Now you can visit our Rear View Cameras Page to discover all details about BimmerTech Park Assist Retrofits.

Maybe you own an older BMW without some of the latest technology advancements. Or perhaps the package you purchased didn’t include what you really wanted, like a rear view camera. You're in luck. BimmerTech’s DIY kits let anyone handy with a screwdriver install, upgrade, and retrofit your Bimmer with the goodies you’ve been dreaming about. And we’re here to help, from choosing the perfect kit to factory programming if necessary.

Today let’s talk BMW Backup Camera Retrofits, some of our most popular kits. If you’ve explored these on our site, you know we have three different options available.

They all work seamlessly with your existing factory display to give you the rear visibility and dynamic parking line guidance you need to avoid obstructions and back-up and park safely. They all feature outstanding picture quality, automatically activate when shifting to reverse, and mount in the trunk handle just like factory-installed. And none of them require any wire-cutting!

But which one is right for you?

OEM Rear View Camera Retrofit. This Original Equipment Manufacturer kit is what BMW installs at the factory and offers the highest picture quality — as well as a higher price than the other options. Your BMW needs iDrive with Navigational Professional and a Parking Distance Control (PDC) system for it to take advantage of all of this kit’s features, which include the ability to add on such options as side-view and top-view cameras as well as trailer hitch mode. Once this BMW OEM camera is installed, we help you activate the factory coding remotely, free of charge. If you have a BMW without the features mentioned above, your best bet is to choose the MMI Rear View Camera Retrofit below.

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OEM-Integration Rear View Camera Retrofit. This rear view camera retrofit kit uses your BMW’s factory iDrive screen and camera mode, so you get the same look and feel as a factory-installed cam, with nearly the same picture quality — at a much lower price. If your BMW features PDC, this will appear as usual on the right side of the screen. If not, you will simply see a car diagram without sensor information. This kit displays static parking lines as standard, but offers optional dynamic parking lines, which curve with your steering wheel, making it easier to back up. And like above, we help you activate the factory coding remotely, free of charge. A great option if you have Navigation Professional and PDC, but want a more value-priced option to the OEM camera. See the video here:

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MMI Rear View Camera Retrofit. Perfect for any BMW model with a factory screen, this kit is truly plug and play — no coding or remote activation necessary! It displays static parking lines as standard, but offers optional dynamic parking lines as well. If your BMW already features PDC, this kit’s obstacle marking feature will automatically kick in. Plus, it’s fully compatible with an optional front camera. All at about the same price as the OEM-Integration Rear View Camera Retrofit. Be sure to check out the video below:

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The below chart summarizes the most important features of BimmerTech rear view cameras:

If you’re still unsure which kit is best for your model or how some of the features work, we’re just an email away. Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

This is your lucky day if you own a 2010 or later BMW and have been wondering just how great Sirius Satellite Radio would sound in your car. Answer: awesome. But that’s not all.

BimmerTech can get you the original satellite retrofit kit for half as much as dealers charge; you can have it up and running in less than 30 minutes without having to leave it at a dealer for hours or overnight; and you will qualify for up to a year subscription to Sirius, free!

As far as the fine print? There is none. BimmerTech makes it unbelievably easy to get that dream upgrade. Here’s the low-down:

All BMWs sold in the U.S. and Canada beginning with the 2010 models* come Sirius-ready. That means if you don’t already have Sirius radio installed, it’s all ready for you to add later. You just need a BMW-certified activation code to upgrade the software. Dealers charge $500 or more for this service and require you to leave your car with them.

When you order from BimmerTech, we get you the same official BMW code for just $275. We then send you an interface cable (at no extra charge and shipped free) so you can connect your Windows laptop or Macbook running Windows, to your car. You then contact our technician via Skype instant messenger and he activates the service in less than 30 minutes.

If you are the original owner of your BMW, Sirius gives you a free one-year All-Access subscription, which you can start enjoying immediately. If you have a certified Pre-Owned BMW, you still qualify for a free three-month Sirius All-Access trial. That means more than 150 satellite radio channels with premium programming like Howard Stern, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, comedy, and tons more. Plus, you can access all that content and more on your computer, smart phone, or tablet.

Now, what about BMW models E88, E93, or F33 — those without a built-in Sirius antenna? No problem. We sell that, too, and it just takes minutes to install.

It really is that easy. No wonder our Sirius Satellite Radio retrofit kits are some of our most popular!

You can check out your satellite radio retrofit options here and, as always, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. We’re here to help you give your BMW the technology upgrades it was meant to have — more easily than you thought possible.

* A couple of models, including some 3-Series and 1-Series cars equipped with Radio Professional built until August 2010 require a new radio for this activation to work, even if they are prewired. If you are unsure if your model can be upgraded, email us and we’ll let you know.

Many BMW owners love the fact that they can add some of the latest navigation, audio, camera, Bluetooth, and Internet technologies to their BMW cars with an easy retrofit kit from BimmerTech. No longer are they limited to only factory-installed features. With some basic skills and tools, they can now do most of the aftermarket upgrades themselves — and BimmerTech is here to help.

So, what does it take to do a Do It Yourself (DIY) BMW retrofit? That’s one of our most frequently asked questions, so we thought we’d take a minute and answer it here.

