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.
In This Article...
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.
System identification for BMW
In many of today’s BMW vehicles, the majority of secondary vehicle systems are managed by the iDrive computer system.
This is iDrive in “CCC” form. It was in service until roughly 2009 (year varies by car type), when the “CIC” version, which is illustrated below, took its place. A map DVD from Navteq is used in a dedicated DVD drive for CCC-based systems. The following vehicles use CCC iDrive:
- 1-Series E81, E82, E87, and E88 > 2009
- 2008 3-Series E90, E91, E92, and E93
- E60/E61 5-Series > 2008 > 2009
- E63/E64 6-Series > 2008 > 2009
- 2010 X5 Series E70
- X6 E71
IDrive “CIC” is available here. It superseded the “CCC” version and was first made available in 2009 (the exact year depends on the car model). TeleAtlas maps, which are installed on an internal hard drive, are used by CIC-based systems.
- E81/E82/E87/E88 from 1-Series in 2009 >
- 3-Series E90, E91, E92, and E93, 2009 >
- E60/E61 of the 5-Series, 2009 >
- 5-Series F07, F10, and F11, 2009 >
- 2009 6-Series E63/E64 >
- 9/2008 7-Series F01/F02 >
- X5 E70 09/2009 >
This is iDrive’s most recent release, code-named “NBT.” It replaced the “CIC” version that is displayed above and was made available for 2013 model automobiles (the year varies by vehicle model). While it has a similar aesthetic to the CIC model, it is more detailed, with finer colors, and a 3D feel. The menu options will let you know if you have CIC or NTB if you’re unsure. NBT highlights the entire line in red, whereas CIC only utilizes a red box outline.
- F20/F21 of 1 Series
- F22/F23 2-Series
- 3-Series F30, F31, F34, and F80
- 4-Series F32, F33, and F36
- 5-Series F10, F11, and F18
- 6-Series F06, F12, and F13
- 7-Series F01, F02, and F03
- X3 F25
- X4 F26
- X5 F15/F85
- X6 F16/F86
- i3
- i8
The most recent iteration of iDrive is called “NBT EVO.” It was debuted around June of last year.
What version of BMW iDrive is currently in use?
16 December 2021, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey BMW customers are already receiving the most recent technological advancements with iDrive 7. Updates to the BMW News app featuring podcast-based news, the most recent Remote Software Upgrade (version 21-07), and the addition of SiriusXM’s Pandora channels are among them.
Can I upgrade my BMW’s iDrive system?
Only sometimes is a complete update advised. The most typical BMW iDrive upgrade is a partial software update. Bluetooth(r), multimedia systems, and mobile device compatibility are all included in this. You can complete this quick BMW iDrive upgrade at home in Cranston, and we’ll show you how to do it below.
When did BMW first release iDrive?
BMW introduces the iDrive in 2001. The 2001 BMW 7 Series featured the first BMW iDrive. The BMW iDrive was the brand-new control system that BMW introduced. The amount of buttons on the dashboard were drastically reduced when it was first introduced in the BMW 7 Series.
The BMW X3 has iDrive 7, right?
Interior intelligence. Engage the new, larger iDrive screen, which is up to 12.3″ across and runs the standard iDrive 7.0 Operating System. The new BMW X3 is given digital life by BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, cloud-based navigation, remote software updates, and complete Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM compatibility.
How can I identify my BMW with NBT?
The 5 Series E60/E61 was the first production vehicle to have CCC iDrive in 2003. After that, the X5 and X6 were added to additional BMW models until 2009. Throughout its existence, CCC iDrive benefited from two updates, which were released in 2007 and 2008. Some BMWs built in 2009 have the CCC head unit in addition to the new CiC controller (placed on the center console). These vehicles were regarded as “Hybrid” CCC/CiC iDrive systems but are essentially still CCC iDrive vehicles. Display resolution for the 8.8-inch, 640×240-pixel CCC iDrive system.
CCC Between the CCC and the CiC, the iDrive Systems’ antiquated LVDS transmission protocol necessitates an 8 pin, 8 wire link. Your IMI-1000 will be set up to work with the 8-wire LVDS connectors if your system is a CCC system.
If you have any of the following, you can determine if you have CCC iDrive:
1. 2x DVD/CD DRIVES: CCC iDrive Systems use a DVD drive to store and read the satellite navigation map data. If the main head unit has two DVD slots, the iDrive system is a CCC system.
2. The CCC menu system differs from other iDrive systems in that it has a center “i” and four primary menu items that correlate to the rotary controller’s directional “left, right, up and down” movements.
3. Determine whether you have the NAV option;
The 8.8-inch TFT/LCD display.
5. Rotary Controller Type – One of the three CCC iDrive rotary controllers are what you will have.
An illustration of the CCC iDrive System, which has a rectangular metal LVDS connector, is seen below.
How can I tell if the software in my BMW is current?
How will I be informed when an upgrade is ready? Similar to when other new software is made available to your phone, any newly available update packages will be instantly announced as a notification on your BMW control display or on your smartphone via the BMW app.
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.
Exactly what software does my BMW have?
Download the My BMW app on your phone and look under the Vehicle Status / Service / Remote Software Upgrade menu to see if your ID7 has the most recent software version.
Which BMW models come with iDrive 7?
- 1 Series BMW
- 2 Series BMW
- 3 Series BMW
- 4 Series BMW
- 5 Series BMW
- 6 Series BMW
- 7 Series BMW
- 8 Series BMW
Is my BMW running Operating System 7? How do I know?
All automobiles equipped with the BMW Operating Systems 7 and 8 qualify. Over 20 different BMW models total.
* Depending on the country, the vehicle’s model, its equipment, and its condition, different upgrades may have different requirements.
The hardware that is installed in your car determines whether it can receive the BMW Remote Software Upgrade. This is possible in almost all vehicles running BMW Operating Systems 7 and 8. If your car is one of them, you can quickly and easily find out. To accomplish this, choose “My Vehicle” > “Settings” > “General Settings” > “Remote Software Upgrade” from the vehicle’s menu. Use this feature if “Remote Software Upgrade” is shown.
Your BMW will always be up to date thanks to this free software update. A BMW remote software upgrade may come with new functions, functional upgrades, and quality improvements. Depending on the country, the type of vehicle, its equipment, and its state, the material may change.
You will receive a push notification as soon as new software for your BMW becomes available via the Control Display in your car or the My BMW app on your smartphone, if you have it installed. You may access the upgrade in the app or on your BMW to see what information is being updated or new features are being introduced. Make sure your car is securely parked and won’t be utilized for the next 20 minutes before the upgrading begins. Installing the upgrade is as simple as following the directions on the Control Display.
You have two options for downloading the latest software with the BMW Remote Software Upgrade: either through the My BMW app or automatically while you’re driving directly through your vehicle SIM. You will be asked to confirm the installation of the new software and to launch it after the download is finished.
The entire installation and upgrade process only takes about 20 minutes once the download is complete (length depending on your internet connection or network coverage while driving). Your vehicle is not operational during the installation. Before your subsequent journey, you will be alerted that the upgrade was successfully installed. You can now go back and view the upgrade’s contents if you like.
Due to hardware limitations, the BMW Remote Software Upgrade is factory installed; a subsequent purchase is not feasible.
My BMW app needs to be updated.
In the car, perform the following steps to update apps and services: – In the idrive menu, go to the “installed apps” menu item, press the idrive option button. – Go to installed services in the linked drive services and update those.