Theatre system solved - Free Streaming Solution!

[BMW5and7]

I’ve read quite a few threads on this topic, and I think I’ve found a simple way to make this rear screen fully functional without any additional e-sim streaming fees for internet signal, and yet with a neat remote control too....at least for what I need. It’s clean, easy to use, and works perfectly with YouTube, Netflix, and other apps.

Here is list of items I purchased:
1. Google TV 4K Streamer (small box) with remote control
2. Short HDMI cable
3. Short USB-C to USB-C cable
4. Double-sided tape

Setup & connections:
1. Use the double-sided tape to mount the streamer device to the back of the screen, along with the short cables (clean setup). This keeps things neat with no hanging wires. The device is slim enough that it won’t interfere or touch with the top cover when the screen folds up. When folded down, double-face tape will keep things mounted at the back side of the TV in a neat way.
3. Connect the HDMI cable from the screen to the Google 4K Streamer de ice; and Use the screen’s rear USB-C port to power the Chromecast.

Done....

Operation mode:
1.Fold down the screen.
2. Use the Chromecast remote to power it on (power button on the remote control). The screen will automatically switch to the HDMI input then.
3. You’ll now see the Google TV UI interface, with YouTube, Netflix, and all other streaming apps.
4. For in-car use, let the Chromecast connect to your iPhone hotspot just once. After that, each time you get in the car, just toggle your hotspot on and it will auto-connect and Chrome device will have live connection (will always auto-connect to any saved/known hotspot). You can even automate your phone too for this so your hotspot turns on automatically whenever your phone connects to CarPlay (use iphone automations app as an option)

Things I really liked:

• The Chromecast 4K remote is excellent. My 5-year-old can press the mic button, say “I want to watch so-and-so on YouTube,” and Google’s voice AI system assistant instantly opens YouTube, types the search automatically based on the words during the request, and shows the search results on youtube.
• Touchscreen functions for the car’s built-in features still work as normal for screen related functions. For the Google TV interface, you use the remote and the remote is actually easier to use since it’s designed for it.
• Audio plays through the car’s speakers with no issues.

Bonus items...Chromecast can also sync audio to a Bluetooth speaker. This means you could mount a small Bluetooth speaker near the rear headrests so the kids can listen to their content, while front passengers use the car’s sound system for music. Chrome device will always connect to that bluetooth speaker then. Can also use headphones.

This setup honestly works better than the factory system for me....clean install, easy to use, and super flexible. Will post photos later.

[BMW5and7]

Well, gotta admit that I found an older thread here that this is not new and someone has done it already before (photos); but still hopefully the additional detail I shared here can be useful.

I'd just add definitely go with the higher end 4K streamer than the smaller device. You'd get smart voice remote control as well as the ability to sync the sound with bluetooth speakers/headphones. The UI is much faster and smoother, 4K quality if needed, and sound processing quality is better.

[DroMike]

I opted out of the theater screen for my i7, even before reading many posts about troublesome connections, etc. I remember a few write-ups about this hack a few years back so it's great that you've refreshed it here. I'm sure many are flummoxed by BMW's preferred method of connection -- and you've educated many for their benefit. Great contribution here and very nicely laid out. Allow me to confer a virtual Gold Star or one of those KILLER new "Marshmallow Crispy Cookies" from Costco on you.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by DroMike

I opted out of the theater screen for my i7, even before reading many posts about troublesome connections, etc. I remember a few write-ups about this hack a few years back so it's great that you've refreshed it here. I'm sure many are flummoxed by BMW's preferred method of connection -- and you've educated many for their benefit. Great contribution here and very nicely laid out. Allow me to confer a virtual Gold Star or one of those KILLER new "Marshmallow Crispy Cookies" from Costco on you.

Thanks man
I’m just a random dude here and with each car I buy I tried to contribute to the community so that people will at least take me seriously when I need help too.
Bimmerpost is a great website. I think a lot of the joy and fun of owning the car would go away if these forms did not exist.

Anyway, hope this will help some owners.

[phaphaphooey]

I got my I7 back in the spring and did the exact same thing based upon the old thread. It works really well as the kids love it and it has a remote.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by phaphaphooey

I got my I7 back in the spring and did the exact same thing based upon the old thread. It works really well as the kids love it and it has a remote.

