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. In the past, BMW navigation maps had to be updated by switching a DVD with 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.
Beforebuying a new BMW map, it’s good to examine which map version you require, which depends on your iDrive system. 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.
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Do I Possess NBT, CIC, or NBT Evo? Advanced Navigation System
In addition to introducing newer, more sophisticated hardware and quicker CPUs to accommodate new capabilities, BMW is always working on iDrive interface updates. Each BMW’s iDrive system (or head unit, which is its key component) determines not just whether or not these amenities are there, but also the car’s price. A 200 GB hard drive or full screen zoom for video playback may not be absolutely necessary for you in some cases when the financial disparity is that great.
However, there are some significant differences between the iDrive models that will actually matter for a driver who enjoys using the car’s system to stream music from numerous devices, watch movies on the BMW display, or utilize their preferred smartphone apps. Additionally, you are not forced to use your current system if something is missing.
Fortunately, there are aftermarket options available, such as the navigation retrofits offered by BMW Tech, that let you improve the iDrive for a fair price. However, you must first identify what you now have and the features offered by your current iDrive in order to know how to retrofit it and what you will receive with the new system. So, how can you find out what version of iDrive your BMW has?
NOTICE: This manual is intended for BMWs with the Navigation System Professional (S609A) and Live Cockpit Professional (S6U3A). Visit the free VIN decoder and enter your VIN to see if your car has it. You will notice option S609A in Vehicle Options if you have it. If you have a lighter version of pro nav, options like S6UNA, S6UPA, or S606A are available. Our blog entry on the fundamental BMW navigation systems has more information about it.
You own an NBT or NBT-EVO iD4, right?
The map version, which will either indicate NBT xxxx or NBT EVO xxxx, is the best way to determine whether you have a late NBT or an NBT iD4 System.
For a version check on your map:
Choose Navigation, then click Options, then choose Settings, and then the position and version history link. choosing Check Version
Over the course of the next 24 months, around half of the BMW model lineup received the NBT-EVO iDrive System upgrade, beginning in 2014 with the 2 series F23. The NBT-EVO iDrive System did not become available for the 5 series, X1, X5, and X6 until about 2016. NBT-EVO wasn’t available for the 6 series (G32) and X3 (G01) until 2017.
There are three variants of the NBT-EVO iDrive: iD4, iD5, and iD6. Taking a peek at the menu screen will reveal which version you have the simplest.
Professional Navigation for iDrive 3 (CIC) .0] [edit]
With the F01/F02 7 Series, it made its debut in September 2008. The Becker-produced CIC, or Car Information Computer, runs on the QNX operating system. It is an optional feature for the following automobiles:
- 1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 from September 2008 to March 2014
- 1-Series F20/F21, 2009 to 2013,
- E90/E91/E92/E93 3-Series – 09/2008 – 10/2013
- F30/F31/F34/F80 3-Series – 02/2012 – 11/2012
- 5-Series E60/E61, November 2008 to May 2010.
- 5-Series F07 – 2010 to 2012
- 5-Series F10, March 2010–September 2012
- 5-Series F11, 2009 to 2012
- 6-Series E63/E64: November 2008 until July 2010
- 6-Series F06, March 2012 to March 2013
- F12/F13 6-Series, 12/2010 – 03/2013
- 11/2008 – 07/2013 7-Series F01/F02/F03
- 7-Series F04: November 2008 to June 2015
- X1 E84 – 10/2009 – 06/2015
- X3 F25 – 10/2010 – 04/2013
- X5 E70 – 10/2009 – 06/2013
- X6 E71 – 10/2009 – 08/2014
- Z4 E89 – 04/2009 – 2016
A significant improvement to iDrive is the CIC system, which swaps out the controller, computer, and display. To address one of the frequent iDrive issues, the display is more responsive and has a greater quality than CCC. There is also support for internet access.
TeleAtlas maps, which are stored on an inbuilt 2.5″ 80 GB hard drive, are used by CIC-based systems (HDD). Additionally, this HDD has an 8 GB capacity for playback-ready music files. A USB connector is available in the glove box to make it easier to upload music files to the HDD.
All CIC-based iDrive systems support DVD video as of 2009 LCI manufacture. However, for automatic transmission cars, this only works when the parking brake is engaged, and for manual transmission cars, only while the car is in the “Park” position. While driving, DVD audio will still be playing.
new iDrive 8 capabilities
The new eighth-generation operating system is used by the most recent version of iDrive, which was unveiled in the new BMW iX electric SUV and is known as iDrive 8. iDrive screens have been wider over time, and the initial systems’ straightforward text-based menus have been replaced by tiling panels and thoughtfully designed on-screen graphics, all of which contribute to the interface’s overall feeling of security and fun.