First off, every one of our BMW add-ons is different and requires a varying skill level. If you’ve done any kind of upgrades to your car yourself, you will be able to take on a BimmerTech kit with ease. If you’re just beginning, but are pretty good at DIY, you should be fine — especially because we provide documentation and our super-responsive tech team is on-hand to walk you through your project if you need. And what if you just don’t have that mechanical touch (or the time), but still want to save money with a BimmerTech BMW retrofit kit? Our worldwide network of installers is at your service. After shipping the kit to you, just let us know the local installer of your choice and we’ll work with them to do any remote programming or activation. Dealer-quality or higher — for less! And if we don’t have an installer near you or you just want to use your favorite local audio shop? No problem. They will easily be able to install our kits and we’re happy to guide them if necessary.

Okay, back to what it takes for you to install a BimmerTech upgrade. Our easiest retrofits are software upgrades, like for adding Sirius Radio or BMW Apps, enhancing Bluetooth capability, or upgrading USB functionality. They don’t require any tools or hardware except an Internet-connected Windows laptop or MacBook running Windows. You plug in your computer and we take care of the rest remotely and via Skype, usually in about 20 minutes.

Upgrades like adding a rear view camera, Combox, or navigation require some hardware installation and sometimes a software upgrade or activation (again, which we do remotely). As mentioned, we provide instructions and support as needed to make sure your experience is a good one. Most of our upgrades are plug and play, meaning there are no wires to cut and when called for, we use easy OEM tap-in connectors (the same kind BMW uses) to make installation a snap. Others might require opening a panel, removing trim, or threading some wires from here to there, but it doesn’t get much more complicated than that.

Hope that helps clear up some questions or maybe some concerns. We want your BMW to have the technology upgrades it deserves — and we’re here to help make it happen. Let us know if you have any other questions about ordering the right kit or getting started.

BMW recently released their latest software updates, improving multimedia support and compatibility with a wide range of popular mobile devices. You can get all the details directly from BMW here.

The bigger questions are: what’s up with these updates? How do you find out about them? How do you know if they are for your model BMW? And more importantly, can you install the updates on your own or do you have to go to your dealer?

Let me give you a quick run-down on how it works:

There are basically two kinds of BMW software updates. A main software update addresses system-wide issues and features and upgrades any of your car’s electronic control modules (ECUs) that require it. To make sure you are getting exactly the update you need, BMW computers will first check the hardware number on each of your ECUs. For this reason, these main software updates can only be completed by BMW dealers or shops equipped with special programming equipment (like BimmerTech). Unless something is not working correctly or you need the update in order to fix the car or get newer equipment to work, you won’t need this kind of upgrade. In fact, BMW recommends against it unless absolutely necessary, and we agree due to potential complications and risks.

More common, though, is a partial software update, or media software update. This may cover things like multimedia, Bluetooth, Internet connectivity, or mobile device compatibility improvements, as the most recent update mentioned above provides. Any owner can install this kind of update as long as your car features a Combox, which works with iDrive and enhances many technology features on your BMW. Newer NBT iDrive systems have Combox functionality built-in, making it even easier. But even older models can be retrofitted with iDrive (at Bimmer-Tech.net) and Combox (check out the BimmerTech Combox Retrofit Kit).

If your Combox or NBT iDrive is factory-installed, you would download the update file from BMW using your VIN number. If you installed the BimmerTech Combox Retrofit Kit or BimmerTech NBT Navigation Retrofit Kit, BMW’s records will still reflect that your car doesn’t have the new hardware, and therefore, won’t show that you qualify for the software update. In that case, all you do is get in touch with us and we’ll get you the official BMW update.

Whether you get the update directly from BMW or us, your next step is to simply put the file on a thumb drive or other USB memory stick, plug it into the armrest USB port and go to the Settings menu in iDrive. Locate the Software Update option in the menu and follow the instructions on the screen.

Pretty straight-forward. But there’s one final question: what if you add a Combox or NBT Navigation using a BimmerTech upgrade kit and BMW introduces an essential main software update sometime down the road? No worries. Just remove the Combox/NBT before taking your BMW to your dealer for the update. Then reinstall it when you get it back. If it needs recoding as sometimes happens, just contact our tech team and we’ll get it going again in no time.

The bottom line is, iDrive and Combox Media functionality can really make driving and using your BMW infinitely more enjoyable. So if you have the chance to upgrade, we say go for it. And, of course, we’re here to help if you want to do those upgrades yourself. Have questions or still need some guidance? Just get in touch!

If you get that sinking feeling every time BMW comes out with a new feature or upgrade and wish you had waited just a little longer to purchase your baby, it’s time to throw those regrets out the window. Adding such features as a rear view camera, Sirius Radio, or an iDrive Touch controller are all an easy add-on with a BimmerTech retrofit kit. If you have a few do-it-yourself skills and a free Saturday afternoon, your ultimate driving machine could soon be sporting a sweet, new makeover. Let’s go behind the scenes of a recent iDrive Touch Controller Retrofit install so you can see for yourself how it works:

Behold, a beautiful 2014 650i BMW with the M sport package. It’s got it all… except the new iDrive Touch Controller! Since it does have NBT iDrive (Navigation Professional), it can be upgraded to iDrive Touch with a single kit. If it didn’t have NBT iDrive, BimmerTech offers a retrofit kit for that, too.

After protecting any dirt-prone surfaces and connecting the car to an external battery charger to ensure the system stays online during programming, we’re ready to begin. We remove some of the trim surrounding the center console with just a screwdriver and simply swap out the original iDrive controller with the new iDrive Touch retrofit. Then we connect the Touch ECU to the existing iDrive controller wiring. So far, no wire-cutting necessary! We replace the console and get started on programming.

