how to install lcd screen in car manufacturer

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Vehicles are increasingly outfitted with a way to keep all of the passengers entertained during a road trip or give directions during a long voyage. Installing an LCD monitor in your car adds visual entertainment and practical functionality. The LCD monitor could be used for watching DVDs, playing video games, or for GPS navigation systems.

Lots of vehicle owners invest in LCD monitors intended for viewing behind the vehicle. This type of LCD monitor is known as a reverse camera monitoring system. The monitor activates when the vehicle is in reverse and lets the driver know what is behind the vehicle.

LCD monitors can be located in three places in a vehicle: the middle of the dashboard or console area, the ceiling or interior roof in SUVs or vans, or attached inside the headrest of the front seats.

The LCD monitor installed in a dashboard is usually used for navigation and video purposes. Most LCD monitors are touch screen and have a typical amount of video storage.

Most LCD monitors installed into the ceiling or interior roof of a sport utility vehicle or van are generally used for video or TV use only. Headphone jacks are generally installed near the passenger"s seat for easy access to allow passengers to hear the video footage with no distractions to the driver.

It is becoming more common to install LCD monitors inside the headrest of the front seats. These monitors are made for passengers to view movies and play games. There could be a gaming console or the LCD monitor could have preloaded games for a viewer’s choice.

Note: You may have to run your own power supply to the monitor. Be sure to hook up the power supply to a terminal or wire that has power only when the key is in the on or accessory position. To do this, you will need a DVOM (digital volt ohm meter) to check the power to a circuit with the key off and on.

Warning: Do not attempt to tap into a source of power with an object that is connected to the vehicle’s computer. If the LCD monitor were to short out internally, then it’s possible that the vehicle’s computer could short out as well.

Step 10: Pull the molding loose above the passenger doors. This allows you to locate the roof support, which is just a few inches behind the hump in the headliner.

Step 11: Use measuring tape to measure the center point of the headliner. Push firmly with your fingertips into the headliner to feel for the support bar.

Step 12: Measure from side to side of the vehicle. Once you have located the center of the support bar, then mark an X on the spot with a permanent marker on the tape.

Step 16: Straighten out a coat hanger. Attach a new wire to the coat hanger and feed it through the hole you made and out through the molding that you peeled back.

Step 17: Tap the wire into the dome light power circuit with key on only. Make sure that you use a one size larger wire to reduce heat and resistance.

Note: If you plan on using your stereo system for sound, you will need to send RCA wires from the cut hole to your glove box. This results in your having to remove the molding and peel up the carpet to the floor to hide the wires. Once the wires are at the glove box, you then can add adapters to sent it to the stereo and hook it up to the output RCA channel.

Note: If you plan on using an FM modulator, then you will need to send the power and ground wires to the modulator. Most modulators fit perfectly under the glove box next to the stereo. You can tap into the fuse box for a power supply that is active only with the key in the on or accessory position.

Put the caps on to cover the screws. If you removed any other coverings or peeled up the carpet, make sure to secure the coverings and put the carpet back into place.

Note: If you plan on using your headrest and installing a flip up or down LCD monitor, then you will need to measure the headrest and install the LCD monitor onto the headrest. Drill out 4 holes to mount the LCD bracket. You will be drilling into the headrest steel brace. Then you can mount the bracket to the headrest and install the LCD monitor onto the bracket. Most LCD monitors come pre-installed into a headrest like the one in your vehicle. Basically, you are just switching out the headrest for another one, however, it does cost more.

Note: If your seats are fully upholstered, then you must unclasp the upholstery. Fully recline the chair and locate the plastic clasp. Carefully pry on the seam to open and then carefully pry apart the plastic teeth.

Step 26: Install the headrest with the LCD monitor into the seat. You will need to feed the wires through the mounting holes on the seat’s poles into the back of the seat.

Step 27: Run wires through seat material. Once the headrest is installed, you will need to run the wires through the seat cloth or leather material to just under the seat.

Step 28: Guide the wires behind the seat’s back metal brace. This is a tight fit, so be sure to put the rubber hose on the wires directly over the location of the metal brace.

Close the seam to seal the seat together. Sit the seat back up to the normal position that it was originally in. The kit will come with a DC power jack to install the power cord to the vehicle. You have the option to hard wire the LCD monitor or use the cigarette lighter port.

