BMW iDrive Upgrades — What Your System Can Become
Which upgrade makes sense depends entirely on which iDrive you have. Here is what is realistic for each generation — and what would need new hardware.
In person across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow & Meath · remote across Ireland
BMW has used several head units over the years: CIC, NBT, NBT Evo, MGU (iDrive 7) and iDrive 8. Some upgrades are pure software and quick; others need different hardware and are not worth doing on every car. We would rather tell you that than sell you the wrong job.
Send the last 7 characters of your VIN and we will reply with the system you have and the upgrades that actually make sense for it, with prices.
Upgrades we do
- ID4 / ID5 → ID6 software update on NBT Evo (€50)
- Apple CarPlay activation (NBT Evo €150 · iDrive 7 €220)
- Android Auto on iDrive 7 (€200); iDrive 8 per car
- Navigation map updates
- Japan-import conversions to EU radio, language and navigation (from €250)
- Coding: fullscreen CarPlay, video in motion (passenger use only), menus and more
By system
- CIC (roughly 2008–2013): maps and coding; CarPlay needs a different head unit
- NBT / iDrive 4 (roughly 2013–2016): maps and coding; CarPlay usually needs new hardware
- NBT Evo / iDrive 5–6 (roughly 2016–2019): ID6 update, CarPlay, fullscreen, maps
- MGU / iDrive 7 (roughly 2019+): CarPlay, Android Auto, maps, coding
- iDrive 8 / 8.5: checked per car — software version decides
Real work, real cars
Photos from jobs we have completed — not stock images.
F30 - Screen Upgrade
F15 - iDrive Update and CarPlay Activation
F36 ID4 to ID6 update + Fullscreen Apple CarPlay + 6WB cluster retrofit
F54 Japan to EU conversion + CarPlay activation
How it works
Send your VIN
We identify the exact system and software level.
Get options and prices
Only upgrades that will work on your car, with the price for each.
Remote or visit
Software work remotely across Ireland, or at your car around Dublin.
Pay once it works
Everything is shown working before payment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which iDrive I have?
The quickest way is your VIN. Roughly: a list-style menu on an older car is CIC or NBT; a live-tile home screen is NBT Evo ID6; a curved or wide G-series display is iDrive 7 or 8.
Can you put a newer head unit in my older BMW?
Sometimes, but it involves hardware, wiring and coding, and is not cost-effective on every car. Send your VIN and we will tell you honestly whether it is worth it.
Can upgrades be done remotely?
Software updates, CarPlay activation and most coding, yes — with a Windows laptop and an ENET cable. Anything involving hardware needs a visit.
What is possible depends on your exact model, year, head unit (NBT, NBT Evo or MGU) and software version, plus any installed hardware. We confirm compatibility from your model, year and VIN before any work starts.
Related BMW services
Ready when you are
Send your model, year and what you want — we’ll confirm what’s possible and the price up front.