In its most basic form, the most recent BMW iDrive system consists of a rotary controller that turns both clockwise and counterclockwise, can be moved forward, backward, left, and right, and presses down to pick an option similar to a computer mouse. The top of the control wheel serves as a touchpad for writing characters on more sophisticated versions of iDrive, but this only works well in a right-hand-drive car if you’re left-handed or dexterous enough to clearly write characters with your left hand; otherwise, you might be better off using the voice control system.
Along with the rotary controller, the iDrive system’s parts can also be accessed quickly by pressing a collection of buttons at the bottom of the device. There is a shortcut to take you directly back to the home screen, but they can transport you directly to the navigation, audio, phone, and car setup screens instead.
To select your preferred option, use the iDrive controller to scroll up and down after pressing one of these buttons to change the display on the center console to the new option. While it may be simple to become lost inside the menus, it’s helpful to know the shortcut buttons are available to return to the beginning if necessary. Selecting these is likely to throw up more sub-menus.
When you have navigation turned on, using the iDrive controller, you may pan the controller from side to side to view around you while also zooming in and out on the map. While BMWs with a larger infotainment screen can even have a split-screen display that allows you to have detailed junction information alongside the usual map screen, it also makes it easy to modify the point of view of the map from 2D to 3D and viewpoint styles.
The iDrive feature on more sophisticated versions with 360-degree cameras enables you to choose which cameras you want to watch, zoom in and out, and switch between narrow and wide-angle views.
Ironically, BMW has just begun to provide touchscreen infotainment systems on a few of its vehicles, albeit often this is combined with an iDrive controller. However, we believe that the most recent iDrive control system is the best one yet because, after spending some time getting to know it, it’s rather simple to use. Additionally, it avoids leaving unsightly fingerprints on the screen.
In This Article...
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.
How does BMW’s iDrive function?
The operation of iDrive it The most basic form of the most recent BMW iDrive system includes a rotary controller that turns both clockwise and counterclockwise, may be pushed forward, backward, left, and right, and presses down to pick an option similar to a computer mouse.
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.
Can my BMW iDRIVE be upgraded?
After buying your BMW, you may easily update its software to maintain it current. The updates are easily downloaded and installed using the My BMW App or the SIM card already in the car.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BMW UP TO DATE.
BMW’s software upgrade is called Remote Software Upgrade.
How do I turn on BMW iDrive?
- Type your VIN’s final seven characters here.
- Choose whether you are the primary or backup driver of the car.
- On the infotainment screen on your car, look for the security code. It may be accessed by going to Main Menu > ConnectedDrive > Messages. Your phone’s ConnectedDrive app will ask for the same code.
How can I tell what model of BMW iDrive I have?
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.
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!
BMW iDrive has a touch screen.
Touchscreens lead you to take your eyes off the road for too long, therefore we’re not great supporters of them. particularly at first, when you’re still getting to know a new car.
However, using a touchpad or dial to operate a screen is preferable to using a touchscreen. The outdated COMAND system from Mercedes-Benz was annoying, and the stupid mousepad-shaped touchpad that can be found in many Lexus vehicles is dangerously near to destroying the entire vehicle.
We were therefore taken aback to find that BMW had decided against including touchscreens in their vehicles. The reason for this is the global shortage of semiconductors, which leaves manufacturers with three choices: sell cars without specific features, employ all of your chips in high-demand cars, or stop making cars altogether.
The latter is not an option because Mercedes-Benz and other top experts predict that the shortfall will continue until 2023.
BMW has chosen the second alternative, which involves deleting a feature. the touchscreen interface, more particularly. The news first circulated on the Bimmerfest forum, and BMW later told Edmunds that it was true. The center infotainment display will still be present in the vehicles, but it won’t have touch capabilities. In essence, BMW is going back to the days when you used the iDrive rotary controller to operate the interface. BMW’s defense is that it had the best click, slide, and push interface available. The major phone and audio controls are still accessible from the steering wheel, which is how most drivers already operate their devices.
The 3 Series, all 4 Series models, excluding the i4, Z4, X5, X6, and X7, are impacted by this decision. Although we are unsure of how this will be received by clients looking at the more expensive end of the BMW range, we are not too concerned. Automobiles without touchscreen functionality will be identified with a sticker and will cost $500 less overall. What’s more, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will continue to function flawlessly. The backup assistant will also disappear from vehicles outfitted with the Parking Assistant Package.
It also seems that retrofitting won’t be a possibility, so if you intend to purchase a new BMW, keep that in mind as well.
Why would you use an iDrive?
Many contemporary vehicles employ “fly by wire” throttle technology in place of a conventional accelerator cable. This technology is dependent on a sensor that determines the pressure and position of the pedal and transmits information to the engine computer of the car, which then transforms it to acceleration.
There is frequently an observable delay with these fly by wire technologies. Although there are other devices on the market that can deliver this performance, iDRIVE enables you to modify the signal from the accelerator pedal with several built-in settings to ensure you find a setting that suits your driving style.
Based on the amount of pedal pressure, iDRIVE has an automatic control feature that modifies the level of throttle performance. Therefore, the iDRIVE will choose setting 1 if you are in traffic and gently accelerating.
The iDRIVE will choose 9 if you are overtaking quickly, towing a large trailer, or just having fun.
The end product is the market’s best aftermarket control module. We are so sure that you’ll like your iDRIVE that we’ll refund your money if you’re not satisfied.
Does iDRIVE reduce fuel use?
No, the power output won’t be increased with iDRIVE throttle controls. Fuel mapping, air fuel ratio, injection timing, etc. are all out of their hands. Your throttle’s responsiveness will be altered by iDRIVEs for a sharper response.