BMW E90 3 Series CarPlay: Options for CCC and CIC Cars

The E90-generation 3 Series (E90 sedan, E91 Touring, E92 coupe, E93 convertible) spans the move from CCC to CIC iDrive. If your car has the factory navigation screen, a CarPlay interface may be able to bring modern apps to it — but the system makes a big difference.

CCC or CIC?

Earlier E90-family cars with factory navigation typically used CCC, and later cars moved to CIC. CIC has the sharper screen and vertical-list menu. Each needs its own interface, so identifying yours comes first.

Use our iDrive identification guide or send us a photo of your screen.

What if my E90 has no screen?

A retrofit interface works with an existing factory display. If your car has no iDrive screen at all, an interface on its own is not the right product — let us know what you have and we will tell you honestly what is possible.

Setting expectations on older cars

• Older screens are lower resolution than modern displays, so CarPlay looks good but not phone-sharp.
• Touch is not added to a non-touch screen; you use the iDrive controller for supported functions.
• Audio routing is confirmed for your car before dispatch.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add CarPlay to an E90 without navigation?

An interface needs a working factory display. If your car has no screen, it is not the right product on its own — ask us and we will explain your options.

Is CIC better than CCC for CarPlay?

Both can be supported with the correct interface. CIC has a sharper screen, so the result usually looks better.