If you are installing this yourself, you would connect your Internet-connected laptop running Windows (Mac or PC) using an Ethernet cable to the OBD2 port located under the driver’s side dashboard. No need to remove anything to access it!. Then connect with us via Skype and we’ll take it from there, doing all the necessary programming remotely. If you have a local installer handling this for you, they will connect with us the same way.

When complete, you will be able to enjoy a whole new way of interacting with your iDrive system. The touch-sensitive controller allows you to write letters with your finger directly on the iDrive knob rather than having to scroll for letter input. And yes, you can use this exciting new input method anywhere the system typically uses a speller wheel, from navigation to multimedia search, your contacts list and phone numbers.

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Another bonus of installing a BimmerTech retrofit kit is that since we take care of the programming, we can perform other software upgrades at the same time. In the install above, for example, we also updated the maps to the latest version, activated the the video playback control from the USB port in the armrest (including the ability to play high-definition .mkv files), updated the iDrive software, and set the Auto Start Stop button to remember the last settings. This last one was especially welcome, as it fixed a frustrating function with many BMWs that shuts off your car when you come to a complete stop, like at a traffic light. While you can disable the feature, the system does not remember the settings and you are forced to re-disable it every time you start up the car. Our fix keeps your preferences stored for good! Fortunately, BMW has also fixed this issue in more recent models.

So, what’s your next dream upgrade? Likely, BimmerTech has a retrofit kit to make it happen. Start your feature search here or get in touch if you have any questions or we can help point you in the right direction.

At BimmerTech, “Do It Yourself” doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Though we offer the world’s largest selection of BMW upgrade and retrofit kits for those who enjoy and take pride in DIY Bimmer add-ons (or who want to sidestep high dealer prices), we are proud to support our worldwide enthusiasts with superior service and support. If you haven’t yet browsed our kits — like our rear-view cameras or Sirius Satellite Radio — or installed one of our Navigation or Park Assist retrofits, then here’s a quick overview of some of the awesome customer service perks you can expect from your BimmerTech experience, no matter where you are in the world:

Super-Responsive Service. When you have questions, need some guidance on which kit is right for you, or want a little help with your install, we are just an email away. You can always expect a prompt reply, usually within minutes, often within hours, and never more than a day (due to any time differences). And if you prefer phone, you can use either of our North American or European numbers. For remote programming and product activation, assistance during your install, or when your phone options are limited, we also offer free Skype messaging.

Kits Prepared Specifically for Your BMW. All of our kits are created to order. That means when you place your order, you can be assured you will get a kit made just for your specific model, year, and specifications. So you know it will work and we know you’ll be thrilled. And while we do our best to ship kits by the next day, this commitment to creating kits to order can sometimes mean your kit will take a bit longer to ship (up to 10 days in some cases) as we order and assemble exactly the parts you need.

Instructions Customized for You. Because there are so many variables between BMW models and years and packages, installing a particular retrofit kit isn’t the same for everyone. To ensure you have the very best installation experience, we create instructions just for you based on the parts you receive from us. Though we run a tight ship on our end, we can’t always control what happens in transit, like when going through customs. So we use a simple system to confirm that you received everything we sent you (and don’t get stuck mid-project without the parts you need!): we ask you to send us a picture of the parts you receive in your kit. This way, we are able to make sure everything is there and then send you installation instructions to match.

Fast and Free Worldwide Shipping. That’s right, every shipment is free, no matter where in the world you are located! We ship DHL, which offers the fastest, most reliable international shipping anywhere. This means you will get a tracking number and your order within 2-5 days just about anywhere on the planet. Just ask our happy customers located in dozens of exotic places, from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and South Africa, to Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, India and many more.

Easy Payment Options. We accept all major credit cards plus PayPal and wire transfers. Choose the method that works best for you at checkout. To keep our product prices low, we do pass along standard credit card and PayPal transaction fees.

Have an awesome customer service experience you want to share? Or something that needs improvement that we may not be aware of? We welcome your feedback!

That seemingly random string of numbers printed on your BMW’s dash or on the driver’s side door jamb is more important than you think. Each of the 17 digits actually tells you something specific about your car, from where and when it was built to its feature-set. You can even use it on certain motor vehicle registries to find out whether the car is considered a salvage (repaired after a major wreck) or is listed as stolen. All essential information if you are buying a pre-owned or used car, simply want to do some comparison shopping, or wish to find the right upgrades or parts for your own car.

At BimmerTech, we use your car’s unique identifier to make sure that we are sending you parts and kits that fit your exact make and model. That’s why we will often ask you for this number during the inquiry, ordering, or installation process. We also encourage you to look up your own VIN to help you decide which products are right for your BMW, whether  it’s at BimmerTech, ModMyNav, or any other reputable online retailer. A great place to start is at the free service bmwvin.com. Put in the last seven digits of your VIN and they’ll tell you everything you need to know to locate the right upgrades and retrofit kits.

But before you head over there, it might help to brush up on the VIN decoding system so you can understand what all those digits mean. This is just a general guide, because while the U.S., most of Europe, and some other countries all try to follow the same format, there may be some differences depending on where you live. If you want more details, Wikipedia has them here.

Digits 1-3: These usually tell you where the car was assembled, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type.

Digits 4-8: These describe your particular vehicle, like its model, body style, engine type, and transmission.

