BMW i3 Big Screen Upgrade - Installing & Coding 10.25" Display DIY

The navigation screen on my BMW i3 was one of the small 6.5" units that just dated the car for me and I never liked these on any BMWs. Luckily, there are still some large screens available for sale brand new that make this upgrade an easy job. In this video I show you how to remove and replace the display on the BMW i3, code the car using 2 different methods to accept the larger screen and what do to if you have an aftermarket Apple CarPlay unit installed like MMIPrime. This upgrade make a huge difference in the world of BMW i3s as you get to experience the iDrive system, maps, navigation and even CarPlay and Android Auto in full 10 inch glory and much better contract ration and colors. #SimpleCarGuy #BMWi3
Screen I ordered: s.click.aliexp...
Part Number: 9306743
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Thinktool Mini: amzn.to/3GOcp4u
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[@HtheG]

The lcd was damaged when they replaced my i3 window shield. I used this video to order the part and do the upgrade. Pretty easy. Thanks.

[@evoallover]

What year is this

[@HtheG]

@@evoallover my WMI i3 REX is a 2017 the last year I believe this part works on

[@LilaKuhJunge]

I am one of the 2022 i3 buyers who lost their Navi Pro and got the 6.5" instead. That 6.5" is not a looker, more plastic cover than actual display. Thanks for that wonderful video!

[@Matthew_Payne]

Have you done the swap for the larger screen? I thought 2022 i3’s needed a head unit upgrade as well as the screen? Would be interested to know as I have one coming soon.

[@LilaKuhJunge]

​@@Matthew_Payne I have considered the swap, but it would set me back about 4k€ for a very small improvement - guiding lines for parking assistance. The smaller unit seems to consume less power

[@sean82sylt]

Great guide! I did this with my otherwise perfectly specced 2017 when I bought it a year and a half ago. Totally the best money spent. The small screen is certinaly underwhelming.

[@DGSantaFe]

Your videos are awesome, well explained, and fun to watch. I don't own an i3 yet, but it's already catching my undivided attention, and I'm already looking at some options. Awesome job!

[@jimsavich1513]

Successfully installed large. Great instruction video. How do you get the Spotify, CarPlay, etc apps on the unit? Do you download the apps or a different large screen required?

[@olavivalli]

Thanks for the great video. Possibly stupid question but I was left wondering if the larger screen is touch enabled? Or if not, is there a touch enabled version for pre-‘18 i3’s that would allow touch based input, e.g. when inputting a destination into the inbuilt navi?

[@alphadevyat]

Nice upgrade. And perfect with MMI and CarPlay toys. Easy to do too. Congrats.

[@kanulondon]

I got this working but for display resolution I had to chose 8.8 Inch 1280*480. When I chose the same resolution for the 10.25 screen (I bought the same item in the description) only half the screen worked on my Pre LCI Car. Thanks for the video

[@incartechie]

Great upgrade for i3's!

[@operatorblack]

Bro thank you for this. Great video for learning these techniques in general.

[@rcpmac]

What did you learn, where the 2 screws are? There is little benefit of this DIYer in terms of parts or tools to accomplish this conversion not to mention costs

[@operatorblack]

@@rcpmac you sound upset

[@alanwong8162]

Hi, thanks for sharing this! One question: when you are in Carplay, and you put your car in reverse, will it bring up the PDC with reverse camera image(if applicable)?

[@plamenpenkov6175]

Super information!

[@zzzide]

The screen now costs 750 USD, and the cheapest tool to program it shouldn't be cheaper than 200 bucks either. So this is basically a $1000 upgrade. Worth it?

[@kojoefante]

You can get it done for cheaper

[@theilllines]

Hi I have the 10.25 screen when I purchased the car used. But it doesn't have the apps on there like yours, the waze app, and others. How do I get that on mine? All I have is the menu options for BMW I think come with the car. I want KZbin app as well. Thanks

[@sbflyer20]

This video is excellent thank you! I'm picking up my 2017 i3 REX this week in Los Angeles. Can I ask what your thoughts are on the long term reliability of your i3? Have you needed to make any expensive trips to the dealer to fix part failures? I've always owned Toyota's for their exceptional reliability and I like that Toyota doesn't do planned obsolescence like the German car companies do.

