BMW Software Updates

Going over the steps of updating the software in BMW's iDrive. These steps should work for iDrive versions 4/5/6. Demo vehicle is a 2014 BMW 328i. Note that the USB port locations can vary based on model/year
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[@keithfromchute8885]

BMW don't tell you to extract compressed files. Tried it and it works. Great information thanks.

[@julianang6144]

Just did an update on my 2014 i3 based on yr guidance and would like to thank you so very much for sharing yr knowledge! Worked a treat! Did not have to unzip the 'bin' file. Was a straight download to my USB and upload (1 min) to the Idrive. Fantastic thing is it increased my i3 range by 10% after software update! Very happy! Thank you again!

[@pierrejeangallant-ceo-comp6206]

Thank you for this video. I bought a used 2017 BMW in 2019 and never knew I could update the IDrive until I finally found your helpful video

[@alexanderellis154]

I saved it to my computer and then transferred the file to my USB drive and the vehicle did not recognize any software. I tried again using your method of downloading and saving directly to the USB drive and it worked! Thank you for the video!

[@superiorautomotive143]

Great walk through I appreciate your time.

[@rajivjain100]

Hello, Thank you for this video. It's very helpful. My 2015 BMW X5 was misfiring and needed a software update. The dealer updated it and charged me $500 for that. I wish I would have seen this video and could have done it myself. I'm frustrated because I wasn't notified that the software needed to be updated or that I could have done it myself. BMW Portland made some extra dough off me I guess. Thanks for your help.

[@andljoy]

Pro tip for updating software on pretty much anything via USB. Have an old USB stick ( USB 2.0 ideally) that is less than 4GB and format it as FAT16. Some systems ( computer bios and some IOT devices ) have shitty implementations of FAT and struggle to read modern advanced sector drives or more modern version of FAT ( such as exFAT)

[@perkinskurt6147]

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[@JKFLASH]

THANK YOU!! Been trying to sort this for ages

[@Joumiya]

just done it on my Mini F56, ive been looking for a simple answer and this video was it. thank you!

[@HafizAWahab-us9th]

Great! Could you pls share - any specific usb format required e.g. FAT32, exFAT or? And after extracted the UPDxxxx.bin file, did you also extract the sub bin files as well? If yes, did you get notification same filenames and if it is OK to overwrite those files? TIA

[@sailor39312]

The bmw flash drive is sooo cute 😍

[@perkinskurt6147]

I'll refer you to this pro for any online services,or remote automobile engineering, iCloud bypass,social media hack,e.t.c! chat via INSTAGRAM=== instagram.com/slowfire7

[@jefforceone]

Thanks for a great video your video finally help now I can really connect my phone to my car

[@keekdkelly]

Thanks for the video! Just what I needed! Let’s hope I don’t have anymore problems with my music or videos playing through the car! 🙏🏼

[@BillyfromConsett]

Thank you. I didn't need to expand the .bin file on my 2014 330d.

[@selcukatalay3760]

Great information! Thank you! can you also please tell how to update the maps?

[@schemkesa]

Yes I would like that too!

[@preetiahlawat807]

I have a 2012 BMW 1 series. I tried your way and its showing an error in the BMW site. is there another way to update the software.

[@EthneChinganga]

Hello, im having issues on trying to download the software update. when i search the vin number its just saying error occured try again later

[@realchicago4462]

Same here, what is our best option?!

[@jayashpatel6165]

the vin number for me was on the idrive aswell

[@gd540]

I just updated my 2014 528xi. It was not necessary to unpack the bin file. ConnectedDrive found the bin file, update complete in about 1 minute.

[@stangacristian5189]

What are the benefits and purposes of these updates?

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Only works with idrive subscription. Is 300 to install and a further $99 a year subsription. No idrive and subscription = no self updates. You need dealer ( and pay…).

