Obviously, this does not ensure that you will be able to identify your iDrive version with complete precision, as the production month may vary depending on the country. However, at least now you know what type of head unit your BMW can have.
In This Article...
BMW iDrive: What is it?
Drivers can access a variety of content on the dashboard screen using BMW’s native infotainment system, iDrive. Along with more standard infotainment capabilities like navigation, audio, and communication, this content also includes car settings and trip information.
The system consists of both hardware and software components. The iDrive display (VividScreen), which is located on the dashboard, and the rotary BMW iDrive controller, which is used to navigate the on-screen menus, are the two most noticeable hardware elements. Additional equipment is dispersed throughout the driver’s cabin, including buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, a voice-activated microphone, and, in cars with the most recent BMW iDrive versions, cameras that facilitate gesture control.
All of this technology is required to run the dedicated iDrive software from BMW, which has undergone numerous iterations over the years, much like the operating systems we’re used to using on our phones and laptops. Much of the user experience, including menu design and feature set through several BMW iDrive apps, is determined by the software. It is sometimes feasible to run several software versions on the same iDrive hardware; for example, vehicles with an NBT Evo head unit can quickly switch between the iDrive ID5 and ID6 versions.
Comparable infotainment systems from other automakers, including as Mercedes’s MBUX, Ford’s SYNC, and FCA’s Uconnect, can be used to evaluate iDrive.
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.
What version of BMW iDrive do I have, and how do I know?
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.
Which BMW models come with iDrive 6?
- BMW 3 Series G20.
- BMW 4 Series G22.
- BMW 5 Series G30.
- BMW 6 Series G32.
- BMW 7 Series, G11.
- BMW 8 Series G15.
- G16 BMW M8.
- BMW Z Series G29
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)
What version of BMW iDrive is currently in use?
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.
What BMW model year is iDrive 7?
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.
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.
How much does a BMW iDrive repair cost?
The CCC, or Car Communication Computer, may be broken and cause the BMW navigation system to malfunction. BMW navigation and iDrive will not function if BMW CCC is unsuccessful. 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.
What exactly is BMW ConnectedDrive?
Your mobile devices, smart home technologies, and your vehicle’s intelligent interfaces are all effortlessly integrated into a full driving environment via BMW ConnectedDrive.
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.
Has my BMW been upgraded to Windows 7?
There are currently the following BMW vehicles made since 2018 that support BMW iDrive 7.0:
- BMW 3 Series G20
- BMW 4 Series G22
- BMW 5 Series G30
- BMW 6 Series G32
- BMW 7 Series G11
- BMW 8 Series G15
- G16 BMW M8
- I01 BMW i3
- BMW i8 I12 / I15
- G01 BMW X3
- G02 BMW X4
- G05 BMW X5
- G06 BMW X6
- G07 BMW X7
- G08 BMW X8
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 (takes 10 seconds or so). – Go to installed services in the linked drive services and update those (with the option key as well)
The BMW Operating System 7 is available for update.
Remote software rollout and upgrade. BMW Operating System 7 vehicles built starting in July 2021 already have the most recent version, including all new features. Customers can check the vehicle settings under Remote Software Upgrade to view the software version and see if any upgrades are available.
How can I get free map updates for my BMW navigation system?
Several times a year, changes to the maps are released. They are offered in the BMW Shop as a one- or two-year subscription. If you have a current subscription, you can use the BMW Update Manager to obtain the most recent refresh from the BMW Connected Drive portal and update your map data. You’ll need a 64GB FAT-32 formatted USB drive and the methods below to accomplish this.
- First, use the icon in the site top to connect into your My BMW Account. Go to “My Vehicles” by navigating.
- Choose the vehicle for which a map update is desired.
- Go to the “Map update” section. If a new map version is available, a notification will appear.
iDrive 6: Does it support Apple CarPlay?
Depending on your current configuration, you can either connect a WiFi antenna and activate it using FSC, or you may activate it over the air from BMW. You can get it through the BMW store if you already have WiFi hotspot capability and wireless charging. If not, you must get in touch with a nearby retrofitter to get the antenna installed and obtain the FSC.
Is the wireless antenna/fsc code approach challenging, or should I speak with a retrofitter directly?
As long as you have Pro Nav and the Tile menu with option 609, you can add Carplay.
Depending on the firmware version, you can either purchase the official FSC code from BMW or activate it using a USB stick or Enet cable through a third party.
You can activate it through the attached drive store if your car has 6NW or 6CP.
I don’t think it has 6NW or 6CP, either. Do you know of anyone who can assist me activate via USB or Enet?