Let’s face it: nothing kills the vibe of a road trip like the infotainment screen of your BMW or MINI stubbornly refusing to show Android Auto. You plug in your phone, wait for the magic to happen, and… nothing. No maps, no music, just you, the open road, and some wind noise. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. Plenty of drivers have been there and, thankfully, most Android Auto not working issues are easier to fix than you might think.

Why Android Auto Might Not Show Up

Several factors can prevent Android Auto from appearing on your car’s screen. These include compatibility issues, outdated software, incorrect settings, or connection problems with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward resolving the issue, so let’s take a look at some of those right now…

Top 7 Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Fixing Android Auto on BMW iDrive

Step 1 – Check your vehicle compatibility.

Not all BMW and MINI models support Android Auto out of the box. Some may require a retrofit or software upgrade, which is especially true for older vehicles. Verify that your car’s infotainment system supports Android Auto features and check if you need a cable to connect your phone. Not every implementation is wireless.

Step 2 – Ensure Android Auto is installed and updated.

Make sure your smartphone has the latest version of the Android Auto app installed. Outdated software can cause connectivity issues and prevent Android Auto from showing up on the BMW iDrive screen. Quick thing to note though is that while we’re referring to the AA as an app here, it’s not one in the traditional sense. It’s integrated into the OS, but you can still force an update or revert it via app settings.

Step 3 – Review Android Auto settings.

Go to your phone’s settings and ensure Android Auto is enabled. Check for any restrictions or battery optimizations that might prevent the app from running in the background.

Step 4 – Check for conflicting apps.

Some third-party apps can interfere with the operation of Android Auto. Try uninstalling or completely disabling recently installed apps to see if the problem persists.

Step 5 – Update your car’s software.

As is the case with any device, outdated software on the car’s infotainment system can also cause compatibility issues with Android Auto. Check for any available updates for your BMW or MINI’s iDrive system and install them if necessary.

Step 6 – Restart your phone and car’s infotainment system.

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. We know it’s almost a meme at this point, but it actually works very often… Unpair your phone from your car, turn them off, wait a minute or so, then power them back on and try to pair them again.

Step 7 – Check connection settings.

In certain situations Android Auto not working on iDrive might be caused by the infotainment system not getting any signal or the signal being interrupted. For wired Android Auto: if you’ve got a spare USB cable, try using it to reconnect your phone. Troubleshooting a cable-free setup is going to be slightly different. If your car supports wireless Android Auto, ensure both your phone and car are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is enabled.

The Thing Is Stubborn…! The 3 Additional Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

The simple fixes didn’t work? It’s time to step it up a notch. Like with anything technical, there are also more advanced solutions for the issues with Android Auto and BMW iDrive connectivity. Since the “gentler” approach didn’t help, we’ll have to explore these – think of it as whipping out an impact wrench after a regular breaker bar failed.

Step 1 – Clear cache and data.

If Android Auto keeps disconnecting or crashes frequently, clearing the app’s cache and data might help. Go to your phone’s Settings → Apps → Android Auto → Storage, then tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.” After that, try pairing your phone to the BMW iDrive again.

Step 2 – Reset network settings.

If you’re using wireless Android Auto, resetting your phone’s network settings could resolve some connectivity issues. Problems with how the network operates may affect other connectivity methods, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Step 3 – Perform a factory reset.

As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset on your phone and BMW iDrive system. Please note that this will erase all settings and data, so only consider it if you’re willing to reconfigure everything from the ground up.

How to do it? First, the Android Auto phone.

1. Open the Settings.
2. Find the System tab and choose the Reset options.
3. In there, click Erase all data (factory reset).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Erase all data.

Your device will be restored to its original factory settings, so it might be a good idea to back up your data before attempting that. Now for resetting the BMW iDrive to its factory state…

1. Find the iDrive settings in the settings menu.
2. Navigate to the Data privacy tab.
3. Next, choose the option called Delete personal data and click Confirm.
4. Leave and lock your vehicle to complete the resetting process.

