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.

Automotive technology has come of age. Of course, building advanced features into our vehicles is nothing new. Nor is being captivated by what might come next. Whether it's the freeways of Bel Geddes' Futurama or the impressive array of features KITT showed over four seasons of Knight Rider, cars have a way of capturing our imagination like nothing else can.

photos: https://www.fastcodesign.com/ and http://www.influx.co.uk/

But something's changed.

When BMW says it will produce an autonomous iNext electric car within five years, it's not hope talking. It's expectation. Reality. These aren't utopian dreams any more. They're not neat ideas from sci-fi films we'll spend the next 50 years inching closer towards. This is what we can actually do; BMW is just one of many manufacturers who already offer intelligent cruise control and park assist in a range of production models, the first step towards fully self-driving vehicles.

photo: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/

Automated driving may be the technology that's making the headlines, but there have been many more advances in recent years aimed at improving our in-car experience.

Powered by smartphones

Not so long ago, the only connectivity offered by the typical car's center console was a radio, in one form or another. The development of console command systems like the iDrive, however, is changing the way we think about being in our cars. Whether for entertainment, navigation or vehicle feature control, computers have now established a place for themselves on our dashboards.

For many, though, this computer is actually their smartphone, in a cradle mounted on the dash. And why not? It's not an elegant solution, but it gets all the apps we love into our cars, which in-built console computers often can't match. It's no surprise, then, that increased integration between mobile devices and in-car computers is a top priority.

photo: http://www.mindlessmagazine.com/

Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto are two emerging standards that look like revolutionizing what we do behind the wheel. Both will allow us to connect our phones to the head unit in our cars, and use familiar mobile functions and apps. Protocols like AirPlay and Miracast mean wireless streaming and mirroring is also possible for many mobile devices, to replicate the smartphone or tablet screen on the dashboard display in real time.

This is the infrastructure that already lets us combine the power of our smartphones (not to mention their vast app ecosystems) with the convenience of an in-built head unit. As these standards develop, our cars' multimedia capabilities will only increase.

A safer tomorrow

Smartphone integration isn't the only way our cars are becoming more connected, though. Voice recognition, automatic door unlocking and over-the-air software updates are already a reality for many car owners. The capabilities of our cars won't stop there, though.

photo: http://www.digitaltrends.com/

Several brands used CES 2016 to show off the latest automotive tech. Harman made a splash by revealing a system that can measure a driver's tiredness by monitoring pupil dilation, before communicating with the vehicle's other safety features to adapt to the driver's state. Smart cars are about more than just convenience—safety is a key consideration, too.

Meanwhile, BMW presented an i8 without mirrors. Instead, four cameras installed on the vehicle displayed an image on an LCD screen hanging where a standard rearview mirror would. The rationale, again, was safety; this system gave a clearer view of what was around and behind the car, whilst eliminating blind spots.

photo: http://money.cnn.com/

Toyota, on the other hand, looked beyond the car itself. It outlined a plan to improve mapping data by collecting information from the cameras and GPS devices in the cars we drive every day. This data will then be used to ensure that their vehicles have an up-to-date picture of the street layout, so automated driving and navigation should be more reliable. Toyota hopes that this 'crowd-sourcing' method will prove more efficient than depending on dedicated mapping vehicles.

As once-rare features like backup cameras and park distance control have since become mainstream, expect to see these advanced options available in more cars in future.

Capability is king

When it comes to automotive technology, the focus was once on performance. The sheer joy of driving. But now, multimedia capabilities and safety features are just as important for many motorists. This will no doubt be a key area for innovation in the coming years.

And how do you feel about it? Do you long for the simpler times when cars were all about the mechanics? Or are you excited about the prospect of driving increasingly intelligent vehicles? Let us know in the comments.

2016 has been a busy year for BMW, as it celebrated a century of automotive excellence. And it’s been no less busy for us here at BimmerTech. We’ve continued to develop innovative multimedia retrofits for every BMW lover. We’ve listened to your feedback and brought the features you were looking for to the iDrive. We’ve been doing everything we can to make sure your car is the best it can be.

So what exactly have we been doing these last 12 months?

We showed you the easiest way to code your iDrive

On April 1, we revealed a quick and easy way to code the NBT iDrive system. Our automatic coding procedure made it as simple as plugging a USB stick into the port in your BMW. Within a few minutes, your BMW’s hidden features were unlocked. Who else can do that for you?

We loved looking at amazing photos of your cars

We saw some incredible pictures at the start of May, as you sent in the photos you’d taken for our BimmerTech Photo Contest. Budding photographers were treated to discounts, free gifts and other prizes to take their BMW up a level.

Missed out last time round? Check back in 2017 for the second edition!

We let you mirror your smartphone in your BMW

In June we brought Apple TV to the iDrive display. Our SmartView HD made it possible to enjoy all your favorite Apple TV apps wherever you went. AirPlay technology also let you mirror your iPhone to the iDrive screen in high definition.

At the same time, we made a few technical changes to improve our original SmartView. Wireless smartphone mirroring is now more stable than ever. There’s nothing to stop you using everything iOS and Android has to offer in your car.

We did a load of really clever computer stuff

We modified our custom interface to provide improved image quality and greater functionality. Now our retrofits are even easier to use, and most can be operated through the factory iDrive controller.

We showed even more of you the easiest way to code your iDrive

We’re always looking for ways to let more of you customize your BMWs. Owners of vehicles with NBT iDrives had already seen just how easy iDrive coding could be, but in August, we revealed that our automatic USB coding method was now compatible with the CIC iDrive.

This meant even more of you were able to activate enhanced Bluetooth quickly and easily, enjoy video in motion, or turn off the legal disclaimer in your cars.

We helped CCC iDrive users enjoy everything 2016 had to offer

We didn’t want to see owners of older vehicles missing out on the latest features, so in November, we released VividScreen. Pairing an 8.8” high resolution screen with our custom interface, it’s the ultimate upgrade for the first-generation CCC iDrive system.

Older 3-Series E90/91/92/93, 5-Series E60-61 and 6-Series E63/64 models are now compatible with our range of multimedia retrofits.

We got excited about what we’ll be doing next…

And we’re not done yet. We’ve got even more innovation in the pipeline, to help take your BMW to the next level. Looking to improve your car’s audio system? Or get even more out of your dashboard display?

Watch this space.

…or sign up to our newsletter and we’ll let you know when something great happens.

When I was a kid, nothing said ‘I love you’ quite like a romantic mixtape. And now that I’m a little more… ah… mature, nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like feeling young again.

In that spirit, what better way to spend this Valentine’s Day than reliving your teenage years with that special someone? If you’re planning a romantic car ride for Valentine’s Day (and you should be, because that’s another dying art), up the nostalgia with a perfectly crafted mixtape.

Of course, the fact that nobody uses cassette tapes any more means you’re going to have to be a little imaginative if you want to create an authentic retro experience. Rather than trying to hunt down a cassette deck for a 2015 F30, just get a cassette-shaped case for your cell, and stream your mixtape to your BMW’s stereo via Bluetooth. It’s a more than adequate replacement for an old-school cassette.