Digit 9: This is the check digit, used simply to tell whether there is an error in the VIN, like if you input it incorrectly.

Digits 10-11: Used to tell the year and the factory where it was assembled.

Digits 12-17: Typically these make up the factory’s production sequence number, which identify the vehicle itself as a unique product.

BimmerTech typically needs only the last 7 digits of the VIN to accurately match the right upgrades, parts, and retrofits to your car. Here’s a quick example of how you might use your VIN and bmwvin.com to help you figure out the right retrofit kit at BimmerTech:

Let’s say you want to see if your vehicle has the feature set necessary to install a BimmerTech Premium Audio System. The product page says it is compatible with certain BMW models with the 676 HiFi system. If you search our sample VIN #K329921, you will see such information as country of origin, production date, and major features. You will also get a list of options built into this model.

Check the Dev. Series in the first section. It says F82. Jump down to the options and check option 676 and you will see that it features the BMW HiFi Loudspeaker System. With this information, we now know that this vehicle is ready to install a BimmerTech Premium Audio System and it will be with plug and play ease.

One more example. Let’s see if BimmerTech can activate BMW Apps in this vehicle. The product page says the car must be built in September 2010 or later and have options 602 (on-board monitor and TV) or 609 (Navigation System Professional) as well as one of the following: 633, 639, 644, 6NK, 6NL or 6NH. A quick check of the production date (July 5, 2014) and those features in the Options section (has 609 and 6NH) reveals this vehicle gets the green light.

Ready to check your own BMW? After reading the requirements on any of the BimmerTech product pages, head over to bmwvin.com and see if you too get the green light. While your VIN report may not show all the options your vehicle has, it’s a good place to start.

Perhaps your best step is just to check with us. We’re always on-hand to help you decipher your VIN or personally match what you are looking for with your BMW. And we also have retrofit solutions to upgrade your vehicle should it fall short on factory-installed options.

If you need some help or guidance, we’re just an email away.

Recently, we asked you to have a little spooky fun with us by submitting pics of your BMWs with a pumpkin in exchange for discounts on our Rear View Camera and Sirius Satellite Radio. In return, we received a hair-raising number of outstanding photos demonstrating not only your pumpkin carving skills but your creativity in designing a photo even without a pumpkin! Special congratulations to Bill from Connecticut, whose winning submission earned him a little something extra. Check out his photo, presented first, and other spooktacular submissions in our Halloween photo gallery and…thanks for such a terrorific response!

If there’s anything we all share – it’s a love affair with BMW! And there are as many reasons to love our cars as there are BMW owners.
We used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to share our top 3 reasons with you:

1) There are no bad roads – only opportunities for new driving adventures.
2) It looks good EVERYWHERE.
3) The BMW slogan couldn't be more true. It really is the Ultimate Driving Machine, especially with the BimmerTech upgrades ;)

The responses we got back showed us just how head over heels you are! We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we did.

Some of you value unquestioning obedience:
No matter how I handle her, she never says NO!
Andres

Others enjoy the grandeur of a premium driving experience:
Driving a BMW makes you feel like you’ve conquered the world!
Archie

Thanks to BimmerTech, my BMW 530d M Sport drives and looks like a Tornado fighter jet.
Ray

One reminisced about a past romantic encounter:
I parked up at the beach with my fiancé. The next thing we knew, the police were shining their flashlights in at us. They laughed it off in good spirits, even gave their siren a wale as they left for extra embarrassment. They said they only noticed because the halos were on but the car looked parked. Tip to BMW drivers, if the key is still in – the halos stay on. I found this out the hard way.
Benjamin

Many just couldn’t feel any closer to their cars:
Just like the unspoken love shared between father and child. The love I feel when I start my F80 is indescribable. The worst drive home is still better than a good day at work. Your car is the only girlfriend you can love without your wife getting mad (maybe just a little jealous). BimmerTech loves your car like you do.
Robert

Beautiful, slim and curvy … the way the seat hugs me and the way I grip the wheel...it’s breath-taking! Here are some reasons why I love my BMW.
1. It’s a different experience driving a bimmer; switched from a Mercedes to an Inifinity to a BMW. Once you go BMW, you won’t go back.
2. It’s a great ride; as the slogan says, it’s the ultimate driving machine.
3. The ladies love them.
4. It goes "broom, broom".
5. My daughter thinks it’s the best car she’s been in; I have to agree with her on this one.
Frank

Here's to the love between man and machine!

This Year BMW celebrates its 100th birthday. On this occasion, we also asked you to imagine your dream car. Some of you had quite innovative ideas:

The best new feature: Self Cleaning Paintwork to restore your car to Showroom Condition after an exhilarating drive through the country.
Campbell

I’d like to see BMW return to their roots as an Airplane engine manufacturer, creating an entirely new line of hybrid automobile/aircraft. Using the I8 as the basis, include state of the art electrical jet propulsion that would allow for the ultimate driving machine to become the ultimate flying/driving machine.
Mike

But we weren’t very surprised to hear that most of you are very satisfied with your BMWs just the way they are. It’s no accident that BMW is called the ultimate driving machine.
I am plain and simple, just an E60 M5 stick shift with AWD, the perfect car when you live in a cold climate. Speed, power and you can drive the car in the winter.
Mike

My dream BMW would be the F10 I own now! It has everything that I would want and more. I love my 535 M sport. The only drawback is when I bought the car it didn't come with a rear camera. But I know the people at BimmerTech will fix that.
Phil

It's hard to think about another vehicle or feature for BMW because they already cover many types of vehicles and vehicle features, but I would like to see an Ariel Atom type vehicle from BMW with advanced features. It would also be a good idea to make Driver Assistance Plus a Standard feature so that roads can be safer.
Ricky

And what does BMW actually have in store for the next 100 years?