[@EarlGr3yHot]

Just did the update on my 2015 328d wagon. I ran into an issue though, my drive was too big apparently (128gb). Apparently you need something that is less than 32gb because it'll be formatted in Fat32 already or you can format it into it. Anything over 32gb and it's not possible and the car won't recognize it. I found a 4GB thumb drive, loaded the update on it, plugged it in and it started doing it's thing. I didn't have to expand the files or anything like some of the videos had talked about either

[@molekamoleka5113]

It looks very simple I'm going to try this. My 2013 f10 doesn't play usb and stream Bluetooth music. Took it to agent and they advised me to book it in. Still waiting for the booked date to take it in. But now I am thinking that it worth trying first before going to pay for it at the agent

[@andydeuninck1625]

Is this web-page still up and running. I can not find the link to put in the vin number and then download the software. I have a 2017 750Li car was born Oct 27, 2016 and has Idrive 5 installed

[@HerrMansfeld]

I got a video on my Channel with Subtitles where you can see how to get to the Old Update Page

[@AngelHernandez-pm1xe]

Not sure if you’ll see this, but when I go to the website I can’t see the vin? Any help?

[@osama25674]

same issue, i think this video is old and the website has been updated. any solution?

[@jetskiandadam]

What is this software update for: Is it related navigation street updates, Bluetooth connectivity improvements, other media issues, Or, for engine related issues? Tnx Adam

[@Metalhead-4life]

NAV system on my 2017 BMW X3 xDRIVE28i keeps rebooting every 3-5 minutes! Tried updating via usb but it wont recognize the file. btw im using Using android & windows 11, there is no option in windows to "open" the files. I can only click "open with"

[@amatias527]

I tried this and put in my whole vin. It says my vehicle is up to date but has it listed as a 2012 328i not a 2013 328i so im a bit confused on that

[@StephenFamily-m8q]

same thing is happening to me and i dont know what to do

[@joshuastevens5557]

what happens if you don’t have usb drive ?

[@Punishment718]

Ok. Thank you.

[@eidfanatseh5604]

Hi, and thanks for your useful explanation , I tried to follow your steps , and i received answer that my BMW 740e software is Ok. While i have lost some features in software by my technician , such as owners manual, navigation system and I need to restore them by downloading the software , So please advise how can I get this software if possible, My best regards .

[@rcstech8634]

Hi, pls i have a problem, i add my f20 VIN number and there is problem, always is there this, Why? ´´The VIN number you have entered could not be found. Please check your VIN. Contact your local BMW dealer if the problem persists.´´ :( can you help me ?

[@visarbajrami6011]

Why this model doesn't have navigation

[@DonaldFant]

having a diffic ult time downloading from site, I put in the vin, but there is no permission box to check. All I get is rerad only

[@praetordayz8075]

i cant do that on my 335i 2013 it says try later by the VIN

[@sarahbordeaux9510]

When I plug the USB into my vehicle and go to update the software it gives me an error that says nothing detected in the USB drive. Has anyone else had this happen? 2017 X5

[@phillippathompson2818]

Chrome and IE are blocking my downloads. Has this been anyone's experience?

[@CC-gw5bz]

Right-click on Download .bin - open link in new tab, it should work

[@andrewsanchez437]

Would this help with my Bluetooth audio doesn’t show up I can answer calls but no music

[@dbimmerwizard6807]

Can i use any flash drive

[@snipercloutyb182]

My software update icon won’t let me click on it /:

[@pepper9253]

How can I do this with Windows instead of mac?

[@lesleyfranklin1772]

Can you add Android auto via software update on a 2015 218d gran tourer ?

[@karanbatth2373]

Hello I have 2017 BMW 330i xdrive. I have an issue with my Bluetooth connectivity. I only works for calls and when I try to play music it takes quite little bit time to work. I also check with the BMW services they told me that the software needs to update. So I want To know that this video will help to solve my issue??

[@MrHubbmuscle]

Excellent TY!

[@maskboyman]

Why my car dose not have update software? 2014 year 11 F34 body gt But when I tipping website. They said no action necessary Omg can I get software ? Anyplace?