Now that’s sorted, it’s time to put your playlist together. Here are five must-have songs for the perfect driving mixtape:

Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car - Billy Ocean

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Everybody knows that a mixtape needs to start with a bang, so ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car’ is an obvious choice for track one.

For added playfulness, feel free to act out the “Hey! You!” “Who, me?” “Get into my car!” bit from the video on the driveway before you leave. Your teenage self would’ve loved doing stuff like that.

Fun, Fun, Fun - The Beach Boys

You’re in love. You’re feeling young. You’re in a car. That’s basically everything ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ is about, so it’s a natural fit for your mixtape.

Valentine’s Day should be an opportunity for you and your partner to escape everyday life for a moment. Don’t you remember when driving wasn’t about getting to work, or the store, and really was all about having fun? And cruising to hamburger stands, obviously.

Brand New Key - Melanie

Let’s be honest, though. When you were making mixtapes, you probably didn’t actually have a car. But maybe you did have another set of wheels…

If ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ doesn’t paint all that accurate a picture of your youthful exploits (don’t worry, it’s okay to admit it), you might be better off going with ‘Brand New Key’ instead. At the very least, it will make sure you both feel young at heart.

Come Away With Me - Norah Jones

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There’s only so far nostalgia can take you. Eventually, you’ll need to drop the tempo and get a seriously romantic mood going. When that time comes, reach for ‘Come Away With Me.’ Not only is it basically the perfect love song, the video is also more than enough to officially class it as a driving song, too.

If you don’t have such remarkable scenery for your own Valentine’s Day drive, just mirror your smartph— I mean mixtape’s screen on the iDrive display as Norah Jones cruises through the desert.

I Drove All Night - Cyndi Lauper

No tribute to the heyday of the cassette tape would be complete without Cyndi Lauper. Luckily, ‘I Drove All Night’ is a great choice for the end of a romantic evening together.

There’s passion. There’s desire. There’s the perfect excuse for being so attached to your car because how else are you supposed to make grand romantic gestures like driving all night to get home? Perfect.

But how about you? Are there any other songs you’d put on your driving mixtape?

What makes for the perfect driving experience? Comfort? Power? Control? Or maybe something altogether different…?

To find out, we talk to Michael from MyRod.com, a father and son team who specialize in finding exceptional, “hard to find” classic cars.

Michael and son Tyler. Photo © MyRod.com.

BimmerTech: You’re clearly passionate about classic cars. What is it about them that appeals to you so much?

Michael: Almost everything. From the designs of the period to the experience behind the wheel. But I guess the thing I love most is experiencing “car culture,” whether it’s visiting with folks at a vintage car show or just me behind the wheel waving back at all the admirers as I randomly drive around.

B: It’s no surprise you get attention! Some of the vehicles you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on are truly beautiful machines. But is it all about the look, or is there more that goes into making the ideal classic car?

A 1967 Mustang Fastback GT 390 S-Code previously sold through MyRod.com. Photo © MyRod.com.

M: It can be different things to different people. The trend today is towards driving the cars more often and for greater distances. Hence the popularity of modern upgrades and enhancements to once all-original cars.

In fact, there is an entirely new classification of collector car that barely existed 10 years ago called the resto-mod, meaning “restored” and “modified.”

B: Collectors certainly aren’t alone in wanting to modify their cars. Everybody has their own ideas about what they want to do in their vehicles, and customization is a great way to make sure the car is up to the job, whatever its age.

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We meet plenty of BMW owners looking for the right upgrade to make their daily routines easier, whether they’re driving to work, bringing groceries back from the store or dropping the kids off at school.

We feel that a car that’s easier for people to use every day does a lot to improve the whole driving experience. Are vintage cars really convenient for everyday use, or do you have to sacrifice a little convenience for a great driving experience?

M: It depends on what era of classic car you are talking about but generally speaking they go from very impractical and inconvenient to much more practical and even suitable to some as a real world daily driver.

B: And how about the driving experience? Can a modern car give the same feeling you get from driving a classic car?

M: The visceral experience of driving a classic is completely lost behind the wheel of most modern cars. For the most part, one gets behind the wheel of a classic by choice. He or she has chosen to have a very distinct experience that only that particular car of that particular year provides.

On the other hand, most modern cars are driven as a matter of daily routine with less thought to the experience behind the wheel. Which brings me back to the subject of the “resto-mod” which is sort of a fusion of the classic car and components of the modern car.

A 1957 Cameo resto-mod previously sold through MyRod.com. Photo © MyRod.com.

In this case, I would say that a highly refined “resto-mod” can be comparable in some ways to a modern car in terms of the road experience but that’s where the similarity ends. The visual differences remain dramatic.

B: Seems like it could be a good way for people used to modern comforts to get into the world of classic cars. But as somebody who’s spent their life around these vehicles, are there any modern features that you wish were more easily available in classic cars? Or is part of the enjoyment of driving a classic getting away from all these high-tech distractions?

M: The primitive technology is part of what speaks to me and so many others when it comes to classic cars. But I don’t know any classic car owner that does not have a modern car for all the reasons that make modern cars wonderful. The ever improving technology going into the modern cars is simply amazing. Anything that adds safety, comfort, convenience and FUN to a car (be it classic or modern) is a great thing in my book.

A BMW 507 once owned by Elvis Presley. Photo: BMW Group Classic.

What about you? Have you ever been tempted by a classic, or do you prefer the convenience of the latest, feature-packed vehicles?

Convenience-lovers can now get everything you need to take the hassle out of your daily routine from BimmerTech.

The days are getting longer. The birds are starting to sing again. Crystalline blankets of snow are at last relenting as long-oppressed blades of grass reach towards the heavens.

Spring. A time of rebirth. And the perfect moment to breathe new life into your BMW.

Maybe your car’s been in storage for the winter, or you might just not have felt much like driving these last few weeks. Whatever your situation, now is the time to start afresh—whether that means making a few changes, or getting back to the car you know and love.

To help get you in the spring driving mood, we’ve found five things you might want to do in your BMW now winter’s over.

1. Give everything a good spring clean

Before the joy of springtime driving comes the not-really-much-joy-at-all of getting rid of the mud and grime and barely functioning tires winter was cruel enough to leave on your BMW.

That means checking your tire pressure, examining (and, if necessary, changing) all your fluids and cleaning every last bit of salty gunk off your bodywork before it has a chance to rust a hole in the undercarriage big enough to lose a small child out of.

Nobody’s going to pretend it’s fun, but nor’s brushing your teeth or sifting through your spam folder every once in a while. You’ve still got to do it, though.

2. Set out on the road trip of a lifetime

If you’ve been cooped up at home all winter, it’s only natural that you’d jump at the first opportunity to go out and really stretch your legs. Don’t you think your BMW feels the same?

