[cio74]

Hello,

I have got a 2014 F33 with NAV pro, large screen, I believe the unit version is NBT ID4. I play music from an iPhobe over BT, it works just fine, supports playlist, song cover, etc

However, I am considering upgrading, I believe I have 4 options:

1. Upgrade to NBT EVO ID5/6 hardware unit
2. Code ID5/ID6 with the existing hardware
3. Install an aftermarket MMI box
4. Install and aftermarket LCD headunit

I think option 4 is pretty much an customized Android tablet.

What I am thinking to gain is the advantage of using Google maps to navigate or/and use Siri to tell where I want to navigate.

Does the LCD version offer much in terms of quality of the display compared to the stock one?

Would I have any benefit from the LCD version compared to a MMI box? Apart from touchscreen which I dot think Ill use much.

Is the OEM unit the best choice in terms of functionality, compatibility and error free operation?

Will it be difficult to install the MMI box or LCD unit, I have read somewhere its a little more tricky for a cabrio?

All comments are greatly appreciated

Thanks.

Cio

[gameson]

Options 2 is not possible on your HW. Only NBT EVO unit released after 7/2015 build date is eligible to upgrade to idrive 6

Options 1 is the most expensive one.

Options 3 is the least expensive one.

Options 4 is about $500.

So budget wise

1 >> 4 > 3

[sgovind]

Option #3 is the best! Best bang for the buck and once installed, nobody will know if it's OEM CarPlay or MMI box. I did this on my 2014 328xi with NBT ID4.

So far so good. Btw, I got the RoadTop MMI unit.

[MJBO]

I’m on my second option 3 (first was an MMI in my E90, second I just installed in my
F82), and thrilled with the result.

If your goal is voice assistant and google maps, this is easily the best option. With an android screen you will need to have it connected to the internet somehow, versus CP/AA which will fire up automatically in moments and have all your smartphone apps and connectivity available.

The other benefit is retaining the factory display, which to me looks better than the aftermarket screens (though they have improved).

Audio quality is excellent, controls are very responsive, and it uses the factory microphones and internal AUX (no extra cables). Can even control CarPlay using the wheel on the right side of the wheel!

[MJBO]

As for difficulty, depends on your confidence. It’s a pretty easy step by step, with lots of excellent, helpful videos online, but you do have to pull the dash and glovebox apart to make it happen.

[SilencerNL]

For my F30 2016, I first went with option 3, the MMI interface. I didnt like it much. To buggy, and it didnt feel 'OEM'.

So, after some consideration, I sold the MMI, and bought an ID6 headunit. Unfortunately, I also needed a new screen, so I spend about 1000 euros. But, totally worth it!

[anielsen71]

Originally Posted by SilencerNL

For my F30 2016, I first went with option 3, the MMI interface. I didnt like it much. To buggy, and it didnt feel 'OEM'.

So, after some consideration, I sold the MMI, and bought an ID6 headunit. Unfortunately, I also needed a new screen, so I spend about 1000 euros. But, totally worth it!

Hi there.
Im considering the same upgrade.
You need headunit, screen, cable to screen and WiFI antenna right? That's it?

[SilencerNL]

Originally Posted by anielsen71

Hi there.
Im considering the same upgrade.
You need headunit, screen, cable to screen and WiFI antenna right? That's it?

Correct. And for a finishing touch, maybe buy the ID6 controller. (the original ID4 works also, but the button mappings are a bit 'weird').

[anielsen71]

Originally Posted by SilencerNL

Correct. And for a finishing touch, maybe buy the ID6 controller. (the original ID4 works also, but the button mappings are a bit 'weird').

Well I already got the controller with touch on top.
I don't think there are any benefits changing that one or?

[gameson]

Originally Posted by anielsen71

Hi there.
Im considering the same upgrade.
You need headunit, screen, cable to screen and WiFI antenna right? That's it?