Step 31: Splice into the power wire to the power seat. Be sure it is the seat that is operated only when the key is in the ignition in the on or accessory position.

If you do not have power seats, you will need to run a wire to the fuse box under the carpet in the vehicle and place it into a port that is only active when the key is in the ignition and placed on the on position or accessory position.

Step 34: Hook up the DC power jack cable to the cable sticking out of the back of the seat. Roll up the cable and zip tie the slack and DC power jack to the seat’s bracket.

Step 35: Connect the LCD monitor kit’s A/V input cable to the A/V input cable sticking out of the seat. Roll up the cable and tie it off under the seat out of the way.

Note: If you did not have a nine volt battery saver, you will have to reset all of the settings in your vehicle, like your radio, electric seats, and electric mirrors.

If you installed an LCD monitor with a dvd player, then open the monitor up and install a DVD. Verify the the dvd plays. Hook up headphones to the headphone jack on the LCD monitor or to the remote jack and test the sound. If you routed the sound through the stereo, put the stereo on the input channel and test the sound that is coming in from the LCD monitor.

If your LCD monitor does not operate after installing the LCD monitor into the vehicle, then there may be further diagnosis of the LCD monitor assembly needed.

If the problem persists, then you should seek out help from one of YourMechanic’s certified mechanics. If you have any questions about the process, be sure to Ask a Mechanic for some quick, helpful advice.

At Rostra, we’re pleased to announce a large expansion to our factory-installed LCD screen interface camera system program. Now available for ordering, our RearSight® interface application listing includes plug-and-play kits for many popular GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, and Toyota vehicles. The applications found in the guide below include either our discrete wedge-shaped CMOS camera, our teardrop CMOS or CCD camera, or a custom tailgate-handle integrated CMOS camera (available in black and chrome) to retain the factory look of a truck’s tailgate.

Please note that some of these systems do require programming by a dealership to activate the camera once installed, but the necessary steps for these procedures are outlined in the instructions included with each kit and labeled as “DAR: Yes or No” on this guide.

Installer is advised to remove the factory LCD screen and verify that the original Ford screen part number matches those in the list below before ordering:

Note: The 250-8420-MOD system requires a vehicle to have a pre-existing, original equipment backup camera. 250-8420-MOD is only for use as an auxiliary camera such as a side or front-view system.

Note: The 250-8420-MOD system requires a vehicle to have a pre-existing, original equipment backup camera. 250-8420-MOD is only for use as an auxiliary camera such as a side or front-view system.

Please note, our RearSight® factory LCD screen interface systems are only sold through authorized distributors. Please contact Rostra to locate a distributor in your area for your original equipment touch screen camera interface system.

In this article,we"ll explain how the iDatalink Maestro can help you install a new stereo and retain important factory features. Read on for more details.

Upgrading the car stereo in your vehicle can be a delicate balance. On one hand, you may want to expand your audio system and add great new features you may not have now, like Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™.

On the other hand, you may not want to give up handy factory features that can be lost when you replace a radio. And if you own a vehicle with a slick "infotainment" system, like Ford’s SYNC®, Chrysler’s UConnect®, or GM’s OnStar®, you may want to know what’s going to happen to it when you change stereos.

iDatalink’s Maestro wiring interfaces take some of the uncertainty out of adding a new car stereo. By allowing you to integrate a new stereo into your factory wiring, you can retain many of the factory features you’ve grown accustomed to, expand your sound system, and add the latest infotainment options out there. And by the way, it likely costs less than what a dealer would charge to upgrade to a “premium” sound system.

The Maestro smoothly translates information between your vehicle and the radio. Basically, it speaks your car"s language, allowing a factory system to communicate with your new receiver and vice-versa.

The features you use every day — voice commands, Bluetooth® connectivity, steering wheel controls, and even your back-up camera — will work beautifully alongside aftermarket benefits like an HD Radio™ tuner, Garmin navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You can stay on top of what"s happening with your vehicle via touchscreen access to information like tire pressure, battery voltage, check engine codes, and more in certain vehicles.

Don’t forget, new stereos generally offer better audio circuitry and ways to integrate amplifiers to help enhance the sound of your music even more, so add this to the list of benefits. And best of all, when you buy the Maestro package with a new receiver, we"ll offer you a deep discount on it.

