- 1 Series BMW (F40)
- 2 Series BMW (F44)
- 3 Series BMW (G20)
- 4 Series BMW (G22)
- 5 Series BMW (G30)
- 6 Series BMW (G32)
- 7 Series BMW (G11)
- 8 Series BMW (G15)
In This Article...
The new operating system for BMW iDrive will be released in 2018.
This fall, the BMW G05 X5 and the new BMW iDrive 7.0 will both make their debuts. The new infotainment system has been given the official moniker “7.0” by BMW and will be implemented across all models in the coming months, according to a press statement issued today. The new BMW G20 3 Series, which will be released at the end of this year, will also employ the upgraded infotainment system.
The upcoming iDrive 7.0 will be even more user-centered and continually adapt to the environment than the current iDrive generation, which features live tiles in the main interface. It combines straightforward usability with a simple, minimalistic design to make the best use of the car’s many screens.
The information display behind the steering wheel, the control display in the center console, and the optional head-up display all have the same clearly defined data roles as before. Additionally, all settings and functionalities are accessible quickly thanks to the flat menu structure.
The information that the driver will find most interesting is automatically highlighted by the new BMW iDrive 7.0. This could be, for instance, navigational advice, but it could also be new speed limits or amusement material, depending on the situation. BMW offers a seamless, similarly styled display cluster with the Control Display in the center console thanks to the Operating System 7.0. The new method of presentation, which offers up new possibilities in the center of the information display, was already alluded to in the cockpit of the BMW X7, 8 Series, and Z4 concept cars.
For instance, we discover a G-meter for displaying the lateral acceleration in addition to the present speed, information on support systems, right next to the engine speed, information on consumption, entertainment material, and amusing features.
The showing of the navigation map in the information display between speed and the speedometer is a key change in iDrive 7.0. More customization options are available than ever before for the 12.3-inch display that will be located in the center of the dashboard. Depending on the driving mode, all displays will change in color and style of presentation.
iDrive Controller, touch control, voice control, and gesture control are the options available to the consumer.
At the international debut of the new BMW X5, the engineers will reveal a great deal more information about the functions and features of the new BMW iDrive 7.0.
BMW iDrive 7 Receives a Major Update
BMW’s updated iDrive 8 infotainment system made its debut in the iX and i4, yet millions of vehicles, including the most recent M3 and M4, still have the outdated iDrive 7 system. Fortunately, BMW continues to support iDrive 7 and has introduced a number of improvements for US-spec cars that make it more sophisticated than ever.
For its US clients, BMW has integrated Amazon Alexa functionality to iDrive 7. Residents can ask Alexa to play a favorite song or playlist, add items to a grocery list, or even tell a joke with a quick response using the voice assistant feature.
Version 21-03 or later of iDrive 7 is required in order to use Amazon Alexa. Simply pick Apps > Settings > General Settings > Remote Software Upgrade to see which version is currently installed.
Additionally, the Remote Engine Start feature of the iDrive 7 enables owners to use their smartphones to remotely heat or cool the cabin on hot or cold days. While this feature has been offered in models since the 2019 model year, older vehicles that weren’t initially equipped with it can now purchase it on demand. Owners need merely visit the ConnectedDrive store to obtain it. By touching a button on the My BMW app, Remote Engine Start can be used with ease.
The engine will be started remotely and the interior temperature will be changed accordingly. Even better, you can choose a departure time, and the cabin temperature will be set to the ideal level for when you arrive. A 15-minute switch-off timer kicks in if you’re running late to protect the battery and petrol.
A built-in Uneven Road Surface feature that shows notifications on the instrument panel or head-up display is also available for BMWs running Live Cockpit Professional iDrive 7 software versions 20-07 and newer. If there are any difficult road areas or single uneven road surfaces within 25 miles of the first event, notifications will let you know. Potholes, speed bumps, sewage covers, and “generally uneven road surfaces” that jeopardize comfort set off notifications.
When did BMW introduce iDrive 7?
iDrive infotainment system for BMW Most BMW drivers are familiar with BMW iDrive7, which has been available on the majority of new BMW models since 2018 and was the predecessor to the BMW iDrive8 system.