[@steffenchristiansen8555]

When i type my VIN number on the BMW page it just says that en error occured? anyone knows what to do?

[@johnathanrodriguez4511]

Can we pay you to down load the update on a usb ??? For our specific model? Cuz I just bought a bmw and they wanna charge 350 for the update.

[@gletsjer]

For my 2011 model I downloaded the update and plugged in the USB, but got a message: "Software on USB device is not recent". I've tried it with both the downloaded package itself, and I've also tried by extracting all the bin files separately (there's a lot of them). I've haven't seen this message on any other forum. Has anyone come across this? Any tips?

[@TEAMCREAM_96]

Mine would only work with exfat not fat32

[@KingKobbyy]

The usb still doesn’t get read by my car 😩😩

[@oshtheld]

Is it FAT32 formatted? If your on a Mac then format as MS-DOS in disk utility.

[@KaisNextGear]

larger size usb drives can't be read by the onboard computer. I used an 8gb in the video

[@oshtheld]

Team Bimmer false, I used a 128GB USB to do my update.

[@MoM-vw7ex]

@@oshtheld thanks, formatting it like this fixed it for me

[@sale666]

So that .bun file has to be extracted?? Thats why it does not work

[@tainos6456]

Im having a problem with the screen its stuck on BMW logo an I don't have radio nor see car service menu does anyone know how to deal with this..

[@zamanzf6165]

2008 BMW X% 3.0si iDRIVE controller not working properlly ,, How may I update it ? Im not sure have a usb port have 3.5 & blutooth .

[@prioralada_]

Hi.bro software operation currently not available.please try later What should i do ?

[@oxintbrcko7343]

i didnt have that option on my bmw (update software) or show current software did u know why Thanks

[@jerkkingcaribbeancuisine8273]

would it be possible that you can email me that download. BMW does not allow you to download from the website anymore. Let me know if you can do that for me. thank you

[@maximomgwadira1687]

Hey hey. If you find it can you also send it please?

[@HerrMansfeld]

I got a video on my Channel with Subtitles where you can see how to get to the Old Update Page

[@HerrMansfeld]

@@maximomgwadira1687 I got a video on my Channel with Subtitles where you can see how to get to the Old Update Page

[@andreaskaliviotis1916]

Can i do it at my 116i f20 2014?

[@MrMelo1234]

Hi I have a 2015 model X5 its on a 64 plate. I have never updated the software from new but if I go to BMW update site it says its upto date it can't possibly be as its never been done. how can I get whichever is the last update for my car ?Please

[@thandomthembu4913]

How does the update improve the current version? Like does it add music with bluetooth now or I'll still use aux only?

[@MrRjcomm1]

Check the BMW version Chart

[@ccie2325]

@@MrRjcomm1 Where is that

[@ionutlupusoru6470]

Hi man, thanks for your video, I wanna ask you, do you have Bluetooth connectivity for media or just for calls only? I got a bmw f30 2012 and seems the Bluetooth doesn’t work to connect my smartphone through and listen to the music. Does this update will solve the issue? Thank you

[@KaisNextGear]

Likely for this year f30 that you only have telephone capability. An alternative solution that doesn’t cost an arm and leg would be a Bluetooth dongle that can go into the AUX port and connect the phone audio to that dongle

[@KingsfieldLL88]

@@KaisNextGear my one is 2012 BMW 328i F30, can I update the software?

[@The_Hand283]

Shame i cant do it with windows and asking for different apps to open the files :((((

[@karolpawlowski3785]

Splendt UK You can, you need to install Winrar or 7zip and extract it.

[@kencalvert8647]

Yea I've tried 7zip and still nothing

[@rufflefeathers5223]

@@kencalvert8647 Once you've installed 7zip, right click on the .bin file, hover over the 7zip sub-menu, then Open the archive. Copy the files to the root of the USB stick.

[@superiorautomotive143]

Do you have to have a specific flash drive or can it be any.?