If you ask Darren, he’ll emphatically tell you “yes!” You can tell he gets into his work, especially when working with great interface options like the iDatalink Maestro. Here"s what he had to say:

“iDatalink impresses me with the way they approach stereo integration. It’s very solution based. They offer the ability to retain and improve many factory features that customers have become accustomed to. Things like onscreen performance gauges, climate controls, parking gridlines for backup cameras, and vehicle diagnostics. Crutchfield happens to be the number one iDatalink dealer."

"Basically, you update (also known as "flash") the software in the Maestro RR module. You connect it to a USB port on your computer and input your vehicle information on iDatalink"s website. Once that"s done, you plug the harness into the serial port on a compatible radio and connect the remaining wires for the speakers and power. The Maestro smoothly translates information between your vehicle and the radio. That"s how it can offer the features I mentioned above. So cool!"

Well said, Darren. And for the Maestro RR2, things get even cooler. You can now connect the RR2 to your phone via Bluetooth to flash the module right on your workbench in a matter of minutes. You can also flash the module once you"ve connected the Maestro RR2 to the vehicle-specific harness and your vehicle"s wiring harness — you don"t even need to turn your vehicle on. Furthermore, this means that if you want to make changes or update software later, you don’t have to remove the radio from the dash to flash the module behind it. Huge timesaver!

iDatalink offers handy videos on flashing their modules, such as this video for the Maestro RR2. Also, be sure to download iDatalink"s Installation Guide after you flash your Maestro module. This guide is specific to your vehicle and will show you what to do with every wire.

I interviewed longtime Crutchfield Advisor, trainer, and social media host, J.R., about the stereo installation in his 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. He was concerned that replacing the radio would mean losing the Subaru-specific features he loved. To best integrate his Sony XAV-9500ES digital multimedia radio with his Crosstrek, J.R. used the iDatalink Maestro RR2 interface module. The RR2 let him retain the vehicle’s settings menu (which would"ve been lost with other interfaces), steering wheel audio controls, and backup camera.

J.R. flashed the module’s software wirelessly with his smartphone using Bluetooth, right on the workbench with the module powered by a USB cable connected to an AC outlet. It took about five minutes. He mentioned that without Sony’s compatibility with iDatalink and the ability to keep essential vehicle features, he would"ve been stuck with the factory radio.

iDatalink is continuously adding more vehicles and features to their programming compatibility. They also offer a few dash kits to go along with their interfaces. Just select a receiver with an iDatalink serial port and use Crutchfield"s vehicle selector to see if we have an iDatalink solution for you.

And if you need more info about adding a new stereo to your ride, you can call or chat with one of our knowledgeable Advisors. They"ll be happy to help you pick the right solution for your car.

The entire automotive industry is moving towards developing innovative technologies to enable better connectivity solutions, improve vehicle safety, and enhance in-vehicle user-experience. One of the key technologies, which works as a focal point of all the modern automotive systems and integrates their functions to be controlled and monitored from one central unit, is “In-Vehicle Infotainment System”.

Modern in-vehicle’s infotainment systems connect with all the smart automotive technologies like ADAS systems, V2X connectivity solutions, telematics devices, smartphones, sensors etc., and integrates them with each other to provide a great driving experience.

The IVI can be described as a combination of vehicle systems which are used to deliver entertainment and information to the driver and the passengers through audio/ video interfaces, control elements like touch screen displays, button panel, voice commands, and more.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the in-vehicle infotainment market is estimated to reach USD 30.47 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 11.79%. Research suggests that in-vehicle infotainment market is driven by the increase in vehicle production, technological advancements, telematics regulations, and increasing demand for luxury vehicles.

In-vehicle infotainment works in integration with many other in-vehicle and external systems to deliver entertainment and information to the driver and passengers.

Integrated Head-Unit: In-vehicle infotainment head unit is a touch screen based, tablet-like device, mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard. With user friendly HMI, the head unit acts as a perfectly connected control center for the infotainment system.

Heads-Up Display: Automotive heads-up display is an integral part of high-end infotainment systems, which displays the vehicle’s real-time information on the transparent screen integrated with the vehicle’s windshield. Heads-up display helps in reducing the driver’s distraction while driving and assists him with key details like speed, navigation maps, electronic digital cluster (information from vehicle’s OBD port-II), climate, multimedia options, etc.