Again, remember that doing so will permanently remove all your settings and data.

Still Not Working? Consider an Upgrade

If you have a BMW or MINI and the reliability of your Android Auto is spotty or non-existent, you might consider grabbing a special retrofit to remedy that. BimmerTech’s Android Auto MMI Prime Retrofit offers both wireless and wired Android Auto capabilities, with a full-screen mode and front or rear view camera support. Since it’s a separate unit that utilizes the iDrive screen, if the display is functioning properly, you won’t have to worry about the connectivity problems you had before.

The Best Way to Fix Android Auto Not Showing Up on the iDrive Screen…

Android Auto not showing up on the iDrive screen is a common issue, but it’s usually fixable with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Start by checking compatibility, updating your apps and car software, and ensuring proper connections. If Android Auto keeps disconnecting or not connecting at all, try advanced solutions like clearing cache, resetting network settings, or retrofitting an external module. With the right approach, you’ll quickly get back to enjoying all the features of Android Auto on your BMW or MINI’s iDrive display.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post How to Fix Android Auto Not Showing Up On the iDrive Screen? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

After dabbling with electric concept cars for the past few years, BMW has finally jumped into the future with both feet by announcing the launch of its first-ever all-electric Mini. The cars, which are being constructed in BMW’s Oxford plant in England, are in production now and available for pre-order. Buyers can expect their delivery by mid-2020 at the latest.

While BMW is keen to point to proven interest from potential buyers as the reason for the launch of the new vehicle, it’s likely that emissions targets laid out by the European Union may also have had something to do with the manufacturer’s keen sense of urgency. BMW, as with all car companies, are required to reduce the emissions their vehicles are responsible for by 2020. As the emissions target is taken as an average across all models of vehicle that a manufacturer builds, selling electric cars is an obvious step towards meeting the targets.

Positively Charged?

The number of customers who have registered an interest in buying one of the new Minis has been recorded by BMW as 15,000, which wouldn’t normally suggest huge demand. BMW built and sold more than a quarter of a million Minis in 2018, so 15,000 would represent barely a fraction of that amount. Seemingly low levels of interest from the public have been blamed for holding back the development of electric cars for years. Designing and building electric concept cars costs big money to manufacturers, and without the guarantee of sales at the end of the process, that big money is a big money gamble. Car manufacturers do not tend to be gamblers. In the gambling world, slot games only make money because customers come to them and pay in more money in total than the slots pay out in prizes. If the slot games paid out a jackpot each day without making more money back in return, they would quickly be shut down. BMW doesn’t have the luxury online slots websites do – they can’t just shut production down after it’s already happened. If they’ve invested big money in a car and it doesn’t sell, they’re stuck with it.

One thing that might prove to win approval for the electric model from the public is the price, which is comparatively low at a reported £24,400, which has been slightly subsidized by a grant offered to them by the British Government in return for making environmentally-friendly cars. It remains to be seen whether that makes up for what drivers perceive to be a lack of charging station availability, and therefore a risk of simply running out of power while out on the road and therefore getting stuck. Others point out the impracticality of charging an electric car at home for those who don’t have a driveway or a designated parking space, and the fact that the cars only have a range of 300 miles at best as things currently stand. For some commuters – especially those who drive to and from London every day – that just isn’t enough.

A New Era?

If the Mini is successful, as BMW hope it will be, the internal belief within the company is that it will act as a breakthrough vehicle as the company looks to move into the future. Senior BMW figure Oliver Zipse spoke at the launch of the Mini, and indicated that reaching the point at which customers prefer electric vehicles to petrol-driven ones is one of the company’s aspirations. He specifically referred to the Mini Electric as a ‘new model offensive,’ by which we presume he meant it was a spearhead project rather than being an offensive version of the much-loved classic Mini.

