BMW NBT EVO Native Android Auto
Android Auto on the original iDrive screen of a compatible BMW or MINI with NBT EVO (iDrive 5 / 6): no MMI box, no extra screen, no head-unit swap. Activated remotely over ENET after a compatibility check. €120.
How remote tuning works
All you need is:
- Laptop
- ENET cable
- Internet connection
- Connect your ENET cable to the car's OBD2 port and to your laptop.
- Open UltraViewer on your laptop (TeamViewer or AnyDesk also work).
- Let our technician connect to your laptop and run the session while you watch.
Remote tuning means we work on your car the same way a workshop tech would, except the technician is in another country. The cable, the laptop, and the OBD2 port do the heavy lifting; we drive the keyboard.
After you book the appointment, you follow the three steps above. Our technician handles everything from there: reading the ECU, applying the requested changes, verifying the result, writing it back. The session itself usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on the service.
You provide the laptop (Windows), a stable internet connection, a 12V power source for the car (a battery charger is recommended for longer sessions), and an ENET cable for your model. ENET cables are widely available online — if you already own one, that works too. We provide the diagnostic software, the step-by-step instructions, and the live technician.
If anything goes wrong during the session — connection drop, software hiccup, anything — we restore the original ECU file before disconnecting. Nothing leaves your car worse than we found it.
Service Overview
Android Auto on your original BMW iDrive – without an MMI box
Native Android Auto for BMW NBT EVO brings the Android Auto interface onto the factory iDrive screen of a compatible BMW or MINI. Maps, music, calls and messages run from your Android phone and appear on the original display, operated with the iDrive controller and the touchscreen – no add-on MMI box, no replacement screen and no head-unit swap.
The work is done remotely: our technician joins your laptop, which is connected to the car with an ENET cable, and activates the feature in the head unit’s software. Whether your car can take it is decided by the head-unit software build, not by the model badge or the year, so every car is checked before booking.
What this is not: it is not a BMW factory option, and not every NBT EVO software build supports it. If yours does not, we tell you before any work starts instead of selling a feature that cannot be activated.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Price | €120 (regular price €200) |
| Works on | NBT EVO head units (iDrive 5 / 6) on a compatible software build |
| Phone | Android phone with wireless Android Auto support |
| Extra hardware | None – software activation only |
| How it is done | Remote session over ENET with a Windows laptop |
| Session time | About 30–60 minutes including connection and pairing |
| Before you pay | VIN and head-unit software version are checked |
What you get on the iDrive screen
| Feature | What it means in the car |
|---|---|
| Wireless connection | The phone connects over the car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you get in, so there is no cable to plug in |
| Full-screen picture | The Android Auto interface uses the wide NBT EVO display instead of a small window |
| Controls | Operate it with the iDrive controller, the touchscreen where fitted, and the BACK button |
| Navigation | Google Maps, Waze and other Android Auto navigation apps on the factory display |
| Music and media | Spotify, YouTube Music and other media apps, played through the factory speakers |
| Calls and messages | Hands-free calls and spoken messages through the car’s audio system and Google Assistant |
How the car’s own voice control and Android Auto hand over to each other can differ slightly between software builds. We tell you what to expect on your build before booking.
Is my BMW compatible?
The head unit and its software decide – not the model name. Two cars of the same model and year can have different head units. Check where your car sits in this table first:
| Head unit | iDrive | Android Auto with this service |
|---|---|---|
| NBT EVO | iDrive 5 / 6 (ID5 / ID6) | Possible on compatible software builds – checked by VIN and software version |
| NBT EVO | iDrive 4 (ID4) | The unit first needs the ID4 → ID6 upgrade – see NBT EVO iDrive 4 – iDrive 6 |
| NBT, CIC | Older systems | Not available |
| MGU | iDrive 7 and newer | A different platform – send your VIN and we will tell you the best route |
NBT EVO was fitted to many BMW and MINI models from roughly 2016 to 2019. Cars that commonly have it include the 1 Series (F20/F21), 2 Series (F22/F23), 3 Series (F30/F31/F34), 4 Series (F32/F33/F36), 5 Series (early G30/G31), 6 Series (F06/F12/F13), 7 Series (G11/G12), X models (F15/F16/F25/F26 and early G01/G02), i3 and i8, and MINI F54/F55/F56/F60 with the larger screen. Treat this list as a guide, not a guarantee. If you are unsure which iDrive generation you have, read Which BMW iDrive do I have?
How to check your head unit and software version
- Look at the iDrive home screen. A grid of tiles on a 2016–2019 car points to NBT EVO.
- Open the iDrive settings and find the system or software information page. The menu wording differs a little between builds.
- Photograph that page. The long software string that starts with “NBTevo” is the one we need.
