how to tell what software version in a bmw 330i

Since its debut in the BMW E65 seven Series in 2001, iDrive has spread to all modernistic BMW models. The platform also underpins the infotainment system establish in Rolls-Royce vehicles and, under the brand name "Connected", can be establish in electric current-generation MINIs.

The concept is simple: take as many secondary vehicle controls as possible — music, navigation, climate control etc. — and put them all in one place, right in the heart of the dashboard. This means y'all have a single, cohesive way to access all your motorcar's features and settings, simply tin can make it difficult to continue track of everything your vehicle is capable of, particularly without a BMW iDrive manual.

We have a expect at a few of the questions a lot of people take near iDrive, whether they're having BMW iDrive problems, or they're because buying a new BMW, to help yous understand exactly what iDrive has to offer. Find out more about what it is, how to keep it upwardly updated, and theuseful hidden featuresyou might have missed:

What is BMW iDrive?

iDrive is BMW's native infotainment system, through which drivers tin access a range of content on the dashboard screen. This content includes vehicle settings and journey data, as well every bit more than typical infotainment features, such equally navigation, music and communication.

The system is a combination of hardware and software. On the hardware side, the ii most obvious components are theiDrive display (VividScreen), mounted on the dashboard, and the rotaryBMW iDrive controllerused to move effectually 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 bicycle, a microphone for voice control and, in vehicles with the latest BMW iDrive versions, cameras supporting gesture command.

All this hardware is used to run BMW's dedicated iDrive software, which, similar 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 carte layout and feature set through different BMW iDrive apps. In some cases, it's possible to run different software versions on the same iDrive hardware; cars with an NBT Evo head unit can switch between iDrive ID5 and ID6 versions withquick BMW iDrive coding.

iDrive can be compared to similar infotainment offers from other auto manufacturers, including Mercedes'southward MBUX, Ford'south SYNC and FCA's Uconnect.

Which BMW iDrive practice I have?

Like other engineering 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 curl through, the latest iterations include layouts made upward of dynamic tiles. As well every bit looking more gimmicky, these layouts also make information technology easier to get the data you need at a glance.

The major iDrive versions are CCC, CIC, NBT, NBT Evo and MGU. Other head units, including Gnaw, EntryNav and EntryNav Evo, take as well existed simultaneously, generally as an entry-level option.

Thanks to the changes made to the interface from one iDrive version to the side by side, distinguishing betwixt unlike generations is commonly simple. As each iDrive version largely replaced its predecessor, you lot can also get an idea of which iDrive version you have by looking up your vehicle's model and product year. If y'all need whatsoever assist, get in affect with united states of america and we'll assist you identify your iDrive caput unit of measurement.

Tin can BMW iDrive software be updated?

Most BMWs will still feel pretty fresh even a decade afterwards production, simply the aforementioned probably can't exist said of iDrive. Applied science moves so quickly that it only takes a few years for a system to offset lagging behind, so the iDrive in your make new BMW could be outdated in a few key areas before your charter is up.

One area where problems come upward particularly apace is smartphone connectivity. With each year'due south models from the likes of Apple and Samsung adding more than new features, it's likely that your old iDrive won't be compatible with everything your phone has to offer. In newer BMWs, for case, afterwards pairing your smartphone with your auto it's possible to call Siri or Google Assistant using the phonation command button on the steering bike. Older vehicles, produced before the rise of virtual assistants, won't accept that feature bachelor.

In some cases, a simpleBMW iDrive software updatecould exist plenty, if there's a compatibility outcome betwixt your existing BMW and a new smartphone. Your dealer may be able to update your iDrive firmware adjacent time you have your car in for a service.

In other cases, though, the just style to update your BMW iDrive system is by replacing it with a new and improved version. Apple CarPlay, for example, was launched in 2014, and but made it to BMWs for 2017. A software update won't be able to add CarPlay support, butretrofitting a CarPlay-compatible iDrive head unit in your BMWvolition. These kinds of iDrive updates are not offered by BMW, but a third-political party company similar BimmerTech can help with a full BMW iDrive upgrade.

How to upgrade iDrive head unit hardware?

Retrofitting a new iDrive head unit tin can let you access all the latest features in your older BMW. Depending on your vehicle and its current hardware, besides as the iDrive version you lot intend to upgrade to, you may need to replace the whole iDrive system, or just a few components. Upgrade from CCC to CIC requires for example a complete hardware upgrade, including the caput unit, screen, iDrive controller and trim. In return you lot become a much more than advanced hardware and internet support. Find out more about BMW CIC iDrive.

