BMW Z4 - Radio Upgrade

4 Aug

Written By Michael Benda

Original Setup:

Factory Radio w/out Display

New Setup:

10 inch HD Touch Screen w/ Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Replaces Top Compartment)
Reversing AHD Camera w/ Moving Guidelines

Parts Used:

10 inch HD Touch Screen to suit Z4
idrive Controller
AHD Reverse Camera

Upgrade Details:

This older BMW coupe still looks great, but back in the day, it came with no fancy tech—just a basic AM/FM radio and an AUX port. For this upgrade, we had to remove a large section of the dash to replace the compartment above the air vents and install a 10-inch touch screen.

To make the system even more user-friendly, we added an iDrive-style controller, replacing the small key holder compartment in the centre console. Just like in newer BMWs, this gives you full menu control without needing to reach over, using a rotary knob near the gear shifter to easily navigate the system.

To finish things off, we installed an AHD reverse camera that activates automatically when reversing, complete with moving guidelines that turn with the steering wheel—making parking and tight manoeuvres much easier.