[@kmusicmagazine]

Maybe not BMW as such, but the i3 has come to last. What’s your experience after 11 months now?

[@sbflyer20]

Is there anything you don't like about how the carplay works with the new screen? Audio good? Microphone good? Still able to access NBT menu?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I like everything. Only thing that happens is 1 out of 50 times would be not connecting automatically and I have to go to Bluetooth and click on the device. Audio is great. It uses car microphone, so it’s fine. Hold MENU for 3 seconds to go back to BMW system.

[@kosasin1182]

I like it. You made it looked easy.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

This one is actually pretty easy! Just 2 screws a few minutes on a scanner or your phone.. World of difference!

[@lunaroahome9098]

It's work for a 2020 i3??

[@johnluzwick5534]

I have a 2020 BMW i3 with the 6.5" display. I obtained a 10.25" KYOCERA BM6842991 display and followed the KZbin by changing the Display Mode to "BREITES_Display 02" but still the Display was blank. I obtained the following 2 DTCs - B7F8C3 and B7F8C5.

[@BikingBadwithTC]

I think he said this upgrade cannot be done with redesigned i3, 2019+.

[@christianalbertogm]

Thank you for the link!! If I buy the screen, do I have to buy also the CarPlay module? Or the screen has it ? Thank You

[@scottharvey4528]

Thanks for all of your great content! 2017 i3: Do I have to have the MMI installed in order to activate CarPlay as well as the larger screen?

[@nagytomi1981]

Same question here!? How?

[@incartechie]

If you have the NBT EVO map version, you don't need MMI box, we can activate it on your current screen!

[@nagytomi1981]

@@incartechie what is the price?

[@ed1312mason]

Hi, i have a 2018 i3 REX Someone told me that my system is a ROUTE head unit and that's old and can't be upgraded i wanted to buy a bigger screen 10,25 and the android auto / carplay box that you install but they ask me if my car is either EVO or NBT and i don't have a clue. LOL Will a set up like your work? Can you help?

[@incartechie]

Send us a picture of your screen and we can check for you!

[@hortense8361]

Hi, did you also change the basic controller with the idrive touch and did it work ? I’m looking into tutorial to switch controllers but it’s hard to find…

[@kamnapavon4638]

Cool, is there not a Bracket for a Tablet?

[@hudsondavid9065]

Hi! I have the 2015 i3 all electric. Do you know how to fix the main screen that displays the speedometer when the light is fading or dying?

[@DNuzzo]

The option for coding using Bimmercode doesn't show up!

[@vww1l]

A great video. I have a 2014 i3 with the big screen but it has broken in an accident. I may need to buy a replacement and does this screen you have bought have apple CarPlay built in?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks! The screen does not come with apple carplay, it's just the screen. I installed CarPlay with an add-on unit (check previous videos).

[@vww1l]

@@SimpleCarGuy thank you. How do I know which screen to buy for my 2014 car? Are they all the same as some I’ve seen seem to be made by difference companies?

[@julianbell9586]

Nice upgrade... Looking so sweet... Do you have a screen grab from any earlier video for the before) after comparison of the screen size and resolution?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hmm, I guess you can see the original resolution in the CarPlay video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3ucmWWJhK2XfpI The screen size and quality is sooo much better, the brightness, contrast etc. Resolution is not as huge of a difference but still looks good.

[@DavidBadajozdb]

Can someone assist with a link to purchase a 10.25 screen for a 2019 i3?

[@christianalbertogm]

Nice! I need the link to buy the screen and please tell me the correct name of the device to order it. Thank you

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The links are in the description. Screen I ordered: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AfcsNt Part Number: 9306743 You can code the screen with any device that can code modules. I showed 2 different ways in the video, one using a fairly expensive Thinktool Mini scan tool or BimmerCode. You will need to buy this OBD2 adapter and buy the app: amzn.to/3MzfKFu

[@vincentvandenbogaert6163]

For whom is as stupid as I: I accidentally chose 8" 1280*480 instead of 10.25" 1280*480 Because everything seemed fine, instead of the navigation, which hung at 'starting', it took a while before I figured out what was the problem.. Now everything works fine!

