CarPlay MMI PRO Retrofit for BMWs and MINIs

CarPlay MMI PRO is the next generation of our multimedia bridge that lets you connect your phone to your BMW or MINI either wirelessly or via cable. Fully integrated with the native iDrive display and controller, it feels and works just like OEM BMW Apple CarPlay. All with smoother software and an HDMI port for video playback from Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV stick, your laptop, or even a Nintendo Switch gaming console! The sky—or rather your external power supply—is the limit.

Thanks to its user-friendly and instinctive interface, this CarPlay retrofit makes it easy to use many of your iPhone's apps in full screen on your BMW’s or MINI’s native dashboard screen (the screen is NOT included in the CarPlay MMI PRO kit). 

Having a host of apps at hand, you can choose whether you want to listen to your music or podcasts through Spotify, YouTube Music, or others, safely stay in touch with your family via WhatsApp or Messages, and always find the quickest routes via Google Maps or Waze without catching a ticket. To control and switch between apps you can use the iDrive controller, Siri, or steering wheel buttons (only in compatible vehicles).

Please note that it is not possible to play audio from CarPlay or Android Auto apps and audio from native iDrive apps (including radio) at the same time.

BimmerTech's CarPlay MMI PRO  upgrade is compatible with F-Series BMWs and MINIs with newer or older iDrive generations (e.g. ENTRY, ENTRYNAV, CHAMP2, NBT, NBT EVO ID4, etc.). It also requires Bluetooth or Voice Control features.

Features	MMI Lite	MMI Prime	MMI PRO
HDMI for Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV stick, or other players	X	X	✔
Adjustable screen aspect ratio for video playback	X	X	✔
Screen mirroring	X	✔	✔
Future software update support	X	✔	✔
Optional extended warranty	X	✔	✔
Standard warranty	3 months	1 year	1 year
USB multimedia port	✔	✔	✔
Full-Screen Mode	✔	✔	✔
Easy control with iDrive	✔	✔	✔
Front and Rear View Camera retrofit support	✔	✔	✔
High-quality audio with an equalizer	✔	✔	✔
Utilizes iDrive screen	✔	✔	✔

CarPlay MMI PRO 2025 LCI Upgrade

Now available as an optional early-access upgrade (check the add-ons section) is a refreshed version of our true and tested CarPlay MMI PRO – the 2025 LCI! That’s right, a Life Cycle Impulse. It’s got all the features our users already came to enjoy, but it also brings some additional improvements in terms of UI and phone connectivity (CarPlay, Android Auto, and Screen Mirroring).

To make the new MMI LCI upgrade units future-ready for any potential upgrade add-ons or peripheral devices, we’ve also introduced a couple of hardware changes, such as:

• Faster CPU
• More RAM (128 MB vs. 4 GB)
• Bluetooth 5.x chipset – quicker and with better connectivity
  
• New DSP audio chip – for even higher sound quality!
• Extra antenna (separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennae, instead of a shared one)
• Improved GPU (supporting 60 FPS instead of 30 FPS)

Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean the pre-LCI version is now outdated! We will still keep supporting it with new Software Updates in the future and you can always count on our Customer Service. All of these changes were just a part of our natural R&D process, futureproofing our bestselling product for years to come and making it even stronger for the most demanding tech geeks. 

MMI version	MMI PRO (pre-LCI)	MMI PRO (LCI upgrade)
CPU	Single CPU	Dual CPU
RAM	128 MB	4 GB
GPU	Supports 30 FPS	Supports 60 FPS
Connectivity	1 shared antenna for Wi-Fi & Bluetooth	2 antenna – 1 x Wi-Fi, 1 x Bluetooth

Watch Netflix, HBO, and More! 

Want something extra from your infotainment? The HDMI port of the CarPlay MMI PRO allows you to connect various video playback devices. Now you can access streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, or YouTube. 

Simply plug in your Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV stick, or other digital media player (not included with the MMI PRO) and enjoy an episode of your favorite TV series when taking a break on your long drive. Turn your BMW into a mobile movie theater in that roadside parking lot! The HDMI port of MMI PRO also allows you to connect your laptop or a Nintendo Switch gaming console and display the image on your iDrive screen. 

Don’t have a streaming device? Get the Apple TV player from our add-on section and enjoy full compatibility. Apple TV purchased from BimmerTech is specially converted and ready for in-car use with the onboard power supply.

If you would like to connect something else or if you’re wondering what is the best way to plug something into your MMI using its HDMI port, we’ve got you covered. We offer several HDMI cables of different lengths and types (male-to-male or male-to-female), so you’ll easily find the right solution, regardless of what you need.

For Bluetooth remotes, control of your streaming device will work perfectly well even when it’s installed inside the dashboard. However, the IR-based remotes won’t function.

Digital Bluetooth Audio

With our CarPlay MMI upgrade, no middlemen are needed when it comes to audio signal transmission. By enabling the Digital Bluetooth Audio option, sounds from your mobile device will skip the physical AUX connection and go straight to your BMW’s head unit. Or any other audio output you decide to pair it to – this feature allows you to play sound through external speakers without disconnecting the MMI and turning off CarPlay or Android Auto. 

Direct link is beneficial not only for listening to the music – it also provides OEM quality phone calls.

Access Phone Apps

This BMW CarPlay upgrade gives you direct access to many of your iPhone’s navigation, messaging and music apps, as well as other driver-focused apps in the categories of parking, EV charging, or quick food-ordering.

Not sure what’s included? Take a look at some of the most popular CarPlay apps for your BMW.

Wireless Capability

BimmerTech’s CarPlay for BMW lets you connect your iPhone wirelessly. It only takes one wireless pairing of your iPhone and CarPlay MMI PRO to help 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 BMW 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 PRO supports both wired and wireless phone connections.

