Upgrade Your BMW NBT EVO IDrive 4 to IDrive 6 with Apple CarPlay: What to Expect

So, you’re thinking about upgrading your BMW’s infotainment system? Specifically, you’re eyeing that jump from the NBT EVO IDrive 4 to IDrive 6 to get Apple CarPlay. It’s a popular modification, and for good reason. Let’s dive into some common questions and what you can expect from this upgrade.

Many BMW owners considering this flash upgrade have similar questions about functionality and usability. Here’s a breakdown based on real-world experience:

Steering Wheel Controls and CarPlay Integration

One of the first concerns is whether your existing steering wheel controls will play nicely with the upgraded IDrive 6 and Apple CarPlay. The good news is, for basic navigation, they do. You can use them to switch tracks in Spotify or other music apps running through CarPlay. However, don’t expect any advanced features specifically tailored for CarPlay via the steering wheel controls. They essentially function in their standard navigation capacity. For Siri, the voice assistant, a long press of the dedicated voice button on the steering wheel works seamlessly. Alternatively, a double click of the iDrive knob will also summon Siri. If your BMW has a Heads-Up Display (HUD), you’ll be pleased to know that “Next Track” and “Previous Track” commands are supported, but playlist scrolling in the HUD isn’t available.

iDrive Control Knob Features with CarPlay

Another frequently asked question revolves around the iDrive control knob’s handwriting recognition feature. Unfortunately, this feature does not extend to CarPlay. However, voice input remains a robust alternative. For tasks like entering addresses in navigation apps like Waze, voice input works remarkably well, offering a convenient hands-free option.

Apple Maps Navigation in the Heads-Up Display (HUD)

A significant desire for many is to have Apple Maps directions displayed in the BMW’s HUD after the IDrive 6 flash. Currently, this functionality isn’t unlocked with the IDrive 6 upgrade. From current information, HUD integration for navigation systems like Apple Maps is anticipated with IDrive 7 and later versions. So, while you gain CarPlay, HUD directions from Apple Maps remain a feature for future IDrive generations.

Warranty and Dealership Service Considerations

A practical concern for any car modification is the impact on warranty and dealership services. What happens if your BMW requires a software update for a warranty repair or recall after the IDrive 6 flash? Experiences suggest that the flash primarily affects the Head Unit (HU). Interestingly, users have reported continued functionality with coding tools like BimmerCode and BimmerLink for other vehicle modules, although HU coding may be restricted post-flash. When taking your car for service requiring an iStep update, communicating with your dealer to avoid updating the Head Unit is advisable, especially if your car is out of warranty. If a Head Unit update inadvertently overwrites the flash, requiring a re-flash is possible, often at a reduced cost compared to the initial upgrade.

Reversibility of the IDrive 6 Flash

Finally, the question of reversibility is crucial. Reputable coding specialists usually create backups before performing the IDrive 6 flash. This means reverting to the stock IDrive 4 system is generally possible through a re-flash. However, this process usually incurs a fee. Yet, user feedback strongly indicates high satisfaction with the IDrive 6 upgrade, with many expressing no desire to return to the older system after experiencing the enhanced features and CarPlay integration.

Seamless Integration and Enhanced User Experience

Beyond addressing specific questions, it’s worth highlighting the overall positive user experience. Switching between Apple CarPlay and the native BMW Bluetooth connection is reported to be very straightforward. Furthermore, the IDrive 6 flash can bring back the Spotify app within the native iDrive interface. This offers flexibility – using Spotify through iDrive with HUD playlist scrolling or seamlessly transitioning to CarPlay for Waze and other apps. The ability to quickly switch between native iDrive and CarPlay using the programmable buttons (1-8) adds to the convenience and enhanced driving experience.

In conclusion, upgrading to BMW IDrive 6 with Apple CarPlay offers a significant enhancement to your car’s infotainment system, bringing modern connectivity and features while largely retaining the familiar BMW iDrive experience. While some limitations exist, such as HUD navigation with Apple Maps, the overall benefits and user satisfaction appear to be substantial for many BMW owners.