What is Jono's Vehicle Solutions?

Professional automotive specialist platform providing advanced diagnostics, coding, and technical repair services for German vehicles in Telford and Shropshire.

Does BMW NBT EVO support Android Auto from the factory?

No. BMW offered Apple CarPlay on compatible NBT EVO ID5/ID6 systems but did not officially provide Android Auto for this generation.

Is this genuine native Android Auto?

The solution integrates Android Auto into the original NBT EVO head unit rather than using an external MMI interface or aftermarket display. It is an aftermarket software activation, not an official BMW factory feature.

Does it support wireless Android Auto?

Yes, provided the head unit has a suitable WiFi antenna and the smartphone meets the connection requirements.

Can I use Android Auto without a WiFi antenna?

Yes. A compatible USB connection can be used instead.

Do I need an MMI box?

No. No additional MMI module is required.

Will Apple CarPlay still work?

Yes. Existing Apple CarPlay functionality is intended to remain available alongside Android Auto.

Will my BMW navigation and DAB radio still work?

Yes. Existing factory infotainment features are intended to remain available.

Will it work on my BMW F30, F20 or G30?

Potentially, provided the vehicle has an original compatible NBT EVO ID5/ID6 head unit. The chassis code alone does not confirm compatibility.

Will it work with NBT EVO ID4?

No. This service requires NBT EVO ID5 or ID6.

Can this be installed remotely?

Remote activation is offered subject to compatibility, the installation method and the customer having the required equipment.

What equipment do I need for remote installation?

A compatible Windows laptop, ENET cable, reliable internet connection and suitable vehicle power support.

Will BMW software updates affect the activation?

Subsequent BMW programming, head-unit replacement or software updates may affect aftermarket software modifications. Customers should contact JVS before arranging head-unit programming or updates.

Is this an official BMW feature?

No. This is an independent aftermarket software activation service for compatible original BMW infotainment hardware.

BMW · MINI · ROLLS-ROYCE // NBT EVO

BMW NBT EVO ID5/ID6 Native Android Auto Activation

Android Auto. Original BMW iDrive. No extra hardware.

BMW never officially introduced Android Auto for its NBT EVO ID5 and ID6 infotainment systems. Until now, Android users have generally needed aftermarket interfaces or replacement displays.

Jono's Vehicle Solutions now offers native Android Auto activation for compatible BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles fitted with original NBT EVO ID5/ID6 head units.

Enjoy Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, calls, messaging and Google Assistant directly through your original iDrive system. No MMI box. No aftermarket screen. No AUX connection.

Native Android Auto
Wireless & USB Connectivity
Original Factory Controls
No Additional Interface
Remote Activation Available
BMW / MINI Specialists

Check My Vehicle Compatibility Enquire About Remote Activation

Compatibility is confirmed from your vehicle's installed head unit — not from the model or registration alone.

Right-hand-drive BMW interior with original NBT EVO ID6 iDrive display running Android Auto navigation and media

Illustration of an original NBT EVO ID6 display running Android Auto.

THE TECHNOLOGY

What Is Native Android Auto on BMW NBT EVO?

Unlike conventional aftermarket Android Auto systems, this solution operates through the original NBT EVO head unit. Android Auto becomes accessible through the factory infotainment system without replacing the screen or installing an additional multimedia interface.

Native iDrive Integration

Android Auto operates within the original BMW NBT EVO infotainment environment.

Wireless or Wired Connection

Connect an Android smartphone automatically over WiFi, or use a compatible USB cable. The connection method is selected through the iDrive menu.

No Additional Hardware

No MMI box, aftermarket display, AUX audio interface or additional multimedia module is required for the activation.

Original Factory Controls

Continue using the iDrive controller, the factory touchscreen where fitted, and supported steering wheel controls.

Original Factory Audio

Navigation instructions, calls and music play through the vehicle's existing audio system.

Android Auto Applications

Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, WhatsApp messaging, telephone calls and Google Assistant.

Factory Features Retained

Existing BMW navigation, radio, DAB where equipped, Bluetooth, vehicle settings and Apple CarPlay remain available.

