Does My BMW Have Idrive?

IDrive has been included into all current BMW models since it first appeared in the BMW E65 7 Series in 2001. The infotainment system in Rolls-Royce vehicles as well as current-generation MINIs that go by the term “Connected” are both built on the same platform.

The idea is straightforward: fill the center of the dashboard with as many secondary car controls as you can, including those for music, navigation, and the climate. This gives you a unified entry point to all of your car’s settings and capabilities, but it might be challenging to remember everything your car is capable of, especially without a BMW iDrive manual.

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.

BMW App, or

Keep track of the status of the charging process, tire pressure, fuel, and battery levels, among other things. Using Remote Services, you may also lock, unlock, and locate your car.

My BMW App helps you find parking, discover POIs, send your destination directly to your BMW, and even check the range of your electrified vehicle.

Right from your phone, manage your BMW Financial Services account. Make payments, receive reminders to make payments, and more.

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.

Has the 2015 BMW got iDrive?

The 2015 version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system offers some nice, well-known components, but it also has a feeling of complacency.

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.

What does “iDrive” in a BMW mean?

The BMW vehicle control system is the subject of this article. IDrive Inc. is the name of the internet storage company. To learn more, go to iDrive (disambiguation).

Most auxiliary vehicle systems are managed by the in-car communications and entertainment system known as iDrive in late-model BMW vehicles. It debuted with the 2001 launch of the E65 7 Series. A control knob situated on the center console and an LCD panel mounted in the dashboard make up the system’s single control architecture, which unifies a variety of functions.

The climate (heating and air conditioner), music system (radio and CD player), navigation system, and communication system can all be managed by the driver (and, in some versions, front-seat passengers).

Due to Rolls-ownership Royce’s by BMW and the fact that Toyota and BMW collaborate on the Toyota Supra, which will be available starting in 2019, iDrive is also employed in contemporary Rolls-Royce vehicles. A condensed version of iDrive, known as Connected, is offered on certain vehicles because Mini is owned by BMW.

BMW, is iDrive free?

Since July 2019, BMW has made wireless CarPlay available as a subscription service, which is compatible with many models from 2017 and later that have the required hardware. BMW has reconsidered its approach to CarPlay availability, nevertheless, in light of customer feedback. BMW said in December 2019 that owners of 2019 and 2020 models equipped with the newest iDrive 7.0 will not be required to pay any further costs. Of course, that only applies to the most recent models; compatible BMWs with iDrive 6.0 from 2018 and before will have to pay a $300 one-time cost (like an earlier lifetime subscription).

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 price of BMW iDrive?

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.

How much does a BMW iDrive repair cost?

I’ve been wondering how much it would cost to upgrade to the newest IDRIVE, so I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I want to upgrade to a new 2012 or 2013 IDRIVE with all the bells and whistles, but I’m not sure if it will be worthwhile.

Basic CIC idrives with maps, voice control, and video in motion cost between $2200 and $2500; occasionally, a backup camera can be included in that price.

On my 2008, I’ve been meaning to upgrade as well. a full cic with combos, a front pdc, and a rear camera was desired. Like the OP said, it has all the bells and whistles.

Please also PM me. I have a 2008 M3 and would really like the new CIC with the new controller, buttons, etc., Bluetooth playback for an iPod or Droid phone, new maps with a high-resolution screen, and a backup camera would be a good addition.

Any information you can give me regarding this refit would be greatly welcomed and useful. Alekshop said I would only need to drive to the dealership to have the software updated. TECH, if I installed the entire system myself, what tuning is required afterward.

You would need to get in touch with me outside of the forum since I’m no longer a merchant here.

I have a 2010 CIC system, but I don’t have internet access, sound streaming Bluetooth, or any BMW apps. I believe all I would need to upgrade to this level is a combox.

Do you market and code the combox? I’m attempting to put up one for the wife’s 2010 E70 2010 X5 with coding. Can you send me any information via private message? thanks!