High-end DSPs and GPUs to support multiple displays: New age infotainment systems are powered by powerful automotive processors designed for advanced IVI systems. These automotive processors are capable of displaying content on multiple displays (e.g. Head-up Display or Windshield, Connected smartphones, Head Unit, and more) and delivers an enhanced in-vehicle experience to drivers and passengers.

Operating Systems: In vehicle infotainment systems require operating systems that are capable of supporting connectivity, convenience functions, and downloadable software applications to integrate new functions in the system. Operating systems like Android, Linux, QNX, Windows  are leading the infotainment segment.

CAN, LVDS and other network protocol support (as per the requirement): The electronic hardware components in infotainment systems are interconnected with certain standardized communication protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network).  CAN or any other network protocol support allows microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without the host computer.

Connectivity Modules: Infotainment systems encompass GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modules to provide connectivity with external networks and devices. These modules help in establishing services like navigation, internet connectivity and smartphone integration with the infotainment system.

Automotive Sensors Integration: Proximity sensors, gesture recognition sensors for detecting ambient light, camera sensors and many other in-vehicle sensors integrate with infotainment systems to provide safety-related information to the driver and passengers.

Digital Instrument Cluster:Hi-tech infotainment systems have transformed the automotive cockpit designs from static displays of the in-vehicle instruments to digital instrument clusters. Digital instrument clusters include digital displays of the traditional analog gauges in the vehicle like speedometer, RPM, odometer, etc.

Digital instrument clusters fetch information from the vehicle ECU unit via OBD port-II and displays in the display screen of the infotainment system. Being a part of the digital cockpit system, the instrument cluster is integrated with other digital interfaces of the vehicle like Head Unit, Heads-up Display (HUD) HVAC and Infotainment systems.

High Resolution Touch Screen : Touch Screens are mainly made up of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or TFT (Thin Film Transistors). Full-color, active matrix LCD (AMLCD) TFTs are most suitable display technologies for complex and dynamic graphical displays. The automotive infotainment system display ranges from 2 inches to 12 inches in general, although some HD displays are 20 inches wide.

Smartphone Pairing:Smartphones can be paired with the vehicle infotainment system using Bluetooth connectivity. Pairing the smartphone with the system enables the user to access features of the phone through the infotainment system. This feature allows users to manage incoming, outgoing, and conference calls via the infotainment system. It also allows users to view their phone contact list, call logs, mark favorite contacts, and read SMSs.

Analog and digital tuners for multi-standard radio reception:This refers to AM and FM tuner bands for low to premium infotainment systems. AM and FM radio can be adjusted to auto or manual tuning or can be scanned for available radio stations.

Multimedia Support: Modern infotainment systems transfer audio and video content to display screens, speakers and headphones via Bluetooth, HDMI cable, and USB. Audio and video data can be streamed from smartphones, tablets, etc. Bluetooth connectivity enables advanced features like hands-free calling, call log visibility, etc. MP3, .aac and FLAC are few of the best formats to support the audio files in the system. Images with JPEG, PNG and BMO formats and videos with .mp4 and .avi formats are more suitable for infotainment systems.

Advanced Vehicular functions: In-vehicle infotainment systems support features like parking assistance, daytime running lights indicators, climate control in the vehicle, voice assistants to control system functionalities.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Compatibility:Both of the platforms allow users to integrate their smartphones with their car’s infotainment system. While Android Auto supports apps from google (like google maps, google play music, etc.) through any of the android based smartphone, Apple CarPlay supports iOS-based apps from the App Store.

Control Elements:All the functionalities in the latest in-vehicle infotainment systems can be accessed and controlled using touch screen panel of the head unit, button panel, steering wheel controls and voice commands.

Support Vehicle Functions:Infotainment systems support vehicle functions like parking assistance and lighting features (DRL). Park Assistant notifies the driver in case of any obstacle in the vehicle’s path and helps to maintain a safe distance from the obstacle. Parking assistance system is equipped with a rear view camera and video feed from the camera is displayed on the system screen only when reverse gear is engaged. If the vehicle is being driven in a dark location, DRL (Daytime running Lamps) can be switched on/ off via the infotainment system.

With increasing demand for highly customized in-vehicle infotainment systems, automotive solution providers are focusing on designing feature-rich, versatile, and powerful processors. For immersive in vehicle infotainment experience, processors needs to assist with high level of computing and intelligence in vehicles.