Of course you could just go for a spin round the block a few times, but where’s the fun in that? Spring is as good an opportunity as any to awaken your pioneering spirit and travel thousands of miles across whole continents for next to no reason. Just like all those spring break road trip movies they keep making.

It could even be a great chance to spend some quality time with the family. Just make sure you have Google Maps on your iDrive screen, otherwise your National Lampoon’s Vacation might start going a bit Wrong Turn.

3. Get a sudden and uncontrollable urge to throw yourself into a new hobby

Not such a fan of long drives and/or your family? As the weather starts getting warmer, it’s a great time to take up an active outdoor hobby, like cycling, backpacking or embarrassingly pulling a muscle trying a fadeaway in a pickup basketball game.

Not convinced? It doesn’t matter. It’s not what you’re doing. It’s what you say you’re doing. Tell the other half you’re going fishing with a buddy from work, then spend the day behind the wheel of your BMW. What better way to remind yourself just how much better driving was before you had to worry about sliding off the road and careering into an icy lake any time you hit 20mph?

If you don’t think you’re quite enough of an evil genius to pull off a stunt like that, but still want to spend some quality time with your BMW, many of our retrofits feature easy DIY installation, so that’s another great hobby now the weather’s picking up.

4. Wind down the windows for that ’authentic’ summer feeling

It’s easy to get a little carried away the minute the snow melts. One minute you’re wearing three pairs of long johns in a vain attempt to keep yourself from freezing alive, the next you’re topless in the front yard sipping lemonade and working on your summer tan.

When you get out of your BMW after a drive and realize it’s barely above freezing, you could be forgiven for forgetting that just 30 minutes earlier you’d convinced yourself that rolling the windows down to feel the breeze in your hair was a good idea.

Then again, you wouldn’t have to keep track of every little mistake you make in giddy excitement if your windows and sunroof closed automatically when you lock your doors.

5. Reminisce about winter

Not everybody’s quite so happy to see winter go. Some people just really like skiing, eating hearty stews every day and doing whatever else it is people who like winter do in winter.

If that sounds like you, don’t worry. Spring can be just as hazardous as winter, even without the snow and ice. The cold months have probably managed to turn the road surface from the Nurburgring into something out of the third stage of Rally Argentina, and all those sudden unannounced downpours mean traction and visibility are both going to be way down.

It might be tempting to put your foot down, but make sure you don’t hang your winter driving skills up quite yet.

And what if your BMW still seems a little tired after yet another winter? We have the perfect upgrades to make it feel brand new, so you can fall in love all over again.

BimmerTech has always striven to help BMW owners customize their cars with the latest technology upgrades.

Now, we're excited to announce that we're continuing in that tradition; our new range of convenience retrofits let you add the ease-of-use features you're looking for—and only the features you’re looking for.

For many, Comfort Access is a must-have convenience feature. And if you've ever experienced it, you'll understand why...

A remote sensor recognizes your unique key as you approach your vehicle, letting you unlock your doors by simply touching the handle. Now, BimmerTech lets you add this feature to your BMW.

Our Comfort Access handles are professionally painted in BMW original colors, to ensure a perfect match with your vehicle, and are available for any number of doors. A complete set of four handles lets you add Comfort Access if you missed out from the dealership, or complete integration with your BMW means we can even extend Comfort Access to the rear doors if you already have a factory Comfort Access system on the front doors.

All kits also include an antenna for the trunk, allowing it to be locked and unlocked in the same way, without ever reaching for your key.

Compatibility: Our Comfort Access kit is compatible with the the F01, F02, F07, F10, F11, F15, F16, F20, F21, F22, F23, F25, F26, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F36, F48, F80, F82 and F83.

When you've got your hands full, opening and closing your trunk can feel like more effort than it's worth.

Our Power Trunk retrofit is a mechanized system that opens and closes your trunk lid easily and safely with the touch of a button. Just press any of your BMW's factory trunk release buttons—on the dash, the trunk handle or the keyfob.

Just like on the factory tailgate mechanism, anti-pinch technology stops the trunk closing in the even of an obstruction, making it a safe choice for those with children.

Compatibility: Our Power Trunk kit is compatible with the F80, F30 and F10.

In tight parking spaces or late at night, having to slam your car's doors shut forcefully and noisily can pose a real problem. For some, it doesn't matter what the situation is; the sound and feel of a door being slammed is always going to feel uncomfortable.

With Soft Close, these worries are a thing of the past. Instead of slamming your BMW's doors, just push them gently to within 1/4″ of the lock. A motorized system will then automatically engage, pulling the door shut firmly and quietly.

This kit lets you add factory-like Soft Close to your BMW's front and rear doors.

Compatibility: Our Soft Close kit is compatible with the F80, F30 and F10.

If you want to know more about any of these products, or are ready to upgrade your BMW, please contact us at info@bimmer-tech.net.

To make sure you always hear as soon as new BimmerTech upgrades are available, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.

A decent infotainment system is a must for any modern car intended for everyday driving. The major auto manufacturers have all cottoned on, each developing their own systems in-house and making them available in most of their latest models. Hot on their heels is a proliferation of third-party hardware and software designed to add new features to your vehicle.

Short of installing a tablet in your dashboard or building your own carputer from a single-board computer, there are three main options for BMW owners to choose from: the native iDrive interface developed by BMW; Apple's CarPlay system; and Android Auto from Google.

But which is the best option? We take a look at each in turn to see exactly what they have to offer.

iDrive from BMW

The iDrive interface has been a mainstay in BMWs since it was launched in 2001. Although this initial version was pretty cumbersome to use and wasn't exactly attractive, the system has since come on leaps and bounds.

The current generation iDrive definitely offers a much smoother experience than it did in the past. What's more, as it was developed specifically for use in BMWs, it's perfectly integrated with your vehicle and all its factory features. This makes iDrive the best option if you're looking for an all-in-one solution. It lets you adjust your car settings and check vehicle status, access navigation information and—thanks to mobile phone integration through BMW Apps—enjoy services like Pandora and Spotify, all through the same interface.

With all these features available, why would you even consider another system?

Firstly, perhaps the most obvious use for an in-car computer is for help finding the way from A to B. Most of us, though, are now used to carrying Google Maps with us wherever we go, and ditching that for iDrive's far more limited navigation offering seems pretty counter-intuitive.

Secondly, although iDrive can offer mobile office functions, in-car telephony and more, these connected features are generally reliant on your smartphone. And unfortunately, compatibility isn't exactly a given. Your smartphone, the version of iOS or Android it's running and the iDrive software installed in your car can all influence what features will and won't work. Buying a new phone can be more stress than it's worth, when there's no guarantee that the in-car features you rely on will continue to function with your new handset.

Finally, not everybody is convinced by the quality of the user experience. BMW has worked hard to improve the iDrive since it was first introduced, but there is still a long way to go to match the expertise of the likes of Apple and Google. These companies are able to draw on their vast experience creating the user interfaces that we interact with every day on our cellphones. The ubiquitousness of iOS and Android also means that CarPlay and Android Auto have the third-party support (be that hardware compatibility or app availablility) that we as smartphone users now take for granted.