Although some newspapers within the UK are reporting a huge surge in the number of electric cars sold in recent years, many of them are only telling half the story. Even selling a few hundred more electric or hybrid vehicles this year than were sold during the same period of last year would have a significant impact on sales percentages because sales figures were so low to begin with. Less than 12,000 electric cars were sold during the first six months of 2019, which accounts for less than one percent of all car sales in the UK. If less than one in a hundred car purchasers chooses to go with an electric model when presented with the option to do so, the prospects of succeeding with a new mass-produced electric model appear to be brief. BMW’s forecast of 15,000 potential buyers would be three thousand higher than the total sales of all other electric cars put together. Either the company has drummed up incredibly enthusiastic support for their new car, or their data is wrong.

Carry On Regardless

Whatever happens with the sales figures for the Mini, BMW appears to be destined to forge ahead with making electric and hybrid cars, and are pledged to do so until well into the next decade. Existing plans approved by the company call for the creation of twenty-five electric car variants over the next four of years, over half of which are required to be fully electric instead of hybrid. Whoever oversees that project will have to believe in the cause completely – and the aforementioned Oliver Zipse may be the ideal man for the job.

There will shortly be a vacancy right at the top of the command chain in BMW, with chief executive Harald Kruger already making his plans for departure, and a power vacuum beneath him. Zipse is well-regarded inside BMW for his work at the Oxford plant responsible for the production of the new Mini, and as someone with hands-on experience of overseeing the production of electric cars, it may be that he’s ultimately selected as the best contender to take the company into the 2020s.

Are you one of the potential customers who’s put their name down to buy one of the new electric Minis? Do you already have an electric car? If you don’t, would you ever consider using one? Are they a necessary product of the future, or are they just not as good as conventional fuel-driven cars? As always, you can carry on the conversation and let us known down in the comments!

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BMW stays faithful to its promises and recently declared that the all-new MINI Electric Concept, announced a couple of months ago, would march side-by-side with other exquisite models within the Group, at the upcoming 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, starting next month.

Offering a “thrilling preview of the all-new electric production vehicle,” the new MINI Electric concept is going to be a highly appreciated city car, delighting its customers with a “window into how pure-electric day-to-day mobility might look in the years ahead.”

Taking a closer look at the media gallery released by MINI, the model is going to be high-tech and futuristic from a visual standpoint and not only, adopting a racing attitude with the new “simulated air intakes” for the sport front bumper, new grille with flanked LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles or fiberglass side skirts.

At the rear, the sporty looks is complemented by the tailgate-mounted spoiler and fiberglass diffuser, adding as well the custom LED taillights with Union Jack accents. Let`s not forget of course the massive 19-inch alloy wheels which increase the concept`s aggressive attitude.

We would have appreciated some details concerning the powertrain as well, but for the moment, MINI wouldn’t comment on that. However, recent reports mentioned something about an extremely powerful electric motor, with an impressive sprint and high-performance characteristics.

BMW President Harald Kruger ensured us that he would reveal full specs at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until next week, feel free to admire the all-new MINI Electric Concept in the media gallery below!

The post This Is the Upcoming MINI Electric Concept Heading to Frankfurt Motor Show This September appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Gone are the days when we used to enjoy the real pleasure of driving a genuine MINI Cooper or Countryman.

Now, we have to stick to the new politics implied by BMW Group, which follows the current trend of building extremely wide and bulk models. And MINI follows the same idea by now manufacturing extremely wide models, and if the trend keeps on, we will eventually end up driving a genuine MINI SUV.

In fact, the 2017 MINI Countryman is a sort of an SUV, only at smaller scale, the model coming with enormous space inside that would fit a whole living room and family altogether. Even with the new look, the Countryman remains a fun car to drive and destined for family outdoor activities.

The new Countryman is bigger, way to bigger than the previous model, now standing on the BMW`s new UKL architecture and measuring 7.8 inches longer and 1 inch wider. The wheelbase has also received an extra of 2.9 inches. The new chassis automatically makes the interior quite roomy, allowing as well an increased cargo capacity, and enough space for the rear seats to fold down with a 40:20:40 split.

And the video below revealed by CarBuyer magazine highlights the car`s family characteristics. The British carmaker has now understood the need for a genuine family car and acted as such, fitting the new Countryman with plenty of items, gizmos and features destined to satisfy the needs of all family members.