- Send us the photo together with your VIN. We confirm the head unit, the software build and the exact route before you book.
Native activation, Apple CarPlay and MMI boxes compared
| Option | Extra hardware | Screen | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| This service (software activation) | None | Original iDrive display | Depends on the software build; checked in advance |
| Apple CarPlay activation | None | Original iDrive display | For iPhone – see BMW Apple CarPlay |
| MMI / Android box | Box and extra wiring | Its own interface shown through the original display | Something to fit, power and keep working |
| Aftermarket Android head unit | Replaces the factory unit | Aftermarket screen | Loses factory integration |
What you need for the remote session
- ENET cable (OBD2 → Ethernet), usually around €20.
- Windows laptop with a stable internet connection.
- Remote tool: TeamViewer, UltraViewer or AnyDesk.
- Android phone with wireless Android Auto support. Android 11 or newer is the safe choice; some older phones also work.
- Car parked, ignition on, with a battery charger connected if you have one. Coding should never run on a weak battery.
How the remote session works
- Send your VIN and a photo of the software information page. We confirm compatibility and the price.
- Connect the car to your laptop with the ENET cable and switch the ignition on.
- Start the remote tool and let our technician join your laptop.
- We read the head unit’s current state, then activate Android Auto in the software.
- Restart the head unit, pair your phone and test navigation, music and calls together.
Prefer not to do it yourself? If you are near Vilnius, ask us about visiting the workshop.
Important to know
- Unofficial modification. This changes the head unit’s software. It is independent of BMW AG and Google LLC. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
- Software updates. A dealer or over-the-air software update can remove or overwrite the activation. Ask us before updating the head unit.
- Warranty. A modified infotainment system can affect warranty claims related to it. Discuss this with your dealer if the car is still covered.
- Safe use. Use Android Auto in line with the traffic rules where you drive and keep your attention on the road.
Price
Native Android Auto for BMW NBT EVO costs €120 (regular price €200). The price includes the compatibility check, the remote activation and help with the first pairing. It is a single price – there is no subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Does BMW NBT EVO support Android Auto?
BMW did not offer Android Auto as a factory feature on NBT EVO head units. This service enables it through a software change on compatible builds, which is why every car is checked by VIN and software version before booking.
Which iDrive versions work?
NBT EVO with iDrive 5 or 6 (ID5 / ID6) on a compatible software build. iDrive 4 units need the ID4 → ID6 upgrade first. Older NBT and CIC systems are not supported.
Is it wireless?
Yes. The service is set up for a wireless connection over the car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Tell us if you need something different and we will confirm what your software build allows.
Do I need an MMI box or a new screen?
No. Android Auto runs on your original head unit and appears on the original iDrive display. Nothing is added to the car.
Will it work with my iPhone?
No. Android Auto needs an Android phone. For iPhone, see our Apple CarPlay activation.
Can I keep Apple CarPlay as well?
Often yes, but tell us before the session if CarPlay is already activated on your car so we can check that both work on your software build.
How do I know my car is compatible?
Send your VIN and a photo of the iDrive software information page. We check the head unit and software build and reply with a clear yes or no before you book.
What happens if my car is not compatible?
We tell you before any work begins and suggest an alternative where one exists, for example CarPlay or the NBT EVO upgrade.
Will a software update remove it?
It can. A dealer or over-the-air update may overwrite the activation. Ask us before you update the head unit.
Can it be undone?
We record the head unit’s original state before changing anything, so the original configuration can be restored on request.
How long does the session take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes including the connection, the activation and the first pairing.
Will it affect my warranty?
Modifying the infotainment software can affect warranty claims related to it. If your car is still under warranty, discuss it with your dealer first.
Request a compatibility check
Send your VIN and a photo of the iDrive software information page and we will confirm whether your car can take native Android Auto, and the exact route, before you pay anything. Browse all BMW remote services, read our Apple CarPlay activation guide for NBT EVO and MGU, or contact us directly.
Benefits
No MMI box, no replacement screen, no cables hidden behind the dashboard
Keeps the original iDrive look, controls and sound system
You know before booking whether your software build can take it
Done from home in a single remote session
Android phone navigation and apps on the big factory display
Key Features
- Android Auto on the factory iDrive display of NBT EVO (iDrive 5 / 6)
- Wireless connection – the phone links over the car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Full-screen interface operated with the iDrive controller and touchscreen
- Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, calls and messages from your Android phone
- Sound through the factory speakers with the car’s own volume control
- Compatibility check by VIN and head-unit software version before booking
- Remote activation over ENET – no workshop visit and no hardware to fit
Compatibility
Additional Information
Information
Need help with this service?
Ask in our community forum →