[@StudioSasha]

Hi Master ! i Have BMW 528i LCI e60 2010 All original Work perfect. After Install Android 12 Carplay All work perfect,but Diagnostic ISTA D All Modul Three green - only CID Red. Its normal or i need coding New Display ? Thanks.Best Regards,Alex

[@thereturnofk]

I upgrade from a 22kwh High voltage to a 33kwh 94ah. Is there a way to code it with bimmercode. How do I code battery tray with new bms for my 2014 i3?

[@theilllines]

Hi. How much was that to upgrade battery? Labor and parts? Thanks

[@jeffh781]

My 2014 I 3 , center screen just went off. Brought to dealer , they do not what is the problem. I am wondering what is the tool you are holding to program it. Where to buy and how much?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The tool I used is a ThinkTool Mini. I have a review of it on my channel. In your case, I would start with scanning the car to see if there are any codes and then checking physical connection on the screen (it's so easy to get to).

[@jeffh781]

@@SimpleCarGuythank you for the quick response

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

still no 335i update smh

[@yangster8326]

Did you have to disconnect your CarPlay MMI box and revert to factory setup before doing the coding ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Nope, CarPlay MMI box stayed in place. I just had to switch the DIP switches to wide screen after upgrade.

[@platoboy]

@SimpleCarGuy Which code reader did you use to plug into the BMW?

[@karma602az]

Bimmer code sell one on their website

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Sorry, didn't see your comment. If anyone is interested in the same, I got this: Veepeak OBD Adapter (works with BimmerCode). Links in the description.

[@LiLWindex69]

Does the entertainment scroller (mouse) still work with this screen?

[@haidersuhail6390]

I got a New BMW i3 2022 manufactured in Mai with the small display can you help me to upgrade to the big size display please if that possible to my car, thank you.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

This method will not work on your car. Newer models need the entire headunit replaced as far as I understand.

[@MikeAeferify]

Do you have a recommendation for a 2018 bmw i3? I really do not like the s all Display.

[@incartechie]

You can upgrade to the larger screen and install MMI box!

[@rp9674]

It sucks that mfg have proprietary displays when you can buy whole tablet far larger and far cheaper. If someone designed an adapter, that would be worth a few hundred $ !

[@matthewpeckham1996]

Where would I get the upgraded screen and apart from the size, what can the bigger screen do?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Nothing, it’s just a bigger screen that looks better and has higher resolution.

[@Amazin-le4hn]

I have a 2015 and the screen is not functional only showing fuzzy lines. Do you think upgrading screen will fit that issue or same issue with larger screen too?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hard to say as it depends on what is actually wrong with it. If it's the screen, then yes it will fix the issue, but if it's the cable, connector or the head unit then it will not make a difference.

[@familyravasio7668]

Hi Guys, could this upgrade works for a new BMW i3S 2021-Nov? thanks for your advise. In case which is the Display SKU code I should buy.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It does not.

[@XcaliburReborn]

Does this just turn it into an apple carplay display? Or does it still have all the original bmw screens for climate, battery etc?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The screen upgrade is just that. It's a bigger screen. Apple CarPlay I have added separately. It's not included with the screen. For both, you still get all of the BMW functionality. You can switch between Apple CarPlay and BMW system by holding MENU for 3 seconds.

[@yele]

Did the upgrade, but got a strange problem: New screen blinks off and back on every few seconds. This ONLY happens when there is lot of bright subjects on the screen (like a map) or the car is very hot (have been baking in direct sunlight). My theory is that the screen overheats and restarts itself. Anyone bumped to this problem? Maybe I got a broken display unit.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I would think you might have missed a step programming it, but if it's ONLY when it's bright out, it has to be somehting with the screen. I would also double check the connection in case it wasn't done 100% right. Maybe when the plastic expands in the sun the connection is looser.

