmeal7446]

Excellent video!!!

[@santiagocarrillo4914]

Does it give you info on oil life like the original stereo

[@SimpleCarGuy]

You can hold MENU for 3 seconds and it goes back to original BMW system. This is an add on, it does not remove anything existing.

[@robinstrong-k9w]

I tried to do the same thing, but mine wouldn’t work without connecting it to the Car auxiliary in the wire is very obvious

[@BvS-r5h]

is it possible to replace the round button of the control between the seats with another model, and do you perhaps eat how to replace this button, would love to hear from you :)

[@angelgabrielreyesarellano8173]

Is the apple CarPlay wireless? when you turn on the car does the android logo appear? NICE VIDEO🎉

[@hogwild110ebay]

Your link above is for a similar Android car play, do you have link for exactly what you installed for APPLE CarPlay - Excellent video, I never thought it would be possible without iDrive

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I got it on AliExpress, but I would not recommend going that route or with the seller I picked. It took well over a month to be shipped with an excuse every other day and no support after (when I asked for installation instructions etc). Thanks for watching!

[@hogwild110ebay]

@@SimpleCarGuy Yes, bit it appears you received exactly what you needed to install Apple CarPlay. I've searched other sites but wouldn't exactly know what I'd need to order? (Don't really need instructions, you laid them all out there for us)

[@ahmeddiab-1981]

Brother from where you bought the cup holder ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

That’s stock with the car, not aftermarket.

[@jvaudio]

Hello - thank you very much for this. I have been wanting to add CarPlay to my E89 as well. I have a screen (and the controller) already in mine and would be curious if you would recommend a complete replacement as you have done here or using a box to add CarPlay as you did in your other car. Thanks for the great videos and as someone just a bit north of you, kudos for doing it outside this time of year!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hi! I would just add the carplay box and keep the original screen. The OEM screen is much better in the sun and you know it will work properly and of course it's much easier and less expensive to add the box instead of swapping the entire screen and controller. Lighting in my garage isn't the best, so I figured I'd breathe some fresh air for an hour haha. Thank for watching!

[@migueltoro8629]

Hey my friend! Where did you the screen system? Thank you!

[@craiggeorge923]

Hey I got the same unit for my z4 where did you plug in the mike cable thanks

[@papiosu]

great video!!! Will the retrofit apply to 2011 z4 - manual transmission? thanks

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, it will. Thanks for watching!

[@SergioSanchez-di8po]

Were can I buy the apple carplay that you install? I have a BMW Z4 year 2013 without screen

[@MyLeftFoot23]

Does the screen brightness get controlled with the same knob for the instrument panel?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

No, it’s an onscreen adjustment

[@MiltonJinner]

Thank you

[@ghettofunkmaster]

Hey, thanks for the vid, I have bought the screen quick question, did you disconnect the battery ? and if so, just the negative?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It is recommended you disconnect the battery. I have done a couple of these without disconnecting the battery, but you should disconnect the negative terminal.

[@milovan8565]

I like your videos. I’m planning to do this to my 2012 Z4 as well come April when I pull it out of storage. I see from your license plate you live in Illinois. I’m in Chicago. Maybe we can hook up.

[@bobwal0404]

Thank you so much, I have subscribed to your great videos.

[@battyboifided6629]

Is there a way to get reppave the original radio with a blank piece as I don't like the look of the old orange?

[@arindrajitroy6287]

Does this unit has also have back up camera capabilities?

[@terryjason2075]

i want to say all e89 z4 cars have stock cic unit installed in my country, i bought an aftermarket carplay module at a price about $250(installation included). aftermarket screen looks nice but i cant live without turn over screen appearance. anyway i understand it is tasteless to add a cic system expensively if you only want to have carplay in 2022.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I would love to add CiC or wish I had OE system already installed, but to add it after the fact it would be prohibitively expensive.

[@terryjason2075]

@@SimpleCarGuy cant agree more.definitely OE BMW parts prices are unreasonable and incredible,especially old types with out-fashioned functions.good news OE parts are not necessary for mantainence and repairing.I bought many brands parts like ZF bilstein INA febi meyle corteco etc.

