Why I Chose Mr12Volt for My BMW E92 M3: Apple CarPlay Upgrade

"This kit worked so well on my own car that sourcing it properly is the reason CarPlay Direct exists."

Liam Biggs: Founder of CarPlay Direct

As Apple CarPlay became more popular, I started looking into ways to add it to my BMW without changing the original factory system.

Adding Apple CarPlay to a BMW E92 M3

There were plenty of BMW CarPlay retrofit options available, but I wanted something that would do more than simply add CarPlay. My BMW E92 M3 already had a great sound system, factory microphone and original controls, so I wanted to retain as much of this as possible.

All BMW enthusiasts will appreciate the quality of the car, from the Harman Kardon sound system to the simplicity of the cabin and controls. My aim was therefore to find a product that would allow me to add modern technology while avoiding alterations to the original system as much as possible.

After doing some research, I decided that Mr12Volt was the right option for my BMW Apple CarPlay upgrade. Choosing Mr12Volt was the easy part. I then acquired Mr12volt CIC kit for my E92 M3 direct from Mr12Volt, and started the process of installing the kit.

Mine uses BMW's CIC iDrive system, the version fitted to later E9x cars. The right Mr12Volt kit depends on whether your BMW has CCC, CIC or a newer system, so it's worth identifying yours before you order, our Find Your Kit page is a good place to start.

Why Mr12Volt?

One of the main things that stood out to me about Mr12Volt was its use of fibre-optic technology. Unlike some cheaper CarPlay systems that rely on an AUX connection, Mr12Volt integrates with the car's existing system.

This meant I could retain the quality of my original BMW sound system, microphone and controls while adding the modern wireless Apple CarPlay I was looking for.

My BMW is fitted with the Harman Kardon sound system, so maintaining the original audio quality was particularly important to me. Using the fibre-optic connection meant I could continue to enjoy the sound system as it was intended, rather than compromising the quality for the sake of adding CarPlay.

Another important consideration when choosing a BMW CarPlay retrofit was phone call quality. With Mr12Volt, I was able to retain the original BMW microphone, helping to maintain the quality of phone calls through the factory system.

Being able to continue using the BMW features I already enjoyed, whilst having the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay, was the definite sign that this was the right product for me.

Installing the BMW Mr12Volt System

I installed the BMW Mr12Volt system myself, following an installation guide on YouTube. The installation took a few hours, but the guide made the process straightforward.

Once everything was installed, connecting my phone was incredibly easy. I was able to connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay, giving me access to everything I wanted without having to plug my phone in every time I got into the car.

I was able to easily access my preferred navigation app, music, messages and calls directly using the controls I was already familiar with.There are additional features too, including wireless music streaming and screen mirroring as well as multimedia playback through the car's original audio system. For those who want even more control over their audio, Mr12Volt also includes a 15-band DSP equaliser, allowing the sound to be customised to your preference.

Another feature I really liked was being able to add a reverse camera. The BMW Mr12Volt system allows me to use the camera alongside Apple CarPlay, giving me a much clearer view when reversing. It adds a feature you would typically expect to find in newer cars, making the driving experience feel more modern without having to change the original setup of the car.

Is Mr12Volt Worth It?

Mr12Volt isn't necessarily the cheapest BMW CarPlay retrofit on the market, but for me, it was worth paying a little more. Since adding the system to my BMW E92 M3, the overall driving experience has massively improved. I now have the convenience and technology of Apple CarPlay, while still being able to enjoy the original features and quality of my BMW.

If you are looking for a BMW Apple CarPlay upgrade that doesn't take away from your original BMW experience, the Mr12Volt kit is, for me, the right investment. Being able to add wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while retaining the quality of the sound system, microphone and controls that I already enjoyed in my BMW made the upgrade worthwhile.

Fitting the kit myself proved how good Mr12Volt's technology is. Sourcing it proved there was a real gap for UK BMW owners: no official channel, no local warranty support, and no easy way to know you were getting genuine hardware rather than a grey-import unit.

That gap is why I set up CarPlay Direct, the official UK authorised reseller for Mr12Volt. We hold UK stock, back every kit with full manufacturer warranty, and work with a national network of approved installers, so other owners can get the same result I did without the same hassle finding it.

Getting the Right Mr12Volt Kit for Your E92 M3

Not every E92 M3 has the same iDrive system. Cars built before around 2009 ran BMW's CCC system, mine, like most from 2009 onwards, runs CIC. The two need different Mr12Volt kits, so it's worth checking which one you've got before you order rather than after, use our Find Your Kit page to identify yours.

If you've confirmed CIC, you can find the exact kit I fitted on the BMW CIC product page.

VIEW THE BMW CIC KIT