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2008-2013 BMW E88 Head Unit Kit
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  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
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2008-2013 BMW E88 Head Unit Kit

Series E88

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

Long stints and back roads with the roof down; the OEM-style fascia looks at home in the 1 Series Convertible. The display is responsive and easy to glance at between cues. Built for Aussie summers, it handles heat without fuss. Less fiddling, more highway rhythm—set it up once and just 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
2008–2013
Series
E88
Trims
120i, 125i, 135i
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
Hi-Fi 10 Speaker Stereo, Hi-Fi - Harman/kardon Surround Sound System
Camera retention
Retained if present
Market name
E88 is the convertible within the E8x generation; AU listings often group it under "BMW 1 Series (2004–2013)". AU sale years for the convertible run 2008–2013.

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
Trim-Removal Tools, Phillips Screwdriver, 10 mm Socket

Ask a fitment question

Built for Australian conditions

AU warranty

Built for Australian touring: stable UI and solid mounting.

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

Features you’ll use

Weekend runs into regional roads? Save map areas before you go and keep guidance when reception dips, without micromanaging screens. The interface stays responsive over coarse surfaces and corrugations, so prompts remain readable with the roof up or down. Built for long stints, not just short commutes.

2008-2013 BMW E88 Head Unit Kit

OEM-style, solid fit

Built to sit naturally on the 1 Series Convertible dash, the OEM-style fascia gives a solid, rattle-free install for long runs. Controls stay where you expect them and the display sits in a sensible eyeline. Trim clips seat firmly for a tight finish, so the cabin feels stock even over patchy roads.
  • Solid touring mount
  • OEM-style, tidy look
  • Stable over vibration

Clear at highway speed

Highway speed needs clarity. Use the graphic EQ and per-channel time alignment to pull the stage forward and clean up the mid-bass. The system is amp-friendly for future upgrades, and it's compatible with Hi-Fi 10 Speaker Stereo and Harman/kardon Surround Sound paths. Crisp without harshness, even with the roof down.
  • Clear at speed
  • Time alignment control
  • Amp-friendly upgrade path

Hands-free on the road

Go hands-free with wireless via CarLink 2.0: it reconnects when you start the car, so you're not fishing for a cable. Calls and messages take a couple of taps or a quick voice command. Google Maps and Spotify come up fast, and prompts stay readable while you watch the next turn.
  • Quick wireless reconnect
  • Low-lag voice control
  • Minimal taps on trips

Works when reception doesn't

Save offline map areas before a trip and keep guidance when reception fades. Pair an OBD2 adapter and use Torque to check coolant temps, basic fault codes and, on turbo models, boost. The gauges are easy to glance at and hide again. It's built for touring: maps when you're off-grid, data when needed.
  • Map areas offline
  • Gauges when needed
  • Save data off-grid

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 Convertible E88 across 120i, 125i and 135i?

Yes — this kit covers 2008–2013 E88 models. The fascia is OEM-style and the wiring is designed to suit factory layouts, with steering-wheel functions and camera paths retained where fitted.

Can I keep my Hi-Fi 10 Speaker or Harman/kardon system on E88?

Yes. The audio path remains compatible with those premium packages, preserving your factory amp and speakers while adding modern sources and tuning control.

How does the screen handle bright sun with the roof down?

The display is tuned for daytime readability, and anti-glare/brightness settings help in open-top driving. Mounting is solid so prompts stay steady over rough surfaces.

Does it keep the factory reverse camera or allow adding one?

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

How do offline maps help on regional trips?

Download map areas before you leave and guidance continues even when coverage drops. It's ideal for regional touring and trailhead runs.

How long does install take on an E88, and what tools are needed?

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

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.