[@lebijohn7631]

Where can i get this unit I amnin canada

[@thek1313]

Nice car and nice add new screen 😍 i want to try manual bmw i thank is different 😍👍😍

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks! I'm really enjoying it. Manual cars are dying around here and I'm glad to have one!

[@conselion7244]

Hello, thanks for the video, super professional. Do we somehow know the Factory setting code? Thank you in advance !

[@HEABtheOrdinary]

666666

[@5000RR]

does it glare u when driving at night?

[@krisberry740]

I have a 2013 BMW Z4 28i. What year is yours and where did you purchase this BMW aftermarket Apple Car Play Retrofit?

[@sergiorojas1161]

Hi, first of all, thank you for the video. I have a question. The link in the description is a unit from PEMP, the one you got from aliexpress is the same brand?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

They are all pretty much manufactured by the same place and a different brand name is slapped on it. As far as I can tell, mine doesn't have a brand name.

[@robertsummerfield5626]

Great video. I’ve just installed the same one. Do you know how to get the digital speedo to display mph? Mine is stuck on kmph. Thanks

[@garfy7618]

Did you solution this??

[@carlosfrances01]

This will fit the 2006 E - 85 ?

[@mohamadalkhatib8903]

Please can you send me the link to buy this one

[@coreywurtzbacher2783]

Thanks for the video! I just ordered the PEMP Android 10… I don’t have the factory monitor and hoping that this system will work on my 2009 E89 that has the base radio package…..

[@richkonopka]

I have a 2009 as well. Did you get this unit in and working. I am planning to get one now.

[@СергейНетылько]

BMW - Z- 4 2014 we need to change something?

[@davidkovac6718]

wondering if you looked into installing the idrive on the center console?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Not sure what you mean exactly. Like the original iDrive screen etc?

[@SergioSanchez-di8po]

Were can I buy it? My z4 does not have screen and is year 2013. Thank you

[@olinwinfrey1782]

Thanks for the video... I've been playing around with using tables for the same purpose, but it's not the same. It's been a few months since your installation. Can you give us a follow-up video? Likes and dislikes?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks, Olin! I'll be working on the review of this unit in a couple of weeks. To summarize, it works great for me, but a few minor quirks, but I'm very happy I've installed it.

[@nachureboy239]

@@SimpleCarGuy When will the update/review video drop?

[@gcgordon6993]

Where did you purchase this unit

[@kgie12]

The video was from January 2022. How has this held up over time? Any issues? Thanks!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The unit still works great, but I got rid of the iDrive controller that came with it as it didn’t work as well. I have talked to a few people since that installed the unit and they have fixed the controller through firmware.

[@darylkris]

hi i just came across this video, super interested. do the steering wheel buttons work with this unit? to change songs specifically? thanks in advance

[@vitkuzmenko]

yes. steering wheel buttons works perfectly. next/prev song, voice button (for siri on carplay).

[@IASAOfficial]

How do I find that unit?

[@PerryCovillo]

Hi SCH I don’t know which one to buy bcuz I have an Apple I phone I want CarPlay & gps along with the center consol control knob What is the correct 10 inch model to buy for my 2011 Z4 with just a compartment on the dash Thanks Perry from Canada

[@vladkatzaero]

Hey ​@SimpleCarGuy! Following your channel, I got a similar system shortly after you did. However, it didn't work straight for more than a month. All through the winter had all sorts of crunching noises, screen would jitter, sometimes would not turn on, and eventually it died. My amp is stock, no water leaks to the amp compartment, battery healthy verified with a battery tender, and all the fuses seem alive. Is your system still working? Could be the stock amp is too weak to handle it? I am procrastinating taking it all apart again, but AliExpress seller and customer service are useless.

[@Alex-du9uy]

Please tell me if this screen will move down as an genuine screen?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

No, this is stationary

[@Alex-du9uy]

@@SimpleCarGuyok then at your experience is this not affecting while you driving, how about in the night time? can you turn of the screen but keep the lower radio working? thanks for your quick response, appreciate it.

[@tigor85]

Did you follow this up with a review or walk through video? I can’t find one.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I have not, sorry! Got busy with other projects.

