It costs nothing to update the software on your BMW through BMW ConnectedDrive. The iDrive software update from BimmerTech starts at $249.
There are three ways to update the software on your BMW iDrive:
- With the iDrive software upgrade from BimmerTech
- through the webpage for BMW ConnectedDrive
- by means of the BMW ConnectedDrive App
By 2022, BMW will have updated its software to version 21-07. The most recent BMW software updates will always appear on your BMW control panel and My BMW App if you wish to stay informed.
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BMW Software Update: Please download the update and use a USB stick to transfer it to your BMW.
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According to the mobile devices, there may be a wide range of compatibility between mobile devices and your BMW’s vehicle interfaces (Bluetooth(r), USB, or WiFi). Your smartphone or tablet’s hardware and software components will determine compatibility.
Industry-wide communications standards serve as the foundation for all BMW features. Lack of support for a standard by your mobile device could result in functional limitations. It might not always be possible to use your smartphone or tablet through the in-car interface. There may be periodic disturbances in exceptional circumstances. The size of the phone book, the SIM card being used, the individual network operator, different rules, or the mobile device’s operating mode are all potential contributing factors.
Please be aware that each country may have a different level of function availability. BMW is unable to bear responsibility for your mobile device’s unrestricted compatibility and functionality with car interfaces.
The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. is the registered owner of the Bluetooth word mark and logos. A license agreement governs all of the BMW Group’s use of the marks in this manner.
For 3.3 million cars, BMW has a free remote software update available.
BMW has been promoting software upgrades over-the-air (OTA) ever since it was one of the first automakers to offer them in 2019. Remote software upgrades are progressively becoming the standard as the company’s most recent models become more and more connected. A free update that unlocks additional features will be accessible starting in the middle of May for more than 3.3 million eligible automobiles worldwide.
It is compatible with more than 30 models that have both the newest iDrive 8 installed in newer BMWs and the older generation infotainment system. As an illustration, the iX gets the QlockTwo widget, which employs a word matrix to display the time (duh!) in writing every five minutes. There are discretely lighted spots in each corner of the matrix that represent additional minutes. It is available in no fewer than 16 different languages and uses the iDrive’s language by default.
The i4 receives the BMW IconicSounds Electric soundtrack, which was created by none other than Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. The 8 Series also gets updated software to enhance the Iconic Glow, the brand name for the illuminated kidney grille.
By detecting when the driver wishes to return to their lane after passing another vehicle, the remote software upgrade for this month improves the Lane Keeping Assistant. While doing this, the system will no longer correct the steering; instead, it will just vibrate the steering to produce a haptic feedback. In relation to that, the steering intervention has become smoother because the speed at which the vehicle is departing its lane determines the severity of the steering input.
A widget with a variety of capabilities for the home screen of smartphones operating on iOS and Android is included to the May version of the My BMW app, which shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to install. Owners will be able to unlock their car or turn on the climate control by simply tapping on the home screen to perform some remote functions, for example.
A software update for BMW adds new capabilities
Millions of BMW customers will benefit from new features thanks to a new software update the company has announced for a variety of its vehicles.
According to the firm, the update will include a new QlockTwo widget, a function taken from the BMW iX, as well as a number of other new features.
Since most people’s lives have been affected by digitalization for some time now, routine over-the-air upgrades have become commonplace. Updates give users access to new features, increased security, or improved usability. In 2019, the BMW Group introduced Remote Software Upgrades, making it one of the pioneering manufacturers in the globe. It can now change every single line of programming code in its vehicles that support upgrades. Customers can now more easily add functions as needed or activate them for a brief period of time thanks to this. Through “BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades,” such as for driver assistance systems or comfort features, BMW is continuously enhancing this offering. From mid-May onward, BMW will provide another free remote software upgrade for vehicles that can receive them. More than 3.3 million BMW vehicles globally with Operating System 7 and 8 are now upgrade-compatible due to the fact that the number of eligible vehicles rises with each new BMW model.
The link provided below will provide further information on each of the new features that BMW is introducing in this new software update.
FAQ. THE KEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES REGARDING BMW REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE.
All automobiles equipped with the BMW Operating Systems 7 and 8 qualify. Over 20 different BMW models total.
