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!
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Summary of Contents
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.
Utilizing a third-party vendor who provides BMW CCC Repair on eBay and fixes your current unit is another well-liked option for BMW owners.
Unfortunately, after five years of use, a lot of BMW CCC units stop working. A processor chip that has partially detached from the PCB or a failing capacitor are two prominent causes of BMW CCC failure.
The owner could take out the CCC unit and use a heat gun to try to warm up the onboard chips. This approach can lead to additional harm and doesn’t always ensure that the CCC will function.
There are a few things you can try on your own before spending hundreds of dollars on BMW iDrive CCC repair.
Can the iDrive in a BMW be upgraded?
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.
What iDrive version do I have on my BMW?
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.
What is BMW iDrive used for?
In a high-end vehicle, like an expensive BMW, the driver needs iDrive to access a wide variety of menus, including those for the climate control settings, phone contacts, sport, comfort, or eco driving modes, emails, text messages, and seat settings. They can also use voice commands to ask for navigation directions to the closest restaurant and scroll through their favorite playlist.
There simply wouldn’t be enough area on the dashboard for all the controls required to configure the variety of onboard systems in a contemporary premium car if we were all still restricted to analogue switches and dials. Instead, you must use menus that can be selected sequentially, or frequently concurrently, for all of the many onboard technologies to operate everything through a central display panel.
The interface between the driver and a modern, digitally connected car must be as simple and intuitive to operate as possible because everything about it seems like a formula for disaster. Because frustration, worry, and distraction are the enemies of calm and safe driving, user friendliness has been a primary goal of BMW’s iDrive from its debut in 2001.
BMW iDrive has evolved into something of a standard for managing auto functions in addition to being one of the earliest infotainment systems available. Older generations of iDrive used a rotary dial between the seats to navigate menus on a central display, while more recent models have touchscreen technology built in and can be used with voice commands, gestures, and steering wheel inputs.
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.
Which BMW models come with iDrive 7?
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 things to a grocery list, or even tell a joke with a quick answer 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.
The BMW iDrive needs to be cleared.
How do I remove my personal settings and data from my BMW? Select “CAR menu” > Settings > General settings > “Reset vehicle data” on your BMW with Operating System 7 to reset your personal data and settings. Reset car data by choosing “Menu” > “System settings” on your BMW with Operating System 8.
Is the price of BMW ConnectedDrive worth it?
What benefit does connectedDrive provide that I don’t already receive through Apple Car Play, which I use in my car for GPS, music, etc.?
I’m curious about your experience with it and whether you believe it’s worth renewing.
I paid $150 for the L package and am also from Australia. In my X3, I also have CarPlay. After using both for some time, I would advise against spending additional money on ConnectedDrive. You do have access to features like traffic updates, online tools, updated maps, remote supervision, and—most importantly—navigational guidance in HUD. You might wish to purchase that package if you consider any of those to be important. But I’ve found that Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze are all better at routing than the built-in maps now that I commute every day during rush hour, when better navigation routing can be useful. In terms of aesthetics, voice guidance, and HUD integration, I still prefer the built-in maps the best, but the routing is simply ineffective. I have recently stopped using BMW maps totally. CarPlay’s calling interface, which fills the full screen, is its only drawback. BMW has made many good interface choices, but sadly, a connection to navigation routing is not one of them. If only the routing was on pace with other major providers, I would love to use BMW maps and would gladly pay for them.