On March 7th our favorite car manufacturer announced BMW VISION NEXT 100. Its objective: to create cars that truly accompany their drivers – produced from the most innovative materials, highly efficient and sustainable and providing the best tailor-made experience for even most demanding drivers.

BMW’s vision is a vehicle that interacts continuously with the driver. A companion that senses your needs, enhances your perception, adjusts to your individual requirements and supports you in every driving situation.

Moreover, BMW understands that vehicles of the future will be judged increasingly by the impact they have on people and the environment. This is no longer just a question of energy consumption and CO2-emissions. Production processes, sourcing of materials and their recyclability will also play a crucial role.

Last but not least, BMW knows what drivers need when it comes to the driving experience. The company believes that future drivers will have a choice between taking the wheel or sitting back while the car drives itself. Their response is called Ease Mode – fully-automated driving allowing the driver to relax, work or be entertained and Boost Mode – providing the driver with an active driving experience in a vehicle customized to their preferences. Switching from one mode to another will take no more than a touch of the BMW logo in the middle of the steering wheel.

What features will become a reality in 10, 20 or 100 years? All we need do is follow BMW’s newest technology innovations to see where the road takes us. We can’t help but be excited. How about you?

If you feel like your older car isn’t keeping up with the pace, let us bring you up to speed with the latest technological upgrades!

Last month we announced the first BimmerTech Photo Contest. The challenge: to send us a photo of your BMW in a spectacular location. We received so many submissions that it was tough to choose the winners. After much discussion the jury was still gridlocked. Eventually our marketing team took matters into their own hands and made a decision, awarding Malcolm’s photo of his BMW E90 in the Alps, Jay and his BMW X1 on the Australian coast and Gary and his F30 in Hong Kong. The winners received free coding, map updates and great discounts on our products.

Winning photos:

Check out some of our other fabulous submissions:

See you next year for the second edition of the BimmerTech Photo Contest!

Mod Squad Motorsports, a custom car shop and BimmerTech certified installerh based in Tyrone, GA is capable of doing any work on your car.

When a BMW dealer mistakenly did not order a backup camera for a customer ordered 2016 X1 Kelly @ Mod Squad stepped up to the plate and installed the first ever BimmerTech provided OEM reversing camera kit for the F48 X1. Since it was a “first ever” kind of installation there were small details in the installation that Kelly had to masterfully navigated around. You can check out Mod Squad Motorsports video explaining the installation process.

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Now the BMW dealer can deliver this 2016 X1 to his customer in complete specification just as it was ordered. See for yourself how the OEM camera kit works in a second video from Mod Squad.

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Visit Mod Squad Motorports on Facebook.

Many BMW owners love the fact that they can add some of the latest navigation, audio, camera, Bluetooth, and Internet technologies to their BMW cars with an easy retrofit kit from BimmerTech. No longer are they limited to only factory-installed features. With some basic skills and tools, they can now do most of the aftermarket upgrades themselves — and BimmerTech is here to help.

So, what does it take to do a Do It Yourself (DIY) BMW retrofit? That’s one of our most frequently asked questions, so we thought we’d take a minute and answer it here.

First off, every one of our BMW add-ons is different and requires a varying skill level. If you’ve done any kind of upgrades to your car yourself, you will be able to take on a BimmerTech kit with ease. If you’re just beginning, but are pretty good at DIY, you should be fine — especially because we provide documentation and our super-responsive tech team is on-hand to walk you through your project if you need. And what if you just don’t have that mechanical touch (or the time), but still want to save money with a BimmerTech BMW retrofit kit? Our worldwide network of installers is at your service. After shipping the kit to you, just let us know the local installer of your choice and we’ll work with them to do any remote programming or activation. Dealer-quality or higher — for less! And if we don’t have an installer near you or you just want to use your favorite local audio shop? No problem. They will easily be able to install our kits and we’re happy to guide them if necessary.

Okay, back to what it takes for you to install a BimmerTech upgrade. Our easiest retrofits are software upgrades, like for adding Sirius Radio or BMW Apps, enhancing Bluetooth capability, or upgrading USB functionality. They don’t require any tools or hardware except an Internet-connected Windows laptop or MacBook running Windows. You plug in your computer and we take care of the rest remotely and via Skype, usually in about 20 minutes.

Upgrades like adding a rear view camera, Combox, or navigation require some hardware installation and sometimes a software upgrade or activation (again, which we do remotely). As mentioned, we provide instructions and support as needed to make sure your experience is a good one. Most of our upgrades are plug and play, meaning there are no wires to cut and when called for, we use easy OEM tap-in connectors (the same kind BMW uses) to make installation a snap. Others might require opening a panel, removing trim, or threading some wires from here to there, but it doesn’t get much more complicated than that.

Hope that helps clear up some questions or maybe some concerns. We want your BMW to have the technology upgrades it deserves — and we’re here to help make it happen. Let us know if you have any other questions about ordering the right kit or getting started.

BMW recently released their latest software updates, improving multimedia support and compatibility with a wide range of popular mobile devices. You can get all the details directly from BMW here.

