The short answer
Yes, CarPlay can usually be activated on a BMW G30 (saloon) or G31 (Touring) 5 Series. Earlier cars mostly have the NBT EVO head unit (iDrive 6) and later cars the MGU head unit (iDrive 7). Both support wireless CarPlay once it's enabled. The VIN check tells you which one your car has.
G30 / G31 head units
The change-over date differs by market and options, so don't go by the model year alone. The same applies to the G32 6 Series GT and the M5 (F90), which share the electronics.
What activation involves
- VIN check: head unit, software level and options are read first, so you know the result before paying.
- Feature enabling: CarPlay is enabled in the head unit and added to the vehicle order, so a later dealer update doesn't remove it.
- Software: if the head unit's software is too old, it's updated first.
- Test: an iPhone is paired and CarPlay checked on the screen before the session ends.
What you need at the car
- An ENET cable (Ethernet to OBD)
- A Windows laptop with a stable internet connection
- A battery charger, because the car stays awake for the whole session
The session is remote: the car stays with you and the work is done over the internet. See how remote coding works.
Other BMW models
The same applies to most BMWs with NBT EVO or MGU, such as the G01 X3, G05 X5, G11 7 Series, G20 3 Series and F-series cars with NBT EVO. The BMW CarPlay by iDrive guide covers every head unit generation.
Frequently asked questions
Can BMW G30 CarPlay be activated without a dealer?
Yes. On NBT EVO and MGU head units it's enabled by coding, and it can be done remotely with an ENET cable, a laptop and a battery charger at the car.
Is CarPlay on the G30 wired or wireless?
Wireless. BMW built CarPlay on NBT EVO and MGU to connect over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Does the G30 get Android Auto?
Only cars with the MGU (iDrive 7) head unit on current software. NBT EVO supports CarPlay but not Android Auto.