Advanced infotainment processors enable integration of multiple HD displays, execute driver assistance functions and assist in-vehicle entertainment in a connected environment. A powerful processor enriches an infotainment system with high performance, HD color display, high resolution and low power consumption. Some of the best in-vehicle platforms available in the market include:

All the above-mentioned features of the infotainment systems offer just a glimpse of the functionalities of future in-vehicle systems. Future infotainment systems will be very user friendly and easy to customize. The concept of digital cockpits for automotive will not be restricted to just small head-units or small displays on the windscreen, but there will be large infotainment systems and connected screens built into the vehicle’s dashboard and even on the roof of the vehicle. With the evolution of innovative systems based on AI and machine learning in automotive, we will have features like AI based maps, virtual assistants to assist autonomous features in a car, and more.

eInfochips as an automotive solutions provider, offers customized in-vehicle infotainment solutions for the automotive industry. We have expertise in the development of features like HMI, navigation, digital tracking, and multimedia integration. Know more about our solutions for the automotive industry.

Many people think that touch screens are only for expensive luxury cars. But, of course, this is not true, and the fact is, these unique devices that bring the digital world to your fingertips are relatively cheap and easy to install.

As a general rule, depending on the space available in your dashboard, you will either fit a Single DIN or Double DIN touch screen. The upgrade to the touch screen includes:

From their sizes to their price, if they will fit in your old car, the tools you will need, and more. I will also share my top picks on the market to make your choice a little easier.

Days are gone where you only could have a radio with a CD player, and perhaps if you are lucky enough, a USB port so you can plug your phone in and listen to your favorite tunes.

Nowadays, many cars come with an infotainment system toped off to include all the bells and whistles. This means you get a touch screen, navigation, streaming services, and other apps.

Some infotainment systems even include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, where you can sync your phones and set up your infotainment system to cater to your every in-car need.

However, many people still think that the radio in their car is all they can have, and no additional features or even replacements can be fitted without costing hundreds of dollars if not thousands.

Cars nowadays are designed with standards in mind. This means that for the most part, if you are driving a regular vehicle, the dashboard and radio unit is built to a specific size.

Of course, this does not mean that every car is the same, but for the most part, you can find a replacement radio, touch screen (infotainment system) that will fit your vehicle.

There are two types of touch screen sizes (infotainment systems) designed to fit either a vehicle with a large dashboard opening for radio (2 DIN) or a small opening (Single-DIN).

Furthermore, if the touchscreen does not precisely fit, you are more than likely able to find a stereo installation kit that includes a bracket for the specific make and model of your car.

Most vehicles will be expected to have the size, but if they don’t, you can always find a stereo installation kit that will help you install this size head unit.

Again this is the standard, and more than likely, your car, if it is equipped with a Double DIN unit, will be this size, and if not, you can always find a stereo installation kit.

They are renowned for their car audio expertise and will surely help you find what you are looking for regarding any car audio situation you find yourself struggling with.

If your car has a Single DIN slot, you can purchase touchscreens that fold in and out, and if you have space available for a Double DIN unit, you need to worry even less because you will have even more options to choose from.

If you do not want to go too expensive, a fantastic choice of the Single DIN unit with touch screen is the Jensen CNN 10 with its fully adjustable 10.1″ screen. If you want to try it in your car, check the latest price on Amazon.

If you plan to take it into a car audio installation shop, you have to add the price for labor, which can be as little as $125 and can go as high as $400.

If you are planning to do a DIY installation of the unit yourself, you are only looking at the unit’s price and the tools you will require, and your time.

The tools you need may vary depending on the model of your car and your dashboard, but for most instances and 90% of the time, you will most likely require these tools or slight variations of them.

I guess you have the majority of these tools in your garage, and if not, I added below Amazon links to tools I use, and I am happy with their quality.

Take note that the touchscreen size won’t matter. This is because your touch screen will either be a Single DIN unit or a Double DIN unit depending on how much space you have in your dashboard.

Take note that before you begin the process, I will explain all steps as universal, and you should be able to apply this process to almost any vehicle.

The first thing you will need to do is disconnect the battery. You want to do this because you do not wish to have power flowing through the vehicle. This is in case you short out a wire or pop fuses which could lead to all sorts of nightmares.

The next step is to remove the radio that is currently in your vehicle. You will do this by removing the dashboard panel. The main thing to remember here is finding where the panels are screwed or bolted to the car’s frame. These can be in various places depending on your vehicle, but they should be easy to find for the most part.