The car`s main highlights remain under the hood, the 2017 MINI Countryman coming with two engines, such as the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque in the Cooper Countryman, while the MINI Cooper S Countryman packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, developing 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both mills feature a six-speed manual as standard, but can also be had with an automatic transmission as optional.

You can find out more about CarBuyer`s review in the video below!

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Along with the release of the 2017 MINI Countryman lineup at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, last September, the British based manufacturer has promised that besides the first hybrid (MINI Countryman Hybrid), it would also spawn its first hybrid, starting this year.

And if previous reports stated that the production of MINI`s first EV would start in the UK at the carmaker`s main facility, fresh news state that BMW is actually considering building the model in the Netherlands.

The German carmaker has not officially confirmed the news, but according to a report from the German Automobil Production magazine and some inside sources, it turns out that BMW is indeed planning the production of the all-electric MINI model outside the UK.

The reason is the terms and conditions imposed by the Brexit concerning the manufacturing of new electric vehicles, which are quite restrictive at the moment. Hopefully, the situation would become much clearer at the end of March.

Concerning the hint of the new facility instead of building the MINI EV in the UK, a company representative has declared that “Companies are expecting planning certainty, which will not happen in the spring. A decision has not yet fallen and depends on many factors.”

In order to carry out its plans, BMW will have to close a new deal with Nedcar, which is also helping MINI to build the Convertible, Countryman, MINI Hatchback, as well as BMW`s all-new X1 SUV. More details about the making of the MINI`s first EV will be known at the beginning of May.

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The John Cooper Works models from MINI have always been a fascination for all MINI fans, and now they have the chance of seeing the latest generation in flash, in the latest details and photos. We are looking here at the most complete JCW Countryman the British carmaker has ever created, from all points of view.

Even if MINI has started building its products bigger and bigger than before, the all-new John Cooper Works seems to be less bulker, the model now coming with a more racing feel which perfectly blends in with a street attitude.

This is mainly highlighted by the car`s new styling elements, which makes it extremely sexy and appealing to the common eye. We are looking here at much larger air intakes at the front apron, adding as well slightly revised LED headlights, while the roof rails or rear spoiler remain practically unchanged, and reminding us of the rugged design that used to make the model extremely famous.

Other important features also refer to the new 18-inch alloy wheels or the new Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers at the front, or the updated suspension, all of them contributing to the car`s agility and advanced driving capabilities.

Inside, the cabin of the all-new 2018 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman feels much more spacious and tweaked with the best materials. The interior`s main highlights refer to the JCW steering wheel, gear and headliner, all of them covered in anthracite, adding as well full panoramic sunroof, backup camera, 6.5-inch MINI Connected infotainment system or rear parking sensors.

There is also good news in the engine area as well, the British carmaker also adding a new edition to the lineup, in the shape of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-engine mill, packed to deliver 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and hooked to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.

We should be able to witness an official debut at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, starting April, with the US dealers to have it around the same period.

The post MINI Officially Launches 2018 John Cooper Works Countryman appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The all-new Countryman lineup is MINI`s best-selling model for the last six years, all versions now coming available in the United States with interesting prices and exquisite features, and after the appreciation it had in Europe, it will definitely be a blow-up in the US as well.

“The MINI Countryman has been a top selling model since it was first introduced in 2010 and we expect this new generation will be even more popular with existing owners, while also attracting new customers to the brand,” Thomas Felbermair, Vice President MINI of the Americas, declared in an official interview.

Those looking to buy the 2017 MINI Countryman, will have it at their doors starting next March, with pre-orders to kick off much earlier.

The US prices start from $26,100 MSRP for the Cooper version, this one coming with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, developing 124 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. In case this isn’t satisfying, then you can also get the Cooper ALL4, for $28,100.

Next in kin is the Cooper S with a $29,100 price tag for the 2WD version and $31,100 for the ALL4 variant. Both are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, with 189 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque.

