BMW- “The ultimate driving machine” always brings the best features for its customers. So, we felt like CarPlay BMW is something worth talking about, as they enhance the driving experience to an ultimate level. If you are willing to add Apple CarPlay to your BMW. This is the best article for you, as we are going to discuss more about adding CarPlay to BMW.

After adding CarPlay, you can use the solutions below to add apps to CarPlay.

1. Hardware Solutions

2. Software Solutions

Apple CarPlay for BMW

CarPlay app lets users run a large number of similar applications that you may already be using on the iPhone. By using your car multimedia player, you can enjoy any preferred iOS applications without a mobile in hand, while securely in the driver’s seat.

CarPlay on BMW

Advantages of CarPlay for BMW

  • Seamless Connection
  • Siri is Apple’s Voice Assistant support
  • Answering and making calls in cars with the help of Apple CarPlay
  • Dictating and reading your messages for you
  • Integrated Apple Maps, Waze, and  Google Maps.
  • Access to all your content using your vehicle’s native iDrive
  • BMW X1: 2018-
  • BMW X2: 2018-
  • BMW X3: 2017-
  • BMW X4: 2017-
  • BMW X5: 2017-
  • BMW X6: 2017-
  • BMW X7: 2018-
  • BMW 2 Series: 2017-
  • BMW 3 Series: 2017-
  • BMW 4 Series: 2017-
  • BMW 5 Series: 2017-
  • BMW 6 Series: 2017-
  • BMW 7 Series: 2017-
  • BMW 8 Series: 2018-
  • BMW Z4: 2019-
  • BMW iX: 2022-
  • BMW i3: 2018-
  • BMW i4: 2022-
  • BMW i5: 2024-
  • BMW i7: 2023-
  • BMW i8: 2019-

How to install Apple CarPlay BMW

  1. As the first step, go to “Settings” and activate Bluetooth to pair your device. WiFi and Siri on your iPhone.
  2. Then on the left side of the iDrive 7 screen, press TEL
  3. After that, choose option – connect a new mobile
  4. Now, click on the New Device option
  5. Then go to phone calls and audio.
  6. The iDrive system is now discoverable from your iPhone and nearby devices.
  7. On iPhone, select your BMW from the Bluetooth discoverable devices.
  8. After that, pair both pairing devices.
  9. iDrive screen will confirm the pairing request.
  10. Next, confirm the PIN displayed on your iDrive
  11. iPhone screens match, then click Yes.
  12. Select the option to connect to Apple CarPlay on the iDrive screen.
  13. iPhone and BMW iDrive systems are now connected via CarPlay.
Maps on BMW

Apple CarPlay BMW compatible apps

CarPlay comes with amazing features and is compatible with a large number of applications on the iOS system. In addition, it works with a few outsider applications too. Including,

  • Apple Maps
  • Google Maps
  • Waze
  • NAVER Map
  • Slacker Radio
  • VOX
  • NPR One
  • KakaoMap
  • Clammr
  • Downcast
  • Sygic
  • Apple Audiobooks
  • WhatsApp
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Prime Music
  • Google Play Music
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio
  • Audible
  • MLB At Bat
  • Pandora
  • Tidal
  • iHeartRadio
  • Stitcher
  • Radio Disney
  • CBS Radio
  • Overcast
  • Audiobooks.com

How to Download non-default apps for a BMW CarPlay (Software Solution)

WheelPal

Some video streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu are not available for CarPlay, but default to safety reasons. Still, if you are willing to add CarPlay apps, you can use WheelPal app.


Step guide for WheelPal App installation.

Ottocast AI I3 W for BMW(Hardware Solution)



Features

  • One of the best device supports for BMW cars
  • Only Compatible with iOS 10- iOS 18.3.2
  • Supports new mobile devices from iPhone 6 to iPhone 16e
  • Can add Apps to CarPlay on BMW
  • Supports Android mobiles
  • 4GB RAM+ 64GB ROM
  • 256 GB Storage
  • User friendly
  • Wireless CarPlay Adapter
  • Netflix on BMW
  • YouTube on BMW

Apple CarKey on BMW

CarKey is the latest trend of locking and unlocking the car using an iPhone. It was introduced by Apple in their iOS 13.6 update, and in iOS 15, it has come up with really good enhancements in functionality and security. As I said, if you are a BMW owner and own the latest car model in the BMW make, you will be able to experience this feature.

With this feature, you will never lock the car, keeping the phone inside the car, and on the other hand, you need your phone to unlock the car, and you will never forget to bring your phone with you.

You can read more on Apple CarKey in our blog, including the compatible car models and iPhones.

So stay with CarPlayhacks.com. We are bringing you interesting hacks, tips, and news on CarPlay and Android Auto related to all the CarPlay cars, such as Audi, BMW, Mazda, etc. Also, if you are a luxury car lover, you should definitely be interested in Next Generation CarPlay Cars.

Disclaimer: Using unofficial apps for any type is purpose is not safe. That’s the main reason for restricting downloading these types of apps on your device. We are not responsible for any harm to your data or devices. Be aware of both data and devices before downloading these apps.

Safety Concerns and Legal Limitations

Risk: Using unofficial apps for CarPlay is not safe because it may damage your device. So, it is risky.

Safety Concerns: For the sake of your mobile and other devices, you should avoid installing third-party apps. Because downloading third-party apps requires jailbreaking, it is entirely unsafe.

Follow the Official Apple  CarPlay Support Page

Legal Limitations: As third-party app downloads are not safe for Apple has restricted the use of unofficial apps, and it's not legal.

FAQs

What are the requirements to use BMW Apple CarPlay?
CarPlay requires iDrive 5.0 or newer and a BMW navigation system. Additionally, you should have an iPhone 5 or newer running iOS 9.3 or higher. Your mobile should have internet access, Siri enabled, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Why is the phone not connected to my BMW via Bluetooth?
After connecting to Apple CarPlay, the Bluetooth settings on your mobile may show the vehicle ID as “not connected.” This is normal due to the wireless CarPlay capabilities, which rely on Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth for active connection.
How do I activate Apple CarPlay on BMW?
New BMW models come with upgraded CarPlay, so you can connect your mobile via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to pair the devices together and activate Apple CarPlay.
Can I add apps on BMW Apple CarPlay?
Yes, you can use WheelPal or any other CarPlay adapter that supports BMW to add apps and enhance your in-car experience.