You will typically start at the bottom of your dashboard and work your way up unscrewing and using the pry tools to dislodge the panel from the frame.

Once you have the panel removed, you will typically find that the radio is screwed into place by a couple of 10mm screws (this may vary depending on the vehicle). This can also depend if your radio is still the factory radio or you have had an aftermarket one put in place.

This step is easier than you think because all car radios have the same color scheme for their wiring. All you need to do is match up the wires for each harness and either sell them together or use the butt plugs and crimp tool to secure them.

For a Single DIN unit, the installation is a tad bit different. A Double DIN unit will come with mounts or brackets, but a Single DIN unit will come with a cage, and you will need to put the cage and frames together.

If you prefer a visual explanation, check out a short video below, where guys from Sonic Electronix will drive you through the whole installation process in detail.

Why? It has a large 9″ WVGA capacitive touchscreen that ‘floats’ in front of the dash. The best thing about this radio is that you can adjust the mounting angle and height of the screen for the best position.

On top of the excellent touch screen, AlpineiLX-F309 can support a range of audio playback features like Bluetooth, HD radio, or SiriusXM satellite radio.

You can also choose to buy this option bundled with a front and rear camera and connecting equipment for a complete audio and camera integration for your car.

You cannot go wrong with this one. It has all of the features you can expect, like Bluetooth and Android Auto, and comes with a range of other desirable functions, such as the JVC Streaming DJ feature, which allowsup to five paired smartphones to control music streaming.

Touch screen radios are not only available to people who can afford high-end luxury or sports cars like years ago, but to anyone who drives a vehicle with a radio can install a touch screen stereo.

Contrary to mainstream thinking, these units come in sizes that will typically fit your car, and if not, there is always an installation kit that you can find for your car make and model.

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Over the last decade or so, more and more of our interaction with our cars has been through a screen on the dashboard. The BMW screen -- the focal point of the iDrive navigation system -- lets you see vehicle information, navigation directions, messages and more. As time has gone on, the list of things you"ll find on the iDrive menu has increased, meaning more time spent staring at the dashboard display.

With the BMW iDrive screen being so important to your in-car experience, it"s worth getting to know a little more about it. So what types of BMW vivid screens are there? How do you protect and maintain it? And what aftermarket or OEM BMW screen upgrades and navigation screen replacements are available if you need it?

Like the screens on our phones, computers and TVs, BMW improves the screen technology in its central information display with each generation of vehicles. Compared to the screens in older models, today"s are larger and sharper, and often feature advanced features, like touchscreen control.

These screen improvements were quick to find their way to BMW"s premium models, but enthusiasts of the more mainstream vehicles often had a long wait to enjoy the latest and greatest features.

The screens in most modern BMWs stand upright from the top of the dashboard, but BMW has used a few different designs through the years. In many older vehicles, like the E65 7 Series or E60 5 Series, the screen was embedded in the dashboard itself. A small number of vehicles, like the E87 1 Series, even offered a flip up screen that could fold down into the top of the dash.

The most obvious change to BMW"s screens has been the size. The earliest iDrive screens were 6.5" -- roughly the same size as the largest iPhones or Samsung Notes. Making do with a screen the size of a phone had obvious consequences; cramped menus, poky navigation maps and a generally underwhelming experience were hallmarks of the early iDrive experience.

To remedy this, an improved BMW panoramic screen was available with higher-end navigation options. A size bump to 8.8" meant a lot more screen real estate. As these screens also took on a wide-screen aspect ratio, the space could be used more effectively. For example, iDrive split screen options allow using navigation and music side-by-side, for extra convenience.

More recently, BMW went on to introduce a larger 10.25" wide-screen display. Though initially reserved only for premium models, in the current generation it can be found in vehicles throughout BMW"s catalog. With more screen space than earlier versions, the 10.25" display is popular with people who make heavy use of their iDrive system, including CarPlay, video playback and other features.

The premium place previously occupied by the 10.25" has now been taken up by an even larger 12.3" screen, found in some of the latest vehicles like the G05 X5.

BMW has also added touchscreen control to its information displays in recent years. Like larger screens, these were first found in high-end models, but have since spread to more mainstream vehicles. Most of the latest generation have touchscreen control either as standard, or as an optional extra.

