Use your whole screen
Out of the factory, many BMWs show Apple CarPlay in a box that covers only part of the iDrive display, with a strip of BMW menu next to it. Full-screen CarPlay coding stretches CarPlay across the entire screen, so maps, music and messages get the full width of the display.
It's one of the most requested changes I make in Orlando. It's quick, it doesn't need any parts, and it can be switched back to the factory layout at any time.
Which BMWs support it
Full-screen CarPlay depends on your iDrive version and screen size. In general:
- iDrive 7 (G series, about 2019–2022): most cars with the 10.25-inch screen can be coded for full screen.
- iDrive 6 (late F series, about 2017–2019): many cars with factory CarPlay can be coded. Some screens and software versions can't.
- iDrive 8 and newer: CarPlay layout options are different on these cars. DM me your car and I'll tell you what's possible.
The fastest way to check: send a photo of your iDrive screen showing CarPlay, plus your year and model. I'll confirm before you book.
Video in motion
By default, BMW blocks video on the iDrive screen once the car is moving. Video in motion coding lifts that block so a passenger can keep watching on road trips. It's for passengers only: Florida law doesn't allow a driver to watch video while driving.
Often paired with
- Sport displays on the iDrive screen: power, torque and G-force. See packages.
- Digital speed readout in the gauge cluster.
- CarPlay retrofit coding if your car didn't come with CarPlay and you've installed the parts. See retrofit coding.
How long it takes
Full-screen CarPlay by itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Most people add a few more features in the same visit, and the Popular package covers CarPlay along with lighting and display changes.