G3x/F90 10.25" display retrofit in F8x with new BimmerTech adapter: my experience

[tgb1974]

BimmerTech recently came out with a new product and I wanted to share my experience with it.

The product is called "iDrive Screen Adapter for 3/4 Series F3x" (link: https://www.bimmer-tech.net/products...dapter-f30-f32) The adapter makes it possible to retrofit the 10.25" CID display found in the G3x/F90 into a F3x/F8x.

The adapter itself is extremely well made. When completely installed, the fitment appears 100% OEM, as if the display was always meant to be there. BimmerTech's video embedded in the page (link above) illustrates how it works.

But what BimmerTech does not explain is the anything about the display itself. They offer to sell you a used one for a comically high price ($999 as of this writing--used ones in excellent condition are on eBay for less than a third of that price) but do not tell you what OEM part you will get. This is important because BMW used the G3x/F90 10.25" display in both NBTevo systems AND MGU systems. The part number varied to reflect this changeover.

While the displays themselves are physically identical, they are not technically the same. Be careful you know which one you are buying. The earliest NBTevo displays were made by Kyocera. Later, LG began manufacturing the display. There appear to be two versions of the LG-made display: one marked "SCALER" and another marked "MGU."

The difference between them is resolution. The Kyocera and LG "scaler" models operate at 1440x540 resolution (what NBTevo wants to see) while the later LG "MGU" displays operate at 1920x720 (what MGU wants to see).

Not knowing any of this, I purchased the latest 10.25" G3x/F90 display I could find, which turned out to be an MGU variant. This presented something of a mystery when I had it coded to work with my NBTevo ID 6 head unit. The head unit wanted to operate at 1440x540, but the display would only turned on if set to 1920x720. The main effect of this was that the BMW navigation maps did not display correctly: there were large borders on the right and bottom sides. (see first picture)

At first it seemed as though the MGU display was simply not compatible with an NBTevo ID 6 head unit. But that was not correct. The 10.25" MGU screen, which was never used with NBTevo, will work with NBTevo ID 6.

BimmerTech knows how to code the MGU screen to work correctly. It took them over an hour to do the coding, and they would not tell me how exactly they did it. But the key is that they were able to code the ID 6 head unit to work correctly at MGU's native resolution, which is 1920x720, even though ID 6 never came from the factory on a 1920x720 resolution display. After this coding, everything, including the OEM navigation maps, look perfect, not pixelated or weird, on the MGU display.

So, if you do this upgrade with the pre-MGU version of this display (part no. 65508715339), which is marked "SCALER" on the label instead of "MGU," you would not need this extensive coding to make it work. The older display should operate at 1440x540 resolution after about 5 minutes of coding. But, if you opt for the MGU display, you will need to have BimmerTech code it.

What's the point of getting the MGU then, you might ask. Well, the BMW map resolution appears to be far better. More map data is now visible, though the words are a touch smaller because the resolution is higher. (see second picture) If that sounds good to you, then I suggest going with the MGU display and biting the bullet with BimmerTech's coding services. However, if you do not care about map resolution (or use CarPlay, which looks the same on both versions of the display), then get one of the older non-MGU versions of the display.

Hope all this helps anyone else looking to do this upgrade. Display looks totally OEM+ in the F3x/F8x. Highly recommend!!!

[jaylazy2020]

Great feedback. Much appreciated.

I was lucky and found a screen on eBay marked scaler so I grabbed it.

Just to get the adaptor now.

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by jaylazy2020

Great feedback. Much appreciated.

I was lucky and found a screen on eBay marked scaler so I grabbed it.

Just to get the adaptor now.

Awesome. Please let us know how the coding goes with the scaler variant of the display!

The only other thing I would add to the above is that the fitment is tight (maybe even too tight) for those like me who have a full leather dash. The lower left-hand corner of the display catches the edge of the leather dash (right at the seam). It needs maybe 1mm more of clearance.

I wasn’t able to get it to sit perfectly flush but oddly enough the display doesn’t appear crooked or unlevel. So for the moment I have decided to ignore it.

[jaylazy2020]

I wish I had a leather dash! Extended leather in silver stone looks epic

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by jaylazy2020

I wish I had a leather dash! Extended leather in silver stone looks epic

Thanks. It really does look killer!

[WhiteFox]

You forgot to mention all the help I gave you on this 😉

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by WhiteFox

You forgot to mention all the help I gave you on this 😉

Indeed. WhiteFox was extremely helpful in this project. He’s a great guy.

Does your map look different with the “scaler” display?

[WhiteFox]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Indeed. WhiteFox was extremely helpful in this project. He’s a great guy.

Does your map look different with the “scaler” display?

Not that I’ve noticed but tend to use Apple CarPlay.

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by WhiteFox

Not that I’ve noticed but tend to use Apple CarPlay.