BACK STORY

Why Didn't BMW Include Android Auto on NBT EVO?

BMW introduced NBT EVO with iDrive 5 and iDrive 6 during the mid-2010s. Although Apple CarPlay became available on compatible systems, BMW never officially introduced Android Auto for NBT EVO ID5/ID6.

BMW's official Android Auto support arrived with later-generation iDrive 7 infotainment systems. This meant many BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce owners with modern factory infotainment displays could not use Android Auto without aftermarket modifications.

Native Android Auto activation provides an alternative for compatible NBT EVO systems while retaining the original factory display and controls.

Original BMW iDrive controller and NBT EVO screen showing an Android Auto home screen

COMPARISON

Native Android Auto vs Aftermarket Android Auto Systems

Feature	Native Android Auto	MMI Interface	Aftermarket Screen
Original BMW screen retained	Yes	Yes	Not always
Additional multimedia hardware	No	Yes	Yes
Original iDrive integration	Yes	Partial	Varies
Factory audio integration	Yes	Varies	Varies
Wireless connectivity	Yes, with WiFi antenna	Model dependent	Model dependent
Factory appearance	Retained	Retained	May change
Dashboard disassembly	Not normally required	Usually required	Usually required
Remote software activation	Available	No	No

Original BMW screen retained

Native: Yes
MMI box: Yes
Screen: Not always

Additional multimedia hardware

Native: No
MMI box: Yes
Screen: Yes

Original iDrive integration

Native: Yes
MMI box: Partial
Screen: Varies

Factory audio integration

Native: Yes
MMI box: Varies
Screen: Varies

Wireless connectivity

Native: Yes, with WiFi antenna
MMI box: Model dependent
Screen: Model dependent

Factory appearance

Native: Retained
MMI box: Retained
Screen: May change

Dashboard disassembly

Native: Not normally required
MMI box: Usually required
Screen: Usually required

Remote software activation

Native: Available
MMI box: No
Screen: No

Native integration avoids the additional interface hardware commonly required by aftermarket alternatives. There is no MMI module behind the dashboard, no separate display, and no AUX audio path — Android Auto is presented by the head unit the car was built with.

COMPATIBILITY

Compatible BMW, MINI & Rolls-Royce Vehicles

Compatibility depends on the vehicle's actual installed head unit — not simply its model, registration year or chassis code. Only vehicles fitted with an original BMW NBT EVO ID5 or ID6 head unit are potentially compatible.

Vehicle range	Chassis
BMW 1 / 2 Series	F20, F21, F22, F23, F87 M2
BMW 3 / 4 Series	F30, F31, F34, F80 M3, F32, F33, F36, F82/F83 M4
BMW 5 / 6 / 7 Series	G30, G31, G32 GT, F06, F12, F13, G11, G12
BMW X Series	F48 X1, F39 X2, F25 X3, F26 X4, G01 X3, G02 X4, F15 X5, F16 X6, F85/F86 M
BMW i Series	i3, i8
MINI	F54 Clubman, F55, F56, F57, F60 Countryman
Rolls-Royce	Models equipped with original NBT EVO ID5/ID6

The chassis listed are examples and are not guaranteed to have a compatible head unit.

Not compatible

The following systems are not supported by this service:

BMW CIC
Original NBT (non-EVO)
NBT EVO ID4
ENTRYNAV2
iDrive 7 / MGU
iDrive 8
Aftermarket Android head units
Third-party infotainment systems

Only original NBT EVO ID5/ID6 systems are supported.

CONNECTION

Wireless Android Auto or USB Android Auto — Your Choice

Wireless Android Auto

Compatible vehicles equipped with the required NBT EVO WiFi antenna can connect to Android Auto wirelessly. Once configured, the smartphone can reconnect automatically when entering the vehicle.

USB Android Auto

Vehicles without a suitable WiFi antenna can use Android Auto through a compatible USB connection. The connection mode is selected through the iDrive menu.

Important: a missing WiFi antenna does not necessarily prevent Android Auto activation. USB connectivity provides an alternative without needing to remove the head unit to install an antenna.

