BMW iDrive 5 vs iDrive 6 vs iDrive 7: Differences, Upgrade Options, and Which One You Have

Quick Answer

iDrive 5 uses the NBT (Next Big Thing) head unit with a 6.5 or 8.8 inch display running CIC software — limited CarPlay and no fullscreen mode. iDrive 6 runs on NBT Evo with 8.8 or 10.25 inch display and supports fullscreen CarPlay coding. iDrive 7 uses MGU (Modular Head Unit) with a 12.3 inch curved display and supports native Android Auto. Upgrading from iDrive 5 to 6 requires a physical head unit swap plus ENET coding; iDrive 7 MGU is hardware-only upgradeable.

Which iDrive Do I Have?

Version Head Unit Menu Style Years CarPlay?
iDrive 5 NBT Evo List-based, dark theme 2016-2018 Not standard (can be added)
iDrive 6 NBT Evo (updated firmware) Tile-based, modern layout 2018-2020 Yes (may need activation)
iDrive 7 MGU Completely redesigned, live tiles 2019-2023 Yes
iDrive 8/8.5/9 MGU2 Curved display, minimal buttons 2022+ Yes

Can I Upgrade From iDrive 5 to iDrive 6?

Yes. Since iDrive 5 and iDrive 6 run on the same NBT Evo hardware, upgrading is purely a firmware flash — no hardware change needed. The firmware update gives you:

  • Modern tile-based menu layout
  • Apple CarPlay support (lifetime activation included)
  • Fullscreen CarPlay mode
  • Improved graphics and faster response
  • Screen mirroring capability
  • Video in Motion

This is a remote service performed via ENET cable in approximately 30 minutes.

Can I Upgrade From iDrive 6 to iDrive 7?

No. iDrive 7 requires a completely different head unit (MGU instead of NBT Evo). This is a hardware swap, not a firmware update. You would need to purchase and install an MGU head unit, which is a significantly more involved and expensive retrofit.

🔧 Related MTri Upgrade Services

iDrive 5 → 6 Upgrade: What You Get

Feature iDrive 5 After iDrive 6 Upgrade
Menu layout List-based Tile-based
Apple CarPlay Not available Lifetime activation
CarPlay fullscreen N/A Yes
Screen mirroring No Yes (Android)
Video in Motion No Yes (USB/DVD)
Graphics quality Basic Improved

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