Upgrading from NBT Evo ID4 to NBT Evo ID5/ID6, is on the other hand comparatively uncomplicated , as you may exist able to retain several parts of your existing iDrive arrangement. Making a more substantial leap will crave far more all-encompassing changes.

Find out what y'all tin can expect when upgrading your iDrive caput unit of measurement.

BimmerTech is ready to help you upgrade your iDrive, so you tin go more from your BMW. For more data or for advice on the best upgrade path for you, don't hesitate tomake it touch onwith our expert team.

How to update maps on BMW iDrive?

Navigation is a fundamental part of the iDrive system, making it easy to go from A to B. Roads and points of interest change all the time, though, and then to make the most of your iDrive, it'south important tokeep your BMW's GPS maps updated.

Many of the latest BMWs include over-the-air (OTA) map updates, automatically downloading the latest map data using the car's built-in SIM menu. In these cars, the process is similar to updating your smartphone to the latest iOS or Android version — your iDrive volition download the data, and you'll merely demand to restart your car.

Vehicles that do not support OTA updates will require a manual upgrade. In the past, BMW navigation maps had to be updated by switching a DVD containing the map data. More than recent cars store the data on a born hard drive, letting you lot update your map by overwriting the data on the difficult drive. BMW lets y'all practice this by inserting a USB stick with the new map information into your machine'due south USB port.

Beforebuying a new BMW map, it'due south good to check which map version you require, which depends on your iDrive system. With your iDrive navigation open, use the settings menu to ringlet to "Navigation system version", where you lot volition see the region, version and year of your current GPS information.

How to code BMW iDrive?

A quick and like shooting fish in a barrel way to tweak your car's capabilities is throughBMW iDrive coding. Making small changes to the software underlying your iDrive system can unlock previously unavailable features that volition add convenience and condolement behind the wheel. Possible modifications include:

• Video and services in movement: Let your passengers watch DVD and other videos on the iDrive screen while yous drive.
• Enhanced Bluetooth: Become more than from connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth, including music streaming and Part features.
• Legal disclaimer deactivation: Disable the prophylactic alarm displayed when starting up the automobile, and then y'all can showtime using iDrive immediately.
• Remote ability folding: Fold in your wing mirrors from across the parking lot using your remote key play a joke on.
• Automatic time zone change: Have your iDrive clock alter automatically when moving between time zones — perfect for long route trips.
• RDC safe: Run across the precise pressure level of each tire on the iDrive screen, then y'all ever know that your vehicle is safe.

BimmerTech cancode your BMW iDrive via USB or cablevision, unlocking just the features y'all want for your vehicle. Our innovative processes mean you won't fifty-fifty need to go out home — the whole process can be completed in your garage or on your driveway, at a fourth dimension that suits you lot.

How to go text messages on BMW iDrive?

Connecting your smartphone to your BMW over Bluetooth not merely allows streaming music, simply also makes it possible to access incoming texts and calls through your iDrive system.

To practise then, 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 Function functionality on and off. If the Office option isn't shown, your vehicle likely doesn't accept the characteristic bachelor, meaning you will non be able to access text messages on iDrive.

Earlier text notifications can be displayed on the iDrive system, information technology may also exist necessary to adjust the settings on your mobile phone. On an iPhone, you will need to navigate to the Bluetooth carte du jour and tap the "i" icon next to the BMW you are connected to, and then activate the "Show notifications" choice. Android devices may have unlike requirements to evidence notifications over Bluetooth, delight consult your device documentation for more than details.

If text messages all the same aren't displayed on your iDrive screen, it's possible that your phone doesn't offer iDrive back up. BMW's website features aBluetooth compatibility checkerthat lets y'all enter your vehicle and mobile device to check exactly which features are supported.

What is the BMW Connected app?

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. Using the BMW Connected app, available for iPhones and Android devices, you are able to access your BMW'southward vehicle settings remotely through your mobile device. All you need is a BMW ConnectedDrive username and password.

Before setting off on a trip, you tin look up your destination and easily send directions straight to your iDrive navigation, and then you don't have to fix things upwards in the motorcar. On hot days, you can also activate the air-conditioning remotely, to bring your BMW to a comfortable temperature before information technology's time to exit.

