As technology continues to advance, the integration of smartphones into vehicles has become a standard feature in many modern cars. Apple’s CarPlay is one of the most popular infotainment systems, allowing drivers to access their iPhone’s features and apps while on the road. But do all BMWs have CarPlay? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of BMW’s infotainment system and explore the availability of CarPlay in different BMW models.
A Brief History of BMW’s Infotainment System
BMW has been at the forefront of in-car technology for decades. The company’s first infotainment system, the BMW Navigation System, was introduced in the early 1990s. Over the years, BMW has continued to innovate and improve its infotainment system, introducing new features and technologies.
In 2014, BMW became one of the first car manufacturers to integrate Apple’s CarPlay into its vehicles. The system was initially available on select models, but it has since become a standard feature in many BMW cars.
Which BMW Models Have CarPlay?
Not all BMW models have CarPlay, but it is available on many of the company’s vehicles. Here are some of the BMW models that come with CarPlay:
- BMW 2 Series: The 2 Series, including the 230i and M240i, comes with CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 3 Series: The 3 Series, including the 320i, 330i, and M340i, has CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 4 Series: The 4 Series, including the 430i and M440i, comes with CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 5 Series: The 5 Series, including the 530i and M550i, has CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 7 Series: The 7 Series, including the 740i and M760i, comes with CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW X1: The X1, including the sDrive28i and xDrive28i, has CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW X3: The X3, including the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, comes with CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW X5: The X5, including the sDrive40i and xDrive40i, has CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW X7: The X7, including the xDrive40i and M50i, comes with CarPlay as a standard feature.
It’s worth noting that while these models come with CarPlay as a standard feature, some older models may not have it. If you’re unsure whether your BMW has CarPlay, you can check the specifications of your vehicle or consult with a BMW dealership.
How to Use CarPlay in Your BMW
Using CarPlay in your BMW is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Connecting Your iPhone to Your BMW
To use CarPlay in your BMW, you’ll need to connect your iPhone to the vehicle’s infotainment system. Here’s how:
- Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 7.1 or later.
- Connect your iPhone to your BMW’s USB port using a Lightning cable.
- If prompted, select “Allow” on your iPhone to enable CarPlay.
- Your iPhone’s home screen will appear on your BMW’s infotainment display.
Navigating CarPlay in Your BMW
Once you’ve connected your iPhone to your BMW, you can start using CarPlay. Here’s how to navigate the system:
- Use the iDrive controller to select the CarPlay icon on your BMW’s infotainment display.
- You’ll see a list of available apps, including Maps, Music, and Phone.
- Select an app to open it and start using it.
- You can also use Siri to control CarPlay. Simply press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel to activate Siri.
BMW’s iDrive System: A Comprehensive Infotainment Solution
While CarPlay is a convenient way to access your iPhone’s features and apps in your BMW, the company’s iDrive system offers a more comprehensive infotainment solution. iDrive is a proprietary system that integrates a range of features and functions, including navigation, music, and phone connectivity.
Key Features of BMW’s iDrive System
Here are some of the key features of BMW’s iDrive system:
- Navigation: iDrive offers a built-in navigation system with real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions.
- Music: You can access your music library and stream music from services like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Phone Connectivity: iDrive allows you to make hands-free phone calls and send texts using voice commands.
- Vehicle Information: You can access a range of vehicle information, including fuel level, tire pressure, and maintenance schedules.
How to Use BMW’s iDrive System
Using BMW’s iDrive system is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Use the iDrive controller to select the menu icon on your BMW’s infotainment display.
- You’ll see a list of available options, including Navigation, Music, and Phone.
- Select an option to open it and start using it.
- You can also use voice commands to control iDrive. Simply press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel to activate the system.
Wireless CarPlay: The Future of Infotainment
In 2020, BMW introduced wireless CarPlay, a new feature that allows you to connect your iPhone to your BMW’s infotainment system without the need for a cable. Wireless CarPlay uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to connect your iPhone to your BMW, providing a more convenient and seamless user experience.
Which BMW Models Have Wireless CarPlay?
Wireless CarPlay is available on select BMW models, including:
- BMW 2 Series: The 2 Series, including the 230i and M240i, comes with wireless CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 3 Series: The 3 Series, including the 320i, 330i, and M340i, has wireless CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 4 Series: The 4 Series, including the 430i and M440i, comes with wireless CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 5 Series: The 5 Series, including the 530i and M550i, has wireless CarPlay as a standard feature.
- BMW 7 Series: The 7 Series, including the 740i and M760i, comes with wireless CarPlay as a standard feature.
How to Use Wireless CarPlay in Your BMW
Using wireless CarPlay in your BMW is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later.
- Go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone.
