We take a look at a few of the questions a lot of people have about iDrive, whether they're having BMW iDrive problems, or they're considering buying a new BMW, to help you understand exactly what iDrive has to offer.
Find out more about what it is, how to keep it up updated, and the useful hidden features you might have missed:. This content includes vehicle settings and journey data, as well as more typical infotainment features, such as navigation, music and communication. The system is a combination of hardware and software. On the hardware side, the two most obvious components are the iDrive display VividScreen , mounted on the dashboard, and the rotary BMW iDrive controller used to move around the on-screen menus.
Scattered around the driver's cabin can also be found supplementary pieces of equipment, including buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, a microphone for voice control and, in vehicles with the latest BMW iDrive versions, cameras supporting gesture control.
All this hardware is used to run BMW's dedicated iDrive software, which, like the operating systems we're familiar with from our phones and computers, has seen a number of different versions through the years.
It is the software that determines much of the user experience, including menu layout and feature set through different BMW iDrive apps. Like other technology devices, iDrive has gone through several progressive stages.
Over time, more features have been added to the iDrive system, and the visual interface has been modernized and improved. Whereas older iDrive versions featured menus to scroll through, the latest iterations include layouts made up of dynamic tiles.
As well as looking more contemporary, these layouts also make it easier to get the information you need at a glance. Thanks to the changes made to the interface from one iDrive version to the next, distinguishing between different generations is usually simple. As each iDrive version largely replaced its predecessor, you can also get an idea of which iDrive version you have by looking up your vehicle's model and production year.
If you need any help, get in touch with us and we'll help you identify your iDrive head unit. Most BMWs will still feel pretty fresh even a decade after production, but the same probably can't be said of iDrive.
Technology moves so quickly that it only takes a few years for a system to start lagging behind, so the iDrive in your brand new BMW could be outdated in a few key areas before your lease is up. One area where issues come up particularly quickly is smartphone connectivity. With each year's models from the likes of Apple and Samsung adding more new features, it's likely that your old iDrive won't be compatible with everything your phone has to offer. In newer BMWs, for example, after pairing your smartphone with your car it's possible to call Siri or Google Assistant using the voice command button on the steering wheel.
Older vehicles, produced before the rise of virtual assistants, won't have that feature available. In some cases, a simple BMW iDrive software update could be enough, if there's a compatibility issue between your existing BMW and a new smartphone.
Your dealer may be able to update your iDrive firmware next time you take your car in for a service. In other cases, though, the only way to update your BMW iDrive system is by replacing it with a new and improved version.
Retrofitting a new iDrive head unit can let you access all the latest features in your older BMW. Depending on your vehicle and its current hardware, as well as the iDrive version you intend to upgrade to, you may need to replace the whole iDrive system, or just a few components. In return you get a much more advanced hardware and internet support. Making a more substantial jump will require far more extensive changes.
Find out what you can expect when upgrading your iDrive head unit. For more information or for advice on the best upgrade path for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Navigation is a key part of the iDrive system, making it easy to get from A to B. Roads and points of interest change all the time, though, so to make the most of your iDrive, it's important to keep your BMW's GPS maps updated.
In these cars, the process is similar to updating your smartphone to the latest iOS or Android version — your iDrive will download the data, and you'll only need to restart your car.
Vehicles that do not support OTA updates will require a manual upgrade. More recent cars store the data on a built-in hard drive, letting you update your map by overwriting the data on the hard drive. Before buying a new BMW map , it's good to check which map version you require, which depends on your iDrive system.
With your iDrive navigation open, use the settings menu to scroll to "Navigation system version", where you will see the region, version and year of your current GPS data. A quick and easy way to tweak your car's capabilities is through BMW iDrive coding.
Making small changes to the software underlying your iDrive system can unlock previously unavailable features that will add convenience and comfort behind the wheel. Possible modifications include:. Our innovative processes mean you won't even need to leave home — the whole process can be completed in your garage or on your driveway, at a time that suits you.
Connecting your smartphone to your BMW over Bluetooth not only allows streaming music, but also makes it possible to access incoming texts and calls through your iDrive system.
To do so, your iDrive needs to support the Office feature, which also needs to be switched on. After pairing your BMW and smartphone over Bluetooth, go to your iDrive settings and navigate to the mobile devices page.
A settings menu should let you switch Office functionality on and off. If the Office option isn't shown, your vehicle likely doesn't have the feature available, meaning you will not be able to access text messages on iDrive. Before text notifications can be displayed on the iDrive system, it may also be necessary to adjust the settings on your mobile phone.
On an iPhone, you will need to navigate to the Bluetooth menu and tap the "i" icon next to the BMW you are connected to, then activate the "Show notifications" option. Android devices may have different requirements to show notifications over Bluetooth, please consult your device documentation for more details. If text messages still aren't displayed on your iDrive screen, it's possible that your phone doesn't offer iDrive support.
BMW's website features a Bluetooth compatibility checker that lets you enter your vehicle and mobile device to check exactly which features are supported. The BMW Connected app creates another layer of integration between your BMW's iDrive and your smartphone, going beyond just listening to music and reading messages. Before setting off on a trip, you can look up your destination and easily send directions straight to your iDrive navigation, so you don't have to set things up in the car.
On hot days, you can also activate the air conditioning remotely, to bring your BMW to a comfortable temperature before it's time to leave. The BMW Connected app also makes finding your way back to your car much easier. Activate GPS tracking in your iDrive system, and the BMW Connected app will show you exactly where your car is located, so finding your way back to it in a packed parking lot should be a breeze.
You also have the option to remotely turn on the lights or honk the horn, giving a few extra ways to locate your vehicle. Wherever you are, you can also check your vehicle's status, including fuel levels and whether the doors are locked. Forgot to lock up? Do it remotely through the BMW Connected app, without having to go out to your car.
The latest BMWs include support for Apple CarPlay, letting iPhone users connect their smartphones to their vehicles and use their favorite apps on the iDrive display.
For added safety, you can even use Google Assistant to issue voice commands, letting you keep your eyes firmly on the road. Information about the software update Content These instructions provides information about the software update. The content of this software update depends on. In the current section of our site you will find the most detailed and complete information about the BMW , its design, technical characteristics and parameters.
This will help you present the BMW repair manual. This excellent manual contains many useful and practical recommendations for both novice and advanced motorists. And carefully selected charts and tables perfectly complement the collected material.
The headquarters is in Munich, the land of Bavaria, Germany. During the First World War, the German state felt a great need for aircraft engines, which led the two designers to unite in one plant. After World War I, the company begins to produce motorcycle engines, and then the whole cycle of production and assembly of motorcycles is already underway at the plant. Later appeared models and
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