Through the My BMW App, you can also do a remote software upgrade. The My BMW App is an application that connects your Apple or Android smartphone with your vehicle and is a part of the BMW Connected Drive package. You may preset locations before getting into your car, adjust the heat, unlock your doors, and even download a Remote Software update via Wi-Fi.
The My BMW App software upgrading instructions are as follows:
- The Remote Software Upgrade menu can be found by opening the app.
- Select the “Wi-Fi only” download option under Remote Software Upgrade options.
- Click “Start download” to begin.
- After the download is finished, pair your phone with your car via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Verify your connections under the ‘Mobile devices’ option of your iDrive settings.
- Select “new device” to set up a Wi-Fi connection.
- Choose “Internet, applications.”
- Use your phone to scan the QR code.
- A Wi-Fi token will be sent to you, which you must accept in order to create the connection.
- While you’re traveling, the software update will be uploaded once the Wi-Fi connection is established.
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How to upgrade the hardware in an iDrive head unit?
You may get all the newest features in your older BMW by retrofitting a new iDrive head unit. You might need to replace the entire iDrive system, or just a few parts, depending on your car, its hardware, the iDrive version you want to update to. For instance, upgrading from CCC to CIC necessitates a total hardware overhaul, which includes the head unit, screen, iDrive controller, and trim. You receive considerably more modern gear and internet support in exchange. Learn more about the BMW CIC iDrive.
On the other hand, upgrading from NBT Evo ID4 to NBT Evo ID5 or ID6 is very straightforward since you might be able to keep some of your current iDrive system. More significant modifications will be necessary to make a bigger jump.
In order to get more out of your BMW, BimmerTech is prepared to assist you with upgrading your iDrive. Do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team for more details or guidance on the optimal upgrade path for you.
BMW Software Update: Please download the update and use a USB stick to transfer it to your BMW.
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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.
How to Install BMW’s Biggest Remote iDrive Software Upgrade
The largest remote upgrade to the Series 7 software, which debuted in 2018, is currently being applied. With almost 750,000 of the premium brand’s vehicles receiving new and improved features, it is also the largest in BMW history.
Owners can confirm and begin the download sequence by going to the Car menu on the iDrive screen, selecting Settings, followed by General Settings, and then Remote Software Upgrade.
The driver still needs to manually initiate the update by following the earlier-described methods. This can also be done via smartphone, which enables the setup to be ready the next time the car is used by downloading the installation files in advance.
When making this upgrade, the vehicle must be parked, with the engine off and the parking brake engaged. Owners should therefore confirm that those requirements are met and that they won’t use the vehicle for at least the following 20 minutes.
It’s convenient because they can lock the car and drive away. They may quietly study the specifics of the new features and extended capabilities offered by the largest software update ever released by a European automaker as they unwind, sip a coffee, and watch as their gorgeous automobile is upgraded.
BMW plug-in hybrids can now automatically transition to pure electric driving mode when they approach a green zone, which has been established in over 90 European cities, thanks to the new eDrive Zone digital service. This stands out as a special service in the car sector and demonstrates BMW’s dedication to environmental awareness.
By determining the driver or passenger’s orientation and adding new voice commands for opening windows, changing drive modes, and requesting specific fuel-saving advice, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be able to determine when it is not being spoken to.
The navigation experience is a crucial component of any car’s system. The destination entry in BMW Maps has significantly improved and is now simpler and more user-friendly.
With its cloud-based system, which can give real-time traffic forecasts and contextual information like restaurant ratings and images or charging station opening hours, it also benefits from a speedier connection.
Based on information from nearby BMWs that might vacate, the Connected Parking driver assistance now predicts the likelihood that a spot will become available in addition to displaying where parking is available.
Another improvement enables the system to compute and take into account the actual size of the car and compares it upon arrival to the available parking place and its surroundings.
Finally included in the updates is Google Android Auto, which enables users to sync their smartphones and use Google Maps, Assistant, or other phone apps right from the iDrive screen.
Apple Maps now includes turn-by-turn directions and lane information that are directly presented in the Head-up Display and Info Display.
Today, 20 minutes is a long time for an update, but keep in mind that we’re talking about cars here, and after looking at the improvements and new features, we can comprehend and appreciate the significant upgrade BMW has implemented.
It became available to German clients last week, and will soon be made available in additional European nations, the United States, Canada, and the remaining regions.
Can I upgrade my BMW’s iDrive system?
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.
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.
What version of BMW iDrive is currently in use?
In 2021, BMW announced the BMW Curved Display and the 8th iteration of iDrive. BMW offers iDrive 8.0 on the following models: Active Tourer BMW 2 Series
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.
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.
Which BMW models come with iDrive 8?
For its 2022 model lineup, BMW is prepared with its summer model update, which features a new infotainment system as standard equipment for the 2 Series Coupe and the M3. Starting in July of this year, all versions of the performance coupes will come equipped with the company’s iDrive 8 technology as standard. Although there are further improvements deserving of attention, let’s start with the new curved displays.
Though the decision makes a lot of sense, it may seem a little surprising that BMW would give the two models such a significant tech upgrade without either changing the generation or giving them a facelift. The new M2 and M3 Touring, both of which have the new iDrive 8 system confirmed, will be released soon by the automaker. The mid-cycle upgrade is simply explained by the fact that it would have been strange for the cheaper 2 Series Coupe versions and the basic M3 sedan to continue using the previous-generation infotainment.
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.
iDrive 6 to iDrive 7 upgradeable?
It is currently not possible to upgrade from iDrive 6.0 to iDrive 7.0 because doing so would significantly interfere with the vehicle’s structural integrity. Therefore, the only way to use the newest technology is to swap to a BMW that already supports it.