So went down a deep dark well this weekend trying to learn how to / best way to get Apple CarPlay on my car …and if I needed to update my infotainment/nav. Found out that short of some sketchy downloads, my original iDrive map and software would stay as is…ok no real problem as I use my phone Navigation. But, it would be nice to simply be able to get CarPlay on the screen once the car turns on, as well as occasionally access my old iDrive interface.

Turns out - there quite a few MMI solutions that will do this, all apparently identical in function (rebranded) but at many different price points. Amazon $250-300, ECS for $400, Bimmertech for $750 and $850 for the “Pro” with HDMI…. Ok so what is the difference? Honestly couldn’t find any real detail. Bimmertech looks to be supported, all seem to do firmware updates and all seem to function identically. Install is pretty simple if you’ve ever done any interior trim work on any car…

But - needed know what my car had, found out NBT EVO 4 (2016 JCW with big screen). Then reading this forum and others found out you can spend $400-$500, make an appointment and get your nav flashed/programmed to ID6 with CarPlay, new interfaces, new base maps, etc. Even without a touchscreen…but again not a lot of detail or firsthand reviews. Figured I’d post here to see if what members/vendors had to say.

I can’t be the only one with an old Nav looking at options, can I?

 

Hi - I’ve owned a couple of F series Minis including one with an “ID4” NBT Evo. I can also help with flashing an ID4 headunit to ID6.

I have no experience with MMIs, but I agree that it would be hard to pay for a bimmer-tech one, given everything I’ve read about them all being essentially similar.

I have flashed an ID4 (2gb) NBT Evo to ID6 and used it myself for several months. My experience is that you will have reboots if you use factory nav (regardless of what some people say), but that it’s 100% stable if you just use CarPlay for maps.

The only thing I like to note, and this is the case for all Minis that didn’t come with ID6 from the factory (not just ID4 headunits) is that the led ring will not automatically change colors when you change driving modes after the upgrade to ID6. You can still change it with the toggle switch, so I don’t think it’s much of a loss, but I like people to be aware.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

 

Hello,

I stuck all the info here i could find on these systems. All these are just piggyback, we don't have the flash kits.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...men-parts.html

 

Thank you both. Has been a challenge getting details and feedback. I think at this point I’m leaning more towards an MMI / CarPlay box style. The flash from ID4 to ID6 always seems to come with some compromises - the upside being you have CarPlay integrated. My car is a 2016 with only 20K miles, and over the last year has been on/off my lift to add Bilstein B16 (anyone want some NM lowering springs?), Removed Dinan Elite and replaced with DME stage 1 flash, NM rear sway, NM RSe05, Eventuri, Pro Exhaust, etc - likely will enjoy some AutoCross as I don’t do HPDE events anymore (different car). I enjoy the stock appearance and function of the car…so flashing it seems a step too far. The box is nice because you can switch between CarPlay and the existing function…now to to figure out if any differences between the boxes…Also would love to figure out how to get my Nav Maps updated but a problem for another time.

 

Quick Update. Did a lot more research, with a focus on the BMW forums as there is a lot more detail there about MMI, Flash, ID4–>ID6, etc. Also contacted a Mini56 resource who helped me confirm that my 2016 JCW did indeed have the right screen, a WiFi antennae and NBT EVO with the Harmon Kardon option. All of this is important because having ID4 NBT EVO like this means I could relatively easily load/Flash FACTORY ID6 Software for my Mini system, Further, all my research showed that it would move plenty fast and be as good or better than my stock ID4 system. The ONLY negatives I could find were: The process requires some basic computer skills and a Microsoft OS (easy for me, maybe not others), not all Flash developers are “good”, the flash process won’t update your maps (but you can purchase a 2024 update which I did), and for some the native Nav on long drives might hang or reboot the system.

I compared this to the MMI solutions - all basically the same “china built” box, software support unknown (Roadtop OK/maybe, Bimmer-Tech good), and need to tear into trim and mount the system. After really going through Bimmerpost and other forums I decided to go with Bimmer-Remote(.com). Long time sponsor over on Bimmer-Post, Mini and others with essentially perfect feedback/great history. Confirmed all Factory Software, the process and purchased the flash. Then downloaded the flash files, de-compressed them, installed eSys and purchased an ODB2 to Ethernet with USBC adapter and scheduled the flash time. They use Team Viewer (support software) which I downloaded and gave him the password to gain access to my system for the install. Hooked up car to my charger, turned on ignition and at the appointed time they started to work. Roughly 60 minutes later the process was done (watched it all) and have a “brand new” ID 6 system with CarPlay.

Works great, very easy, and the Nav Update was $40 USD and simply download to USB stick and put in the car. Overall very impressed with the solution but even more impressed with the patience and professionalism of BIMMER-REMOTE(.com). Very happy with the end result and process. They ONLY update the Nav/Entertainment - I had my original Maps (if I wanted to keep them) and every function on the wheel and controller works. So yeah, if you want a current Nav/Entertainment with wireless CarPlay -this a great solution.