Please forgive the noobosity. I really have read through a lot of material, including here, on how to make sense of the many options available even within the context of a 2020 F54 S All4 (mine appears to have the lowest level of options, or near to it). I just can’t get my head around it, and yet my question is (I think) a simple one:

Can I upgrade my current, navigation-free, 6.5” Infotainment so that:

• I have an 8.8 inch display
• I can use Android Auto
• Bonus: I can use the fancier console controller?

I honestly get stuck out of the gate on this just trying to figure out if terms like e-nav (is that entry navigation?), Evo, NBT, iDrive, etc. … apply to me. If I can get past that, then I don’t know, for example, if a different screen requires a different other piece of hardware somewhere in the dash. What “coding” is required if I do replace one of these?

Here’s what I have pieced together:

• Bimmer-tech will (based on my last 7) happily sell me $850 bucks worth of hardware to answer yes to my second bullet above (or so they’re confident about)
• I might be able to pick up an 8.8 inch screen on E-bay used, but I have no idea which one, or if it’s compatible with my other hardware and trim (realoem was no help to me on this, whatsoever)
• Some “coding” is likely required for any of these, and bimmer-Tech promises it’s easy enough if tech saavy (I am—just not within 5 ft of my Mini—yet).

So okay, I can drop the coin and see Android on my inadequate screen and life is certainly nonetheless better. But I really want the 8.8” option, and I really want to understand what all of these terms mean. Obviously this has been talked about, but perhaps my problem is actually that it has been talked about too much and I can’t see the forest from down there in all those trees. I’m not asking for another retelling of ancient history, but even a few good links on this would be appreciated if they can explain to a noober such as myself.

Any help on this is appreciated.

 

this?

 

That is for an upgrade to a 2020, which my car is. They do have another video about an upgrade to the 2023 system, but in both cases it looks like a replacement an entire system (I think)—I’m not sure because they don’t have an actual website with details that would make it clear. I also can’t tell if they’re using BMW original or other quality parts.

I don’t use Instagram (somehow their idea of a replacement for a proper website), but if there is an email address I’ll reach out and post any interesting info here.

Thanks for the response in any case.

 

Yes, I believe in order to get the bigger screen and the "dial", you'd need to replace the entire system. But for more detail, just email carcreationsyt@gmail.com .

 

Hi - I've been helping with Mini retrofits since retrofitting an NBT Evo and touchscreen into my Mini in 2018. I typically have used parts in good condition for sale, and can help with the necessary coding (remotely) as well.

Although I'd want your vin to confirm, your car will have an entrynav2 headunit and the 6.5" screen. The 8.8" touchscreen will work with your existing headunit. The trim surrounding your screen would need to be replaced (the trim for the 6.5" screen differs from the trim for the 8.8" screen). You need to be sure you are using either the older touchscreen with the older trim or the new touchscreen with the newer trim, but your headunit will work fine with either. Some coding is required, but it's pretty minor.

There are a few choices for iDrive controllers. Odds are any will work - if you let me know which one you like, I can test the combination to confirm (I have a few right now).

As I think you understand, no Mini to date supports Android Auto from the factory. Your only option is to use an MMI or multimedia interface. I have no real experience with these, but I recommend you shop around. I know many BMW owners like Andream MMIs, but I don't know off the top of my head if they sell one for entrynav2 headunits.

I'll try to answer any questions you may have.

 

Thanks. My 6.5 is a touchscreen... not sure if that factors in.

The controller is just a nice to have for me. Ideally, I'd upgrade only the screen to 8.8, then add the bimmertech module to get android auto, and then Bob would be my uncle. If I have to deviate a little from that to bring it all together that's fine.

Sure appreciate your help.

 

Hey SB2002, looks like your inbox might be full...

 

Thanks - I made space.

 

I’m looking to do the same thing described here (6.5 no nav to 8.8 w/factory CarPlay). Are you able to answer some questions?

 

Hi - feel free to ask questions. I tried to pm you, but either you are too new or you’ve elected not to receive them. If you post once more, you may be able to pm me.

 

Yeah, I just created my account. I guess, the admin needs to activate my ability to send DMs. I will message you when it’s activated. Thanks again for getting back to me!

 

I have a stock unit in my 2016 F54. Is there such thing as a plug and play replacement unit that doesn't require coding?

 

Dies your car have the smaller or bigger screen?

If you stay with factory parts, the headunit will require coding. That said, when I sell retrofits, the headunit is coded to the vehicle before shipping, so it is plug and play from the buyer’s perspective.

 

I believe it has what is considered the bigger screen. I am looking for a replacement that has Apple Carplay via Bluetooth, not just hardwired.

 

Hi - I used to own a 2017 Clubman S All4 that had the same hardware as yours (assuming yours came with the 8.8” non-touch screen). I retrofit a different factory headunit and touchscreen into it. The CarPlay is wireless, and it all works very well. I’ve done similar retrofits to my 2017 F56 JCW,

I’m U.S. based and typically have used parts in good condition for sale, and when I sell retrofits, I typically code the headunit in advance so it’s as plug and play as possible.

If you pm me your vin, I’ll let you know what would be involved in the retrofit and how I might be able
to help.