[2013M3]

I know there are a few threads out there but not sure I have the complete picture so starting a new one, 2024.

I have 2020 M50i with RSE.

So in order to watch movies on the RES here are options:

1) get DVD/blu Ray and plug it in and just watch. This is old school and limits what you can watch.
2) get a usb drive and store movies as MP4. If so, how do you convert movies to MP4? most streaming services don’t let you save them in Mp4. Is there a legal and safe way to save movies from streaming services to MP4?
3) HDMI connection: I’m already paying for disney, hulu, paramount, apple tv, netflix etc, which I can watch on my ipad (after downloading stuff on to the ipad), I have to get ROKU or firestick? Seems easier just to watch it on an ipad.

Seems like never ending format war.

Anyone have an easy way around this? Or did everyone just give up the RSE and use ipads?

[bmrguy03]

Does yours not already have the blu-ray player installed? Mine does and I just put in blu-rays or DVDs for the kids to watch.

As far as HDMI, I currently use an Apple AV (audio/video) adapter for the iPad which has its own internet connection to stream.

[Jerry333]

firestick works for me

[Next Level Auto Brokers]

I use the apple AV adapter as well and the kiddos love it
also keeps me from looking at my phone when driving

[bmrguy03]

Originally Posted by Next Level Auto Brokers

I use the apple AV adapter as well and the kiddos love it
also keeps me from looking at my phone when driving

I tried the official Apple adapter but was disappointed when it didn’t allow you to charge at the same time. I was able to get Best Buy’s version for $11 slightly used and it works perfectly. Another cable I’ve tried and use primarily is an aftermarket USB C to HDMI for the Nintendo switch off of Amazon for $20. I just plug my usb c charging cable into it and works great. It also looks a lot cleaner with just one cable. Be sure to get the brand with the gold plated connector. The other brand wouldn’t let me stream due to not have some kind of copy protection chip.

[Cam330i]

Originally Posted by bmrguy03

Does yours not already have the blu-ray player installed? Mine does and I just put in blu-rays or DVDs for the kids to watch.

As far as HDMI, I currently use an Apple AV (audio/video) adapter for the iPad which has its own internet connection to stream.

Hellooo,

A lot of people don't know this, but MY19 and MY20 X7's come standard with "CD Player Prep" (65A), which allows the use of CD's/DVD's! However, MY19 and MY20 X7's that are equipped with the Ambient Air Package (4NM) will LOSE their CD/DVD player - this can be found on the pricing guides for North American X7's for MY19 and MY20. That said, if the Original Poster (OP) has the Ambient Air Package, then his/her/their X7 will not have a CD/DVD player!
NOTE: If you look at the window stickers for any MY19 or MY20 X7, you'll see the "CD Player Prep" listed as being standard!
NOTE: Ambient Air Package basically integrates a fragrance into the vehicle's climate control system

My uncle recently got a 2024 i7 - xDrive60 and this marks the first time the Rear - Seat Entertainment (now called: BMW Theatre Screen) has returned and I'll summarize it by telling the OP that they're not missing out on anything - I used an iPhone to HDMI cable, which allows you to screen mirror your phone to the TV and the only problem I have is using Apple TV (I have two movies downloaded on my phone) and I just get a black TV screen, audio from the TV, and visuals on my phone and I've tried this on many HDMI Tv's and a few 7's with the Theatre Screen and I get the same results; I'm sure its probably something with my phone, but oh well.

Now Ironically, funny, and sadly enough, the Ambient Air Package, the Rear - Seat Entertainment system, AND the CD Player ALL have disappeared since MY20, and at this point, I think many have forgotten that they were available once upon a time! lol

If the OP is NOT tech-savy and has low patience dealing with technology, I would just enable the hotspot on my X7
(Communication --> Mobile Devices --> Bluetooth settings --> enable Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspot) and just mount an iPad on the back
NOTE: I drive a 2021 330i with the Wireless Charging option and I opted to enable my car to function as a hotspot - its from AT&T, and not only is it unlimited data, I pay like $20 a month for it and this was after they offered a $5 discount - it was originally $25 a month and I believe if my memory serves me right, you can have up to 5-7 devices all connected to the Wi - Fi hotpot all at the same time and should not experience any noticeable changes with internet speed.

Anyways, I hope this helps y'all out!

PS - Rear - Seat Entertainment is not dependent on the CD player and so I've encountered a few X7's that have RSE AND Ambient Air and so the system can still be used without the CD player!

Best,
Cameron

[bmrguy03]

Originally Posted by Cam330i

Hellooo,

A lot of people don't know this, but MY19 and MY20 X7's come standard with "CD Player Prep" (65A), which allows the use of CD's/DVD's! However, MY19 and MY20 X7's that are equipped with the Ambient Air Package (4NM) will LOSE their CD/DVD player - this can be found on the pricing guides for North American X7's for MY19 and MY20. That said, if the Original Poster (OP) has the Ambient Air Package, then his/her/their X7 will not have a CD/DVD player!
NOTE: If you look at the window stickers for any MY19 or MY20 X7, you'll see the "CD Player Prep" listed as being standard!

NOTE: Ambient Air Package basically integrates a fragrance into the vehicle's climate control system

My uncle recently got a 2024 i7 - xDrive60 and this marks the first time the Rear - Seat Entertainment (now called: BMW Theatre Screen) has returned and I'll summarize it by telling the OP that they're not missing out on anything - I used an iPhone to HDMI cable, which allows you to screen mirror your phone to the TV and the only problem I have is using Apple TV (I have two movies downloaded on my phone) and I just get a black TV screen, audio from the TV, and visuals on my phone and I've tried this on many HDMI Tv's and a few 7's with the Theatre Screen and I get the same results; I'm sure its probably something with my phone, but oh well.

Now Ironically, funny, and sadly enough, the Ambient Air Package, the Rear - Seat Entertainment system, AND the CD Player ALL have disappeared since MY20, and at this point, I think many have forgotten that they [...]

The CD player is separate from the Blu-ray/DVD player. The CD player goes into the glove box hence to the deletion of CD player prep if ambient air package is chosen. The blu-ray/dvd player is behind the center console next to the headphone jacks and the HDMI port.