Preview of the new DriverMods site. Checkout and uploads are switched off, and the supplier page shows example orders.
2007-2011 BMW E81 Head Unit Kit
Kit for your car1 / 3

Your build

  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
All kits

2007-2011 BMW E81 Head Unit Kit

Series E81

Head unit
Display
HD IPS
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
4GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Includes all our features with impressive audio and performance that won't let you down.

Discover DM Core
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
6GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Same great performance as DM Core, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.

Discover DM Plus
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

A noticeable jump in performance and studio quality audio. For the power users.

Discover DM Pro
Display
QHD QLED, 11.5"
Chip
UIS7862S, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Big is good. If you want your head unit to be your portable cinema, this is the one.

Discover DM Max
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
12GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.

Discover DM Flagship
Compare specifications
Dash camera

Dual Cam DVR Dashcam

Two high-definition cameras record the road and cabin, giving you crisp coverage of what’s ahead and inside the car.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring

Triple Cam DVR Dashcam

Capture every angle of your journey with three high-definition cameras that record the road, cabin, and rear—so you don’t miss a thing.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring
Microphone
Extras
Delivery4–⁠11 business days
Total$790

About this kit

Early start, empty on-ramp. The OEM-match fascia suits the E81 cabin and keeps controls where you expect them. The display is fast to launch, with cues you can glance at and ignore. Built for Aussie conditions, it shrugs off summer heat soak so you can focus on the drive.

Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto via CarLink 2.0 (pre-installed).

Android head unit installed, showing split-screen maps and music

Compatibility at a glance

Years
2007–2011
Series
E81
Trims
118i, 120i, 120d
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
Hi-Fi 10 Speaker Stereo, 10 Speaker System – Professional
Camera retention
Retained if present
Market name
E81 is the 3-door hatch within the E8x generation; AU catalogues often group it under "BMW 1 Series (2004–2011)".

What’s included

  • Head unit of your choice — select your preferred tier
  • Vehicle-specific fascia — OEM-match finish
  • Core plug-and-play harness; trim-specific adapters added if your car needs them (free of charge)
  • Factory reverse camera retention (where fitted)
  • Antenna adapter (where required)

Install snapshot

Time
60 mins
Difficulty 1 to 5
2
Tools
Plastic Trim Tools, Phillips Screwdriver, 10 mm Socket

Ask a fitment question

Built for Australian conditions

AU warranty

Tuned for AU: glare, heat, rough roads.

  • Active fan & heat-sink
  • Voltage-stable power stage
  • 12-month local warranty

Features you’ll use

Clean, driver-centric layout and an OEM-match fascia keep the dash tidy in the E81. The UI is fast to launch and responsive, so guidance and audio take fewer taps. It’s tuned for daily use on Aussie roads, from weekday commutes to weekend runs.

2007-2011 BMW E81 Head Unit Kit

Driver-centric, OEM style

OEM-match fascia that suits the E81 cabin and keeps the dash tidy. Controls remain right where you expect them, with a display that sits naturally in your eyeline. The layout is built for glance and go cues, helping you focus on the drive instead of menus. Trim clips seat firmly for a solid finish.
  • Looks stock, feels sharp
  • Tidy fascia, no clutter
  • Glanceable screen position

Punch without harshness

Dial in the sound with a full EQ and per-channel time alignment for cleaner staging. The system is amp-friendly if you plan upgrades, and it plays nice with factory premium paths: compatible with Hi-Fi 10 Speaker Stereo and 10 Speaker System – Professional. Keep it subtle or tune it for a spirited run.
  • EQ and timing control
  • Clean, tight staging
  • Amp-friendly upgrade path

Quick cues, minimal taps

Wireless via CarLink 2.0 so it auto-reconnects when you hop in. Calls, messages and voice assistant are a couple of taps away, with Waze and Spotify ready for the drive. The interface is responsive, so prompts are short and clear—eyes up, hands on the wheel, and the next turn is sorted.
  • Snappy touch response
  • Low-lag voice
  • Auto-reconnect, cable-free

Torque gauges on tap

Download offline areas before a trip and keep guidance even when coverage drops. Pair an OBD2 adapter and open Torque for temps, boost and other live data on supported models—easy to glance, easy to hide. It's a driver's toolset: maps that work off-grid and gauges when you want them.
  • Maps that work off-grid
  • Gauges at a glance
  • Save data on trips

The DriverMods difference

Real performance — and real transparency

The current standard is still 28 nm—slower and hotter, with only the highest end units running 12 nm.
Our units start at 12 nm for smooth, lag-free performance (Core & Plus), stepping up to 6 nm in Pro/Max/Flagship for lightning-fast response.

