

- #Idrive update drivers#
- #Idrive update update#
- #Idrive update upgrade#
- #Idrive update software#
- #Idrive update code#
There were actually SIX discs that covered the US. I remember back to my e46 navigation system - it used CD-ROMs for the map data.
#Idrive update update#
I would expect the SW update to be pretty small, I guess - but the map data, if doing a map update, is probably really large (raleedy's reference to a 32GB+ map update - hence USB)? The car's more fundamental systems get updates from the dealer. I'm not aware of any other updates that owners can do on their own (leaving aside coding). At some point before or during or after the process the system will ask you for the FSC, which you will enter using the iDrive controller. When you put that flash drive in the car and fire up the nav system, it gives you the option to update the maps.
#Idrive update code#
You have to buy an authorization code (also known as an "FSC") from a dealer or from a third party.

Files are downloaded (you can find sources on the usual forums), extracted and copied to a USB flash drive (it has to be at least 64 GB as the files come to more than 32 GB). (I wouldn't ordinarily do it after only a year, but there were some problems with the 2013 map database that I was hoping would have been corrected.) These updates are slightly more complicated, mostly because of the large size of the map database. I just finished updating mine from 2013 to 2014. Another DIY update you might want is a new version of the Nav maps.
#Idrive update software#
You will have noticed that this is a very limited sort of software update. It's a low-risk operation in that the Software Update menu gives you the option to go back to the earlier version if something goes wrong or even if you just want to. (In my car the system can ignore files that it doesn't need or can't use.) The ignition has to be on for this all to happen. When you select "Software Update" in iDrive, the car will check the USB drive and, if it finds an update for the car's system, it will load it. If you find a likely update, you can download it from the website, copy it to a USB flash drive (FAT or FAT32 format), and insert the flash drive in your car's USB port (the only such port in NBT-equipped cars is in the center armrest earlier cars also have on in the glove box, which I am told is the one to use for this purpose in the older-technology cars). You can look for audio system updates using this link, and entering your VIN: There is no over-the-air update like Tesla's. Looking to buy a new car in 2021? Here are the best cars coming out next year.That's not quite how it works in my experience. Wireless updates could also allow car makers to streamline manufacturing processes, potentially saving money by fitting every car with the same hardware on the production line (standardisation saves money in mass production), with software unlocking features if individual owners specify specific optional extras or packs.
#Idrive update drivers#
Conversely, owners who might want to test out a new feature before deciding to buy it, or drivers who want to rent a particular function for a short period of time, could benefit from OTA updates. In theory, buyers of second-hand cars could find some features disabled if the original owner’s contract specified some services were not transferable between owners, for example. OTA updates don’t only promise advantages to consumers, however. Tesla’s OTA updates have seen owners of Model 3s, Ss and Xs wake up to find their cars have been equipped with new features overnight, while Jaguar Land Rover has also made big promises about the technology.
#Idrive update upgrade#
Over-the-air (OTA) updates offer huge opportunities for manufacturers to upgrade - or downgrade - their vehicles remotely. The firm subsequently rowed back on this decision, however. The car maker faced criticism last year after it quietly made Apple CarPlay a subscription service that drivers would have to pay for on an annual basis. The free update is in stark contrast to the last time BMW made headlines with choices around software provision.