I will use CarPlay and report back if the map resolution is any higher on the MGU display.

WhiteFox Have you done the "dim_variant" coding change? If not, I highly recommend it. https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2091125

[WhiteFox]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

I will use CarPlay and report back if the map resolution is any higher on the MGU display.

WhiteFox Have you done the "dim_variant" coding change? If not, I highly recommend it. https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2091125

Need to check as think mine is already got the brightness without the night element

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Thanks. It really does look killer!

Off topic but have you had any of the leather on your dash “lift” up from the physical dash? I have 2 spots, 1 I could access easily and glue back down but the other one id have to lift a huge portion of it to get to it

[NORAGRETS]

I have the BimmerTech adapter and a scaler g30 screen coming on Wednesday

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by NORAGRETS

I have the BimmerTech adapter and a scaler g30 screen coming on Wednesday

Awesome. You should be able to code it like WhiteFox did using BimmerCode without any difficulty. Please post pics and let us know how it goes!

I am particularly interested in the resolution of the BMW map data on a scaler display. Thanks!

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Awesome. You should be able to code it like WhiteFox did using BimmerCode without any difficulty. Please post pics and let us know how it goes!

I am particularly interested in the resolution of the BMW map data on a scaler display. Thanks!

Keep u posted

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Awesome. You should be able to code it like WhiteFox did using BimmerCode without any difficulty. Please post pics and let us know how it goes!

I am particularly interested in the resolution of the BMW map data on a scaler display. Thanks!

WhiteFox did your screen fire up before it was properly coded?

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by NORAGRETS

WhiteFox did your screen fire up before it was properly coded?

It will stay blank until the coding is done.

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

It will stay blank until the coding is done.

Was worried for a second thought I may have bought a dud.

I’m still baffled that the BimmerTech adapter cost $300 😭 literally just 3D printer…that cost them all of $2 to make

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by NORAGRETS

Was worried for a second thought I may have bought a dud.

I’m still baffled that the BimmerTech adapter cost $300 😭 literally just 3D printer…that cost them all of $2 to make

Believe me, dude, I know. I couldn't decide which was worse, paying $300 for a piece of plastic or how BimmerTech is trying to charge people $999 for a USED 10.25" display when dead mint ones are available on eBay now for less than $300.

Come to think of it, that's probably why Bimmer Tech gives you very little information about the display itself (other than it's from the G3x/F90). Maybe they figure most consumers won't try to find the part numbers and go through all of the trial and error you, me and WhiteFox did to get the correct part and have it coded properly.

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Believe me, dude, I know. I couldn't decide which was worse, paying $300 for a piece of plastic or how BimmerTech is trying to charge people $999 for a USED 10.25" display when dead mint ones are available on eBay now for less than $300.

Come to think of it, that's probably why Bimmer Tech gives you very little information about the display itself (other than it's from the G3x/F90). Maybe they figure most consumers won't try to find the part numbers and go through all of the trial and error you, me and WhiteFox did to get the correct part and have it coded properly.

Love the unit.

Works perfectly.

Still blown away that piece of plastic cost $300 😂.

Screen was $300, coding $200, 3D printed plastic $300. Still worth it.

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Believe me, dude, I know. I couldn't decide which was worse, paying $300 for a piece of plastic or how BimmerTech is trying to charge people $999 for a USED 10.25" display when dead mint ones are available on eBay now for less than $300.

Come to think of it, that's probably why Bimmer Tech gives you very little information about the display itself (other than it's from the G3x/F90). Maybe they figure most consumers won't try to find the part numbers and go through all of the trial and error you, me and WhiteFox did to get the correct part and have it coded properly.

100% lol completely agree haha.

It was definitely worth it tho, ngl love having touchscreen and that big ol’ display.

I was worried that it would be sitting too close to my face w the adapter but tbh it’s perfect distance

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

Believe me, dude, I know. I couldn't decide which was worse, paying $300 for a piece of plastic or how BimmerTech is trying to charge people $999 for a USED 10.25" display when dead mint ones are available on eBay now for less than $300.

Come to think of it, that's probably why Bimmer Tech gives you very little information about the display itself (other than it's from the G3x/F90). Maybe they figure most consumers won't try to find the part numbers and go through all of the trial and error you, me and WhiteFox did to get the correct part and have it coded properly.

As far as I know they are the only ones making that adapter so they can charge what they want haha.

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by NORAGRETS

Love the unit.

Works perfectly.

Still blown away that piece of plastic cost $300 😂.

Screen was $300, coding $200, 3D printed plastic $300. Still worth it.

Awesome! Did you get the scaler unit or the MGU? Any way you could post some pictures of the fitment and some shots of the BMW map (at 800 feet scale) so we can compare the resolution output? Thanks!