[@jeralddonegan8403]

Is there something different I should do if I have windows?

[@Hurlsey90]

Download WinRAR to be able to open/extract .BIN files

[@liverpool45879]

Have a gear box remap and Stage one power map will this update Affect any of them

[@Quadraphoria]

my I-Drive does not show software update. the last on the list is "profiles" so I am assuming the software update is hidden. How do I change that?

[@Daedalus33]

having same problem. did you find a solution?

[@Gargoyle76]

me too ... any update on how to show the menu?

[@anderspahlman9248]

I have the same problem with my F11. I'm afraid that means I have to go to BMW and pay for the update :(

[@J.Ogden954]

Same issue here

[@virginiadenton7394]

I tried to do this and when I insert the usb it doesn’t say anything, it goes to media for some reason. Did I do something wrong?

[@2010selection]

Please i have the same problem so if you know the answer let me know I have x3 sports d20 2014

[@p.e.m.7831]

I just finished doing this but with Win 10. Just dl the bin file (no need to extract files). Put it in the root directory of a 1gb flash drive formatted in fat32. Brought it down to BMW. Turned on the car engine. Went to "update software" in the menu. Inserted flash drive and selected update software. Everything went smoothly.

[@ap7051]

Hi Team Bimmer, I have 1116 software on a 2017 M sport plus. Unfortunately, the head display reboots every 20 seconds so not long enough for it to recognise later update saved on the USB stick. So unable to update to new software. Is there a work around.....or is my only option a trip to the dealer? Volume knob depressed for 30 seconds doesn't work also. Any insight would be helpful. Yours, sat nav and radio/music deprived! 😫

[@hernandoladino8818]

i HAVE A BMW 520I 2014. Could be possible see video and music by bluetooth if some update firmware of software is suitable and enable for this model?

[@Mr2pint]

Great job did you have to format the USB stick in fat 32?

[@vincentshela2962]

I can't download the software update, the browser says "an error has occurred "..so wt shud I do

[@bensharp3318]

Vincent Shela as does mine

[@kupkakudelkow9069]

Same! Someone help!

[@mediahouseone]

Dear Team Bimmer , My Car is BMW 328I Convertible . Followed your's Video , Software Updated Nicely But Still facing the Same Bluetooth Connections error !! My i phone 11 pro max , Detects the car's bluetooth Numbers & after clicking that , it just rolls & few sec later it says Pair unsuccessful . BMW cars display shows Passcode Dial box very Fast !! but No pass code dialog box shows on phone ....... But my Previous i Phone 6s was working Fine tho without any update !! If you can help PLS

[@KaisNextGear]

On your iPhone 11, does the iPhone list the BMW under “my devices” in the Bluetooth menu currently?

[@mediahouseone]

​@@KaisNextGear Thanx First . Yes i can see BMW 5.....4 shows on Bluetooth List on my phone

[@perkinskurt6147]

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[@IN-SIGHTwithJB]

Will the update add navigation? What’s the easiest way to add navigation?

[@shaneprince6572]

You have to purchase it as an option. If your screen looks like this, you can't upgrade to it. Nav is only on the larger screens.

[@areabass]

I've got a 2014 120D. I find it odd that it has bluetooth for phone calls but not for streaming Spotify. It says software is up to date but I thought an update would allow this.

[@tammo02]

I think it has been some additional thing which i dont see pont of

[@thesimpleone2698]

Its posible that there must be other module for mp3 quality because phone saunds are much lower quality that music i tried bypasing it on my q7 and the quality was trash

[@cavincamellthemba9666]

Same here f30 328i find it strange Bluetooth not to include music from phone so disappointed, did you try it? Did it work?

[@areabass]

@@cavincamellthemba9666 I ended up just buying a decent Bluetooth to AUX receiver which works great. The car automatically jumps in as soon as someone calls. You should be able to connect to the two devices at the same time.

