how to install lcd screen in car in stock

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.

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Make a detailed plan. It is important to begin organized with all of the necessary equipment, rather than to start installing and realize later that more tools are needed.

Replace the in-dash radio that controls the car system, known as the head unit. It is vital to make sure that the new head unit is the correct size for the vehicle. Head units come in sizes of single-din, which is a 180 by 50 mm panel, or double-din, which is a 180 by 100 mm panel.

Unscrew any set screws or hex bolts that secure the fairing to remove the dashboard pieces around the radio, then cautiously pull out the dashboard pieces.

Disconnect the radio"s antenna connection and place aside the old head unit. Don"t throw away the old head unit, though, because to sell the car in the future, the stock radio will need to be re-installed so you can keep the new touch screen stereo.

Connect the antenna cable and put in the new head unit. Turn on the car to check if the connections work properly. If they do, then screw the new radio into place and connect the audio/visual cable to the touch screen monitor. If the radio does not turn on, however, then it is like a faulty splice in the wire harness. To fix this, remove the radio and check all of the connections.

Tip:If mobile data and Wi-Fi are on but you still are offline, you could be in an area without service. Try again later when you’re in a different location.

Why put a large, touchscreen stereo in your dash? Fantastic looks are a great starting point, but there’s so much more you can get from a big screen stereo. You can see all the information you need at a quick glance, letting you get your eyes back on the road faster. You’ll also have expansion options like smartphone integration, navigation, and additional cameras available to you.

But, it’s all about the screen real estate and what it can show you. The large display and touchscreen controls make it easier to do anything on the stereo. Let’s talk about some ways to get the most out of a touchscreen receiver.

With a large screen acting as your receiver"s display, it"s a whole lot easier to read than the single-line displays of traditional car stereos. You can quickly see what’s playing, who’s calling, and where you’re going.

Many of these receivers offer the functionality of Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, which emulate your smartphone experience right on the receiver’s touchscreen display – great for keeping your phone out of your hand.

A rear-view or backup camera can help make your touchscreen stereo a valuable tool for staying safe while backing up and to help avoid accidents. Its wide field of view offers a whole lot more of what’s behind you than using your mirror, including areas that your vehicle"s body blocks from view. Many new stereos also offer multiple camera inputs, so you can incorporate factory cameras or add aftermarket cameras for areas like your side view – all viewable on the touchscreen display.

Are we there yet? Touchscreen stereos with built-in GPS navigation offer incredible convenience and assistance. But if you don"t want to spend the extra money for built-in navigation and future map updates, look for a touchscreen stereo that has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Both of these options get your smartphone involved to use navigation apps, such as Waze and Google Maps. They appear beautifully on the stereo"s large display.

In addition to the music and caller info that you can see on the display, many touchscreen receivers let you customize the background and layout. So not only can you make a personal statement on the look in your dash, but you can organize the functions that you use the most.

When you’re looking for that perfect sound, you can dive into a receiver’s tone controls and see them clearly (while parked). We also offer iDatalink Maestro interfaces for many vehicles that can show off vehicle diagnostics in your vehicle, depending on the receiver you choose. It can even include climate controls in some vehicles.

We’ve heard comments from customers who worry that touchscreen receivers are a distracting hindrance rather than a help. And hey, we get it; we’re on the road, too. Here are some keys to using them safely (and maybe some things you didn’t know about): Adjust your screen settings before you drive. In the excitement of installing and turning on a new receiver (which we completely appreciate), some people will hit the road and try to adjust the settings on the fly. Simply put, don’t. In fact, most touchscreen stereos won"t let you access the menus while the car is moving. Before you put your vehicle in gear: Set the display the way you want it. That includes the contrast, backlighting, dimming, and variable color controls. Sure, you can reset them later if you need to…while you’re parked.

Call us with any questions you have about setting up your receiver. When you buy from Crutchfield, you get lifetime tech support, which includes helping you figure out the controls and set up.