[@yele]

@@SimpleCarGuy Thanks. It was not event the light outside, just the heat from the sunlight. On morning time with similar amount of sunlight display worked ok. When the cabin heated up (parked in sun for a while), display started acting up. Looks like the problem was in the display unit. Returned the 10” display and switched back to a smaller one that works great.

[@anhiirr]

is mmi prime included/oem installed on a 2019, ive been googling about it not really sure if its only for older models...or to re-enable? android auto? Just wondering if ill need to purchase one for a big screen conversion 6:12 not sure what pre oci means either. So i guess this means i may not be able to upgrade in a 2019? or i have to buy an entirely different oe/screen contingent with the "newer models"?

[@DavidBadajozdb]

Have you found any resources for your upgrade on your 2019? I've purchased the screen for 2019 and am about to install it after delivery.

[@anhiirr]

@@DavidBadajozdb no I haven't looked into it or considered the upgrade yet at least not untily warranty expires since I got mine used/extended

[@DrJavyMartinez]

SO my 2018 is the small screen and according to Bimmer-tech, i have the NBT EVO ID4 installed. Will this screen work for that, or do i have to go looking for the Kyocera screen? Please let me know asap as I want to get MMI Pro and the big screen done asap.

[@cadamstech1658]

Hey, I have a 2018 too. Did you end up installing it?

[@DrJavyMartinez]

@@cadamstech1658 I did make the upgrade. Look for premium retrofit. I didn’t have to take out the dashboard or do any of that other stupid crap. He also had a large monitor that he threw in. I love it. he also unlocked the sport mode for me. It makes it a completely different car. My next project is to change the speakers.

[@cadamstech1658]

@@DrJavyMartinez Thank you good sir!

[@randygarcia4565]

Had been searching for a screen compatible with the i3. I have found many for other BMW cars but almost none for the i3, any suggestions on an alternative?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

See the links and information in the description on where I got the screen. Is that not what you are looking for?

[@randygarcia4565]

@@SimpleCarGuy thanks for redirect me, found the screen!!!

[@robynwinston9026]

Does anyone know if you can upgrade the screen on a 2018 BMW I3 to the 10.25" screen? Everything I find online says you can't do the upgrade on 2018's because the manf was changed. It must be possible, but I'm not sure where to go other than BMW dealer. Please help! Thank you!

[@bimmerfan6538]

This little car is being transformed into a cool little grocery getter! What's next?

[@zaydnavaz7035]

Want to do this too on my 2022 car. Is the process the same?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

No, unfortunately it’s a lot more complicated on 2019+ and requires a head unit swap.

[@Basher797]

@@SimpleCarGuy is it 2019+ or all LCI? Have an 2018 LCI which I'm thinking about upgrading the screen on

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I don’t know for sure, but it looks like the same screen was used until 10/2018 product date. So theoretically it should work until the new screens were introduced. Same part number on these production dates: i3 I01   (01/2013 - 10/2017) i3 I01 LCI   (01/2017 - 10/2018)

[@Robin-yz1sr]

Where can I buy the screen?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I have links in the description. I got mine on AliExpress

[@resonantresendizrogelio]

Is it touch screen ? :)

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It is not, you’d have to replace the head unit to make it touchscreen.

[@resonantresendizrogelio]

@@SimpleCarGuy okay I see, so it is possible?

[@dolldevareaux6080]

You didn’t say all that

[@sufianspice]

Why don't you just buy and fit an iPad there instead of dummy $600 display that totally useless

[@hansschweikert9153]

Why only up to 2017? I'm looking to purchase an i3, and would like the larger screen. Thx

[@platoboy]

what reader for reprogramming did you use my friend?

[@EvanBlack11]

Can you use a upgrade screen from another I3 and put it in your older I3?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, you can. That's what this screen is basically, it's just left over stock and is new instead. Make sure its from the same year range, 2018+ has a different head unit and those screens won't work

[@EvanBlack11]

@@SimpleCarGuy thanks 🙏🏾