BMW Theater Screen – Not Just a Glorified Backseat Screen!

When it comes to automotive innovations, there is a fine line between practicality and spectacle which often happens to blur. Wondering whether the BMW Theater Screen is an actual groundbreaking feature or rather a pricey gadget? In the following article, we’ll delve into the world of backseat screens and try to establish whether they’re a true must-have or simply a gimmick. 

So, without further ado, let's address the elephant in the car right away… 

Backseat Screen – A Useful Feature or a Gimmick?

It is always all about the needs and the upgrades available. If you are driving a sporty BMW Z4, you don’t even have to bother. No backseats – no problem, right? However, when it comes to models such as the BMW 550i or BMW M760e, things get much more tempting, turning the backseat screens into a practical solution. 

Picture this: It’s the weekend. You're embarking on an adventure with your family and kids. Imagine being able to keep your passengers entertained throughout the whole journey, without losing focus on the road or answering the “Are we there yet” question for the 50th time. Sounds good, right?

Well, some people find it a godsend when it comes to infants or toddlers during long trips. Others however point out that having backseat screens attached to the headrest is not the most practical solution. 

It also costs a grip when it comes to replacement or repairs and many times the software doesn’t allow passengers to use the most recent apps or play video games. Everything boils down to picking a solid option for your BMW that will serve its purpose.

BMW Rear Seat Entertainment Professional

In vehicles equipped with iDrive 7.0 or its later versions, you can add Rear Seat Entertainment Professional System – an optional feature that grants backseat passengers direct access to various infotainment functions with the freedom to individually select preferred media and entertainment sources within the vehicle. 

The Rear Seat Entertainment Professional consists of dual touch-sensitive HD OEM screens (1920×1080 pixels) – located in the back of the front seats’ headrests. In the entertainment package, which can cost an equivalent of well over $2,000 in Europe, they also come with a pair of wireless headphones and a remote.

No matter whether your passengers prefer Netflix, Hulu, or HBO, the BMW RESP package is the real deal. Even though it does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay directly, you can rely either on screen mirroring or use Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick to simply stream content via the Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Rear Seat Entertainment Professional comes along with a whole bunch of different media connections like USB, HDMI, or 3.5 mm, all located in the rear armrest. In addition to a good old CD/DVD/Blu-Ray player, the BMW RESP gives your passengers an opportunity to watch TV, play Xbox or PS5, or even surf the internet during the ride. 

Pretty cool, right? But that’s not all! 

With the RESP feature onboard, your passengers can also pick their preferred media source and share, accept, or reject the content between the screens. If you want it onboard, you don't have to buy it strictly from the dealer. 

Thanks to the different aftermarket options available, you can obtain this upgrade whenever you need. It is worth noticing, however, that factory-installed systems tend to cost a little more than the aftermarket ones (up to $2,000 more per package). On the other hand, factory-installed systems are no-risk products covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so it’s worth considering.

One way or another, the Rear Seat Entertainment Professional package is available for most of the 4-door BMW models released after 2018 (new X5s, X6s, 5 Series, and 7 Series). The only key here is to have updated iDrive OS onboard (older than the 7.0 version) and backseats.

The Future of In-Car Comfort? BMW 7 Series Theater Screen

Ever wondered what luxury feels like? The Bavarians always like to take things one step further when it comes to technology. In this case, they created the BMW 7 Series Theater Screen. It isn't just an ordinary backseat entertainment system – it's a statement.

With the 2023 BMW 7 Series Theater Screen, you're not just watching a movie; you're in your very own cinema on wheels. The 31.3-inch display allows your passengers to enjoy their favorite film in a resolution of up to 8k (7680×2160 pixels) within the grasp of a hand, thanks to touchscreens located beside each of the door handles. It also features 5G connectivity, up to 128 GB of storage available for offline content, and an Amazon Fire TV for optimal performance and practicality. But that’s not all. 

As soon as the display folds down, blinds automatically cover the rear window, the lights dim, and the special sound sequence is played composed by the one and only Hans Zimmer. Imagine taking a pit stop, during a cross-country trip, and joining your kids in a cinema-like experience or simply relaxing with the latest shows on Netflix, Hulu, etc. Now, that’s what we call a groundbreaking feature!

But hold on a minute – is this grandeur more than just a theatrical display? Are those captivating visuals and crisp audio merely a ploy to dazzle passengers, or does the BMW Theater Screen truly redefine in-car luxury and utility? In our opinion, this isn't just about adding glitzy features. It's about staying at the frontier of technological advancement and curating a unique driving experience that marries comfort, entertainment, and practicality in a way that only BMW knows how. Under those terms, the BMW backseat screen is a true game changer. 

How To Use a BMW Theater Screen? 

After spending a pretty penny on this game-changer, it is at least good to know how to set it up, right? It’s actually quite simple! First, ensure you're logged into the BMW APP on both your smartphone and vehicle. 

The integrated BMW Theater Screen relies on 5G connectivity from your vehicle's personal eSIM. Ensure it's activated. Next, activate rear operation via touch command for the ultimate experience. 

