With its user-friendly and instinctive interface, CarPlay MMI Prime makes it easy to use many of your iPhone's apps, including Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Tidal, Spotify, Podcasts, Messages, WhatsApp and more all on your car's native dashboard screen. We've also listened to your needs and given you the option to connect your iPhone wirelessly with your car. For maximum convenience, control and switch between apps with your with your voice thanks to Siri at just a press of a button.
BimmerTech's CarPlay MMI Prime upgrade is compatible with E-series and F-series cars with newer or older iDrive generations (e.g. CIC, ENTRY, ENTRYNAV, CHAMP2, NBT, NBT EVO ID4, etc.). It also features Android Auto which you can use on your iDrive screen either wirelessly or with the MMI's USB port. If your phone supports wireless Android Auto, you can definitely enjoy the wireless capability. However, in case your phone is not compatible you'll still be able to use the Android Auto via USB as long as you have the Android Auto app installed.
- Wireless CarPlay capability
- USB multimedia and charging port
- Full-Screen Mode
- Easy control with iDrive
- Wireless Android Auto support
- Integration with Front and Rear View Cameras
- High-quality audio with an equalizer
- Other features
1. Wireless Capability
CarPlay MMI Prime lets you connect your iPhone wirelessly. It only takes one wireless pairing of your iPhone and CarPlay MMI to help the the MMI recognize your iPhone each time you get in your car and connect wirelessly, without you even having to remove your phone from your pocket or bag. When using CarPlay you'll be able to answer calls just like with a Bluetooth hands-free connection.
If you'd rather connect your iPhone with the use of cable, you are also free to do so. CarPlay MMI Prime supports both wired and wireless phone connections.
Our CarPlay solution comes with a USB port. It lets you charge your iPhone on longer drives, or you can use it for playing videos and music on your iDrive Screen from a USB thumb drive.
The MMI's USB port can also be used in the future for software updates. So, if you won't be using it for charging or multimedia playback - make sure to place it in an accessible location.
3. Full-Screen Mode
CarPlay MMI Prime lets you use all your favorite CarPlay-compatible iPhone apps on the original BMW display in full-screen. The retrofit's 1280x480 resolution for big screens and 800x480 resolution for small screens look great on all screen sizes.
Note that in MINIs with a rounded screen, a small part of each corner of the CarPlay interface will be obscured when using full-screen mode.
The Full-Screen mode also includes a Screen Mirroring option, which lets you cast the screen of your mobile device onto the BMW's display, and stream audio through the car speakers. iPhones mirror wirelessly, while Android phones require a cable connection.
Please note that mirroring of some apps or content using the Screen Mirroring feature may be blocked due to the copyright-holder's DRM. BimmerTech is not responsible for the continued compatibility of any third-party apps with CarPlay MMI Prime.
4. Easy control with iDrive
To navigate the CarPlay apps, you can use Siri or the iDrive controller. In some vehicles there's also the option of control with steering wheel buttons, but keep in mind that it is dependent on your head unit version. Decode your VIN to see whether it will be enabled for your car.
5. Wireless Android Auto support
The kit contains a Multimedia Interface (MMI) — a module that also adds Android Auto to your BMW. So if you have family members or friends with Android smartphones, connecting their devices will be a breeze too!
To enjoy Android Auto wirelessly your phone has to support the wireless Android Auto. If it doesn't, you'll still be able to use the Android Auto via USB - just make sure you have the Android Auto app installed.
6. Integration with Front and Rear View Cameras
The MMI module makes it easy to add front and reversing cameras to your order for a much lower price. The front view camera can easily be activated by holding the Option button for 2 seconds. To exit camera mode, just press Back. It can also be set up to appear automatically for up to 20 seconds when shifting from Reverse to Drive.
7. High-quality audio with an equalizer
The audio output circuit in the CarPlay MMI Prime has been specifically selected to squeeze all the quality we can out of the iDrive AUX input, providing great audio quality for music, streaming and calls.
8. Other features:
- CarPlay MMI Prime supports devices running iOS up to version 13;
- Play music through the BMW stereo system with the help of the AUX input.
- Our CarPlay retrofit also uses the factory car microphone for Siri voice commands; This means that you can access your iTunes library, learn the latest news or send texts hands-free. For this feature to work, your BMW has to have Bluetooth or Voice Control;
- The installation is completely plug & play and 100% reversible but depending on your head unit it may be either very easy or a bit more complicated. To check how to install CarPlay MMI Prime in your BMW decode your VIN.
How is it different from the original software? Read our BMW Apple CarPlay vs BimmerTech CarPlay MMI Prime post and find out.
Learn more about CarPlay MMI Prime.