These factors taken together explain in part why auto manufacturers have been so quick to offer CarPlay and/or Android Auto integration in many of their newer vehicles.

CarPlay from Apple

Apple's CarPlay system has been rising in popularity since its launch in 2014. It's now being offered as a factory option in an increasing number of cars, including some of the latest BMWs. CarPlay-compatible head units are also available as a retrofit option in older vehicles and those lacking the appropriate hardware.

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Operation requires a compatible iPhone (all models since the iPhone 5 running iOS 7.1 or higher) running the CarPlay app, which is plugged into a CarPlay-compatible head unit. This allows using apps installed on your iPhone on the dashboard display, all through the custom CarPlay interface.

This doesn't mean that all your apps can be used in your car, though. Only CarPlay-enabled apps can be used, and Apple has the final say on which apps can and can't be made available for use on CarPlay. While major apps like iMessage, Apple Maps and Audible are compatible, some of your favorite iPhone apps are likely to be missing.

Even the apps that do work might not work quite as you'd expect. A lot had been made of the CarPlay version of Apple Maps, for example, which lacks the pinch-to-zoom functionality you'd find on your iPhone.

The CarPlay interface will, however, prove intuitive to iPhone users, featuring an app menu that, at first glance, is all but identical to that found on iOS. This, however, has meant that CarPlay has come in for its fair share of criticism; although many CarPlay features can be controlled using Siri voice commands, some have still questioned whether an interface designed with cellphones in mind is the best choice for use in a car.

Android Auto from Google

The same certainly cannot be said of Google's Android Auto, launched in 2015. While the Material Design found in Android Auto will be familiar to owners of Android smartphones, the Android Auto interface has been built from the ground up with driving-friendliness in mind.

Instead of CarPlay's cellphone-style app menu, Android Auto features an on-screen bar allowing quick switching between four different views. A navigation screen offers Google Maps, including up-to-date traffic information and spoken navigation instructions. A second screen features call and text services. An entertainment screen lets you access music from a range of apps, including Spotify and PocketCasts. Finally, a Google Now-esque home screen features a mix of notifications and behavior- and location-specific cards. Like on your Android smartphone, the content of these cards depends on the information in your Google Account.

Android Auto also has a strong focus on the use of voice commands, for increased safety when driving.

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Like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto is operated by connecting your smartphone (running Android 5.0 or higher) to the vehicle's Android Auto-compatible head unit, and uses (some of) the apps installed on your phone.

One major difference between the two, though, is that Android Auto is also available as a standalone app for cellphones and tablets. This means that even those without a compatible factory or aftermarket head unit can use Android Auto on a mobile device mounted on the dashboard. For owners of Android smartphones, there's no doubt that Android Auto is the easiest third-party system to try before you buy.

What else?

Each system has its advantages and drawbacks. iDrive's thorough integration makes it a great choice if ease of use is a priority; owners of the few BMW models with CarPlay-compatible head units still need to exit CarPlay and return to iDrive to modify vehicle settings. iDrive also doesn't require connecting your cellphone, perhaps making it a little more usable in some situations.

What CarPlay and Android Auto may lack in convenience, though, they make up for in versatility. For many, being able to use the same apps across your smartphone and car makes all the difference. CarPlay and Android Auto both offer far better app support than iDrive.

Despite this, there are still a lot of apps for iOS and Android that can't be used with CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, although BMW has now begun to offer CarPlay-compatible head units (and these can be retrofitted in some older models), it maintains that Android Auto will not be made available in BMWs. Unless you feel like ripping the iDrive out and replacing it with an aftermarket head unit, that means shelving the idea of Android Auto in your BMW for now.

For Android users underwhelmed by what iDrive has to offer, or iOS users looking to enjoy a wider range of apps, a custom solution could be the best option. Smartphone mirroring or casting lets you use all your mobile apps without sacrificing the functionality of the iDrive system. As Android Auto is available as a standalone smartphone app and can be largely controlled with voice commands, this is even an effective way to add Android Auto to BMWs lacking a touchscreen display.

But of course, which option is best all comes down to just what you want to do in your BMW...

Still not sure which is the right solution for you? Contact us and we can help you add the features your BMW is missing.

BMW isn't about to let Tesla run away with the EV market. It was announced Tuesday that we'll be seeing an all-electric four-door concept car from BMW at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show. Though details are scarce, tongues are already wagging at the thought of BMW launching a direct competitor for the Tesla Model 3.

With a battery-powered MINI concept also promised for Frankfurt, BMW certainly isn't keeping its EV cards close to its chest.

Of course, it isn't the company's first foray into electric vehicles, but it's fair to say it's been a mixed bag so far.

The plug-in hybrid i8 remains the flagship for BMW's i sub-brand, but with an electric range of only 15 miles (or, to be pedantic, 0 miles; the i8 consumes a very small amount of gas even in all-electric mode), it's behind the EV curve, even for a hybrid.

The i3—though also featuring a gasoline-powered range extender—does offer a true all-electric experience, and perhaps gives a clearer idea of what to expect from BMW i over the next few years.

With exterior and interior styling that has certainly split opinion, the i3 looks like an electric car. More like a glimpse of the future than a slice of the present. Based on what we know about the confirmed iNext and rumoured i5 projects, it doesn't look like BMW i will be dropping its futuristic design language any time soon.

But with 25 electrified vehicles—half of them fully electric—planned for release by 2025, BMW i won't be able to focus on the future for long. Electric BMWs are going to have to find their place in the present.

The claim from BMW that all models will soon be available with a choice of internal combustion, hybrid or all-electric powertrains might make all the difference. Instead of vehicles targeted at the EV market, future electric BMWs are actually going to look like any other BMW.

Could that be enough to encourage more BMW buyers to take the plunge on an all-electric vehicle?

There's nothing quite like speaking and having things automagically happen around you. Or, at least, that's what BMW seem to betting on, with their announcement that Amazon's Alexa personal assistant will be built into BMW and MINI vehicles from mid-2018.

For anybody used to using an Echo at home, taking advantage of the same capabilities behind the wheel is probably going to feel like second nature.

And it makes an awful lot of sense; voice control is the perfect match for an in-car computer, offering safe and convenient hands-free operation.

What sets Alexa apart from competing in-car systems from Apple and Google, however, is the connected ecosystem. Whereas Android Auto's voice control is limited to performing actions in your car, in-car Alexa will be able to interact with everything you Echo can.

BMW and Amazon give the example of adjusting your home's temperature or switching on the porch lights from your car during the drive home, with only your voice. This alongside the more mundane features, like getting directions or checking the weather.

Do you really need to control your home's smart lighting from your car, though? And if you do, can't you already just do that from your smartphone anyway? With, I don't know...the Alexa app?

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Maybe, but that's kind of missing the point.