Use iDrive to enable rear screen operation. Navigate to System Settings → Rear Settings and activate "Rear Operation via Touch Command." Now, the backseat passengers should be able to use the BMW Theater Screen freely. It can be done through iDrive, the touchscreen panel in the rear doors, and touch commands as well. 

To watch your favorite shows inside your BMW, select "Fire TV" and choose "Fold Down via Theater Mode" for setup. Once in position, your screen will automatically adjust seat positioning, shade darkness, and lighting for an immersive experience. 

There we go! Now the only thing left is account activation. Start by signing in to your Amazon account on your mobile device, transfer the activation code displayed to your BMW Theater Screen and you are good to go. Your Theater Screen should now be officially registered.

Wondering how to control your prestigious backseat entertainment system? Use the touchscreen! It allows you to navigate Amazon Fire TV, interact with Amazon Prime content, and adjust brightness and zoom scale. Tilt and positioning of the screen can be adjusted with controls or touch commands.

For additional streaming services, you can utilize the on-screen remote control to navigate menus, make selections, and control playback. Tap to remove it when done. When finished, fold up the screen for easy storage. Want to know what it should look like in real life? 

Here is the video on how to do it: 

2023 BMW Theater Screen Price – How Much Does It Cost?

Alright, let's talk numbers. You might be thinking, “All this glitz and glam must cost a fortune." … and that’s quite true. The BMW Theater Screen package comes with an eye-watering price tag. This premium experience is available for an intimidating sum of $4,750. 

Headphones for BMW Theater Screen

The BMW Theater Screen has two connection ports, so you can listen to audio using up to two wired headphones with standard sockets or via the vehicle's speaker’s system. Not a fan of entangled cables? Passengers can pair two wireless headphones instead via Bluetooth connection. Which have to be bought, however, either separately or with the whole BMW entertainment package. 

Bavarians Aren’t the Only Ones

Let’s not fool ourselves here… The best brands in the automotive world are all trying to at least slightly improve the in-built entertainment systems they implement inside their cars. It's a trend that's taking the driving world by storm, and it's not exclusive to one set of wheels. Screens stuffed into the backs of the front headrests used to scream technology. Nowadays, such displays look as nostalgic as portable DVD players from the quirky ‘90.

While many manufacturers seem to have thrown screens onto seatbacks without much thought, a few exceptions stand out. Chrysler and Honda, masters of minivan comfort, are also doing rear-seat entertainment in the right way. 

Their systems offer modern conveniences like high-res inputs, Blu-ray, and HDMI, while also cleverly hiding the screens. In the Pacifica, they swivel 180 degrees upward from the seatback, while the Odyssey features a single widescreen unit that swivels downward from the roof and can split the screen in half.

Toyota and Kia also participate in the innovation race, offering split-widescreen setups and integrated apps and streaming services. Honda takes it up a notch, introducing the CabinTalk app, allowing drivers to pause or mute the rear-seat entertainment for important announcements. 

But the cherry on top is the Kia with built-in Netflix and Hulu, while the Pacifica keeps kids engaged with the "Are we There Yet?" feature. These ingenious features ensure that family journeys are no longer dull affairs, but enjoyable adventures for all.

Other Ways of Watching Movies in Your BMW

Sure, the backseat screen is a star, but it's not the only way to catch your favorite shows on the road. With BimmerTech’s help, you can access YouTube and Netflix on your iDrive screen. It's like having a personal tablet right there in your car. So, whether you're parked for a quick break or simply enjoying the journey, entertainment is just a touchscreen away.

Using iDrive Screen for YouTube & Netflix

If you've ever tried kickin' back with a Netflix binge on your BMW's CarPlay, you've probably hit a roadblock. Well, guess what? While we don't have a backseat screen retrofit yet, we do have a way for you to watch videos and movies in your BMW.

Here's the deal: Streaming services play nice with digital media players like Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV. While you're used to these gizmos making your living room cozy, BimmerTech’s CarPlay MMI PRO lets you take that magic on the road too!

The sweet thing is that the MMI PRO comes with an HDMI port as standard gear. That means you can hook up a bunch of video-playing gadgets. You can attach your smartphone and play some YouTube videos or display the downloaded series from Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and many more. And it ain't just media sticks – you can even beam content from your laptop or fire up a Nintendo Switch right on your iDrive screen. So, rev up your ride and turn it into a TV with the help of our CarPlay MMI PRO upgrade!

BMW Backseat Screen Retrofit – Would You Want One?

Already a proud BMW owner, but don't have the Theater Screen? No worries, the retrofit option is here to save the day. Whether you're craving the comfort of a luxury cinema or simply want to keep the little ones entertained, these screens are here to rev up your ride in ways you never thought possible. Get ready to hit the road and enjoy the show!

For us at BimmerTech, it's not just about catching up with the latest releases; it's more about upgrading your whole driving experience. That is exactly why we are thinking about introducing a solution similar to the BMW backseat screens in our own portfolio. We'd love to hear from you: Would this be right up your alley? Would you be interested? Let us know what you think in the comments section!