[@tigor85]

Installed mine today with massive thanks to you. I wouldn’t have braved it without your video.

[@geno617]

Do you know if it’s necessary to have a sim card. I purchased the unit and on the instructions it shows where to install it, but it didn’t come with one

[@SimpleCarGuy]

You don’t need it if you will be using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

[@gonzhalox]

Hello!!! I´m going to install the same radio in my car, and I have a cuestion!! Is it necessary to connect the gps and 4G antena?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

If you aren’t going to use built in navigation or insert a SIM card, you don’t need them. Just make sure if you have a WiFi antenna you plug it in as it’s used for Apple CarPlay.

[@gonzhalox]

@@SimpleCarGuy I have a little problem now. The sound doesn’t come out and the auxiliary cable that comes, has to be connected to the original auxiliary input. Is there a different way to do that connection?

[@sinisterbamf]

They need to make this for the e85

[@TheSWoo]

I watched other retrofit videos and remember that some installations require a cable to be routed to the aux port in the center console, which you have mentioned in the video as well. Do you know why it wasn’t needed in your installation? Maybe because its an android unit vs a CarPlay box addition to those with an original screen? Refreshing to see that you left a lot of trim pieces still attached to the cables, seems to have saved a lot of hassle! Great installation guide!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It was NOT needed for my installation and everything works as expected! I have not tested on Android yet, but will test Android when I have a friend come over and I’ll include those results in the follow up video. Thanks for watching!!

[@gamemax5alpha]

Is not needed as the top of the pink cable that connects to the radio routes the aux port internally

[@TheSWoo]

@@gamemax5alpha ahh I see, thanks so much for pointing that out.

[@Alex-du9uy]

hi, what is the app I need to instal on the phone to make connection with android device?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

No app is needed. You’d just use Android Auto

[@Alex-du9uy]

@@SimpleCarGuy thank you for your reply, I saw somewhere about Zlink but is seems to be not longer available! that’s why I’m worries

[@BoyTheBlack]

Hi, would this work for a 2015 Z4?...it already has a pre-installed head unit...I would just like an upgrade with the latest technology...if so, where do I purchase it?...

[@monintendo2626]

I go one but have problem with cracking/poping sound. Used contacted spray and checked cables. Wasn’t an issue when I but the original cables Any help?

[@vitkuzmenko]

I have same problem when sound volume on head unit is greater then 30. volume 30 or lower makes sound quility little better.

[@guillaumedebra4233]

I installed it and I had same crackling sound each 2 seconds. I moved 2 green optical cables to head unit and no more crackling sound. Now I don't understand why I have to connect a long jack cable to aux in (in box space) input to have sound. Any help ?

[@rodrigobudog]

MUITO BOM....

[@alexhobson5182]

Where can I buy one?

[@jeffconti5447]

What unit is it that you installed. Where can I purchase one?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I got mine on AliExpress, but it took well over a month for them to ship, so I wouldn't recommend it. Amazon has them for sale as well. Link in the description.

[@jeffconti5447]

Where can I find the description

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It’s under the video, but here is the link: amzn.to/334XR0m

[@hogwild110ebay]

@@SimpleCarGuy That link is still the Android version and not Apple Car Play?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

All of these are android based. Apple CarPlay is just an ‘app’ on it.

[@kevinwalker8782]

Where do you get your kits from?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I got this one on AliExpress. See links in the description.

[@U2ude]

Link in the description is for car that already has a screen. Mine only has storage bin, no screen and no I drive controller. How do I find unit for my car on aliexpress? I’ve searched for hours.

[@zackvizeman5329]

My Z4 E89 Android screen does not respond at all, but the i-Drive works. However, with the i-Drive I cannot go to the apps or settings menus. Is there a solution for it? I would appreciate if you can tell me what to do to fix the issue. Thank you in advance. BTW, I resettled the OS via the small reset hole on the system, but that did not fix the issue!

[@rkashef1]

I heard the cheap Chinese ones overheat after a year and start acting up. Since it is connected to all the climate control and vehicle info ports I'm not sure what the implications will be.