As voice control technology gains ground, it's only natural that we'd expect to find it in all the areas we spend most of our lives. At home, on our smartphones (or as-yet-unsuccessful alternatives—I'm looking at you, Google Glass, if you'll excuse the pun), and in our cars.

This is becoming even clearer as the features offered by in-car computers become more advanced. Manually navigating busy menus searching for information and apps isn't really an option, and voice control is an easy way to cut through a cluttered interface and get straight to what you're looking for.

It's something the auto manufacturers, including BMW, have already realized, adding greater voice recognition capabilities to their vehicles over the last few years.

But Alexa is a step beyond that. Not just because Alexa has the ability to control stuff that isn't attached to your car, but because it has the potential to control the stuff that is attached to your car way better than the auto manufacturers' in-house efforts ever will.

Voice recognition is more than just picking out sounds and guessing what words are being said. It's about giving the sequence of words some kind of meaning, and figuring out how to respond. Not only adjusting your car's AC when you say 'air conditioning temperature to 75 degrees, over,' but also when you say 'please make it a little warmer in here' or 'a bit more heat would be great' or 'I'm freezing, can't you, you know, do something about it?'

With an Echo userbase that can be measured in the millions in the US alone, Amazon is far better positioned than BMW (or any other auto maker) to get to grips with this kind of conversational language. By teaming up with Amazon, BMW is bringing a slice of that knowledge into their vehicles.

But what's in it for Amazon?

With fully autonomous vehicles looming large on the horizon, the place for advanced in-car computers—particularly those with voice control functionality—is only going to grow. Without having to worry about that pesky business of actually driving your car, you're suddenly freed to use your favorite apps, read the news or even lead conference calls.

And with the need for dashboard controls spread out in front of the now-non-existent driver eliminated, what better way to access all these features than with your voice?

With Android Auto and CarPlay, Google and Apple looked like stealing a march on Amazon when it comes to getting hold of a bit of this emerging segment. By getting Alexa integrated in BMW's—along with a few other makes, of course—Amazon are making sure they won't miss out.

All that's left is to find something a little more useful to do on the highway than turn your porch lights on...

Getting a new set of keys for your BMW used to be pretty simple. Just take your key to the watch / jewelry / shoe / etc. repair guy down the street who also happened to offer while-you-wait key cutting, and get a whole bunch made.

Modern remote keys have plenty of security benefits and make it easy to get into your car and hit the road—particularly if your BMW or MINI has the Comfort Access feature. But for all this convenience, they can be a real pain to get copies of.

Maybe you want a spare in case you lose your primary key, or perhaps you share your BMW with a few family members and want everybody to have a key of their own. Maybe your existing key is just damaged, and you need something fresh.

Whatever your situation, BimmerTech makes it easy to get a new genuine remote key for your BMW or MINI.

Ordering a New Remote Key

All our keys and key fobs are BMW/MINI originals, and will look exactly like what you got from the factory. They'll also come pre-programmed for your specific vehicle, to ensure complete compatibility.

You won't have to worry about trying to get to grips with your vehicle's immobilizer, EWS or CAS system. Just pick the appropriate key for your vehicle series—either E Series BMW, F Series BMW or MINI—and we'll do the rest, based on your VIN. We can even offer multifunctional touchscreen key fobs for the latest G Series BMWs, either to replace your existing key fob or to add this feature to your car.

As standard, our keys do not include the internal key blade, which can easily be switched over from your existing key fob. If you're looking for a spare rather than a replacement, you're going to need an internal key blade, which can be added when you order.

Because we can't go handing out keys to just anybody, all customers are required to submit evidence of vehicle ownership before we can provide a new key or key fob. To do so, please email a copy of your vehicle registration document and driver's license with the same name to keyfobs@bimmer-tech.net after you have placed your order.

Activating Your BMW Remote Key Fob

Your key will come pre-programmed for your vehicle, but will still need to be activated before use.

To do so, hold your new key fob flat against the low key battery indicator on the side of the steering column. Then start your car with your existing key fob, and the iDrive system should immediately prompt you to name the profile associated with the new key fob.

If this doesn't work, you may need to take your existing key fob out of signal range when activating your new key, to prevent interference. To do this, unlock your BMW with the existing key, then have somebody take it a reasonable distance from your vehicle. You can then place your new key against the steering column and press the start/stop button.

Activating Your MINI Remote Key

To activate your new remote key in MINIs produced since July 2004, there's a simple process.

With all the doors closed, turn the ignition switch to KL-R (the first position), switch off within five seconds and remove the key.

Within 30 seconds, press and hold the unlock button, then whilst holding it, press the lock button three times within 10 seconds.

Then release both buttons and turn the ignition to KL-R to complete the initialization.

Activating Your Remote Key in BMWs or MINIs with Comfort Access

In E Series BMWs and MINIs with the Comfort Access feature, key fobs activated as described above will only unlock your vehicle when used manually, and cannot be used with the Comfort Access feature.

To activate your new key fob for use with Comfort Access, it is necessary to code your vehicle to delete the existing key profile and set the new key for use with Comfort Access. This can be done at your local BMW/MINI dealership, or we are able to code this for you remotely.

Our touchscreen key fobs for G Series BMWs also require coding, which is included in the price. Contact us for more information.

The Baja 1000 isn't somewhere you'd expect to see a BMW (unless it's a motorcycle, of course). There's something about over 1100 miles of gruesome desert terrain that doesn't exactly scream 'let's get an M3 out there.'

So it probably won't come as any surprise that semi-legendary BMW tuning house Turner Motorsport won't be taking one of their track cars to Ensenada as one of the most challenging off-road endurance races going kicks off. But they will be there.

Turner drivers Michael Marsal, Markus Palttala, Jay Baier and Will Turner himself will be joined by Dutchman Oskar Slingerland and James Rossiter from England, as Turner competes in the BC-6 Baja Challenge Class.

The fact that drivers, support team members and spectators die pretty regularly at Baja hasn't dampened the team's enthusiasm. For Turner, the precariousness of the situation is half the excitement: "Imagine yourself in the middle of a desert, at night, on terrain that you have never seen before, trying to drive faster than the 50 or 60 competitors that might be directly on your tail all while not even realizing that your inches away from a 200 foot cliff to your right...just amazing!"

The Turner Motorsport team won't be the first BMW aficionados to take on the Baja California Peninsula. They'll certainly be among the best prepared, though.

Seven years ago, loveble underdog Bill Carswell took a 1988 BMW 325i he picked up on Craigslist for $500 to Baja, and somehow managed to make it 180 miles before giving up the ghost despite having basically not having any support team, rally experience, communication with the outside world or tools, and being in the middle of some of the harshest territory on Earth in a $500 BMW from 1988.

Basically, it was what you'd call a brave effort that was always doomed to end before we all would have liked.

The Turner Motorsport team is committed to going at least one better and making it to the finish line, which in a race as grueling as the Baja 1000 is a pretty impressive feat by itself. Even if they unfortunately won't be doing it in one of their tricked out BMWs.