One of the most prominent physical components of the most recent iDrive system is a central display that is curved in the direction of the driver. The 12.3-inch digital dashboard display connects to the large 14.9-inch main center touchscreen, giving you an astounding impression of the power of the technology at your fingertips. The forthcoming electric BMW i4 car will also have the iDrive 8 system installed.
You really need to investigate the system in depth to make the most of it because it has brand-new customizable graphics, cloud connectivity for updates, and features like an improved onboard assistant you can name yourself. This is crucial if you intend to use the far greater personalization of visuals, menus, and layout options offered by the most recent iDrive system.
In the background, iDrive 8 delivers more over-the-air update capacity, including the ability to upgrade a car’s autonomous driving functions.
BMW’s infotainment system is known as iDrive, but how does it operate, how can you use it, and what can it do? Find out by reading on.
Here is all the information you need to know about BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and control, which was first introduced in the company’s flagship saloon, the BMW 7 Series, in 2001. Since then, it has developed into a completely different creature and is now installed in every BMW model, from the base BMW 1 Series to the flagship BMW 8 Series.
When did BMW introduce iDrive?
The driver needs to be able to stay informed without being preoccupied by the road ahead as in-car technology becomes more and more complex. This idea has been the cornerstone of the BMW iDrive infotainment system for more than 20 years. Thanks to its design, drivers can easily access and interact with a significant portion of the car’s settings.
Audi’s MMI and Mercedes’ COMAND systems have followed iDrive down the same road since iDrive is one of the best in-car control systems you can buy because it performs so well.
But what does iDrive actually do? Well, BMW developed a system that centralized all of the cabin control functions when it first introduced iDrive on the 7 Series limousine in 2001. The gear lever is next to a rotary wheel that controls the information on the center dashboard screen, which shows settings for the navigation, music, and phone systems. BMW has evolved and improved the iDrive system throughout time, making it one of the most user-friendly and intuitive cabin controllers available today.
Many users initially disliked iDrive because it forced the driver to glance away from the road in order to make sure the controller was picking the correct menu or sub-menu on the screen. But like with any new technology, it quickly becomes second nature once you become acclimated to how it operates, and as BMW has improved iDrive over time. Users of iDrive are probably less distracted by the device overall than they would be with a touchscreen setup.
With time, BMW improved the iDrive system’s use by adding shortcut keys around the rotary controller, and voice control has further improved the system’s usability.
How do I figure out which BMW Istep I own?
Now go to the.mpd file, right-click on it, choose “More options,” and then choose “Notepad” to open it. 6. Your Istep version is indicated in the text below in the highlighted section.
How should I configure my BMW iDrive?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in both the automobile and the mobile device before proceeding. Choose Communication > Manage mobile devices > Connect new device* on the iDrive. The Bluetooth name for your BMW is then displayed* after you have selected the necessary features for the device. Simply locate and choose the BMW Bluetooth name from the phone’s Bluetooth menu, then adhere to the directions on the phone’s display and the vehicle’s display. You will be required to verify that the distinct code displayed in the car display matches the code on the majority of cellphones. Pressing OK causes the features to work. The phone appears in the device list after being linked with the vehicle. Only pairing a phone while the car is still is permitted for your protection.
Only applies to automobiles equipped with a professional navigation system. Use the iDrive to select “Add new device” for vehicles equipped with business navigation.
What is the location of the BMW iDrive software version?
Download the My BMW app on your phone and look under the Vehicle Status / Service / Remote Software Upgrade menu to see if your ID7 has the most recent software version.
Can I add iDrive to my BMW?
As long as their vehicle has a Combox, which works with iDrive and improves numerous technological aspects in your BMW, any owner can perform this type of upgrade themselves. Combox functionality is included into more recent NBT and iDrive systems, making things even simpler.
How do I update my BMW iDrive?
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.”
How can I tell if the software in my BMW is up to date?
How will I be informed when an upgrade is ready? Similar to when other new software is made available to your phone, any newly available update packages will be instantly announced as a notification on your BMW control display or on your smartphone via the BMW app.
How can I tell whether my BMW requires an upgrade?
Find your vehicle’s VIN to discover if there are any upgrades available for it. The best way to see it is to glance at the bottom of your windshield from outside the car; it is typically printed into the driver’s side of the dashboard. If there are any updates, enter your VIN here. Download any updates that are accessible on a USB drive.