For years the answer on every BMW forum was the same: "NBT EVO only does CarPlay. If you have an Android phone, buy an MMI box or replace the screen." That answer is now out of date.
OEMNAVIGATIONS has developed native wireless Android Auto for NBT EVO ID5 and ID6 head units in BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce. It runs inside the factory iDrive system. There is no extra box behind the dash, no AUX audio, and no aftermarket screen. And unlike remote-only services, you install it yourself with an ENET cable and a laptop.
Why NBT EVO never had Android Auto
BMW launched NBT EVO (iDrive 5 and iDrive 6) around 2016–2017. BMW added Apple CarPlay to these units but never Android Auto. Native Android Auto only arrived with iDrive 7 (MGU) in 2019–2020 cars.
That left millions of F-series and early G-series BMWs, MINI F5x models and Rolls-Royce cars with a modern screen and no way to use Android Auto. Android owners had three options, and none were great.
The old options: MMI box, Android screen, or screen mirroring
| Option | How it works | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| MMI / CarPlay box | Separate module spliced into the screen cable (LVDS) | Extra hardware, often AUX audio, separate menus, switching between systems |
| Aftermarket Android screen | Replaces the factory display | Loses the OEM look, quality varies, can affect resale value |
| Screen mirroring | Mirrors the phone over USB | Not Android Auto, unsafe to use while driving, limited apps |
| Native Android Auto (OEMNAVIGATIONS) | Software inside the factory head unit | No hardware, factory audio, iDrive controller and touch |
What "native" Android Auto on NBT EVO means
- Runs on the factory head unit. Android Auto appears as part of iDrive, not as an external video input.
- Fully wireless. Your phone connects automatically when you start the car.
- Factory audio path. Sound goes through the car's own audio system, not an AUX input.
- Factory controls. Use the iDrive controller, the touchscreen (where fitted), and steering wheel buttons.
- Full-screen apps. Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, WhatsApp, calls and Google Assistant.
- Keeps everything else. BMW navigation, radio, DAB, Bluetooth and settings work as before.
DIY installation: no booking, no remote technician
Some vendors only activate through a booked remote session, with a technician controlling your laptop. We built OEMNAVIGATIONS' DIY Android Auto activation for iDrive 6 to be simple:
- Buy the activation and enter your VIN.
- We check your VIN and email your activation files.
- Connect your laptop to the car with an ENET (OBD-to-Ethernet) cable.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps.
- Restart the head unit and pair your phone.
You choose when to do it — evening, weekend, in your own garage. No waiting for a free slot.
What you need:
- ENET cable (around £15–£25 online)
- Laptop running Windows 10 or 11
- A car with original BMW NBT EVO ID5 or ID6
- An Android phone that supports wireless Android Auto (Android 11 or newer)
- A battery charger or maintainer is recommended during installation
Which cars are compatible?
Compatibility depends on the head unit and its software version, not just the model or year. As a guide:
| Brand | Models (with NBT EVO ID5/ID6) |
|---|---|
| BMW 1–4 Series | F20/F21, F22/F23, F30/F31/F34, F32/F33/F36, F80/F82/F87 M |
| BMW 5–7 Series | G30/G31, G32 GT, F06/F12/F13, G11/G12 |
| BMW X models | F15/F16, F85/F86, F25/F26, G01/G02, F48/F39 |
| BMW i | i3, i8 |
| MINI | F54, F55, F56, F57, F60 (NBT EVO with 8.8" screen) |
| Rolls-Royce | Models fitted with NBT EVO ID5/ID6 |
Not sure which head unit your car has? Check your VIN with our free BMW VIN decoder — it reports the head unit fitted to your exact car.
NBT EVO ID4, older NBT and CIC units are different hardware and are not compatible. Third-party and aftermarket head units are not supported.
Built for stability
Other teams have tried to make Android Auto work on NBT EVO, and forum threads show how hard it is. We built and tested this across multiple head units and software versions before launch. Our goals were fast reconnection, no freezes, and no conflicts with CarPlay or BMW functions.
Coming soon
Native wireless Android Auto for NBT EVO launches soon. Join the waitlist on the NBT EVO ID5/ID6 Android Auto activation page to get launch pricing first.
FAQ
Does NBT EVO support Android Auto from the factory?
No. BMW only offered Apple CarPlay on NBT EVO ID5/ID6. Factory Android Auto started with iDrive 7.
Is this wireless or wired?
Fully wireless. Your phone connects automatically over Wi-Fi.
Do I need an MMI box or extra hardware?
No. It runs natively inside the factory head unit. You only need an ENET cable and a laptop to install it.
Will Apple CarPlay still work?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can both be used on the same car.
Can I install it myself?
Yes. The installer guides you step by step. No coding experience is needed.
Does it work on MINI and Rolls-Royce?
Yes, on MINI and Rolls-Royce models with NBT EVO ID5/ID6. Check your VIN to confirm.
What if my car has NBT EVO ID4?
ID4 units are not compatible with this activation.
BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce are registered trademarks of BMW AG. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC. OEMNAVIGATIONS is not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or Google.