Which BMW models come with iDrive 6?
- BMW 3 Series G20.
- BMW 4 Series G22.
- BMW 5 Series G30.
- BMW 6 Series G32.
- BMW 7 Series, G11.
- BMW 8 Series G15.
- G16 BMW M8.
- BMW Z Series G29
What version of BMW iDrive is currently in use?
In the spring of 2021, BMW formally unveiled its iDrive version 8; this is the new operating system that will be featured in all of the company’s future vehicles, beginning with the all-electric iX SUV.
Can I upgrade BMW’s iDrive?
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 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.
Has my BMW been upgraded to Windows 7?
There are currently the following BMW vehicles made since 2018 that support BMW iDrive 7.0:
- BMW 3 Series G20
- BMW 4 Series G22
- BMW 5 Series G30
- BMW 6 Series G32
- BMW 7 Series G11
- BMW 8 Series G15
- G16 BMW M8
- I01 BMW i3
- BMW i8 I12 / I15
- G01 BMW X3
- G02 BMW X4
- G05 BMW X5
- G06 BMW X6
- G07 BMW X7
- G08 BMW X8
how can I tell if iDrive 7 is installed?
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.
The BMW operating system 7 is available for update.
Remote software rollout and upgrade. BMW Operating System 7 vehicles built starting in July 2021 already have the most recent version, including all new features. Customers can check the vehicle settings under Remote Software Upgrade to view the software version and see if any upgrades are available.
Is iDrive 6 upgradeable to iDrive 7?
Theoretically, an iDrive 6 vehicle may be changed to an iDrive 7 vehicle aftermarket because the MY2020 vehicles are essentially iDrive 6 vehicles with the iDrive 7 head unit, but the iDrive 7 vehicles are too recent to serve as harvestable donor vehicles.
How much does a BMW iDrive repair cost?
The CCC, or Car Communication Computer, may be broken and cause the BMW navigation system to malfunction. BMW navigation and iDrive will not function if BMW CCC is unsuccessful. The navigation system may occasionally function erratically. At BMW dealerships, the cost to fix or replace the CCC navigation unit ranges from $1000 to $1600.
How can I tell if the software in my BMW is up to date?
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.
Can the BMW 3 Series have Apple CarPlay?
BMW CarPlay is a relatively new invention. Since it’s only compatible with 2017 and newer models, many BMW owners are unable to use it in their vehicles.
According to Apple, the full list of BMW vehicles that support Apple CarPlay as of August 2022 is as follows:
- F20 and F21 models of the 2017–2022 BMW 1 Series
- 2017–2022, BMW 2 Series, e.g., F22, F23, F45
- 2017–2022, BMW 3 Series models such the F30, F31, F34, F80, and G20
- BMW 4 Series models F32, F33, F36, F82, and F83 from 2017 to 2022
- BMW 5 Series models from 2017 through 2022, such as the G30, G31, and F90
- BMW 6 Series models F06, F12, F13, and G32 from 2017 to 2022
- 2017-2022 BMW 7 Series, for example, G11 and G12
- 2021-2022 BMW 8 Series models such the G14, G15, and G16
- 2018-2022 BMW X1, for instance, F48
- 2018–2022 BMW X2, such as the F39
- BMW X3 models G01 through 2022
- 2017-2022 BMW X4 models F26 and G02
- 2017-2022 BMW X5 (e.g., F15, G05)
- BMW X6 models like the F16 from 2017 to 2022
- 2021 – 2022 X5 M
- 2021 – 2022 X6 M
- 2018-2021 BMW i3
- 2019-2020 BMW i8
- 2019-2022 BMW Z4 G29
- 2022 i4
- 2022 iX
Apple CarPlay can be added to vehicles without factory support with the appropriate hardware retrofit, even though it is only officially supported by cars made after 2017. Read on for a few potential solutions if you’re interested in installing BMW CarPlay (including the aftermarket alternative) in your older vehicle.
Visit our guide to F30 upgrades to learn more about retrofits for the BMW 3-Series.
Can I upgrade the technology in my BMW?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a technical upgrade for your car that would let you keep using ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services until your contract expires, or after February 2022, whichever comes first.