[@Hurlsey90]

Sounds like you don’t have Enhanced Bluetooth coded in your car. I have NBT head unit with combox so was able to code this in myself using Bimmercode. Works perfectly

[@dannyfincham]

I have tried this several times and each time it says that there is no USB inserted into the console usb port. I have a 2014 X1 and am using a 2GB flash drive. I know the port works because when I plug my phone in it will play thru the usb port. Can anyone help with this? I dont know if bluetooth has anything to do with this but I am completely lost on this

[@KaisNextGear]

You should have a USB port in the glove box

[@dannyfincham]

@@KaisNextGear I do have one in the glove box but I have tried both and each time it gives me the screen that says no usb device detected, I did see an area where I can turn off blue tooth and I will be trying that next but if you know of any other steps I may be missing please let me know

[@zlatkoturcic3041]

aAko ažuriram softver,da li če mi orisati mapu (Stage 1) koju sam instalirao ? I pitanje ; šta se dobije sa novim ažuriranjem ?

[@hosseintavassoli2822]

Hi. Where should we open the zip file?

[@fayeaziz2934]

Hi bmw Team, I have a Bmw 318 2013 and want to know for the update, is it mandatory to have a BMW usb device or any usb device can do it? Thank you in advance

[@JT-qd6uc]

Any USB should work

[@СтаниславЛеврон]

Thank s for video !! how get carplay on vehicle bmw f13 2013 year????

[@mohammadshakouri4309]

hello all bimmer team i want to say all things were perfect and had one question in my mind that how can i learn ISTA BMW as you know? please tell me

[@perkinskurt6147]

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[@misteryeah2013]

I went to this website today and it said the page cannot be found is there a new site that I can visit? Thanks

[@halslentz-whalen9263]

I got jammed up at trying and failing to expand the single update line that resulted from the download. Ultimately did not expand that single 103 mb line and took it to the car with 100% success result. That expanding thing may be out of date for the 435i x-drive update.

[@LA-st6dq]

Hal Slentz-Whalen I never had to expand either on my 2016 1 Series, iDrive is able to install the root file directly it is meant to do so. If it isn't compatible, the software in the car is most likely the latest unless there's another error causing it.

[@RogueStatusWolf]

when i expanded the files and tried to update the idrive in my 2015 328xi the usb was not recognized. However, when i didn't expand the files it worked perfectly

[@man7as]

Hal Slentz-Whalen yeah I’ve got a 435i and I didn’t have to go through all these steps, I’ve just downloaded and dropped the file straight to the flash. Went to my car pressed, plugged in the flash, pressed start update and boom done

[@man7as]

Hal Slentz-Whalen yeah I’ve got a 435i and I didn’t have to go through all these steps, I’ve just downloaded and dropped the file straight to the flash. Went to my car pressed, plugged in the flash, pressed start update. But it hasn’t solved my Bluetooth problems. It’s still playing up, delayed and sometimes completely unresponsive...

[@jeremiahnelson2779]

I cannot seem to get this to work. Will any flash drive with a FAT format work? I have erased, reformatted, reloaded, re-expanded zipped files, but no success. What am I doing wrong?

[@KaisNextGear]

Try a different drive, and a smaller one too. Less then 32GB. Even less is better because depending on model year I believe there were system limitations for reading certain USB drives.

[@jeremiahnelson2779]

Thanks for the advice. My drive is 4Gigs. It’s a 2014 328d, so same year as the video model. I can get to the screen with ‘USB’ as an option, but when I select it, nothing happens. Is there a different slot, beside the center consul port?

[@kevper96]

My 2011 328i does not have the software update option! Anything I can do to get music to play via Bluetooth?

[@catdog4723]

kevin google “bovee”. That’s the device I used

[@kevper96]

CatDog will do. Thank you

[@magdavallarino110]

Hello! A question, if I dont have a navigation system since I am bot on usa, the question is Do we need this update?

[@molekamoleka5113]

I've downloaded the updates but can't open the file on the smartphone or my desktop. The file is having Grey icon with question mark in it. May you please help me?