  • spec transparency
  • modern silicon
  • fast boot
  • cool, stable runs
Displays you enjoy looking at

No dim, plasticky panels.
Our Plus / Pro / Max / Flagship use QLED QHD for razor-sharp maps, media, and text.
Our Core tier unit uses a bright, vivid HD IPS display—clear, clean, and easy on the eyes.

  • higher resolution
  • higher brightness
  • premium panel tech
Bigger screen, less bezel, factory-style fit

More screen, minimal bezels, tidy fascia—designed to look like it belongs in your dash.
Controls stay accessible and integration stays clean.

  • OEM-style fit
  • modern look
  • tidy install
Tuned software that makes life easy

Lean, fast, and stable—plus full customisation.
Keep our optimised setup or download and swap to a different launcher if you prefer.
With an Android OS head unit, the options are endless.

  • fast UI
  • no bloat
  • choose your launcher
Memory & storage that keep up

Gone are the days when 4 GB of RAM was “top-end.”
Ours start at 4 GB and go up from there, so app switching stays smooth.
Add maps and media with microSD expansion and you’re set for offline trips.

  • more RAM
  • smoother multitasking
  • microSD for expandable storage
Built for value, backed locally

Top-tier hardware at fair pricing, with AU support and clear documentation.
We care about the experience after install just as much as unboxing day.

  • local help
  • real warranty
  • easy ownership
Why we do it

The concept isn’t new—the standard should be.
Modern processors, better panels, lean and fast software, fair pricing.
We build head units that make driving feel effortless, not frustrating.

Checkout & shipping — how it works

  1. Order your kitChoose your preferred head unit tier and place your order.
  2. Upload a photoAfter checkout, we'll provide a link for you to easily upload a photo of your dash and any steering wheel controls.
  3. We assemble the correct kitWe confirm your exact model and include any needed adapters and the correct fascia. Correct-fit guarantee applies.
  4. Tracked shippingAU-wide tracked delivery in 4–⁠11 business days.

FAQs

Will it suit my BMW 1 Series E81 across 118i, 120i and 120d?

Yes — this kit covers 2007–2011 E81 models. The fascia is OEM-match and the wiring is designed to suit factory layouts, with steering-wheel functions and camera paths retained where fitted.

Does it work with the factory reverse camera on E81?

Where a factory camera is fitted, the integration path is retained. If your car didn't include a camera from factory, an aftermarket camera can be added during installation.

How does the display handle bright daylight and Aussie heat?

The screen is tuned for high daytime readability and the hardware is specced for local summer conditions. Use the brightness and anti-glare settings to optimise for your cabin.

Can I keep my Hi-Fi 10 Speaker Stereo or 10 Speaker System – Professional?

Yes. The audio path remains compatible with those E81 premium systems, preserving your factory amp and speakers while adding modern source options.

How long does install take on an E81, and what tools do I need?

Most DIY installs take around 45–60 minutes. Common tools: plastic trim tools, Phillips screwdriver and a 10 mm socket. No cutting is required for standard setups.

How stable is the wireless reconnect on BMW 1 Series E81?

After first pairing, CarLink 2.0 auto-reconnects quickly when you start the car. If you ever change phones, re-pair once and it returns to the same plug-free routine.

Learn more

Want to dive deeper into features and how everything works? These guides break it down and help you choose the right setup.

Compare head units

DM Core
$685
DM Plus
$790
DM Pro
$990
DM Max
$1,170
DM Flagship
$1,450
Screen size9.0 - 10.1″9.5 - 10.36″9.5 - 10.36″11.5″—
ResolutionHDQHDQHDQHDQHD
PanelIPSQLEDQLEDQLEDQLED
Brightness1100 nits1500 nits1500 nits1500 nits—
UI refresh60 Hz60 Hz100 Hz60 Hz—
CPUUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870 8x Cortex A76 @ 2.7 GHzUIS7870 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870
Processor Node Type12nm12nm6nm6nm6nm
RAM4 GB LPDDR4X6 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X12GB
Storage64 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB UFS128 GB UFS—
DSPAKM7738AKM7738AKM7739AKM7738AKM7739
Pre-outs3 × 2.5 V3 × 2.5 V3 × 4.0 V3 × 4.0 V—
Optical outNoNoYesYes—
Coaxial outNoNoYesYes—
USB 2.02233—
USB-C 3.20011—
In shortIncludes all our features and great performance that wont let you down.Same great performance, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.A solid improvement in performance and studio quality audio.Big, is good. If you want your head unit to be the focus point, this is the one.Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.