In order for this BMW CarPlay upgrade to work your BMW has to have Bluetooth or Voice Control.

USB Multimedia Port

Our BMW CarPlay solution comes with a USB port. It lets you 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 multimedia playback - make sure to place it in an accessible location  for this purpose.

BMW CarPlay Full Screen Mode

CarPlay MMI PRO lets you use all your favorite CarPlay-compatible iPhone apps on the original BMW display in full-screen. The retrofit's 1280x480 (10.25” and 8.8”) resolution for big screens and 800x480 (6.5”) resolution for small screens look great on all screen sizes.

Want to upgrade your screen to a bigger one with higher resolution? Check out our store for options compatible with your car or contact our Sales Team directly – there might be an option available for your head unit.

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 (it is possible to adjust the screen size manually in the MMI screen settings).

Screen Mirroring

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. This function is especially convenient if you want to stream a video from YouTube.

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 PRO.

Easy Control With iDrive

To navigate the BMW CarPlay apps, you can use your factory microphone (if present) for Siri voice commands or the iDrive controller. A microphone is required to use CarPlay or Android Auto. If your car isn't fitted with a built-in microphone, you can add one to your kit above.

CarPlay MMI PRO isn’t compatible with touch function, however, you can safely control the device with the steering wheel buttons, iDrive controller and Siri/Google Assistant. In the case of the iDrive controller, we’ve also implemented special shortcut and control features for the following buttons:

• MEDIA – open the music app.
• NAV – open the navigation app.
• TEL – open the phone book. 
• MENU – open the apps menu.

Additionally, the roller button can function for either scroll selection or forward/backward music selection.

Wireless Android Auto Support

The kit’s Multimedia Interface (MMI) module also adds Android Auto to your BMW or MINI. So if you have family members or friends with Android smartphones, connecting their devices will be a breeze too!

To enjoy BMW 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.

Integration With Front & 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.

High-quality Audio With An Equalizer

The audio output circuit in our BMW CarPlay upgrade has been specifically selected to squeeze all the quality we can out of the iDrive AUX input, providing great audio quality for music and video. 

The MMI also has a built-in 8-band equalizer which allows adjusting the sound to your liking. Whether you like more bass and less treble, or the other way around, you can easily set it up in the MMI menu. It is a great feature especially if you don't have a multi-band Equalizer in your iDrive system or MINI Connected.

Please note that the MMI equalizer works only for audio transmitted via AUX. When using Bluetooth, use the EQ in your phone or iDrive (if applicable).

MINI Cooper CarPlay 

MINI owners – we didn’t forget about you! If your car lacks the original Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, our MINI Cooper CarPlay upgrade will add these functionalities even to your 2011+ models. Enter your VIN to check compatibility.

CarPlay MMI PRO Software Update

We’re always working on improving our CarPlay MMI PRO, with regular software updates to unlock new features. Updating your software is easy, and can be done through the included USB port.

Click here to check the latest software available for your MMI.

BMW CarPlay setup is absolutely plug & play. It takes up to 2-4h, doesn’t require any remote coding and is 100% reversible. Moreover, no permanent modifications are needed, so the kit is completely lease-friendly. 

For the installation, it will be required to disassemble the upper and lower trim as well as the faceplate on your dash. This is necessary to be able to get to the head unit and pull it out. You will need to connect the MMI module to the head unit using the supplied harness and plug in the new cable from the MMI to the screen. In vehicles equipped with a Combox module it will additionally be necessary to run a cable from the MMI to the OEM microphone in the headliner and also another cable to the AUX port in the armrest. These cables will be supplied.

To know more about the installation, watch the video:

Please note: In some BMWs there might not be enough room for the MMI in the immediate proximity of the head unit so removing the glove-box to install the module could be required. Alternatively, you can use our LCD Cables Add-On (applicable only for NBT and NBT EVO head units). Check the following section for more information.

LCD Extension Cables Add-On

In some cases, it may be very difficult to install the MMI Retrofit near the head unit due to a lack of space and because the original LCD cable is too short or might be taped to another harness. 

If you’ve got one of the cars listed below, we strongly recommend getting our LCD Extension Cables (available in the product add-ons section of this page) with your MMI so that you get an additional 31.5” (80 cm) length of an LCD cable to freely relocate the MMI. On top of that, you no longer have to disassemble the screen to swap out the LCD cables, so the whole installation process becomes faster and easier.

(The photo is used for demonstration purposes; only the LCD cables are connected)

The list of cars with limited space near the head unit:

• BMW 5 Series, 2016–2024 (G30, G31, F90)
• BMW 6 Series, 2011–2018 (F06, F12, F13)
• BMW 6 Series, 2017–2024 (G32)
• BMW 7 Series 2015–2022 (G11, G12)
• BMW X3, 2017–2024 (G01, F97)
• BMW X4, 2018–now (G02, F98)
• Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2012–now (RR4)
• Rolls-Royce Wraith, 2013–now (RR5)
• Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2017–now (RR11) (mandatory)

Please note that the LCD Extension Cables will also do their job in other cars as well, giving you a significant amount of freedom while installing our MMI unit!

The kit includes

The kit includes all parts necessary for a complete installation:

• MMI module
• Wiring harness

Keep in mind, the screen is NOT included in the CarPlay MMI PRO kit.

The installation instructions appear in the personal account within 72 hours after the purchased product is shipped. They are created and customized for each specific model and consist of dozens of pages with step-by step instructions, photos and graphics making the process easy to follow even for DIY beginners.  But in case of any additional questions, our technical support is always ready to help.

To connect your external video playback device, simply plug in the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the back of MMI PRO and connect the device’s power cable to the USB-C port of the MMI.