the entire thing
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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.
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Obtain software updates from the BMW website.
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.
How long does updating a BMW take?
* The upgrade options and contents change depending on the country, the car model, the equipment, and the state of the vehicle.
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.
Can you update the software for BMW?
By utilizing the Remote Software Upgrade capability, BMW drivers from all over the world may easily upgrade their BMW Operating System over-the-air today. In April 2020, the most recent BMW software was made accessible to more than 500,000 BMW owners.
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 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.
How can I download apps to my BMW?
Learn in this video how to use your My BMW App to download and install a Remote Software Upgrade. The process is as follows:
1. Your My BMW App notifies you via a push notice when a new software update is accessible for your BMW.
2. To save money and time, we advise using Wi-Fi to download the software upgrade.
3. In the mobile devices menu of your BMW, check your connections and pair your phone with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
4. To connect to Wi-Fi, select “New device,” “Internet, apps,” and then use your smartphone to scan the QR code.
5. As you drive, the upgrade is now uploaded to your BMW.
Follow the installation instructions on the Central Information Display once the upload is finished.
Anytime the connection between your smartphone and your car is re-established and the engine is running, the upload procedure will immediately resume. Please see the installation process in our other How-To video.
How do I update manually?
Follow the instructions below to make sure your Windows 7 computer is updated with the most recent Microsoft Windows patches:
- Select “Start Menu”
- Look up Windows Update in the search bar.
- From the search results, pick Windows Update at the top of the list.
- The Check for Updates button should be clicked. Any discovered updates can be chosen to be installed.
You have all the updates that are presently available if Windows Update indicates that your device is up to date.
What is the cost of a map update from BMW?
Theoretically, the dealer offers one free national map update, but you must insist on getting one because not all BMW dealers are aware of this arrangement. When the three years are up (or earlier if you want a second national map upgrade), updates from the dealer cost about $200.
How can I tell whether my vehicle needs to be updated?
When you bring your vehicle in for servicing, such as an oil change, brake job, or tune-up, many dealerships install new software. The dealer can establish which, if any, software upgrades are accessible for your particular vehicle using the VIN number for your car.
Is an improvement in BMW maintenance worthwhile?
In comparison to maintenance from independent repair shops, the BMW maintenance plan typically costs more. It might not be worthwhile if you drive fewer than 15,000 miles annually, which is the national average. However, if you use your car a lot, the maintenance plan might be more beneficial.
Can you upgrade the software on the car?
Yes, as modern cars increasingly depend on computers and sophisticated software to manage everything from on-board entertainment to engine performance.
Users of smartphones and computers are used to receiving notifications when a software update is available, being prompted to install it right away or later, or having updates downloaded automatically. It’s not surprising that drivers and automakers are paying more attention to vehicle software updates and that the techniques for delivering these updates are evolving given the computer power that’s inside today’s cars and controls crucial vehicle functions, like engine performance and navigation systems.
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!