The bigger questions are: what’s up with these updates? How do you find out about them? How do you know if they are for your model BMW? And more importantly, can you install the updates on your own or do you have to go to your dealer?

Let me give you a quick run-down on how it works:

There are basically two kinds of BMW software updates. A main software update addresses system-wide issues and features and upgrades any of your car’s electronic control modules (ECUs) that require it. To make sure you are getting exactly the update you need, BMW computers will first check the hardware number on each of your ECUs. For this reason, these main software updates can only be completed by BMW dealers or shops equipped with special programming equipment (like BimmerTech). Unless something is not working correctly or you need the update in order to fix the car or get newer equipment to work, you won’t need this kind of upgrade. In fact, BMW recommends against it unless absolutely necessary, and we agree due to potential complications and risks.

More common, though, is a partial software update, or media software update. This may cover things like multimedia, Bluetooth, Internet connectivity, or mobile device compatibility improvements, as the most recent update mentioned above provides. Any owner can install this kind of update as long as your car features a Combox, which works with iDrive and enhances many technology features on your BMW. Newer NBT iDrive systems have Combox functionality built-in, making it even easier. But even older models can be retrofitted with iDrive (at Bimmer-Tech.net) and Combox (check out the BimmerTech Combox Retrofit Kit).

If your Combox or NBT iDrive is factory-installed, you would download the update file from BMW using your VIN number. If you installed the BimmerTech Combox Retrofit Kit or BimmerTech NBT Navigation Retrofit Kit, BMW’s records will still reflect that your car doesn’t have the new hardware, and therefore, won’t show that you qualify for the software update. In that case, all you do is get in touch with us and we’ll get you the official BMW update.

Whether you get the update directly from BMW or us, your next step is to simply put the file on a thumb drive or other USB memory stick, plug it into the armrest USB port and go to the Settings menu in iDrive. Locate the Software Update option in the menu and follow the instructions on the screen.

Pretty straight-forward. But there’s one final question: what if you add a Combox or NBT Navigation using a BimmerTech upgrade kit and BMW introduces an essential main software update sometime down the road? No worries. Just remove the Combox/NBT before taking your BMW to your dealer for the update. Then reinstall it when you get it back. If it needs recoding as sometimes happens, just contact our tech team and we’ll get it going again in no time.

The bottom line is, iDrive and Combox Media functionality can really make driving and using your BMW infinitely more enjoyable. So if you have the chance to upgrade, we say go for it. And, of course, we’re here to help if you want to do those upgrades yourself. Have questions or still need some guidance? Just get in touch!

If you get that sinking feeling every time BMW comes out with a new feature or upgrade and wish you had waited just a little longer to purchase your baby, it’s time to throw those regrets out the window. Adding such features as a rear view camera, Sirius Radio, or an iDrive Touch controller are all an easy add-on with a BimmerTech retrofit kit. If you have a few do-it-yourself skills and a free Saturday afternoon, your ultimate driving machine could soon be sporting a sweet, new makeover. Let’s go behind the scenes of a recent iDrive Touch Controller Retrofit install so you can see for yourself how it works:

Behold, a beautiful 2014 650i BMW with the M sport package. It’s got it all… except the new iDrive Touch Controller! Since it does have NBT iDrive (Navigation Professional), it can be upgraded to iDrive Touch with a single kit. If it didn’t have NBT iDrive, BimmerTech offers a retrofit kit for that, too.

After protecting any dirt-prone surfaces and connecting the car to an external battery charger to ensure the system stays online during programming, we’re ready to begin. We remove some of the trim surrounding the center console with just a screwdriver and simply swap out the original iDrive controller with the new iDrive Touch retrofit. Then we connect the Touch ECU to the existing iDrive controller wiring. So far, no wire-cutting necessary! We replace the console and get started on programming.

If you are installing this yourself, you would connect your Internet-connected laptop running Windows (Mac or PC) using an Ethernet cable to the OBD2 port located under the driver’s side dashboard. No need to remove anything to access it!. Then connect with us via Skype and we’ll take it from there, doing all the necessary programming remotely. If you have a local installer handling this for you, they will connect with us the same way.

When complete, you will be able to enjoy a whole new way of interacting with your iDrive system. The touch-sensitive controller allows you to write letters with your finger directly on the iDrive knob rather than having to scroll for letter input. And yes, you can use this exciting new input method anywhere the system typically uses a speller wheel, from navigation to multimedia search, your contacts list and phone numbers.

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Another bonus of installing a BimmerTech retrofit kit is that since we take care of the programming, we can perform other software upgrades at the same time. In the install above, for example, we also updated the maps to the latest version, activated the the video playback control from the USB port in the armrest (including the ability to play high-definition .mkv files), updated the iDrive software, and set the Auto Start Stop button to remember the last settings. This last one was especially welcome, as it fixed a frustrating function with many BMWs that shuts off your car when you come to a complete stop, like at a traffic light. While you can disable the feature, the system does not remember the settings and you are forced to re-disable it every time you start up the car. Our fix keeps your preferences stored for good! Fortunately, BMW has also fixed this issue in more recent models.

So, what’s your next dream upgrade? Likely, BimmerTech has a retrofit kit to make it happen. Start your feature search here or get in touch if you have any questions or we can help point you in the right direction.