Our NBT Evo ID5/ID6 retrofit comes with a 8.8” or 10.25” BMW touch screen as an optional add-on for those vehicles that were equipped with an OEM touch screen from the factory. The 8.8” touch screen option may be available for F2x and F3x BMWs, while a 10.25” touch screen is on offer for F15, F16, G30 or G31 vehicles. Still, it’s always important to check your vehicle compatibility beforehand. Decode your VINhereand see if BMW touch screen could be an option for your car.

The latest BMW screen feature, gesture control, allows drivers to control select iDrive functions with the use of hand gestures captured by a 3D camera. If you’d like to activate it in your car, remember that only G-Series models are equipped with this function. Gesture control premiered in 2015 with the coming of the G11/G12 7 Series BMW, which included an NBT Evo ID6 iDrive, and nowadays can be found in almost every BMW with the newest MGU head unit.

Which screen you"ll have in your vehicle depends not only on what year it"s from, but also which model it is and what navigation option you have. Unsurprisingly, luxury models with premium navigation options are going to have bigger screens, and they"ll get extra features quicker.

In the 3 Series F30, for example, all vehicles with the basic Business navigation had the smaller 6.5" screen, while vehicles with Professional navigation system had the larger 8.8" screen. The only major change through the model run was the addition of touch screen control for the larger screen starting from the 2018 model year.

By 2018, the 7 Series had already had a touchscreen for two years, along with a larger 10.25" display. A 10.25" non-touchscreen display was also available in the F10 5 Series throughout production, starting in 2010. It would take the launch of the G20 3 Series in 2019 for fans of BMW"s more compact model to get the option of a similarly sized screen in their own cars.

If you’re preparing for an iDrive screen replacement you have several choices - either change it along with a full head unit replacement or get a standalone screen upgrade such as VividScreen or Panoramic Screen. See which option will suit you best.

No iDrive upgrade brings so much technology and convenience as this one.NBT Evo ID5/ID6 retrofit comes with loads of multimedia features already activated, like CarPlay,Video & Services in motion,BMW Apps, etc., and most importantly features a high-definition screen.

However, when retrofitting your BMW with a new iDrive system, it"s worth remembering that the screens available to you depend on your model, not the iDrive system you"re upgrading to. BimmerTech"sNBT Evo ID5/ID6 retrofit kitscome with 8.8" and 10.25" screens, either with or without touchscreen capability. Checking the screen(s) available for your vehicle is easy:

The fact that one iDrive system can potentially include a variety of different screen sizes sometimes means it"s possible to upgrade your screen size -- for example from 6.5" to 8.8" -- without changing any other hardware. OurPanoramic Screen retrofit for BMW F30et you step up your screen size without having to replace your whole iDrive system.

Up for a standalone BMW iDrive screen replacement? If you want to change your factory screen for one with twice or more the resolution, BimmerTech’sVividScreenandPanoramic Screen upgradeare the retrofits you can’t overlook. Both of those displays are, all in all, quite similar to each other, yet each of them comes with different kit components that fit separate technology upgrades.

The latest 8.8” 1280x480 BMW screen replacement provides noticeably better image quality compared to the factory screen, as it doubles or even triples its pixel density. Plus, it significantlyenhances the quality of the image and contrast while viewing. VividScreen is also designed to resemble the factory screen to perfectly match your BMW interior, so you shouldn’t worry about fitting it in the car. But what’s especially convenient about this BMW navigation screen replacement, is the fact that it comes with an inbuiltMultimedia Interface (MMI) module, which supports ourSmartView mirroring devicesand ourRear & Front View cameras. This means, if you’re compatible, you can get them all for a much lower price.

However, if you want to retrofit CarPlay in your BMW, VividScreen is NOT an option for you. The only screen matching ourCarPlay upgradeis a BMW Panoramic Screen upgrade.

OurPanoramic Screen upgrade, just like the VividScreen, packs a sharp 1280x480 display, OEM quality and spot-on integration with your BMW"s interior. It also comes in two screen sizes:

Although this BMW iDrive screen replacement doesn’t have it’s own MMI module, it will be a perfect fit for our CarPlay MMI Prime, if you want to add one. Pairing up the CarPlay retrofit with Panoramic Screen will enable you to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in full-screen, with a lot more space for your icons, messages and maps.