(Photo: Turner Motorsport)

It isn't exactly a secret that BMW has been making a real push towards developing a competitive range of electric vehicles.

BMW is already selling far more luxury hybrid and all-electric vehicles in Europe than any other manufacturer, and are planning to increase that number by another 50% next year.

Then we hear that BMW has already secured the names iX1 through iX9, ready to launch an electric iX3 SUV in the next few years. Oh, and that it's taking a leading role in developing the FastCharge system, promising three times the charging capacity of existing stations. Recharging could then take as little as 15 minutes.

It's safe to say BMW isn't dragging its heels. But does it still have a fight on its hands to convince people its electric cars are really worth having?

In between all the fanfare of the latest technology advancements BMW has been making, how many millions its spending on its battery manufacturing plant, how many models will offer electrified options within a few years, the company got a slap on the wrist from the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for misleading customers about the environmental credentials of the i3.

The long and short of it is that you can't advertise your car as "zero-emissions" when you can run the petrol-powered range extender and emit the same stuff as everybody else. For the same reason, you can't call it "clean" (but you can call it "green"). And you can't suggest it "helps to give back to the environment" when it doesn't give anything back, it just takes away a little less.

The fact that actual people lodged formal complaints with the ad authorities over these claims suggests that EVs still have some way to go before they win over the hearts and minds of the masses. And the fact that the ASA came down against BMW is going to reinvigorate the discussion of whether or not EV technology is as environmentally friendly as is often claimed.

The electricity to charge them still needs to come from somewhere, and there's no guarantee it will be the cleanest source. The batteries need to be produced, as do the cars. It's a lot of energy and resources being used, even if it doesn't show up in your exhaust pipe.

BMW do work on manufacturing technologies to reduce their environmental impact, including recycling and using alternative power sources, but measuring the true footprint of an electric car is still notoriously difficult.

EVs are the hot technology at the moment, but it's still too early to tell whether they'll have the positive environmental impact many of their admirers hope for. There's still a chance another technology, like fuel cells, will sweep in push EVs off their perch.

Though if you're looking at one of BMW's electric vehicles for other reasons—the reduced fuel cost, the snappy acceleration, the smoother ride—you probably don't have anything to worry about.

A SmartView kit from BimmerTech lets you use iOS and Android apps on your BMW's iDrive display. But with a little imagination (and fair bit of perseverance), it can be the foundation for so much more.

Virginian BimmerTech customer and tech fanatic Greg Kashmer found a way to add iOS, Apple TV and Blu-ray functionality to his X1's factory iDrive system. And because that definitely sounds like something worth doing, we asked him to give us a step-by-step account of his journey from factory iDrive to in-car multimedia hub.

My ‘Perfected’ Journey

I have a 2016 BMW X1 F48 that I bought new in June 2016. The vehicle has all the BMW upgrade packages minus the adjustable rear seat position option.

When I purchased the vehicle the dealer thought that my iDrive system would be able to play DVD’s, but it turns out that wasn't the case. Slightly disappointing, but this minor early letdown would later drive me to research what possibilities there were for my car.

Research & Solution

So about a year after my BMW purchase, in the summer of 2017, I was researching ways to roll the vehicle windows up using the remote key fob. BMW lets you roll the windows down with the remote, but not up, which puzzled and frustrated me. I had installed an upgrade in my 2000 VW Beetle years ago that allowed me to do this, and wondered why I couldn’t do this with my way more modern BMW now.

Eventually my research landed me at the BimmerTech website. BimmerTech offered coding enhancements providing the window operation I was after. I contacted BimmerTech Tech support and began my first of several communications with Nelson Louis.

There were plenty of coding options listed on the BimmerTech site besides the remote window operation I'd been looking for, two of which particularly caught my eye: ‘USB Video Player’ and ‘Video in Motion’. Getting these features unlocked would let me watch videos from my iPhone on the iDrive dashboard display, which seemed a decent alternative to the DVDs I'd hoped my iDrive would be able to play.

Unfortunately, when I entered my X1's VIN, neither of these options were available for my vehicle. When I asked Nelson why that was, he indicated that it had to do with the iDrive Navigation system installed in the vehicle. My BMW is equipped with the ‘EntryNav’ iDrive system, and a more sophisticated version of the iDrive Navigation system (like NBT Navigation) is required to code many of the other features BimmerTech offers.

At that point, I decided I would just get the coding enhancements available for my vehicle and move on.

Change of direction

Before committing to the coding I did some additional reading and video-watching related to other BimmerTech retrofits, one being the SmartView HD wireless mirroring kit. This seemed a good alternative to the ‘USB Video Player’ coding for getting content from my phone to the iDrive screen.

I contacted Nelson again and he said that this was available for my iDrive Navigation system. This retrofit was built around a modified Apple TV 3, so I knew the kit would give me a lot of options. The kit also included Multimedia Interface (MMI) to connect everything to my iDrive system.

After watching the installation video, I was hesitant to tear apart my BMW dash to do this modification myself. I also tried to rationalize what benefits I would get out of having this installed. One thing that came to mind was safety. I felt that having the ability to mirror my iPhone screen to my iDrive monitor offered a way to minimize occasional phone distractions and keep my eyes pointed forward.

I also liked the ability to mirror any application on the iPhone to the monitor. As an example, Google Maps or other Navigation applications could be used as alternatives to the BMW Navigation offering and displayed on the iDrive monitor.

New plan

Not sure at this point if I wanted to tackle this task myself, I decided to check out the ‘Authorized BimmerTech Dealers’ and found an Authorized Dealer a few hours from my home. I contacted Bimmer Rescue in Richmond Virginia, and made contact with the owner almost immediately.

The owner, Patrick McHugh, called me and told me that his shop had never done a BimmerTech enhancement, but he sounded as excited about doing one as I was. He told me that he would be the Guinea pig and ordered a SmartView system to install in his vehicle. He also indicated that his shop performs coding options and could handle the coding enhancements I was interested in.

Within a few weeks, Patrick had installed his SmartView system and really liked it. We agreed upon a reasonable installation and coding price. He said to order mine and we would schedule the SmartView install and coding enhancements.

After I made the order with BimmerTech, they sent a link to the installation instructions. After reading them, I noticed that the MMI included in the kit had a second HDMI input port, in addition to the HDMI input the Apple TV unit would attach to. This set the stage for solving my earlier setback of not being able to play DVDs on my iDrive screen, and I began planning what I would need to bring to Bimmer Rescue for my BimmerTech SmartView HD install.

Installation

I wanted to make sure that, when the SmartView system was installed, I would have an HDMI cable installed in the HDMI-2 port. If I didn’t do it at the time of the SmartView installation, I may never get it installed. I provided the installer a quality 4-foot HDMI cable, and an HDMI faceplate.

The installer placed the faceplate in the glovebox and ran the 4-foot cable between the faceplate and the HDMI-2 port on the MMI. They thought the glove box would be able to close with an HDMI cable connected to the faceplate, but in the end it couldn't. However, the 4-foot HDMI cable was at least accessible and I would be able to find a better routing solution later.

