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 (U06) G42 BMW 2 Series Coupe (after summer 2022)
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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.
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.
BMW iDrive 7 Receives a Major Update
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system made its debut in the iX and i4, yet millions of vehicles, including the most recent M3 and M4, still have the outdated iDrive 7 system.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.
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.
Can my BMW iDrive be upgraded?
After buying your BMW, you may easily update its software to maintain it current. The updates are easily downloaded and installed using the My BMW App or the SIM card already in the car.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BMW UP TO DATE.
BMW’s software upgrade is called Remote Software Upgrade.
Which BMW models come with iDrive 7?
- 1 Series BMW (F40)
- 2 Series BMW (F44)
- 3 Series BMW (G20)
- 4 Series BMW (G22)
- 5 Series BMW (G30)
- 6 Series BMW (G32)
- 7 Series BMW (G11)
- 8 Series BMW (G15)
When did the BMW iDrive 7 debut?
iDrive infotainment system for BMW Most BMW drivers are familiar with BMW iDrive7, which has been available on the majority of new BMW models since 2018 and was the predecessor to the BMW iDrive8 system.
How recent is iDrive?
In the spring of 2021, BMW formally unveiled its iDrive version 8; this is the new operating system that will be featured in all of the company’s future vehicles, beginning with the all-electric iX SUV.
How much does a BMW iDrive repair cost?
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!
How can I tell if the software in my BMW is current?
The best way to see it is to glance at the bottom of your windshield from outside the car; it is typically printed into the driver’s side of the dashboard. If there are any updates, enter your VIN here. Download any updates that are accessible on a USB drive. To transfer the updates to your BMW, insert the USB drive into the BMW’s USB port.
How do I figure out which BMW Istep I own?
Now go to the.mpd file, right-click on it, choose “More options,” and then choose “Notepad” to open it. 6. Your Istep version is indicated in the text below in the highlighted section.