[danarcher]

Hey all,

I just tried this out this morning with my new F30 - there is already a software update available to take the multimedia and telephone systems to 3.5.4. You can actually install it yourself from bmw.com/update.

It was actually really simple to update - just a note: plug your USB stick into the center console USB port and not the one in the glove box. The update file must be in the root folder of the USB drive. It doesn't matter if you put it on your USB stick from a Mac or PC. It works from both.

-Daniel

[cstavaru]

Wow, so you can now install software updates without a dealer ? Or is it only for the multimedia stuff ?

[danarcher]

It seems to only be for multimedia and telephone support (like it provides additional support for new smartphones and iPhone software updates). Presumably, it will come with new features.. Maybe new BMW Apps support soon!

What's nice is that it is actually a BMW supported solution to update the software yourself.

[wdlv]

Originally Posted by danarcher

Presumably, it will come with new features.. Maybe new BMW Apps support soon!

What's nice is that it is actually a BMW supported solution to update the software yourself.

That's great news, although they probably won't allow the use of BMW Apps if you didn't purchase the Tech Package.

I'm really hoping they'll allow bluetooth audio streaming via an update. If not, whatever, I've got it at home on my receiver. When it works, great but there are times where it just completely stutters with interference.

[justinnum1]

i could have sworn there was an update feature in the idrive menu

[wdlv]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

i could have sworn there was an update feature in the idrive menu

I don't know if there's a direct update from iDrive but the updates (from my understanding) are basically to include bluetooth phone updates (new phones will have new bluetooth profiles). Perhaps they'll include updates for sound codecs or new music formats.

[danarcher]

As for bluetooth audio, it depends if the Bluetooth chip in the car without the enhanced bluetooth option has A2DP compatibility built in, OR if BMW simply enables A2DP streaming when you purchase the BMW Assist w/ Enhanced BT option. Either way, I don't see them adding bluetooth audio without having purchased that option.

And yes, it likely won't be a free update to enable BMW Apps, but I'm just saying that if they come out with support for other platforms (say Spotify for example), if you already have the BMW Apps option, then maybe they'll add that in with a software update.

In the iDrive menu, there is a Software Update menu under Settings, but it doesn't download OTA with BMW Assist or BMW Online - you still need to have that update file on a flash drive.

[bstrathearn]

Originally Posted by danarcher

It was actually really simple to update - just a note: plug your USB stick into the center console USB port and not the one in the glove box. The update file must be in the root folder of the USB drive. It doesn't matter if you put it on your USB stick from a Mac or PC. It works from both.

-Daniel

Thanks for posting this. It really is just that simple. Still having issues with the bluetooth functionality on my phone, but it's nice to know that external device support updates can be done without a visit to the dealer.

[aarslan]

I have checked the software version factory installed on the car, and the one provided on the BMW site. I was surprised to see that the factory installed version seems to be newer!

The car is 3.20i, purchased by the end of April 2012.

[sr5959]

Originally Posted by danarcher

Hey all,

I just tried this out this morning with my new F30 - there is already a software update available to take the multimedia and telephone systems to 3.5.4. You can actually install it yourself from bmw.com/update.

It was actually really simple to update - just a note: plug your USB stick into the center console USB port and not the one in the glove box. The update file must be in the root folder of the USB drive. It doesn't matter if you put it on your USB stick from a Mac or PC. It works from both.

-Daniel

Thanks!

I just did the update too, not sure what new features it gives us yet. I never had any issues with Bluetooth audio from my iPhone before.

[Elk]

The update has been out for quite a while (well over a month).

It does not add features, it adds basic compatibility for additional phones.

[Micleg]

No release notes specifying the changes?

[loosenit2]

Originally Posted by wdlv

I don't know if there's a direct update from iDrive but the updates (from my understanding) are basically to include bluetooth phone updates (new phones will have new bluetooth profiles). Perhaps they'll include updates for sound codecs or new music formats.

there is, in the settings. allows you to update vis usb or via the BMW assist. I'm in Germany with a US Spec car so I can't do it through assist but just downloaded the update to apply with a usb stick. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[328if30ri]

Just updated my car have to be running and you stick it in the arm rest USB port it was fast and easy

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by 328if30ri

Just updated my car have to be running and you stick it in the arm rest USB port it was fast and easy

Thanks for sharing. What did this update entail?

[328if30ri]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Thanks for sharing. What did this update entail?

So it can work with new phones basically lol

[bdozer]

2014 328d with iphone 5s on latest ios7

Anyone know if this fixes the bluetooth audio song/artist name update. Mine always sticks on the first song played. Also how about text messages? Can you read them in idrive now?

[bdozer]

Originally Posted by bdozer

2014 328d with iphone 5s on latest ios7

Anyone know if this fixes the bluetooth audio song/artist name update. Mine always sticks on the first song played. Also how about text messages? Can you read them in idrive now?

it doesn't help either situation, FYI...

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by bdozer

it doesn't help either situation, FYI...

I think this update has been out for a long time.

[Damn Dirty Ape]

yup - necro-thread.

[F30MSport]

Thanks for posting, just updated mine. Took all of 2 minutes.

[myszano1]

Anyone had that issue with software update?