Video in Motion (VIM) on BMW: What It Is and How to Get It
What Is Video in Motion?
From the factory, every BMW disables video playback on the iDrive screen as soon as the car moves faster than about 3 km/h. Video in Motion (VIM) coding removes that speed lock, so DVD, USB media, and screen-mirrored video keep playing while driving — primarily for passengers on long trips.
How It Works
The speed lock is just a parameter in the head unit. On NBT and NBTevo units it is a set of FDL values (SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MIN / MAX) coded with E-Sys; on newer MGU (iD7/iD8) units the equivalent change is applied differently but achieves the same result. Nothing is installed and no hardware is touched — it is a textbook example of reversible BMW coding.
Which BMWs Support VIM?
| Head Unit | Typical Years | VIM Support |
|---|---|---|
| CIC | 2008–2012 | Yes (legacy tools) |
| NBT | 2012–2016 | Yes — E-Sys FDL |
| NBT EVO (iD4–iD6) | 2016–2019 | Yes — E-Sys FDL |
| MGU (iD7 / iD8) | 2019+ | Yes — current-gen method |
Not sure which unit you have? Decode your VIN — the result names your head unit and lists VIM compatibility directly.
A Word on Safety
VIM exists for passengers. The driver-distraction laws of your state or country still apply to you, not to the software — treat it like any passenger-entertainment feature.
Get VIM Coded Remotely
VIM is included in our comfort-coding catalogue: request a free quote with your VIN, or get the E-Sys setup and code it yourself with our guidance during the install session.