* Depending on the country, the vehicle’s model, its equipment, and its condition, different upgrades may have different requirements.
The hardware that is installed in your car determines whether it can receive the BMW Remote Software Upgrade. This is possible in almost all vehicles running BMW Operating Systems 7 and 8. If your car is one of them, you can quickly and easily find out. To accomplish this, choose “My Vehicle” > “Settings” > “General Settings” > “Remote Software Upgrade” from the vehicle’s menu. Use this feature if “Remote Software Upgrade” is shown.
It is a free software update for the car that makes sure your BMW is always up to date while it is still under warranty. A BMW remote software upgrade may come with new functions, functional upgrades, and quality improvements. Depending on the country, the type of vehicle, its equipment, and its state, the material may change.
You will receive a push notice on your BMW’s Control Display as soon as fresh software is made available for it. To find out what content is being updated or what features are being added, open the upgrade. Make sure your car is securely parked and won’t be utilized for the next 20 minutes before the upgrading begins. Installing the upgrade is as simple as following the directions on the Control Display.
The BMW Remote Software Upgrade instantly downloads the new software while you are driving using the SIM card in your car. You will be asked to confirm the installation of the new software and to launch it after the download is finished.
The entire installation and upgrade process only takes about 20 minutes once the download is complete (length depending on your internet connection or network coverage while driving). Your vehicle is not operational during the installation. Before your subsequent journey, you will be alerted that the upgrade was successfully installed. You can now go back and view the upgrade’s contents if you like.
Due to hardware limitations, the BMW Remote Software Upgrade is factory installed; a subsequent purchase is not feasible.
BMW Charges For Software Update To Prevent Blinding Oncoming Drivers
The automotive counterpart of DLC is not only provided by BMW in their vehicles. Although other automakers have considered it, the Bavarian brand has fully embraced the idea of charging extra to unlock certain features. However, you may anticipate that safety-related considerations, like not blinding approaching vehicles, would be included for no additional cost. Wrong.
The Verge recently featured a tweet from Jake Groves of Car Magazine, who discovered that BMW was charging for the ‘high beam assistance’ option, which was previously built into the car but could only be accessed by paying a fee. With one caveat: it’s only usable after making a purchase at the Connected Drive online store. BMW had already been utilizing the “high beam assistance” technology as an optional add-on for more than a decade but has now integrated it into all their vehicles.
BMW owners will need to pay an additional PS160 ($220), which will be used to acquire an over-the-air software update. However, this is a one-time payment rather than a recurring one. The fact that other drivers must rely on BMW owners to order this premium in order to prevent their eyes from becoming seared in the middle of a drive irritates the author the most.
Additionally, there is minimal probability that legislators will even blink an unblinded eye. Due to the lack of interest on the part of the US government, suing the automaker would likely have little to no impact. “In fact, adjustable beam headlights, a separate technology, are still prohibited in the US. While we hold our breath in anticipation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) final pronouncement on whether to even permit them, much less encourage their use, “so ends this piece.
Why should I update the software on my BMW?
A BMW’s performance is correlated with its core software; an update to this software could have an impact on how well the car performs, or if done incorrectly, could render it completely inoperable. As you can see, there is a solid reason why only authorized BMW dealerships or shops are allowed to carry out major software updates on your vehicle. Unless there is a problem with the car that necessitates the update in order to fix it, the main software update is typically not required. If a problem arises with the computer in the car, it should be taken to a BMW automotive specialist who is qualified and certified in working with European luxury cars and who has the necessary tools and technological know-how to carry out such an upgrade.
Does updating BMW software make sense?
Generally speaking, software upgrades ensure that your BMW is always maintained current. Basic functionalities may occasionally require code review and bug fixes, but data and content will always be consistent.
How can I get a free map update for my BMW?
Several times a year, changes to the maps are released. They are offered in the BMW Shop as a one- or two-year subscription. If you have a current subscription, you can use the BMW Update Manager to obtain the most recent refresh from the BMW Connected Drive portal and update your map data. You’ll need a 64GB FAT-32 formatted USB drive and the methods below to accomplish this.
- First, use the icon in the site top to connect into your My BMW Account. Go to “My Vehicles” by navigating.
- Choose the vehicle for which a map update is desired.
- Go to the “Map update” section. If a new map version is available, a notification will appear.