BMW Panoramic Screen installation will require some coding to optimize your iDrive for the bigger display, so right after you add it to your head unit remember to schedule a remote coding session with our BimmerTech technician. The session is included in the price of the retrofit.

If your iDrive screen is flickering or frozen, and no iDrive screen fixes are working, it could be necessary to replace it. If you do decide to, either because your iDrive screen is not working or you just want to change to a larger version, it"s one of the easier DIY projects you can do.

As the internal trim in each model differs, how to change your iDrive screen will depend on your vehicle. However, in general you will only need to remove the air vents below the display to allow access to the screws connecting the screen to the dashboard. With that done, the screen is attached with a simple wiring harness, which can easily be unplugged. Connecting the replacement is just as easy, and requires no soldering or wire cutting. The entire process can be completed in up to an hour.

When replacing your iDrive screen with a larger one, it"s important to remember the difference between the aspect ratio of the smaller 6.5" screen and the 8.8" or 10.25" wide-screen display. Without adjusting your iDrive, the picture on the screen will be stretched to fill the wider screen.

Depending on your vehicle and factory system, it may be possible to code your iDrive to correct the screen resolution and remove stretching. When possible, BimmerTech offers this service with all screen upgrades.

One advantage of having one of the bigger BMW iDrive screens is the possibility to use split-screen mode, to show two different things on the screen at once. For example, you might want your navigation directions on one side, with the current radio station on the other.

One time you might not want to split your screen is when using Apple CarPlay. In vehicles that support it, BMW uses a split-screen CarPlay interface by default, keeping a section on the right of the screen back for the iDrive system.

What this means in reality is just less space for your CarPlay interface, and as CarPlay makes it easy to toggle between navigation, music and messages, you might prefer to go all in on CarPlay.

In many vehicles it"s possible to unlock full-screen Apple CarPlay by coding your iDrive, which can be done via USB or in a coding session with a skilled technician. To find out how to code BMW CarPlay full-screen mode and whether it"s available for your vehicle, take a look at ourBMW iDrive coding options.

Coding is a great way to unlock other screen features, too. Activating the USB Video Player option makes it easy to watch videos on your iDrive screen, and with the Video in Motion option, your passengers will even be able to watch as you drive. For business rather than pleasure, you can also switch to showing full text messages on the dashboard display, or your choice from dozens more iDrive options.Learn more about BMW iDrive coding, and how it can help you put the growing screens in the latest vehicles to good use.

In some BMWs, you can even get videos, messages, navigation and more straight from your Android mobile phone. The Android Screen Mirroring feature lets you cast your phone"s display to your iDrive, and get your favorite apps on your BMW dashboard screen. In many of the latest vehicles, it"s available as a coding option from BimmerTech, and is just one way toconnect your mobile phone and iDrive system.

If coding an Android Screen Mirroring feature is not for you, there are some other ways you can add an iDrive screen mirroring functionality to your vehicle. Our screen mirroring retrofits will make it possible to have your phone content mirrored onto your head unit display, but also play videos from the most popular VOD platforms on your iDrive screen.

If you’re a loyal Apple owner and don’t plan on changing your iPhone for an Android supported system any time soon, you may find ourSmartView HD Apple TV3orSmartView HD Apple TV4a spot-on screen mirroring solution.These retrofits are also the only ones to enable video streaming from the most popular VOD platforms, such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu or Amazon Prime, and fit perfectly with our BMW VividScreen upgrade.

In case you’d like to mirror both Android and Apple devices,ourCarPlay MMI Prime retrofitwould be your go-to products, with the latter adding a whole new infotainment experience to your vehicle.

Current-generation iDrive screens are exposed, with a special coating to prevent damage and ensure good visibility in all light conditions. However, that does mean it"s important to take good care of the screen, to prevent scratches and other damage.

Even routine maintenance can cause problems if you don"t know how to clean the BMW iDrive screen properly. Repeated rubbing with a rough cloth or harsh chemicals can wear away the anti-glare coating or cause scratches. It"s important to always use a soft microfiber cloth when wiping your iDrive screen, along with distilled water or high-quality, dedicated screen cleaning solution.

Whether you"re looking to replace your iDrive screen, upgrade your hardware, or just make a few changes to help you make the most of your dashboard display, our expert team is on hand to help you find the right upgrades and retrofits for you.Get in touchand we"ll be happy to help.