BMW iDrive 4 vs 5 vs 6: Which Upgrade Do You Need?

If your BMW has an NBT EVO head unit, it can run one of three iDrive interfaces: iDrive 4, iDrive 5 or iDrive 6. They're the same hardware underneath, but the software decides how your screen looks, whether CarPlay fills the display, and which upgrade makes sense for you.

Here's how to tell which one you have, and what to do about it.

First, confirm you have NBT EVO

Go to Navigation → Options → Settings → Position & Version History → Version. If the code starts with NBTEvo_, keep reading. If it doesn't, read our guide on how to check your BMW iDrive version first.

iDrive 4 on NBT EVO

Version codes: NBTEvo_A, C, D, E or F

Typically found in: selected late 2015 and early 2016 BMWs, including F20, F21, F22, F23, F30, F31, F32, F33, F36, F80, F82, F83 and F87.

This is the oldest interface on NBT EVO hardware. The good news is the hardware is capable of much more than the software is showing you.

Your upgrade: our iDrive 4 to iDrive 6 upgrade + CarPlay moves you to the iDrive 6 interface and activates OEM fullscreen CarPlay in one remote session of around an hour. Wireless CarPlay needs a WiFi antenna in the car (OEM part 61119278133 or a suitable FAKRA antenna), sold separately.

iDrive 5

Version codes: later NBTEvo software, from NBTEvo_H onwards

iDrive 5 already supports Apple CarPlay. Your options depend on what you want:

• Just want the newer iDrive 6 look? iDrive 5 to iDrive 6 coding switches the interface without a firmware update. USB for NBTEvo_H to O, remote ENET for NBTEvo_P to Y.
• Want CarPlay? CarPlay activation for NBT EVO includes lifetime CarPlay, screen mirroring and Video in Motion.
• Want everything, including fullscreen on older software? The iDrive firmware update + fullscreen CarPlay updates to the latest compatible OEM firmware and includes the iDrive 6 interface where supported.

iDrive 6

You're on the newest interface NBT EVO runs. What's left is unlocking features:

• No CarPlay yet: CarPlay activation for NBT EVO
• CarPlay works but sits in split screen: fullscreen CarPlay activation
• Want video to keep playing on the move for passengers: Video in Motion, where legal

The fullscreen CarPlay question

This catches a lot of owners out. Fullscreen CarPlay depends on your software letter, not your iDrive version. It works on NBTEvo_N, O, P, Q, R, S, U, V, W, X and Y. On anything older, CarPlay runs in split screen until the firmware is updated.

Quick summary

You have	You want	Get this
iDrive 4 (NBTEvo_A to F)	iDrive 6 + CarPlay	iDrive 4 to 6 upgrade
iDrive 5	iDrive 6 look only	iDrive 5 to 6 coding
iDrive 5 or 6	CarPlay	CarPlay activation
Old software letter	Fullscreen CarPlay	Firmware update
CarPlay in split screen	Fullscreen	Fullscreen activation

Not sure which you have?

Send us your VIN, model and year, and a photo of your version screen through our contact page or at support@bimmerdrive.com and we'll tell you exactly which upgrade fits your car before you buy.