On BMW’s software update website, you can look for the most recent ConnectedDrive software version for your vehicle if it has a more recent iDrive system or if it is an older vehicle with a factory-installed Combox.
BMW will check its records after receiving your VIN to see which software is already in your vehicle. If there is a newer version, you can download the file directly from BMW’s website (for example, upd07044 or UPD11024), which is prepared to be transferred to a formatted USB flash drive. FAT32 and exFAT are the proper BMW software update USB formats. Installing the software update requires inserting the flash drive into a USB port. Without needing to visit the dealer, you’ll then be able to connect a wider range of devices to your BMW and start using more multimedia functions in your vehicle.
BMW’s software update website will let you know if there isn’t a more recent version of the software available for your vehicle. In that situation, a straightforward software update won’t be sufficient to offer the functions you’re lacking.
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What steps do I need to take in order to update my BMW iDrive or ConnectedDrive at home?
Place the USB thumb drive inside your car’s USB port. On most models, this is located underneath the arm rest. Start the car’s ignition.
Select “Update Software” under “Software Update.”
Choose “Install Software.”
There will be a software update. Be patient; it could take up to 15 minutes to complete. Keep your car stationary until the upgrade is finished. Continue to follow the on-screen directions.
BMW Software Update: Please download the update and use a USB stick to transfer it to your BMW.
The personal information you supplied is exclusively processed by Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (Petuelring 130, 80809 Munchen, “BMW AG”) in order to respond to your request and carry out a specified service. When necessary, BMW AG sends the information you supply to BMW sales organizations in your home country. The Privacy Policy contains additional information on how BMW AG processes your personal data.
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.
DIY: How to Update the Latest Version of Your BMW iDrive System [UPDATE]
These update files enhance Bluetooth connectivity for new mobile devices with the vehicle’s multimedia system. They are simple to install, and the whole procedure just takes a few minutes.
It’s odd how BMW handles this particular issue. The publicly accessible upgrades are highly dated, and the only way to get a more recent software version for the multimedia device is to go to a BMW Dealer if you’re having problems with your new phone. They have access to more recent software versions and can charge for doing so.
On October 1, 2014, BMW released the most recent upgrade for the CIC system with the code designation UPD01008.
On August 25, 2016, BMW released the most recent upgrade for the NBT system with the code tag UPD05074.
The update is only 8.07 MB in size, so you only need a FAT32 formatted USB drive with appropriate free storage space, the Control Display, and iDrive, as well as a vehicle with a USB audio interface (found in optional equipment codes 6FL, 6NH, 6NK, or 6NL).
To begin with, you must first download the updated software from the BMW support website and copy it to the USB stick. Be sure to enter the right VIN (the final seven digits of your vehicle identification number) in the space provided on the BMW website.
After that, all you have to do is access the Software Update option in the Settings menu of the Control Display by inserting the USB drive into the USB audio interface. Automatic updates will be made to the iDrive software.
The system is restarted when the software has been updated, and any necessary data transfers from the USB device are resynchronized. Just a few minutes will pass before the USB gadget is usable once more.
It appears that BMW has discontinued this self-service, and you can now only obtain the most recent Multimedia Software by going to the dealer.
There is no official explanation for this behavior, but since it is outside of warranty, I advise against doing it unless you are experiencing serious issues.
Warning:
How can I update the software on my BMW iDrive USB?
Download any updates that are accessible on a USB drive. Place the USB drive into a USB port on your car. Select “Settings” from the menu on your iDrive device. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen after clicking “Software Update.”
How much does updating BMW software cost?
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.
How can I get BMW Download Manager to download?
You can obtain general map updates in addition to the G30 OTA map updates. However, I can’t seem to locate a Windows link for the BMW download manager. I want to get the about 30GB North America EVO 2020-2 maps. I still have a working FSC code for map updates through this month. Thanks.
Could someone kindly post a link to maps or the BMW Download Manager program?
It is hidden on the attached drive. Every quarter, I have trouble finding it on my linked drive.
According to my memory, the list of things to which you are entitled is not on the website’s home page.
Since I’m in the UK, you couldn’t use my connection. Go to Control on the CD website, slide down to Map Update, and then choose between the Windows or MAC Download Manager.
For UK. Possibly the same US. if in Connected Drive. Head over to Remote Cockpit. Then, three choices—Status, Control, and Map—should be available. Navigate to Control, then select Map Update near the bottom of the page. Then, you ought to have two choices for Map Update. Map updates might be automatic or manual. You should be offered the choice to download BMW Download Manager for Windows or Mac after selecting Manual.
The entire North America map cannot be downloaded using ConnectedDrive in the US.
Since ID7 was only introduced last year, there are still at least two more years of free updates, therefore I’m amazed a Genius would suggest that maps for an ID7 automobile might be purchased.
Since I’m new to the company, I have no idea how any of this operates in the US. The UK appears to be considerably more sensible in this regard.
According to the ConnectedDrive webpage, OTA maps are provided for 3 years in the US and can be updated up to 4 times annually depending on the location you choose online. When an update occurs, I used to receive a notification in the car, but it seems like I’m no longer receiving them.
However, updating the base map for North America isn’t that simple. There are certain websites that will offer you an update that is unrelated to BMW. However, it doesn’t seem like BMW gives you access to the update. When I visit to get the AA upgrade installed, I’ll inquire with the dealer about how it is formally handled. I found the BMW Genius response to be strange.
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.
How can my software be updated?
Open the Control Panel first before updating Windows. Check out this tutorial on Windows Basics if you don’t know where the Control Panel is. Type “update” into the Control Panel’s search box. Click Check for updates under Windows Update.
Windows may need some time to look for updates. When it does, you will be prompted to install any updates that are available.
All of the updates can take some time to install. You can step away from the computer and engage in other activities while it completes. When it’s finished, Windows will likely ask you to restart the machine. After this, Windows will prompt you if there is anything further you need to do; otherwise, you are current!
How can I get free map updates for my BMW navigation system?
BMW suggests conducting a map update every six months, or at the very least once a year, and typically releases up to three new versions of its products each year.
The head unit and the nation have a significant impact on how frequently new releases occur. For instance, more recent iDrives like the NBT Evo ID5/ID6 can receive two or three updates a year, whereas ENTRYNAV may have to wait up to a year for a new BMW navigation update. Even the more recent navigation systems might have to wait in some areas where new map updates aren’t even issued annually.
By entering your VIN on the BMW map update page, you can quickly verify the most recent update for your BMW sat nav. You will then get a list of regions that are compatible with your iDrive, along with years and numbers that represent the quarter in which the update was released.
How can I verify the version of my BMW map? Navigate to the navigation view on your iDrive, select Settings, and then scroll down to Navigation system version. The region, version, and year of your current map are displayed. It’s time to update if it’s older than a year.