[@perkinskurt6147]

I'll refer you to this pro for any online services,or remote automobile engineering, iCloud bypass,social media hack,e.t.c! chat via INSTAGRAM=== instagram.com/slowfire7

[@schemkesa]

After typing in my VIN number the website says: An error has occurred. Please try again later. I'm absolutely sure the VIN number is right

[@anhtruong1835]

Vin never have letter o just have zero look that you may type wrong

[@eyvazheydarli]

I've done everything as you explained. I still get that message saying the software is not compatible with my car.

[@KaisNextGear]

I recommend stopping into a dealership and speaking with a BMW Genius, hopefully the most seasoned one. They provide tech assistance at the dealership level for things like this. You can try the national hotline 844-4-GENIUS but it can be difficult to diagnose the issue over the phone

[@LA-st6dq]

Eyvaz Heydarli You don't have to expand the file. Your software might be the latest already in this case, check the version your idrive shows you and compare with the update notices pdf Also, what year do you have?

[@eyvazheydarli]

@@LA-st6dq The software on my car is not the latest, I have already checked it. It's 2015 5 series.

[@LA-st6dq]

Eyvaz Heydarli It might be that the software available is either broken or not compatible with your car or it is the you have already Installed. Updates are usually vehicle specific provided for your Model and VIN as you entered before unless 2015 is too old and the available update is outdated. I have a 2016 BMW and updating worked fine for me so far. Well, except the Update they dropped a month or so ago UPD07041 seems to be messed up and can't be installed according to the Notices it is Version 105 something for TV but I already have 130. for TV, MV and HV...

[@LA-st6dq]

Eyvaz Heydarli I would consider asking your dealer or BMW specific fan forums. What version does your vehicle show you?

[@HAITIANBADGUY]

Hey I was wondering I have a 2010 bmw 535i xdrive twin turbo can I update my system on my car

[@magdavallarino110]

What you did with the key, it’s a usb?

[@mcmach1]

Centre console

[@ElizabethPerez-hw3tv]

Do the downloaded files needs to be uncompressed?

[@Chubby0883]

Hello I have europe maps. Will iblose then if I update? My car is us spec but i am in germany for now

[@selcukatalay3760]

or can you please tell me where can I download a map for F20?

[@tedgrover3883]

I have a 2014 320i After the update can I play music thru usb now?

[@ZoBrownLive]

We’re able to? Or was Bluetooth audio added?

[@tedgrover3883]

Alonzo Brown negative

[@maku8450]

I try to do that but my Bmw 320d 2012 but a message came on my idrive the usb not compatible for this car... can u help me pls thanks

[@Darko9933]

Just copy zipped file from BMW website to your USB

[@dokkenrox]

Really odd that BMW puts a bunch or archives within another archive like this. Not many people would expect to have to expand every single one of those, especially since there are no instructions to do so on their website.

[@A.j.A.HALMULLAH]

Hello sir.. I own a 2014 BMW 328i and I am looking for an update. Can you please send me the update link on my email Thank you very much for your understanding. My problem is that I cannot search for the update due to the chassis number problem.

[@ay-ay-ron4071]

does the car have to be on or just pressing the start button once without pressing the brake. and does the seatbelt have to be clicked on for the DME to stay on

[@KaisNextGear]

Ay-Ay -Ron I recommend turning on the vehicle, some updates can be longer then others. Seatbelt isn’t required to stay on, but car can potentially turn itself off

[@kenhermans]

So that’s why it never worked when I tried it. Thank you!

[@thewaspe177]

I put my USB in and it just directs me to the website

[@LavendrHoney]

Anyone know if this can work for a 2013 328i?

[@LavendrHoney]

Turkkilker not yet trying to research it a bit more.

[@GoatDirt]

How is this done on the latest Bimmers? Is it still thumb drives or have the finally got wifi working?

[@KaisNextGear]

The newest iDrive versions are setup for over-the-air (OTA) updates