- Select “Available Cars” and choose your BMW from the list.
- If prompted, select “Allow” on your iPhone to enable wireless CarPlay.
- Your iPhone’s home screen will appear on your BMW’s infotainment display.
In conclusion, while not all BMWs have CarPlay, it is available on many of the company’s vehicles. BMW’s iDrive system offers a more comprehensive infotainment solution, integrating a range of features and functions. Wireless CarPlay is the future of infotainment, providing a more convenient and seamless user experience. Whether you’re a tech-savvy driver or just looking for a more convenient way to access your iPhone’s features and apps, BMW’s infotainment system has something to offer.
Do all BMW models come with Apple CarPlay?
Not all BMW models come with Apple CarPlay as a standard feature. However, most BMW models produced from 2019 onwards have Apple CarPlay integration. Some older models may not have CarPlay, but it’s possible to retrofit the feature in certain cases. It’s essential to check the specifications of your BMW model to confirm whether it has CarPlay or not.
If your BMW model does not have CarPlay, you can still use other connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB to connect your device and access music, podcasts, and other content. However, if you want to use CarPlay, you may need to consider upgrading to a newer model or exploring retrofit options, which can be costly and may require professional installation.
How do I know if my BMW has Apple CarPlay?
To check if your BMW has Apple CarPlay, you can look for the CarPlay logo on the infotainment screen or in the owner’s manual. You can also check the BMW website or consult with a dealership or authorized BMW service center. Additionally, you can try connecting your iPhone to the car’s USB port and see if the CarPlay interface appears on the screen.
If you’re still unsure, you can check the car’s specifications or the iDrive system to see if it has the necessary software and hardware to support CarPlay. Keep in mind that some older models may require a software update or a hardware upgrade to enable CarPlay, so it’s essential to check the car’s compatibility before attempting to use the feature.
Can I get Apple CarPlay on my older BMW model?
It’s possible to retrofit Apple CarPlay on some older BMW models, but it depends on the car’s specifications and the iDrive system. BMW offers a CarPlay retrofit kit for certain models, which can be installed by a dealership or an authorized service center. However, this option is only available for models with the NBT or NBT Evo iDrive system.
The retrofit process can be complex and may require significant hardware and software upgrades. Additionally, the cost of the retrofit kit and installation can be substantial, so it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding to upgrade. It’s also important to note that not all older models are eligible for the retrofit, so it’s crucial to check the car’s compatibility before proceeding.
How do I set up Apple CarPlay on my BMW?
To set up Apple CarPlay on your BMW, you’ll need to connect your iPhone to the car’s USB port using a Lightning cable. Once connected, the CarPlay interface should appear on the infotainment screen. You may need to select the CarPlay option on the screen or in the iDrive menu to activate the feature.
Once CarPlay is activated, you can access various apps, including Maps, Music, and Podcasts, using the iDrive controller or the touchscreen. You can also use Siri to control CarPlay and access various features, such as making calls or sending messages. It’s essential to ensure that your iPhone is running the latest software and that CarPlay is enabled in the iPhone’s settings.
Can I use Android Auto on my BMW?
BMW does not currently offer Android Auto as a standard feature on its models. However, some newer models may support Android Auto through a wireless connection or a third-party adapter. It’s essential to check the car’s specifications and the iDrive system to see if it has the necessary software and hardware to support Android Auto.
If your BMW model does not support Android Auto, you can still use other connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB to connect your device and access music, podcasts, and other content. However, if you want to use Android Auto, you may need to consider upgrading to a newer model or exploring third-party adapters, which can be costly and may require professional installation.
Is Apple CarPlay free on BMW models?
Apple CarPlay is not entirely free on BMW models. While the feature is included as a standard on most newer models, BMW charges an annual subscription fee for CarPlay on some models. The fee is typically around $80 per year, although it may vary depending on the model and the region.
The subscription fee is required to maintain the CarPlay connection and access various features, such as Maps and Music. If you don’t pay the subscription fee, you may still be able to use CarPlay, but some features may be limited or unavailable. It’s essential to check the car’s specifications and the BMW website to confirm the CarPlay subscription requirements and fees.
Can I use Apple CarPlay wirelessly on my BMW?
Some newer BMW models support wireless Apple CarPlay, which allows you to connect your iPhone to the car’s infotainment system without a physical cable. However, this feature is not available on all models, and it requires a compatible iPhone and the latest software.
To use wireless CarPlay on your BMW, you’ll need to ensure that your iPhone is running the latest software and that the car’s infotainment system is compatible with wireless CarPlay. You can check the car’s specifications and the BMW website to confirm the availability of wireless CarPlay on your model. Additionally, you may need to pair your iPhone with the car’s system using the iDrive menu or the CarPlay settings.