The BMW Connected app also makes finding your mode dorsum to your car much easier. Activate GPS tracking in your iDrive system, and the BMW Continued app will show you exactly where your car is located, and so finding your style back to it in a packed parking lot should be a cakewalk. You also accept 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 lot can also check your vehicle's status, including fuel levels and whether the doors are locked. Forgot to lock upwards? Exercise information technology remotely through the BMW Connected app, without having to get out to your car.

Is BMW iDrive Android Auto compatible?

The latest BMWs include support for Apple tree CarPlay, letting iPhone users connect their smartphones to their vehicles and utilize their favorite apps on the iDrive brandish. Android users, still, aren't so lucky; BMW is notwithstanding to add together back up for Google's in-motorcar interface, though it is possible toretrofit Android Auto in your BMWwith a third-party unit, like BimmerTech'southAndroid Machine MMI Prime.

Android Auto lets y'all connect your Android smartphone to your iDrive, and utilise it to run pop Android apps similar Google Maps, Spotify and WhatsApp. For added safety, y'all can fifty-fifty use Google Assistant to upshot vox commands, letting y'all keep your optics firmly on the road.

High-quality Android Automobile units like BimmerTech's offering seamless integration with your BMW iDrive organization, and besides include back up for Apple CarPlay for more flexibility.

How to delete a BMW iDrive profile?

To make things easier, iDrive stores profiles with user data. This data includes saved addresses, paired phones and your music collection.

Before selling a BMW or returning a leased vehicle, it's advised to delete all this information as part of a full BMW iDrive reset, to ensure it isn't accessible to the adjacent possessor. This tin can exist washed through the iDrive card by going to the "Settings" menu, navigating to the "Profiles" section, selecting your contour(southward) and opening "Options", where you will be able to delete all personal information.

Is BMW iDrive touchscreen?

Early on iDrive versions were operated entirely or almost entirely by the rotating iDrive command knob, located between the ii front end seats. This controller could be used to navigate menus and input text by scrolling through the alphabet on screen.

As the complexity of iDrive increased, and then did the need for more robust navigation and input methods. Additional buttons were added to the dashboard to allow quick admission to popular functions, the advancediDrive bear upon controllerwas introduced to allow tracing letters on a touchpad instead of using the rotary input method, andBMW iDrive voice controladded an fifty-fifty more intuitive way to interact with your vehicle. It's possible toretrofit a BMW iDrive touch controlleror activate the vocalization command characteristic in vehicles that didn't come with these handy options from the factory.

In many of the latest BMWs, you will even discover a touchscreen. Whether or not a BMW has a touchscreen depends on its model, navigation version and production year. For example, a BMW F30 3 Series with Navigation System Professional person (pick S609A) has had a touch-enabled screen since the 2018 model yr, whereas the same car with Navigation System Business organization (option S606A), or an older vehicle, will take a standard, non-touchscreen.

Even BMWs with a touchscreen retain other iDrive navigation and input methods, such as the rotary iDrive controller or phonation control. Most drivers are probable to apply several methods depending on the situation — touchscreen for entering a destination before setting off, the physical controller when driving so as not to take your eyes off the road.

BONUS iDRIVE HACK: BMW hidden menu

For advanced users, iDrive also has a secret subconscious card, chosen the Service menu. This menu includes diagnostic information which may be used past a BMW technician.

Accessing it depends on your iDrive version. The process is slightly different for CCC iDrives (with the four-manner Advice / Navigation / Entertainment / Climate home screen) than later iDrive versions.

To open the hidden menu in CCC iDrive, printing the "Card" push button to reach the domicile screen, and so hold the iDrive controller for at least 8 seconds. After, turn it three clicks to the right, three clicks to the left, one to the right, one to the left and one to the right, and then printing the controller knob again. The service menu volition open up.

To actuate the hidden carte du jour in CIC / NBT iDrives, press the "Bill of fare" push button to accomplish the dwelling screen, and so agree the iDrive controller in the upward position for at least 8 seconds. Afterwards, turn it three clicks to the right, three clicks to the left, one to the right, one to the left and one to the right, and so press the controller knob again. Your iDrive menu will bear witness a new choice, "Service carte", to open the subconscious iDrive menu.

If you take whatever more than questions about your iDrive and what changes y'all tin can make to become the nigh of it, pleaseget in touchwith our expert team.

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Source: https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/100-idrive-update

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