Activate BMW Video in Motion & Apple CarPlay via USB for iDrive 5 & 6

Enhance your BMW driving experience by easily activating Video in Motion (VIM) and Apple CarPlay on your iDrive 5 and 6 systems. With a simple USB installation, you can unlock these fantastic features, bringing more entertainment and connectivity to your compatible BMW model.

For BMW owners with Professional Navigation (option 609) and an 8.8 or 10.25-inch screen manufactured after June 2016, unlocking Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay has never been simpler. This guide will walk you through how to check your software compatibility and activate these features using a USB drive or ENET cable, depending on your iDrive system version.

Is BMW Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay Activation Right for You?

Activating Video in Motion allows passengers to enjoy DVD or USB video playback while the car is moving, perfect for long journeys. Apple CarPlay integration brings your iPhone’s best features directly to your BMW’s iDrive screen. Access navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps, stream music from Spotify or Apple Music, make calls, send messages, and use Siri voice control, all without taking your hands off the wheel.

This activation is a software-based solution, meaning no hardware modifications are needed. It’s a quick and reversible process that enhances your BMW’s infotainment capabilities.

Checking Your BMW iDrive Software Version

Before proceeding with the activation, it’s crucial to identify your BMW’s iDrive software version. This will determine whether you can use the USB method or require an ENET cable for activation.

To check your firmware version, navigate through your iDrive menu:

1. Go to Navigation in your iDrive menu.
2. Press the Options button next to the iDrive controller.
3. Select Settings.
4. Go to Position & Version History.
5. Select Version Information or Check Version.

You will see a version string starting with NBTEvo_ followed by letters. Note down this version as it will determine your activation method.

An example of navigating the BMW iDrive system to find the software version under the ‘Navigation’, ‘Options’, and ‘Settings’ menus.

USB Activation for BMW Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay (NBTEvo_H to NBTEvo_O)

The USB coding method is incredibly convenient for iDrive systems running on software versions NBTEvo_H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O. This process is quick, taking only about a minute to complete.

USB Activation Procedure:

1. After purchasing the activation service, you will receive a software file.
2. Copy this file onto a USB stick (ensure it’s formatted in FAT32 or exFAT).
3. Plug the USB stick into your BMW’s USB port (preferably in the center console).
4. The iDrive system will automatically detect the update file. Follow the on-screen prompts if any appear, or simply wait.
5. In approximately one minute, the activation process will be complete. BMW Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay will now be active on your system!

A USB drive inserted into a BMW’s USB port, ready for the software activation process.

ENET Cable Activation for BMW Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay (NBTEvo_P and Newer)

For newer iDrive software versions, specifically NBTEvo_P, Q, R, S, T, U, W, V, X, and Y, activation requires an ENET cable connection. This method involves connecting your BMW to a Windows PC or macOS computer.

What you’ll need for ENET Coding:

• ENET Cable: This cable connects your car’s OBD-II port to your computer’s Ethernet port.
• Windows PC or macOS: You’ll need a laptop running Windows or macOS. A native macOS application is available for ease of use.
• Stable Network Connection: Ensure your computer has a stable network connection for software download and activation code verification.

ENET Activation Procedure:

1. Download the activation application provided after purchase onto your computer.
2. Start your BMW’s engine.
3. Connect the ENET cable to your BMW’s OBD-II port (usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and to your computer’s Ethernet port.
4. Launch the downloaded activation application on your computer.
5. You will receive an activation code from the service provider. Enter this code into the application when prompted.
6. Click “Start” or “Activate” within the application.
7. Wait for 2-3 minutes while the software codes your iDrive system. The application will notify you upon completion.
8. Once finished, BMW Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay, including Fullscreen CarPlay where supported, will be activated.

A BMW ENET cable plugged into the OBD-II port of a BMW vehicle, ready for the coding process.

BMW Fullscreen CarPlay: Maximize Your Display

Enjoy a truly immersive Apple CarPlay experience with Fullscreen CarPlay. This feature maximizes CarPlay to utilize the entire width of your BMW’s display screen.

Fullscreen CarPlay Compatibility:

Fullscreen CarPlay is automatically enabled on iDrive software versions NBTEvo_N, O, P, Q, R, S, U, V, W, X, and Y.

If your BMW has an older software version (below NBTEvo_N), Apple CarPlay will still function but will be displayed in a 3/4 screen format. To achieve Fullscreen CarPlay on older versions, an iDrive firmware update might be required.

Compatible BMW Models

This Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay activation service is compatible with a wide range of BMW models manufactured between 2016 and 2022 with Professional Navigation and the 8.8 or 10.25-inch screen.

BMW 1 Series: (F20, F21) 2016-2020
BMW 2 Series: (F22, F23) 2017-2020
BMW 3 Series: (F30, F31, F34) 2017-2019
BMW 4 Series: (F32, F33, F36) 2017-2020
BMW 5 Series: (G30 with iDrive 6 and 10.25 inch screen) 2017-2019
BMW 6 Series: (F06, F12, G32) 2017-2019
BMW 7 Series: (G11, G12) 2015-2019
BMW X3: (F25, G01) 2017-2019
BMW X3M/X4M: (F97, F98) 2019-2020
BMW X4: (F26, G02) 2017-2019
BMW X5: (F15, F85) 2017-2018
BMW X6: (F16, F86) 2017-2018
BMW M2: (F87) 2017-2022
BMW M3 / M4: (F80, F82, F83) 2017-2020
BMW M5: (F90) 2018-2019
BMW i3 / i8: 2018-2021

If you are unsure about compatibility or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Unlock the full potential of your BMW’s infotainment system today with easy Video in Motion and Apple CarPlay activation!