Yup.. Also I just discovered today that if I add a bluetooth speaker for the rear seat, and use the auto-sync feature of the google device with that speaker (connect the Google device to the speaker, NOT the theatre), then the remote control now can also adjust the sound up/down for whatever the theatre is streaming. Both the bluetooth speaker for rear passengers, and the car sound system (e.g.: Carplay) can run and play simultaneously and independently without interrupting each other.

[phaphaphooey]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Yup.. Also I just discovered today that if I add a bluetooth speaker for the rear seat, and use the auto-sync feature of the google device with that speaker (connect the Google device to the speaker, NOT the theatre), then the remote control now can also adjust the sound up/down for whatever the theatre is streaming. Both the bluetooth speaker for rear passengers, and the car sound system (e.g.: Carplay) can run and play simultaneously and independently without interrupting each other.

That is a great addition. In my previous Tesla, the volume would lower for the front passengers if the kids were watching something on the rear screen. In this car it continues to blare out at the same volume for all passengers. The implementation is poor. Your BT speaker idea is a good one.

[BMW5and7]

This is my final setup with short 1ft cables and double face.

[Laguna Beach]

Can I ask what make tv you chose when setting up Google tv on the set up process?

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Laguna Beach

Can I ask what make tv you chose when setting up Google tv on the set up process?

I also just responded to your message. I think you should just skip that part, or go with "auto" or just choose samsung or whatever. According to them, BMW designed the entire system in-house including the software and hardware for the screen, and since BMW is not a TV manufacturer, I doubt you'll find any options in the list unless Google Streamer will update their list.

Couple more suggestions after I've been using this setup with no issues at all for couple months now:

The best method to for the sound setup is:
1. Skip the remote configuration for now.
2. Once the home screen loads, go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Set up remote buttons.
3. Under Volume Control, change it from "Auto (CEC)" or "IR" to "Chromecast." This allows the Google remote to control the volume of the device itself rather than the car’s hardware. Then you can set your BMW’s volume to a comfortable level (around 50-70%), and then use the Google remote to adjust from there.

Also, make sure HDMI-CEC is Active. Search under the HDMI Settings (the BMW theater screen settings) and make sure the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is ON. This is helpful because it will tell the BMW screen to wake up or automatically switch input source when you press any button on the remote.

[BM8888]

Great setup you have! I've opted for 4K Amazon TV stick setup. It's small enough where you don't have to tape anything and functions same as on a regular TV, and I use my mobile phone for the hotspot, so i don't have to worry about that e-sim stuff. Works great for me, the only thing is never get a chance to sit in the back and enjoy it lol

[Alex673]

Shoot me a DM if anyone is interested in a full suite movie/show solution. Wont post details here.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Alex673

Shoot me a DM if anyone is interested in a full suite movie/show solution. Wont post details here.

I think it willl benefit many people regardless if you post it here.

I can try to do the same, but if you are willing to create the video, that’d be great.

[Carpe_BM]

I am getting a 2025 i7 with Theatre and Exec Pkg. Very much looking forward to the huge screen in the back to keep the Mrs and daughter busy.

In my current iX45, I'm using OttoCast that does a hotspot connection so could I do the same here? I'll just switch it back and forth between the cars when needed...

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Carpe_BM

I am getting a 2025 i7 with Theatre and Exec Pkg. Very much looking forward to the huge screen in the back to keep the Mrs and daughter busy.

In my current iX45, I'm using OttoCast that does a hotspot connection so could I do the same here? I'll just switch it back and forth between the cars when needed...

You?ll love it. This is the most (truly usable) rear entertainment system I?ve ever had, and most of my cars and sedans had rear seat entertainment recently. The size of the screen and location with the rear seats reclined is the key.

With the google 4K streamer, the hotspot setup was easy for me. I simply created an automoation on my iphone to follow this scipt: if BMW Carplay is connected, turn on hotspot. And then to do the opposite when Carplay is off. The key is that when am in the car, carplay is always on, and then that turns on hotspot automatically.

If someone is sitting in the rear, as soon as the TV is tured on, the TV detects the HDMI signal from the Google TV streamer (which is also powered by the USB-C at the rear of the TV, and then it auto-connects to my phone hotspot as long as hotspot is on (which is automated). All of this is technically free (or no extra charge) to me, and also fully automated. On top of that, my rear screen now becomes a smart TV with google UI enterface which will never get outdated as it?s now a google-based software streamed on the car, and there is also a remote control for the Google Streamer? It just can?t get better no matter what BMW will do next. Flawless really for how am using it.