[gt11990]

So i havent had an full update for my i drive since 2018 and i spoke to the connected drive guys and they said the latest update is November 2021 i was wondering how can i apply this update without having to go to the dealer and pay for an update

[eleven11]

Try this: https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html

[gt11990]

First thing i tried but did not work states no updates available i have the latest update

[SquareWheels]

I need map updates, lots of changes near me. Contacted local BMW dealer, they said there is an update coming, it's being rolled out by VIN. He said it could take as long as early summer before all cars are updated.

I checked the link above and was also told I was up to date, but I know I'm not.

Not sure if there is a way to get the update sooner, I can wait a few more months.

[gt11990]

The link provided is only for small updates like Bluetooth and what not and i get map updates now and then remotely but the update am talking about is the whole unit system

[Wires]

Originally Posted by gt11990

The link provided is only for small updates like Bluetooth and what not and i get map updates now and then remotely but the update am talking about is the whole unit system

This. And its usually 100% only applicable if you have an iPhone.

Any map, or actual iDrive updates are done a different way (OTA, dealer, etc).

[Billfitz]

Be careful what you wish for. A full update will wipe any coding you've done, and may remove some features. I won't let my car get near a dealership.

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by gt11990

So i havent had an full update for my i drive since 2018 and i spoke to the connected drive guys and they said the latest update is November 2021 i was wondering how can i apply this update without having to go to the dealer and pay for an update

They are likely referring to the Integration Level (I-Level/I-Step) of your car's firmware. The most current release is F020-21-11-540. You can check which I-Step you are on with a USB flash drive.

Unfortunately, flashing your car up to the latest I-Step is a dealer process. You can try to DIY it, but it takes a lot of equipment to do so. It also closes some doors like tuning as Billfitz mentioned. If your car is still under warranty, you can try to have your dealer do it this way.

[Skyhigh]

Originally Posted by gt11990

So i havent had an full update for my i drive since 2018 and i spoke to the connected drive guys and they said the latest update is November 2021 i was wondering how can i apply this update without having to go to the dealer and pay for an update

2018 is not too long ago. My advise in this particular case (ref all the others here as well) - "if it ain't broke don't fix it"

I am a sucker for updates in general, but i-Step updates often introduce more restrictions (and occasionally new deficiencies) than fixing anything meaningful. Especially so long since the model has been out.

[Wires]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

2018 is not too long ago. My advise in this particular case (ref all the others here as well) - "if it ain't broke don't fix it"

I am a sucker for updates in general, but i-Step updates often introduce more restrictions (and occasionally new deficiencies) than fixing anything meaningful. Especially so long since the model has been out.

I'm the guy that likes latest updates on everything, but in this case, I'd be following this advice.

Unless you have a glaring issue, there really is no benefit. If it's a bluetooth connection issue, then it should be on that web portal that was listed earlier (but like I mentioned, any time I've looked for my car, it was only fixes for iPhone blueooth).

[gt11990]

Thank you guys makes alot of sense not to update unless someone actually knows whats new in the latest update

[wilbur_the_goose]

If you're missing maps, ensure your car is registered at BMW Connnected Drive for the correct geographic region. https://securelogin.bmwusa.com/login...3FreturnUrl%3D

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by gt11990

Thank you guys makes alot of sense not to update unless someone actually knows whats new in the latest update

Here's a brief and incomplete list:

Steering gear movement fixes in F020-19-03-xxx
Bluetooth connection drops fixed in F020-19-07-xxx
Increased battery drain iDrive message fixed in F020-19-11-xxx
Rough running/idle fixes in F020-18-03-xxx
ConnectedDrive fixes in F020-18-03-xxx (no longer relevant due to 3G sunset)

[gt11990]

Originally Posted by capt_slow

Here's a brief and incomplete list:

Steering gear movement fixes in F020-19-03-xxx
Bluetooth connection drops fixed in F020-19-07-xxx
Increased battery drain iDrive message fixed in F020-19-11-xxx
Rough running/idle fixes in F020-18-03-xxx
ConnectedDrive fixes in F020-18-03-xxx (no longer relevant due to 3G sunset)

Thanks here am thinking its going to be some kind of a major update with features can live without it 😂

[Skyhigh]

No, the concept if introducing new features via software updates is very new to the car industry in general and to BMW (latest generations only). That's one of the things which a popular in the last few years American manufacturer of cheaply designed, cheaply built EVs did well.

The traditional purpose of software updates in the automotive industry is primarily bug fixing (or in best case - necessary compatibility enhancements to satisfy market demand, whilst the model is still manufactured and sold - e.g. Bluetooth support of newer phone models, Apple Carplay enhancements, etc.).

[Fizzius]

But even then those updates are usually only pushed to vehicles that are a few years old. I know that like with my brothers Explorer Sport, even when it was only 3yrs old the dealership would no longer do updates to their Infotainment system (maps, phone, nothing) because they had changed versions of the software (like moving from iDrive4 to 5 or 6) and thus he is now stuck with maps and connectivity from 2018 (which really isn't that long ago).

I can understand not wanting to upgrade when the hardware is super old (say from last chassis model year or something) or more than like 5yrs old but when a vehicle is only a few years old, those cursory updates should be something that is just handled. But maybe that is just the logical side of my brain going wild.

[Skyhigh]

Don't confuse software updates with data updates!
Navigation maps are data and are both supported for a prolonged period of time (e.g. 10 years after the model gets discontinued) and make sense to be updated as frequently as possible!

Software updates on the other hand become very infrequent once the model is discontinued and only aim bug or security fixes and/or newly introduced legal compliances (e.g. exhaust noise reduction).

[eff32fl]

I wish they would add Android auto support in an update ffs!

[Skyhigh]

Just buy an iPhone and focus on more valuable wishes

[eff32fl]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

Just buy an iPhone and focus on more valuable wishes

Pffft! lol