There’s usually a one or two button sequence that can disable the display completely and quickly. The audio still works, so your music will keep playing, and navigation apps can still tell you where to go. And it"ll automatically turn back on when you touch it.

Get used to the controls. Many folks have mentioned that there are no “muscle memory” buttons and knobs on touchscreen receivers that can be reached without looking, which is a great point. But many models actually do have handy knobs or easy-to-find toggle buttons for volume control or other important adjustments. Some of the knobs are multi-functional for a variety of settings, not just the volume.

JVC incorporates a feature called "Gesture Control" for simple, quick controls for less distraction. Some receiver makers provide for some simple “no-look” controls on the display itself. For example, JVC’s "Gesture Control" lets you swipe the touchscreen display to the right for track forward, left for track back, and a circular motion to adjust the volume – all with your eyes still on the road.

Keep your steering wheel controls in play. Since you’re probably already familiar with these factory controls, why not use them with a new receiver? We offer steering wheel control (SWC) adapters for a wide variety of vehicles and receivers. In many cases, you can actually program more functions you’d use more often into your controls.

Example: I programmed a “Pause” on my steering wheel controls to simply stop the music without reaching for the screen. It’s great for keeping my eyes on narrow drive-thru lanes.

Take advantage of voice controls like Siri and Google Assistant. While talking to your stereo can seem a little weird at first, they really do help in finding you info on the fly without a lot of distraction. Read more about voice control in the car.

Add a compatible remote control. Many touchscreen receivers work with a trusty handheld remote control. Sometimes it"s included, sometimes it"s optional. For example, once he learned the remote button layout, my Dad loved using the remote to control his stereo without looking at or touching the stereo. This from a person who asked “Why do I need a remote control for a car stereo?”

Know the driving laws in your state. It’s a good idea to reach out to your local governments to see what the rules are governing smartphone and touchscreen display use. Read our article about phone safety in the car.

Regardless of which one you choose, the elegance of a touchscreen receiver makes them fun to use and incredibly handy. Use our handy vehicle selector tool to see which stereos will fit your vehicle. And our Advisors are available by phone or chat to help you choose the right touchscreen receiver for you.

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.

If you have a smartphone and a head unit it’s obvious that you want to watch your favorite stuff on abigger screen and this is what I will help you with.

Before you start watching any movies while you are parked (right? you are parked) you need to convert the video to a specific format so you can see it in your car.

After you have plugged in the USB you might need to hit the Media Source button a few times to locate the USB. Also some cars require that your car to be stationary with the handbrake engaged. While other cars the movie is playing if the handbrake is disengaged and it only delivers the audio.

These days, people have the entire world on their phones. From messaging and staying connected to the people in your life and the world at large, the phone is a repository of several videos and multimedia elements.

It is only natural that one would want to stream something from their phone on the car screen when they are on the move. The two of the most important ways of streaming video from phone to car include USB ports and aux cables.

Car stereo systems are equipped with USB ports that allow you to connect your phone to the car’s stereo system, giving you a range of stuff to choose from when it comes to streaming.

Save all the data that you want to see on your car screen effectively on a USB port. This is the tool that you will be using to connect to your car’s stereo for streaming later.

Aux cables are one of the most commonly used tools for streaming videos, audio and music videos and movies on your car. Anything that is there on the phone can be mirrored onto your car’s stereo.

The biggest benefit of using aux cables is that you don’t have to go through the trouble of saving something on the cable. You just need to connect your aux cable to the phone and enjoy seamless streaming on your car screen. It is simple, effective and immensely popular. And now you know why!

If you are into watching and enjoying local broadcast television and have something important to watch while on the move, there is good news. There is a way you can watch videos on car screen easily without any hassles.

The installation might be slightly troublesome but it is worth the hassle if you really want to watch something. There are a number of requirements that you need to put in place should you decide to go ahead with the setup. These include an antenna, tuner and a display.