JVS REMOTE CONNECT

Activate Android Auto Remotely — No Workshop Visit Required

Jono's Vehicle Solutions offers remote activation for compatible BMW and MINI vehicles through our JVS Remote Connect platform. Depending on compatibility and the agreed installation procedure, the activation can be completed without travelling to our Telford workshop.

1
Compatibility Check
Submit your vehicle registration or VIN and photographs of your iDrive system.
2
Quotation
JVS confirms suitability and provides a quotation, the requirements and any relevant terms.
3
Booking & Payment
Once accepted, you complete payment and agree an installation appointment.
4
Prepare Your Equipment
Connect the ENET cable between the vehicle and your Windows laptop. Ensure the vehicle has stable power and the laptop has a reliable internet connection.
5
Remote Activation
At the scheduled appointment, JVS connects through the JVS Remote Connect platform and carries out the agreed activation procedure.
6
Verification
The Android Auto installation and relevant functionality are checked, and you receive guidance on connecting your smartphone.

What you'll need

Compatible NBT EVO ID5/ID6 head unit
Windows laptop
BMW-compatible ENET cable
Stable internet connection
Suitable vehicle battery support throughout the procedure
Compatible Android smartphone
An agreed appointment with Jono's Vehicle Solutions

Request Android Auto Activation Learn More About JVS Remote Connect Start a Remote Session Enquiry

This is not an automated or instant process. All bookings and activations are subject to compatibility and appointment availability.

WORKSHOP OPTION

Prefer to Visit Our Workshop?

Customers can also enquire about having Android Auto activated at our workshop in Telford, Shropshire. Jono's Vehicle Solutions specialises in BMW and MINI diagnostics, programming, coding, software services and retrofits.

Unit 23A, Trench Lock 3, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5ST

Book a Workshop Appointment 07404 293327 WhatsApp

RELATED SERVICES

BMW & MINI services that work alongside this

Activation is often combined with coding, retrofit or head unit work — all carried out in-house.

APPLE CARPLAY

BMW Apple CarPlay Activation

CarPlay activated on your factory screen, at the workshop or remotely.

NBT EVO

BMW NBT EVO CarPlay Activation

The NBT EVO head unit family explained, including what else it supports.

ANDROID AUTO

BMW Android Auto Retrofit

For pre-iDrive 7 cars, the genuine MGU hardware route — assessed honestly.

MINI

MINI Android Auto Compatibility

Which MINIs can run Android Auto, and the options when yours can't.

CODING & SOFTWARE

BMW Coding Services

Feature activation, configuration and vehicle coding with specialist equipment.

RETROFITS

BMW Retrofits & Upgrades

Genuine hardware retrofits, installed and coded like a factory fitment.

HEAD UNIT REPAIR

BMW NBT Head Unit Failure

Boot loops, black screens and software faults diagnosed and repaired.

SOFTWARE RECOVERY

iDrive Boot Loop Repair

Failed updates and corrupted iDrive software recovered properly.

SPECIALIST SERVICE

BMW & MINI Specialist

Diagnostics, programming, coding and retrofits in Telford, Shropshire.

Looking for factory Android Auto on a newer car? See BMW Android Auto activation for iDrive 7 / MGU vehicles, or browse all BMW & MINI services.

FAQ

Android Auto activation — common questions

ENQUIRY

Check Your BMW or MINI for Android Auto Compatibility

Send your vehicle details and, if you can, photographs of your iDrive screen and head unit version screen. We'll confirm whether your car has a compatible NBT EVO ID5/ID6 system before quoting.

Call 07404 293327 WhatsApp

Jono's Vehicle Solutions is an independent specialist. This is an aftermarket software activation for original BMW infotainment hardware, not an official BMW feature, and we are not affiliated with BMW Group.

NEXT STEP

Having this problem with your vehicle?

Contact Jono's Vehicle Solutions for advanced diagnostics and fault finding in Telford, Shropshire. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong — describe the symptoms and we'll take it from there.

Book an Appointment Call 07404 293327 WhatsApp Us