Success

The drive home was awesome. The SmartView HD system integrates into the existing iDrive system wonderfully. I could mirror my iPhone to the Apple TV effortlessly, and after setting up the iPhone as WiFi hotspot, I could access all the Apple TV apps on the iDrive monitor.

Switching between the stock iDrive system and the BimmerTech SmartView system was very easy using the existing iDrive controls. Audio from the SmartView system was also streamed through my vehicle's existing stereo system.

Setback

At home the following day I tested the HDMI-2 connection using a home Blu-ray player. I connected a 25-foot high quality HDMI cable to the faceplate in the glovebox and plugged it into the Blu-ray HDMI output. I powered the Blu-ray with a home extension cord and put in a movie. I swapped to the HDMI-2 input using the iDrive controller, hit play, and the video and audio played perfectly.

I thought at this point that the remaining tasks were going to be easy. I made plans to permanently install the Blu-ray player in my BMW's trunk, and ran the HDMI cable through the car to connect to it.

With the setup done, I then attempted to play a movie again. This time I got a SONY Startup Banner on the monitor, then a ‘No signal’ banner displayed.

I checked all the HDMI connections, made sure the Blu-ray was powered properly...and still had no audio or video from the player. I went through numerous cables, tried varying Blu-ray resolution outputs, and made sure the Blu-ray player was functioning properly by testing it at home.

I contacted BimmerTech support who were happy to help, even though the SmartView HD kit wasn't sold with my custom Blu-ray setup in mind. We discussed the possibility of lost signal due to the cable length, but I had already ruled that out by connecting the player directly to the 4-foot HDMI in the glove box. Occasionally I'd get a movie to play, but as soon as I stopped and restarted the player, the ‘No signal’ banner re-appeared.

Resolution

I decided to order and test an in-line HDMI signal booster. When the booster arrived, I installed the device, and had no change.

This time I also tested another Blu-ray player that we had at home. I connected it just like the failing Blu-ray player, but this player played perfectly. I cycled the power to the device, swapped movies, and it played perfectly every time. So the issue was the player the entire time. Why it worked occasionally, I never figured out what was different between the players.

I ended up purchasing a compact Sony Blu-ray player for the vehicle, meaning I've tried three different models:

1. Sony BDP-S560 - Did not work consistently
2. Sony BDP-BX510 - worked properly
3. Sony BDP-S5600 - worked properly (installed in my BMW currently)

Tune

I now had a very functional SmartView HD installation with the Apple 3 TV on the HDMI-1 port and a functional Sony Blu-ray player on the HDMI-2 port. Swapping between the stock iDrive/Navigational system and the two HDMI ports was very simple and integrated perfectly. Between my mirrored iOS apps, native Apple TV apps and my Blu-ray collection, I finally had a pretty solid range of multimedia available in my car.

I noticed while using the Blu-ray player that the picture would occasionally drop out for 3-5 seconds and reconnect. I tried to find a pattern to the drops, but never did. As far as I could tell, there weren't any loose connections.

I decided to clean-up the cabling that terminated inside the glove box with an HDMI coupler. This coupler eliminated a pig tail cable, and allowed me to move the 4-foot cable further from the fuse box located directly behind the glove box. This coupler and cable move seems to have removed 99% of the signal drops I was experiencing.

Next I needed to find a solution for operating the Blu-ray player that I had located in the trunk area. I couldn’t control the Blu-ray player with the remote thru the back seating, so I ordered and installed a USB powered infrared remote extender. This worked perfectly for controlling the Blu-ray player from the cab of the vehicle.

Perfection

My personal experience with my BMW has greatly improved with the installation of the BimmerTech SmartView HD system. I now have a vehicle that I thoroughly enjoy inside and out. I have always loved the vehicle styling, paint color, and driving experience that the BMW brings, and now I have many more comfort features available from the SmartView system.

For someone like myself that likes technology and having access even on the go, this is a perfect fit. I now, more than ever, look forward to taking a ride in my ‘Perfected’ BMW.

Parts List

• BimmerTech SmartView HD with Multimedia Interface
• Buyer's Point HDMI Wall Plate
• SecurOMax 25ft HDMI Cable
• SecurOMax 4ft HDMI Cable
• Portta 4K HDMI Repeater
• Cable Matters Infrared Remote Extender
• VCE HDMI Female to Female Adapter
• Black & Decker 400 Watt Power Inverter – Model VEC1046BD
• CPL-HOL Universal Clamp Holder

Have you been working on a project including a BimmerTech kit? Let us know, we'd love to hear about it!

There was a time when regular oil changes and a new set of tires once in a while was all the routine maintenance a vehicle needed. But to keep a modern, iDrive-toting BMW at its best, there's a little more to it.

Whether updating your iDrive software or uploading the latest maps to the factory navigation system, keeping your BMW's iDrive up-to-date should be a regular task, just like maintaining any other part of your vehicle.

In fact, BMW recommend updating your navigation system's maps twice a year, or annually at the very least.

To check the map version in your BMW, go to your iDrive navigation view, open the settings menu and scroll down to Navigation system version. You will see the region, map version and year of your current map. If it's more than a year old, it's time to update.

Why update your navigation maps?

Part of the reason is the fact that roads are always changing. New roads are being built, old roads are being closed or rerouted, two-way streets are being turned into one-way streets. In some areas, up to 40% of the road network can change from one year to the next.

The last thing you want your navigation system to do is send you down a street that hasn't existed for five years, or let you spend an hour weaving through an unfamiliar town when there's a shiny new bypass that could cut your journey time in half. BMW adds 142,000 miles of new roads to its maps every year, so updating your maps means your navigation system is going to work a lot better.

But BMW is also working hard to improve its map data. Earlier versions can include mistakes (even Google Maps has a few streets that exist in principle, but in reality are just empty fields), and each subsequent map version is going to iron out more of these issues.

What's more, BMW adds 300,000 points of interest to its maps each year, including restaurants, gas stations and attractions. If you're in an unfamiliar area and want to stop off for a bite to eat, having the latest maps on your iDrive will make it easier to find out what options you have around you.

How to update your BMW maps

Older iDrive versions stored map data on a DVD that could be switched out for a update. The latest BMWs, however, store the map data on an internal hard drive, which can be updated either by uploading the latest map direct to the iDrive or (in some vehicles) automatically updated over-the-air by BMW.

In vehicles that require manually updating your navigation's map data, the process is simple. The map data is loaded to a USB stick which can be plugged in to the USB port in your BMW's glove compartment. The system will automatically detect that there is a new map available to install on the iDrive. You may be prompted to enter a BMW-issued FSC activation code with your iDrive controller to begin installation.

When the process is finished, you'll be good to go.

BimmerTech offer navigation map updates for BMWs with the CIC, NBT or NBT Evo head units. Available for North America, Europe, Australia / New Zealand and other regions, for vehicles running the Premium, Motion, Next, Move or other navigation versions.

