If your BMW has the older list-style iDrive menu but a 2016-or-later build date, there is a good chance it is an NBT Evo car running ID4 or ID5 software. The same hardware can run ID6 — the tile-based interface most people picture when they think of a modern iDrive — and the update is often what stands between you and CarPlay.
ID4, ID5, ID6: versions, not head units
BMW’s NBT Evo head unit shipped with several software generations. ID4 looks like the older NBT system: a vertical list menu and a plain layout. ID5 added a cleaner design, and ID6 brought the home screen of live tiles that you can rearrange. All three run on NBT Evo hardware — which is exactly why the update is possible.
The confusion comes from the original NBT (non-Evo) unit, fitted to many 2013–2016 cars. It also runs ID4-style menus but it is different hardware, and it cannot be updated to ID6. The VIN settles which one you have.
What the update changes
Visually, you get the ID6 tile home screen and the newer menus. Functionally, the update brings the software level that CarPlay activation needs on most NBT Evo cars: ID4 cars generally cannot have CarPlay enabled until they are on ID6, and some ID5 cars need it too.
- ID6 live-tile home screen and newer menus
- The software level needed for CarPlay on most NBT Evo cars
- Done on your existing head unit — no new hardware
- Settings and existing coding checked afterwards
How it is done
The update is applied with dealer-level tools over an ENET connection, either remotely with your own Windows laptop or at your car around Dublin. It takes a while, so the car needs a stable battery supply during the session — we send a short checklist beforehand.
The update itself is €50, and most owners do it in the same session as CarPlay activation (€150 on NBT Evo).
Cars that cannot be updated
NBT (non-Evo), CIC and EntryNav units are different hardware. They can still have hidden features, navigation maps and diagnostics done, but ID6 and native CarPlay are not available without a head unit change — which is a much bigger job and not always worth it. We would rather say that clearly than book work that will not deliver.
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