The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) and its seven-seat sibling, the Gran Tourer (F46), were BMW's take on the premium compact MPV. In Spain they found their audience among families who wanted space, a raised driving position and the brand's build quality without moving up to a large SUV. Today they are highly sought-after used cars: low fuel consumption, a practical boot and an interior that has aged well.
Where the years really show is the infotainment system. Many cars left the factory without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and using your phone for navigation or music means relying on mounts and cables. A dedicated radio screen for the 2 Series F45/F46 with the NBT EVO system brings wireless CarPlay and Android Auto into the dashboard, with a finish that looks factory-fitted.
Does the BMW 2 Series F45 / F46 have CarPlay as standard?
It depends heavily on the individual car, and in most cases the answer is no. BMW was one of the last brands to adopt Apple CarPlay, and when it did, it was a paid option available only with certain navigation systems. Android Auto arrived even later.
Depending on trim level and option packs, the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer could come with:
- Business radio with a small screen and basic audio functions.
- Business or Professional navigation with iDrive, with maps that require paid updates.
- NBT EVO system on more recent cars, with a larger central display.
- Bluetooth for calls and audio, without mirroring your phone's apps.
- CarPlay as an option only on certain specific cars, and often with a paid activation.
If your car doesn't have it, you won't be able to use Google Maps, Waze, Spotify or voice-controlled WhatsApp on the original screen, which is exactly what you miss most day to day.
The solution: Android radio for BMW 2 Series F45 / F46
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Talk to an expert on WhatsAppThe radio screen for the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer with NBT EVO is designed to blend into the original dashboard, following the lines of the BMW interior. It includes:
- HD touchscreen integrated into the centre console.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: your phone connects automatically when you start the car.
- Built-in GPS compatible with Google Maps and Waze.
- Bluetooth and hands-free calling.
- FM radio and playback via USB, Bluetooth and Spotify.
- Steering wheel controls keep working thanks to the CAN Bus connection.
- Free rear camera included, very handy for parking a family car in town.
- Plug & play installation, with no cutting of the vehicle's wiring.
The product is also available in several memory configurations, for anyone who wants a smoother system with lots of apps open at once.
BMW 2 Series F45 / F46 compatibility: supported versions
The kit is designed for the first generation of the 2 Series MPV:
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45), five seats.
- BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46), seven seats.
- Cars fitted with the NBT EVO system, throughout the model's production run (2013-2019).
- Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid (225xe) engines, as the dashboard is shared.
What matters isn't the engine but the infotainment system fitted to your car. Before buying, compare the shape of your dashboard and screen with the photos on the product page. Note: the 2 Series Coupé and Convertible (F22/F23) is a different car with a different dashboard, and the new Active Tourer (U06) isn't compatible either. If your BMW belongs to another model family, you'll find every model in our CarPlay screen guide for BMW.
What does installation involve?
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Talk to an expert on WhatsAppFitting it in a BMW calls for some care with the plastic trim, but no special tools are needed.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait a few minutes before starting.
- Remove the centre console trim panels with plastic pry tools, without forcing the clips.
- Release the original screen and locate the NBT EVO system connectors.
- Connect the dedicated harness: the CAN Bus box keeps the ignition, lighting and steering wheel controls working.
- Position the GPS antenna under the dashboard and the microphone near the rear-view mirror so calls sound clear.
- Route the rear camera cable through the interior to the tailgate, if you're fitting it.
- Secure the new screen in its bracket and reconnect the battery.
- Test CarPlay, Android Auto, radio, camera and controls before refitting all the trim panels.
It's a plug & play installation: no original wires are cut, and the factory system can be refitted if you ever sell the car.
How much does it cost to install CarPlay in a BMW 2 Series F45 / F46?
Going the official route, adding CarPlay to a BMW that doesn't have it usually means a trip to the dealer to activate features or replace navigation system components, and not every car supports it. On top of that, in many cases it won't give you Android Auto.
With the dedicated kit you get CarPlay and Android Auto in a single unit, with wiring ready-made for the F45/F46 and the rear camera included. Memory options and up-to-date pricing are on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
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Message us on WhatsApp with your make, model and year and we will tell you exactly which screen fits your car. We reply in minutes.
Talk to an expert on WhatsAppDoes it work the same for the Active Tourer and the Gran Tourer?
Yes. The F45 and F46 share the same dashboard and infotainment system, so the kit is the same for both body styles.
Does it fit the BMW 2 Series Coupé or Convertible?
No. The Coupé (F22) and Convertible (F23) use a different platform and a different dashboard. This kit is only for the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer.
Will I lose my steering wheel controls?
No. The CAN Bus connection keeps the steering wheel controls for volume, track skipping and calls.
Does CarPlay work without a cable?
Yes. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless: after the first pairing, your phone connects automatically every time you start the car.
How do I know if my car has NBT EVO?
Compare your screen and console with the photos on the product page. If in doubt, send us a photo of your dashboard and we'll confirm compatibility.
View CarPlay radio for BMW 2 Series F45 / F46
You can see all the details, photos and memory options on the product page for the CarPlay and Android Auto radio screen for BMW 2 Series F45 / F46 NBT EVO (2013-2019). If you're not sure which system your car has, send us the year, body style and a photo of the screen and we'll confirm compatibility before you buy.