At BimmerTech, “Do It Yourself” doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Though we offer the world’s largest selection of BMW upgrade and retrofit kits for those who enjoy and take pride in DIY Bimmer add-ons (or who want to sidestep high dealer prices), we are proud to support our worldwide enthusiasts with superior service and support. If you haven’t yet browsed our kits — like our rear-view cameras or Sirius Satellite Radio — or installed one of our Navigation or Park Assist retrofits, then here’s a quick overview of some of the awesome customer service perks you can expect from your BimmerTech experience, no matter where you are in the world:

Super-Responsive Service. When you have questions, need some guidance on which kit is right for you, or want a little help with your install, we are just an email away. You can always expect a prompt reply, usually within minutes, often within hours, and never more than a day (due to any time differences). And if you prefer phone, you can use either of our North American or European numbers. For remote programming and product activation, assistance during your install, or when your phone options are limited, we also offer free Skype messaging.

Kits Prepared Specifically for Your BMW. All of our kits are created to order. That means when you place your order, you can be assured you will get a kit made just for your specific model, year, and specifications. So you know it will work and we know you’ll be thrilled. And while we do our best to ship kits by the next day, this commitment to creating kits to order can sometimes mean your kit will take a bit longer to ship (up to 10 days in some cases) as we order and assemble exactly the parts you need.

Instructions Customized for You. Because there are so many variables between BMW models and years and packages, installing a particular retrofit kit isn’t the same for everyone. To ensure you have the very best installation experience, we create instructions just for you based on the parts you receive from us. Though we run a tight ship on our end, we can’t always control what happens in transit, like when going through customs. So we use a simple system to confirm that you received everything we sent you (and don’t get stuck mid-project without the parts you need!): we ask you to send us a picture of the parts you receive in your kit. This way, we are able to make sure everything is there and then send you installation instructions to match.

Fast and Free Worldwide Shipping. That’s right, every shipment is free, no matter where in the world you are located! We ship DHL, which offers the fastest, most reliable international shipping anywhere. This means you will get a tracking number and your order within 2-5 days just about anywhere on the planet. Just ask our happy customers located in dozens of exotic places, from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and South Africa, to Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, India and many more.

Easy Payment Options. We accept all major credit cards plus PayPal and wire transfers. Choose the method that works best for you at checkout. To keep our product prices low, we do pass along standard credit card and PayPal transaction fees.

Have an awesome customer service experience you want to share? Or something that needs improvement that we may not be aware of? We welcome your feedback!

That seemingly random string of numbers printed on your BMW’s dash or on the driver’s side door jamb is more important than you think. Each of the 17 digits actually tells you something specific about your car, from where and when it was built to its feature-set. You can even use it on certain motor vehicle registries to find out whether the car is considered a salvage (repaired after a major wreck) or is listed as stolen. All essential information if you are buying a pre-owned or used car, simply want to do some comparison shopping, or wish to find the right upgrades or parts for your own car.

At BimmerTech, we use your car’s unique identifier to make sure that we are sending you parts and kits that fit your exact make and model. That’s why we will often ask you for this number during the inquiry, ordering, or installation process. We also encourage you to look up your own VIN to help you decide which products are right for your BMW, whether  it’s at BimmerTech, ModMyNav, or any other reputable online retailer. A great place to start is at the free service bmwvin.com. Put in the last seven digits of your VIN and they’ll tell you everything you need to know to locate the right upgrades and retrofit kits.

But before you head over there, it might help to brush up on the VIN decoding system so you can understand what all those digits mean. This is just a general guide, because while the U.S., most of Europe, and some other countries all try to follow the same format, there may be some differences depending on where you live. If you want more details, Wikipedia has them here.

Digits 1-3: These usually tell you where the car was assembled, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type.

Digits 4-8: These describe your particular vehicle, like its model, body style, engine type, and transmission.

Digit 9: This is the check digit, used simply to tell whether there is an error in the VIN, like if you input it incorrectly.

Digits 10-11: Used to tell the year and the factory where it was assembled.

Digits 12-17: Typically these make up the factory’s production sequence number, which identify the vehicle itself as a unique product.

BimmerTech typically needs only the last 7 digits of the VIN to accurately match the right upgrades, parts, and retrofits to your car. Here’s a quick example of how you might use your VIN and bmwvin.com to help you figure out the right retrofit kit at BimmerTech:

Let’s say you want to see if your vehicle has the feature set necessary to install a BimmerTech Premium Audio System. The product page says it is compatible with certain BMW models with the 676 HiFi system. If you search our sample VIN #K329921, you will see such information as country of origin, production date, and major features. You will also get a list of options built into this model.

Check the Dev. Series in the first section. It says F82. Jump down to the options and check option 676 and you will see that it features the BMW HiFi Loudspeaker System. With this information, we now know that this vehicle is ready to install a BimmerTech Premium Audio System and it will be with plug and play ease.

One more example. Let’s see if BimmerTech can activate BMW Apps in this vehicle. The product page says the car must be built in September 2010 or later and have options 602 (on-board monitor and TV) or 609 (Navigation System Professional) as well as one of the following: 633, 639, 644, 6NK, 6NL or 6NH. A quick check of the production date (July 5, 2014) and those features in the Options section (has 609 and 6NH) reveals this vehicle gets the green light.

Ready to check your own BMW? After reading the requirements on any of the BimmerTech product pages, head over to bmwvin.com and see if you too get the green light. While your VIN report may not show all the options your vehicle has, it’s a good place to start.