Also, customers looking for the plug-in hybrid version, must wait for the Cooper SE, kicking off next June, with prices to be revealed prior to its arrival in dealerships.

All versions share common features, such as the 6.5-inch high-resolution display for the MINI Connected infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, Sensatec Leatherette Upholstery, Panorama Sunroof, keyless entry, parking sensors.

At the exterior, the all-new 2017 MINI Countryman also features automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear view camera, and so on. You can find out more about the new Countryman in the media gallery below!

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MINI is currently displaying some of its recent models at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, while also announcing the arrival of its long-expected MINI Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid. On the other part of the world, in home country Germany, BMW`s main subsidiary has also presented an interesting JCW Accessories kit for some of its new models.

The JCW Accessories refer to a wide range of mechanics, styling features as well as a power kit, which significantly raises the power of the Cooper S.

From a visual standpoint, the all-new Cooper S three-door and five-door hatchback, as well as the S Convertible, have received a choice of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, adding sports brake system and valve exhaust silencer, the latter one providing “a distinctive acoustic background to this increase in temperament”, as the carmaker states.

An important upgrade has been also added to the Cooper S versions, the JCW power kit raising the power from 189 horsepower to 208 horsepower. Other features also refer to new body styling tweaks, side stripes, stickers, as well as the Track Fix mount for the GoPro cameras.

Last but not least, the MINI John Cooper Works model has also received the JCW Accessories, meaning new design lines, suspension system, as well as high-performance Brembo brakes. Unfortunately, there are no interesting news concerning the power boost, the JCW coming with the same 2.0-liter flat-four turbo engine, with 228 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, enabling a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, when hooked to a six-speed manual and 6.1 seconds with an automatic transmission.

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BMW`s main subsidiary MINI released the gorgeous Countryman lineup just a while ago, with the entire models being already highlighted in latest reviews, media galleries and details. Now, the British carmaker has released the online configurator in Germany.

You can choose between the plethora of available features online, but in case you want to buy the entry-level version, then you can have it from €26,500.

The entry-level Cooper variant comes with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, developing 136 horsepower, while the Cooped D version is equipped with a 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder engine, and 150 horsepower on board. The D variant is set at €28,500, but can go way too higher if you chose additional features at the exterior as well as inside.

The ALL4 all-wheel drive system is also present online, the carmaker adding an extra €2,000, and can be had with the same Cooper entry-level trim and the much potent Cooper SD. Speaking of the Cooper SD, this lad here comes with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque on-board and plenty of high-end features inside, the same found on the rest of the lineup.

As for the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plugin hybrid, this particular variant comes with a conventional 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which an overall of 221 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque, allowing a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, via a modified six-speed Steptronic setup. As for the fuel-consumption, the model burns out just 2.1 liter for every 100 km.

The post 2017 MINI Countryman – Online Configurator Is Now Available in Germany appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

It has been a while since a MINI model has received the best appreciation and good reviews from an auto magazine, as it recently happened to the 2016 Cooper S Convertible, which is one of the carmaker`s latest super models.

We have heard before great attributes about the 2016 Coopers S Convertible and this road test put together by MotorWeek strongly confirms that this is a worth-driving kind of car. The video below is called – “Road Test” 2016 MINI Cooper Convertible – All Inclusive Droptop” and is offering an interesting view and perspective on the car`s driving dynamics and performance.

In the video, MotorWeek explains the differences in power between the Cooper and the Cooper S; the first one comes fitted with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo with 136 horsepower, while the latter one features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine and increased 192 horsepower. The difference is also reflected in the straight line run.

From 0 to 100 km/h, the MINI Cooper manages no less than 6.3 seconds with the six-speed automatic transmission, while the quarter mile is done in 14.8 seconds, which we might say that they are quite decent figures. However, the car showed extremely impressive driving capabilities.

The one thing that MotorWeek found it a little bit too much was the spicy price, but if you decide to strip off the optional features which cost a lot, then you have a decent price for one of the most outstanding MINIs. Enjoy the video!

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