[@nathanshapiro8181]

how do you remove the arm rest?

[@shepard867]

Does Android Auto also works wireless?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It claims it does, but I don’t have a modern android phone to test with. I will post a review of the actual unit soon and I’ll grab a friends phone to test.

[@charlesbeachboard6832]

Are all the factory iDrive car diagnostics and features accessible with this unit or any others? This is all I am interested in having. Thanks anyone.

[@ThatErDoc]

So I tried to install this and I'm getting sound clicking and my sos signal coming up on my dash. Did you have this issue ?

[@vladkatzaero]

Did you have it resolved? Having the same issue

[@ThatErDoc]

@@vladkatzaero . Yeh you have to pull the optical plug from the harness and put it back into the head unit.

[@guillaumedebra4233]

@ThatErDoc I had also sound clicking and after moving optical cable it doesn't happen any more. Did you have to connect 3.5mm jack cable to AUX IN also ?

[@ThatErDoc]

@guillaumedebra4233 yes I did. I was trying to avoid using the aux but couldn't find a work around without the clicking and SOS

[@zmitchell09]

I just bought this for my 2011 bmw z4 E89. After installing I cannot get sound from the head unit to the speakers. My radio works fine and has sound. I took it all apart to make sure everything was connected properly and they were. Any one have this problem or know how to troubleshoot?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Did you switch to Aux on your original BMW radio?

[@zmitchell09]

Yes I can switch from radio to aux but still no sound.

[@villersfr]

@@zmitchell09 I zack, excactly the same problem, no sound, did you find a solution ?

[@vitkuzmenko]

@@villersfr did you find solution?

[@tw6946]

My Z4 has the screen but I bought this new screen because it looks better

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Nice! Have you had a chance to install it yet? How do you like it?

[@nicholasmeal7446]

Has anyone got a link for this item ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Check links in the description. I'll add some additional ones if current ones aren't working.

[@dylanhill5854]

I've just purchased a 2013 z4 in UK can anyone tell me where I can get android version thanks in advance 😊

[@milovan8565]

Andriy, terrific video. Did you end up routing the two USB cables into the glove box? Do they also provide power? If so I’d plan to buy a Weathertech Cup phone for my cup holder and run a short usb to power my iPhone. Also, have you tried a USB Stick with music on it?

[@emanuelcozmanciuc8561]

hey everyone. I am looking to buy one of those as well, but I can't find it online anywhere. With the link provided in the video description, it says that "the item is unavailable". Does anyone have any suggestions on where to find it? Ideally in Europe (I am in Germany), but ordering it from abroad (i.e. from the US) could be an option too. Thanks. P.S. thanks for the video! very helpful

[@davidtalucci419]

Hi, also i'm looking for something like that, did you found it? Thanks

[@ibrahimmalik5361]

Hey man, I’ve bought the same system as you from AliExpress and managed to fit it. Everything seems to work fine except I can’t seem to get apple car play on it at all? Do you know how you can sort that out? I’ve tried both wired and wireless connections but it’s not seemed to have worked. Thanks again

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hey there! It's hard to tell without seeing the unit, but there should be an App that allows CarPlay connection. Mine is called something like Zlink. Might be a different name on yours, I'd check with the seller. Worst come to worst, you can install one of these apps since this is just an android unit.

[@5000RR]

every chinese company has a person dedicated to confusing end consumer of their products lol

[@SimpleCarGuy]

What do you mean by that?

[@5000RR]

@@SimpleCarGuy i mean when i try to buy something on aliexpress they dont clearly tell you what do u get as there are many variations

[@v.m.7228]

Weren't you the Android guy??? Bet you are! LOL

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The Android guy? You’re like the 5th person that has said this, but I have no idea who that is lol

[@Pseudo_Placebo]

Does not work any more.... Crap and therefore no alternative. Need another module. Would like to leave everything original and no reflective screen

[@vitkuzmenko]

How long you use this head unit?

[@bellendcheeses1208]

Great job,thanks for the video.❤

[@robinstrong-k9w]

I tried to do the same thing, but mine wouldn’t work without connecting it to the Car auxiliary manually.