Perhaps your best step is just to check with us. We’re always on-hand to help you decipher your VIN or personally match what you are looking for with your BMW. And we also have retrofit solutions to upgrade your vehicle should it fall short on factory-installed options.

If you need some help or guidance, we’re just an email away.

Recently, we asked you to have a little spooky fun with us by submitting pics of your BMWs with a pumpkin in exchange for discounts on our Rear View Camera and Sirius Satellite Radio. In return, we received a hair-raising number of outstanding photos demonstrating not only your pumpkin carving skills but your creativity in designing a photo even without a pumpkin! Special congratulations to Bill from Connecticut, whose winning submission earned him a little something extra. Check out his photo, presented first, and other spooktacular submissions in our Halloween photo gallery and…thanks for such a terrorific response!

If there’s anything we all share – it’s a love affair with BMW! And there are as many reasons to love our cars as there are BMW owners.
We used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to share our top 3 reasons with you:

1) There are no bad roads – only opportunities for new driving adventures.
2) It looks good EVERYWHERE.
3) The BMW slogan couldn't be more true. It really is the Ultimate Driving Machine, especially with the BimmerTech upgrades ;)

The responses we got back showed us just how head over heels you are! We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we did.

Some of you value unquestioning obedience:
No matter how I handle her, she never says NO!
Andres

Others enjoy the grandeur of a premium driving experience:
Driving a BMW makes you feel like you’ve conquered the world!
Archie

Thanks to BimmerTech, my BMW 530d M Sport drives and looks like a Tornado fighter jet.
Ray

One reminisced about a past romantic encounter:
I parked up at the beach with my fiancé. The next thing we knew, the police were shining their flashlights in at us. They laughed it off in good spirits, even gave their siren a wale as they left for extra embarrassment. They said they only noticed because the halos were on but the car looked parked. Tip to BMW drivers, if the key is still in – the halos stay on. I found this out the hard way.
Benjamin

Many just couldn’t feel any closer to their cars:
Just like the unspoken love shared between father and child. The love I feel when I start my F80 is indescribable. The worst drive home is still better than a good day at work. Your car is the only girlfriend you can love without your wife getting mad (maybe just a little jealous). BimmerTech loves your car like you do.
Robert

Beautiful, slim and curvy … the way the seat hugs me and the way I grip the wheel...it’s breath-taking! Here are some reasons why I love my BMW.
1. It’s a different experience driving a bimmer; switched from a Mercedes to an Inifinity to a BMW. Once you go BMW, you won’t go back.
2. It’s a great ride; as the slogan says, it’s the ultimate driving machine.
3. The ladies love them.
4. It goes "broom, broom".
5. My daughter thinks it’s the best car she’s been in; I have to agree with her on this one.
Frank

Here's to the love between man and machine!

This Year BMW celebrates its 100th birthday. On this occasion, we also asked you to imagine your dream car. Some of you had quite innovative ideas:

The best new feature: Self Cleaning Paintwork to restore your car to Showroom Condition after an exhilarating drive through the country.
Campbell

I’d like to see BMW return to their roots as an Airplane engine manufacturer, creating an entirely new line of hybrid automobile/aircraft. Using the I8 as the basis, include state of the art electrical jet propulsion that would allow for the ultimate driving machine to become the ultimate flying/driving machine.
Mike

But we weren’t very surprised to hear that most of you are very satisfied with your BMWs just the way they are. It’s no accident that BMW is called the ultimate driving machine.
I am plain and simple, just an E60 M5 stick shift with AWD, the perfect car when you live in a cold climate. Speed, power and you can drive the car in the winter.
Mike

My dream BMW would be the F10 I own now! It has everything that I would want and more. I love my 535 M sport. The only drawback is when I bought the car it didn't come with a rear camera. But I know the people at BimmerTech will fix that.
Phil

It's hard to think about another vehicle or feature for BMW because they already cover many types of vehicles and vehicle features, but I would like to see an Ariel Atom type vehicle from BMW with advanced features. It would also be a good idea to make Driver Assistance Plus a Standard feature so that roads can be safer.
Ricky

And what does BMW actually have in store for the next 100 years?

On March 7th our favorite car manufacturer announced BMW VISION NEXT 100. Its objective: to create cars that truly accompany their drivers – produced from the most innovative materials, highly efficient and sustainable and providing the best tailor-made experience for even most demanding drivers.

BMW’s vision is a vehicle that interacts continuously with the driver. A companion that senses your needs, enhances your perception, adjusts to your individual requirements and supports you in every driving situation.

Moreover, BMW understands that vehicles of the future will be judged increasingly by the impact they have on people and the environment. This is no longer just a question of energy consumption and CO2-emissions. Production processes, sourcing of materials and their recyclability will also play a crucial role.

Last but not least, BMW knows what drivers need when it comes to the driving experience. The company believes that future drivers will have a choice between taking the wheel or sitting back while the car drives itself. Their response is called Ease Mode – fully-automated driving allowing the driver to relax, work or be entertained and Boost Mode – providing the driver with an active driving experience in a vehicle customized to their preferences. Switching from one mode to another will take no more than a touch of the BMW logo in the middle of the steering wheel.

What features will become a reality in 10, 20 or 100 years? All we need do is follow BMW’s newest technology innovations to see where the road takes us. We can’t help but be excited. How about you?

If you feel like your older car isn’t keeping up with the pace, let us bring you up to speed with the latest technological upgrades!