Many BMW i3 owners ask whether their car has CarPlay. Often it doesn’t from the factory, even though the dash already carries a wide iDrive screen. So this owner came to us for Apple CarPlay for the i3 that works with the car’s own screen and controller, rather than a new radio.
We also fitted a reversing camera and wired it into iDrive. As a result, the i3 now has phone apps, maps and a clear rear view, all on the original display. Here is what we did and how it works.
What We Did to This BMW i3
- Apple CarPlay added to the factory iDrive system
- CarPlay shown full screen across the i3’s widescreen
- CarPlay menus controlled with the iDrive controller
- Screen mirroring for Android phones
- Sat nav maps updated to the latest version at the time
- Video playback from USB, plus extra BMW apps and a lap timer
- A reversing camera fitted and shown on the iDrive screen
How BMW i3 Apple CarPlay Works with iDrive
Rather than replacing the radio, we enable Apple CarPlay inside the i3’s existing iDrive system. First, we connect to the car and set up the iDrive software. Then CarPlay appears as a new option in the menu, next to Bluetooth audio and the other phone settings.
Because it is built into iDrive, there is no extra box on the dash and no new fascia. In addition, the iDrive controller still works as normal. So you can scroll through CarPlay menus, pick a playlist or start navigation without reaching for the screen.
Full screen on the i3’s widescreen
Many CarPlay add-ons usually squeeze the picture into part of the display. By contrast, here CarPlay uses the whole of the i3’s widescreen. It works with all current iPhones, and Siri voice control also works. For example, you can ask Siri to play a playlist, read a message or set a destination while you keep your eyes on the road.
Maps and Apps on the i3
Once Apple CarPlay is running, the iPhone’s own apps take over. For navigation, that means Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze, so you always have current maps and live traffic. Meanwhile, for music and podcasts, Spotify, Apple Music and Audible all show on the screen too.
We also updated the car’s built-in sat nav maps to the latest version available at the time. That way, the owner still has BMW navigation when the phone isn’t connected.
| Car | BMW i3 |
| Upgrade | Apple CarPlay enabled in the factory iDrive |
| Screen | Original widescreen, CarPlay full screen |
| Control | iDrive controller, touch and Siri |
| Android | Screen mirroring |
| Camera | Reversing camera with guidelines |
BMW i3 Reversing Camera Retrofit
Next, we fitted a reversing camera at the rear and wired it into iDrive. When you select reverse, the camera picture fills the widescreen. It also shows guidelines, which makes tight Cardiff parking spaces much easier. See our reversing cameras page for the cameras we fit.
Watch the i3 Upgrade
The Extras: Video, USB and BMW Apps
While the iDrive was set up, we also turned on a few useful extras. For instance, the i3 can now play video files from a USB stick, along with more music formats. We also added extra BMW apps and a lap timer.
Video in motion was enabled too, but that is for passengers only. Of course, the driver must never watch video while driving, and it is against the law to do so.
Using Apple CarPlay in Your BMW i3
Turn on Apple CarPlay in the BMW i3’s iDrive
First, on the iDrive screen, go to Communication, then Mobile Devices, then Settings, and make sure Apple CarPlay is ticked. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi need to be on as well.
Get your iPhone ready
Next, on the iPhone, check that Siri is switched on in Settings. Then, under Settings, General and CarPlay, you can choose your car and drag app icons into the order you like. You can also turn on Driving Focus, so notifications stay quiet while you drive.
BMW i3 Screen Upgrade or CarPlay in iDrive?
Plenty of people search for a BMW i3 screen upgrade. However, if your i3 already has the wide iDrive screen, you may not need a new one at all. In that case, adding CarPlay to the existing system keeps the factory look and costs less work.
In fact, whether it can be done depends on which iDrive system your i3 has. So send us your registration and we will check before you book. On the other hand, if your screen or radio has a fault, our car radio repair page is the place to start.
BMW i3 Apple CarPlay in Cardiff & South Wales
Our workshop is at Unit C1, West Point Industrial Estate, Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8JQ. As well as Cardiff, customers come to us from Penarth, Barry, Newport, Caerphilly and Bridgend. So if you want CarPlay or a reversing camera in your i3, bring the car in and we will show you what it can do.
BMW i3 Apple CarPlay: Your Questions Answered
Does the BMW i3 have Apple CarPlay?
Many BMW i3s don’t have Apple CarPlay from the factory. However, a lot of them have an iDrive system that can support it. In that case, we can add CarPlay to the original screen, so it works with the iDrive controller, touch and Siri. Send us your registration and we will check your car.
Do I need a new screen for CarPlay in an i3?
Usually not. If your i3 has the wide iDrive screen, CarPlay runs full screen on it. As a result, the dash keeps its factory look, with no extra box or new fascia. A new screen only makes sense if your car’s system can’t support CarPlay.
Can you fit a reversing camera to a BMW i3?
Yes. We fit a camera at the rear and wire it into iDrive, so the picture shows on the factory screen when you select reverse. It also shows guidelines to help with parking. We can fit it at the same visit as CarPlay.
Will it work with Android phones?
CarPlay itself is for iPhones. On this car, however, we also set up screen mirroring for Android phones. So an Android driver can still show their phone on the i3’s screen. Ask us what suits your phone when you book.
Where can I get BMW i3 Apple CarPlay near Cardiff?
We fit it at our workshop on Penarth Road, Cardiff, and customers come from across South Wales. Call 029 2070 7275 or send us a WhatsApp with your registration. Then we will confirm what your i3 needs and book you in.
Reviews are the #1 factor in local search ranking. If B&B Audioconcepts delivered for you, a 30-second Google review helps other Cardiff drivers find us. Thank you.