Screen, if you use apix2 screen, you can reuse the same cable from the NBT unit in the car.

If you are planning to use the car screen, then you need to buy a new cable since the car screen is apix1, the new cable has a voltage regulator since apix 1 and apix2 screen have different voltage.

So a bare minimum is headunit

Optional is screen and controller

[Jhnblckwood]

Originally Posted by cio74

Hello,

I have got a 2014 F33 with NAV pro, large screen, I believe the unit version is NBT ID4. I play music from an iPhobe over BT, it works just fine, supports playlist, song cover, etc

However, I am considering upgrading, I believe I have 4 options:

1. Upgrade to NBT EVO ID5/6 hardware unit
2. Code ID5/ID6 with the existing hardware
3. Install an aftermarket MMI box
4. Install and aftermarket LCD headunit

I think option 4 is pretty much an customized Android tablet.

What I am thinking to gain is the advantage of using Google maps to navigate or/and use Siri to tell where I want to navigate.

Does the LCD version offer much in terms of quality of the display compared to the stock one?

Would I have any benefit from the LCD version compared to a MMI box? Apart from touchscreen which I dot think Ill use much.

Is the OEM unit the best choice in terms of functionality, compatibility and error free operation?

Will it be difficult to install the MMI box or LCD unit, I have read somewhere its a little more tricky for a cabrio?

All comments are greatly appreciated

Thanks.

Cio

I went with option one n installed 20” touch screen all oem, more expensive but totally worth it n couldn’t be happier with it. CarPlay and jailbroken iPhone along with car bridge to enable any app in CarPlay is amazing.

[BeamerAR15]

Originally Posted by Jhnblckwood

I went with option one n installed 20” touch screen all oem, more expensive but totally worth it n couldn’t be happier with it. CarPlay and jailbroken iPhone along with car bridge to enable any app in CarPlay is amazing.

You’ve got a lot of missed calls

[mmm-five]

Originally Posted by Jhnblckwood

I went with option one n installed 20” touch screen all oem, more expensive but totally worth it n couldn’t be happier with it. CarPlay and jailbroken iPhone along with car bridge to enable any app in CarPlay is amazing.

Doesn't look like a 20" screen - looks smaller than my iPads 11" screen!

[Simbo]

Picking up a 2016 F30 next week. It only has the 6.5” screen and business navigation.

I’m considering upgrading to the NBTEvo ID6 (8.8” screen, head unit and controller) but was hoping someone might be able to help me out with the part no.s please ��

[Ramer21]

If you go with option 1 and upgrade to NBT EVO ID6 hardware unit, is there still a way to potentially get Andriod Auto or do you have to choose between NBT update or MMI box?

[Faith328]

cio74 I have a 2013 f30 with the same feature you have but my album covert don't show on bluetooth how did u activate it ?. I have a combox

[Sean Fancy]

I went with option 3 and installed a 3rd party MMI. All seems to be working but it triggered an SOS system malfunction. Has this happened to anyone else and does anyone know how to get rid of it?

[Tony_B]

I'm not sure why people pull the glovebox when installing MMI - there is ample space in the shelf below the steering column is there not ?(certainly in my UK F33). I knew of this as the first time I got my MMI box installed that's where the fitter installed it. When I returned the MMI and got a newer one I simply repeated with the antenna positioned in the centre space befind/above HU.

There is an hole/space to route the cables and antenna and with 2 screws only means getting to the MMI box is a breeze

Ive done options 3 then 2 and an happy with the MMI for Android auto & Spotify on MMI
and fresher/modern interface with integrated carplay for when my girlfriend uses the car on the ID6 lite upgrade

Added bonus is that aftremarket reverse camera connected to MMI box works in both cases - just simply put into reverse.

[Primax]

Does it has Android Auto with ID6?

[Tony_B]

No Android Auto on any BMW ID6 or less (ever/never!)
Only way to get Android Auto is options 3 or 4 from original poster question
MMI or Android Screen