Similarly, if you wish to broadcast satellite television in your car, you need to buy a mobile antenna and a paid subscription to the service you want to stream. Though people have this in their homes, it can also be installed in cars. It is a wireless system that also gives it an edge over broadcast TV.

If you wish to play music videos in your car’s stereo, you can use some other options to do this if the above-discussed options do not appeal to you or are not working for some reason.

Bluetooth: All smartphones come equipped with Bluetooth and that makes multimedia sharing easier and simpler. Pairing devices with Bluetooth is simple and can be done in a fraction of a second.Hence, if you wish to stream a movie or music video on your car screen, you simply need to pair your phone’s Bluetooth with that of the car’s and stream whatever you wish to.

SD or Memory Card: This is one of the oldest ways of streaming audio or video on your car screen. But you would have to check if your car stereo is equipped with a card reader.If it is, all you need to do is to connect your card reader to your car’s stereo and stream anything that you want.

Car screens come in myriad shapes and sizes. If you are looking for an ultimate streaming experience, you can use the LED screen of your car for streaming multimedia.

Head Units: These are equipped for watching videos and several even have a touch feature that makes changing stuff easier and simpler and certainly faster. This is why it is one of the key features people look out for while buying or upgrading their car stereo.

Roof Fittings: Sometimes screens are fitted on the roofs of the car. These are adjustable and you can move them as you please for a seamless streaming experience.

In most cars, the head unit is equipped with DVD and CD elements and once you play them, you can watch movies on your car screen. Combination units are also adept at helping you watch movies on your car screen.

You need to put the CDs and DVDs in the combination unit set and they will stream the video for you, giving you a great experience. This is how to watch movies on car screen.

It is very convenient to play movies and music videos on your car screen if you make use of some of the most commonly available tools such as aux, Bluetooth and memory cards among others. There are several options available and you may choose as you please.

A word of caution though, you need to follow all the laws and take necessary precautions while streaming and driving simultaneously. Do not get too engrossed in watching the video that you end up in an accident.

Install Android Auto Apps Downloaded which is the simplest way to play video from any android phone to the screen of your car. You won’t require a PC nor you have to ROOT your phone. Within the app you install Fermata Auto and you’re set to enjoy videos on the big screen.

If you have an iPhone you can use the app called CarBridge. After installing it you will be able to play any video from your phone on the car screen. For Android there’s Android Auto Apps Downloaded (AAAP) after install all you need to do is within the app install Fermata Auto and you can enjoy your videos.

You can play videos on your car screen from your mobile either by using a mirroring app. What plays on your mobile is shown on the car screen. Or you get a special app that allows you to watch videos without mirroring it’s called Android Auto Apps Downloaded (AAAP) after install all you need to do is within the app install Fermata Auto and you’re set.

To watch movies on your car screen all you have to do is connect your phone via USB to the car or the USB stick to the car. With the phone you can either mirror your screen or use the head units built in apps.

All you need is to install the app called Android Auto Apps Downloaded (AAAP) after install all you need to do is within the app install Fermata Auto. Full Disclaimer you shouldn’t be watching videos while driving and this is for educational purposes only.

Yes you can play videos on your car screen. For that you need a decent head unit plus either a phone or a USB device. Additionally you might need a software to help you play videos on car screen or watch movies in car.

The easiest way to play video on Android Auto is to install the AAAD app to download and install third-party video playback apps that will work with Android Auto. I highly recommend the app called Fermata Auto.

For Androids, the best way to play videos is by installing the AAAD app. This app allows you to download Android Auto third-party apps and correctly install them. It also grants you full access to all the features of the built-in touch screen in your car. I highly recommend the app called Fermata Auto.

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.

Watch our video and read our blog for the proper wiring colors and their definitions. We explain wire-by-wire what these connections do for the installation of an aftermarket car stereo receiver.

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.