How to update bmw software

Using a USB Drive

Go to the Setting menu in iDrive and find the option for Software Update. Then, just follow the direction on the screen. Finding out about updates and installing the new software for a minor update is quick and easy.

Only certain modules are updated through OTA. There’s several modules in a modern BMW, approximately 17, however the number is based on how the car is optioned. In order to fully update all modules it will require a ISTA programming session. They “charge” that fee, but I didn’t have to pay.

The rollout of the latest version of BMW Operating System 7 (ver. 11/20) will get underway on 22.02. 2021.

Unfortunately, you can not upgrade an Idrive system as it depends too much on hardware and software in your vehicle. All vehicles now and then will probably have Idrive 7, but unfortunately you can not change from 4 to 5 or up. iDrive 7 will be available in LCI version of G30.

Go to your iDrive navigation view, open the settings menu and scroll down to Navigation system version. You will see the region, map version and year of your current map. If it’s more than a year old, it’s time to update.

Getting started

Choose your vehicle and swipe to the second page of apps, tap and hold on Google Maps and move it to the Home screen. Plug the phone into the USB port in your car, or connect it wirelessly if you have that option. You will then see the CarPlay screen appear with Google Maps available.

The complete update procedure may last for about 30 to 90 minutes. After having successfully installed the update, the system will automatically reboot. After this, the updating procedure is complete.

It’s free to register with ConnectedDrive for all eligible BMW cars equipped with the software. It’s standard on most BMW models for three years. BMW recognises that some owners don’t want or need all the ConnectedDrive features, so offers most of the Digital Services features separately or as a trial.

ConnectedDrive is free for the first three months when you buy a new BMW, then costs $50 a year if you choose to keep it.

The BMW ConnectedDrive subscription costs $50 per year, with an initial three-month free trial. You will need to: Download the BMW ConnectedDrive app and create an account. Add vehicles to your account.

You can start your vehicle using remote engine start with the BMW Display Key and the BMW Connected App. After you enable the automatic engine start in your driver assistance settings, you can keep your BMW cool, ventilated, or heated in the interior with click of a button.

Using the BMW key fob you can activate the heating by pressing the lock button three times while with the Display Key, you have a sub-menu dubbed preconditioning, which allows you to start the engine remotely.

Will a BMW start with a deceased key fob? If your BMW key fob’s battery has run out, you won’t be able to unlock your vehicle remotely or, if your BMW has Comfort Access, use keyless entry. However, you can still access and start your car manually.

BMW adds remote start to a range of models, warm that interior up before you get in. On a hot summer’s day you want your cars interior cooled down before you get going. Also the X5 xDrive40i & X6 xDrive40i from August 2019 and the BMW 4 Series coupe, 520i, and 530i from July 2020.

The G05 BMW X5 was the first car to be equipped with the remote engine start, and since its launch, each BMW (such as G30 5 Series, G11 7 Series, G01 X3 and G20 3 Series) has followed in its footsteps.

Check your vehicle’s key fob

The key fob for your car will have a special button if your vehicle has a remote starter. The symbol for the remote start is usually an arrow making a partial circle, as seen above. However, take note that some vehicle brands might use a different symbol for remote start.