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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.
In This Article...
How can I tell if the iDrive software on my BMW needs to be updated?
iDrive software updates are only necessary in a few few circumstances. For instance, updating your software can be the solution if you wish to use a particular function but it isn’t supported by the current software version of your car (for instance, full-screen mode for Apple CarPlay). It might also be the answer if you experience problems with third-party hardware that isn’t made to operate with earlier iDrive software versions.
Your BMW almost never requires a software update if there is no specific problem that has to be fixed or no clear aim in mind.
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.
Can you update the software for BMW?
Benefit from ongoing compatibility with BMW Software Update. Keep up with the most recent developments by using your VIN to check for updated software that is accessible for your BMW and any connected mobile devices.
Where can I find the most recent BMW software?
The Remote Software Upgrade is fully over-the-air in operation. This means that all you’ll need to download and install the most recent upgrade package is for your BMW to be connected to the internet via your car’s SIM card.
Updates to BMW iDrive are possible?
Download any updates that are accessible on a USB drive. Place the USB drive into a USB port on your car. Select “Settings” from the menu on your iDrive device. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen after clicking “Software Update.”
The BMW Operating System 7 is available for update.
The BMW Operating System 7 will be updated to Version 21-03 through the upcoming BMW Remote Software Upgrade. Beginning on June 1st, 2021, other markets for the BMW Connected Drive will gradually be added after Germany. The upgrade will be applied to more than 20 different BMW models totaling more than 1.3 million vehicles.
What is the cost of a BMW software update?
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.
After buying a BMW, can you upgrade it?
After buying your BMW, you may easily update its software to maintain it current. The upgrades can easily be downloaded and installed using the My BMW App or the SIM card already in the car.
How can I download apps to my BMW?
Learn in this video how to use your My BMW App to download and install a Remote Software Upgrade. The process is as follows:
1. Your My BMW App notifies you via a push notice when a new software update is accessible for your BMW.
2. To save money and time, we advise using Wi-Fi to download the software upgrade.
3. In the mobile devices menu of your BMW, check your connections and pair your phone with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
4. To connect to Wi-Fi, select “New device,” “Internet, apps,” and then use your smartphone to scan the QR code.
5. As you drive, the upgrade is now uploaded to your BMW.
Follow the installation instructions on the Central Information Display once the upload is finished.
Anytime the connection between your smartphone and your car is re-established and the engine is running, the upload procedure will immediately resume. Please see the installation process in our other How-To video.
Can I add Apple CarPlay to my BMW?
With firmware beginning with iOS 7.1, Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation is available for all iPhone devices starting with the 5. You must have the optional additional ConnectedDrive Services, which include BMW apps, in order to utilize Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation in a BMW vehicle. Additionally, your BMW must be outfitted with Navi Professional.
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.
How can my BMW Connected Drive be updated?
- On the BMW website, go to the Accessories Update page.
- Utilize your BMW adapter cable to connect your computer to your car.
- The most recent BMW ConnectedDrive update can be downloaded.
- Open the app after completing the steps to complete the update.
What iDrive version do I have on my BMW?
The iDrive system’s navigation is a crucial component that makes getting from A to B simple. But since roads and sites of interest constantly change, it’s critical to maintain your BMW’s GPS maps updated if you want to get the most out of your iDrive.
Many of the most recent BMW models include over-the-air (OTA) map updates, which use the vehicle’s integrated SIM card to automatically download the most recent map data. The procedure in these automobiles is comparable to updating your smartphone to the most recent iOS or Android version; all you have to do is restart your car after your iDrive has downloaded the data.
For vehicles that do not allow OTA updates, a manual upgrade is necessary. Previously, updating BMW navigation maps required changing a DVD holding the map data. More newer vehicles include built-in hard drives that hold the data, allowing you to update your map by overwriting the hard drive’s contents. You can accomplish this with BMW by connecting a USB stick with the updated map data to the USB port in your vehicle.
It’s a good idea to determine which map version you need, which relies on your iDrive system, before purchasing a new BMW map. Use the settings menu when your iDrive navigation is open to navigate to “Navigation system version,” where you can see the region, version, and year of your current GPS data.