All BimmerTech map updates include a USB stick preloaded with the latest BMW map data for your vehicle and region, and an FSC activation code to use during installation. For more information, contact us to confirm what we can offer for your BMW.

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz is one of the great rivalries of the motoring world. To luxury vehicle lovers what Mitsubishi vs Subaru is to '90s rally fans, and Ferrari vs Lamborghini is to supercar-obsessed children.

Behind the scenes, though, BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler look happy to team up to fight off a greater shared threat: Uber.

Though regular drivers might see ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft as something to fall back on when you want a few drinks after work but don't want a DUI, the companies would have us believe that they post a genuine alternative to car ownership for young city types. You know, all those people who don't have kids, live in a condo four or four bus stops away from the office, order everything online and don't have anything against bicycles.

It's not hard to figure out why somebody with the right lifestyle might see public transport, self-propulsion and the occasional Uber ride as an adequate replacement for actually owning a car.

That's exactly the kind of possibility that's prompted car manufacturers to take action, which BMW has with its DriveNow minute-by-minute carsharing service in Europe, followed up by a similar ReachNow service in a handful of American cities. Daimler's offering, car2go, offers a similar service in cities across Europe, Asia and North America. All three are almost Uber-esque, letting you use an app to book a nearby car, pay only for the time you spend on the road, then park up wherever you want when you're done.

The three services combined have up to 4 million global users, and it isn't difficult to see the appeal. There's no need to finance purchasing a car or worrying about insurance, maintenance, depreciation and all the other things responsible car owners have to worry about. Even fuel costs are included in the rental price! And unlike with Uber, you actually get to sit behind the wheel of a BMW 1 Series or MINI Cooper, instead of the back seat of a Toyota Camry.

Now, though, a German newspaper has reported that BMW and Daimler will combine their respective carsharing services to give them a better chance of competing not only against Uber and Lyft, but alternative carsharing companies like Zipcar. It's not yet clear exactly how the merger will work, with the car2go and DriveNow brands--and presumably their members--staying separate, but the technology behind the services are going to be shared.

Carsharing isn't a replacement for car ownership for anybody who puts in a lot of miles on the road, and it will take a while before it's even an option at all outside the major cities. But for people with moderate driving needs just looking for a car for a few hours every other Saturday, it's a great choice, particularly when it can also mean getting a first taste of driving a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

If BMW and Daimler can work together to make carsharing services available to more people in more cities, we're all for it. But that doesn't mean we're ready to put the BMW vs Mercedes-Benz discussion to bed just yet.

Not sure if you should get a rear-view camera? Worry not, we’ve selected the best advantages of adding a parking camera to your BMW.

1.) Avoid unexpected damage to your car

It can be difficult to see every object when you’re in reverse. Bottles, bicycles, basketballs or whatever else you may not expect can end up in the way of your BMW. Even visible objects can sometimes appear further than they appear, which can result in a nasty dent or scratch.

2.) Park straight

Maybe it’s just me, but I think there’s something beautiful about a BMW parked perfectly. The dynamic parking lines on your backup camera will ensure you reverse at the right angle. Those ideally aligned yellow lines on the pavement are like a picture frame for your car. The only downside is: you won’t be able to stop turning around to admire your BMW as you walk away.

3.) Protect the little ones

Depending on where you’re parked, children and animals can end up behind your car while you’re backing up. Even if you checked before getting in the car, kids and pets have the habit of being unaware of their surroundings and suddenly getting into places they shouldn’t be in. According to the AAA, it takes a total of 81 inches beyond the bumper of a vehicle for a rear-view mirror to offer complete vision for the driver.

4.) Easier on your body

If you do a lot of reversing, a backup camera will save you from constantly having to turn around — incredibly useful if you’re suffering from an injury that makes it difficult to do so. Plus, you avoid the risk of pulling any neck muscles due to excessive neck twisting.

5.) Feel confident

Combine these perks and you get a new parking experience that makes driving easier. Suddenly, backing up becomes a breeze and you’ll find yourself parking your BMW in new spots and positions you haven’t considered before.

Have any questions?

Contact us or visit our backup camera page for more information.

You might think an audio upgrade is usually limited to upgrading the speakers, and maybe throwing in a subwoofer for extra bass.

What you might not know is that the car’s amplifier is just as essential in order to achieve HiFi sound.

“But what does an amplifier do exactly?” you might be thinking. The primary role of an amp is to increase the amplitude of an (audio) signal, effectively making your music louder. This doesn’t just mean higher overall volume though. For example: outputting more power to the OEM woofers, means stronger bass, without even changing your underseat woofers. In the image below, you can see the difference in output power per channel between the factory BMW amplifier and the BimmerTech Premium Audio System.

That’s not all, however — you can expect better performance as well as cleaner, more natural and accurate sound. No matter how good your speakers are, they will only replicate the signal that they receive. With an amplifier, your speakers will play music the way it’s supposed to be heard, enabling you to hear the reverberation in the vocals and identify each individual instrument. (This is provided you don’t have the basic audio option without tweeters; in that case we strongly recommend a speaker upgrade first.*)

If you’re looking at high-end amplifiers, they will most likely come with a user-adjustable DSP.

DSP stands for Digital Signal Processing. The analog signal gets converted into a digital one, processed, and converted back to analog before it goes into your speakers. What this means is you can tweak all kinds of advanced settings such as delay, crossover, and EQ. The latter is worth noticing: you’ll be able to custom tune your audio to your exact musical taste. Prefer stronger bass? Quieter vocals? No problem.

However, all this extra tuning requires expert knowledge and a bit of measurement equipment (or a good ear). Fortunately, if you’re not experienced, we’ve saved you the trouble and offer the BimmerTech Premium Amplifier pre-loaded with a custom tuning file for its 64-bit fully user-adjustable DSP to give you the most out of your OEM or upgraded speakers.

Last, but not least — we made it one of the quickest and easiest upgrades you can do. Unless you have the most basic audio option in your BMW*, installation takes no longer than an hour and doesn’t require any advanced technical knowledge. This makes it a perfect choice if you want to upgrade your audio without the extra hassle that comes with replacing your speakers. You’ll be enjoying HiFi sound in no time!

Wondering if your BMW has Comfort Access installed? Here are the two simplest ways to find out:

1.) Check if your exterior door handles have a few ridges on top of the handle by the lock (2). These raised lines serve as the contact point to touch when you lock the doors.

2.) Another way to see if a BMW has Comfort Access is to look up its VIN (vehicle identification number) on a website such as bmwvin.com, and checking if it has the S322A option.

It’s important to remember, however, that this method only tells us if a BMW had Comfort Access installed in the factory. It’s possible that the S322A option is missing, but the car had comfort access retrofitted by a previous owner.

Don’t have Comfort Access? Don’t worry, BimmerTech has got you covered. See if your BMW is compatible, and never think about unlocking your doors again!
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