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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[@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

[@keithfromchute8885]

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

[@JKFLASH]

THANK YOU!! Been trying to sort this for ages

[@musthakahamad]

i have updated my 2014 550i , its is really helpful. formatted my 32gb flash drive to fat32 16mb format. copied the zip file and extracted it as mentioned and it worked like charm. thanks

[@jefforceone]

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

[@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!

[@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! 🙏🏼

[@superiorautomotive143]

Great walk through I appreciate your time.

[@Noluvvaj]

Mine doesn’t show software update when I plug it in.

[@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

[@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.

[@BillyfromConsett]

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

[@jayashpatel6165]

the vin number for me was on the idrive aswell

[@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

[@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

[@bryangreene4969]

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

[@Tropicalandia]

when I put my vin number it gives me an error and says: try again later

[@selcukatalay3760]

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

[@schemkesa]

Yes I would like that too!

[@Punishment718]

Ok. Thank you.

[@MrHubbmuscle]

Excellent TY!

[@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.

[@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 .

[@Mr2pint]

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

[@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]

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

[@liverpool45879]

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

[@Partyzant]

I cant do mirror with my phone, so I would like to update the software on my f22, I'm wondering if after update it be possible, and If I won't lose my nav maps ?

[@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! 😫

[@giannilafortune8782]

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

[@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?

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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??

[@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

[@superiorautomotive143]

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

[@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.

[@stangacristian5189]

What are the benefits and purposes of these updates?

[@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.

[@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

[@Punishment718]

Do you have a video on how to replace the video cable for the side view camera on a F02 BMW?

[@TeamBimmer]

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with that task. In that instance, I myself would be referring to service. Best of luck!

[@twotwosteele]

What was different since you did the update

[@TeamBimmer]

There is a PDF that you can print out that describes the changes made by the update

[@andrewsanchez437]

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

[@prabodhariyaratne6882]

How to update the maps in my 320i 2014?

[@oxintbrcko7343]

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

[@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 .

[@alexandercarlsson]

Will this interfere with MHD ? Will i loose my tune if i update Firmware?

[@lesleyfranklin1772]

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

[@dbimmerwizard6807]

Can i use any flash drive

[@kenhermans]

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

[@jayuddin9590]

Hi i tried to do this via the link you posted but do you know if they still let us do installation by ourselves because its not recognizing my VIN number and a few other people have said the same? Do you know where I can actually get the download file other than BMW site or do you still have yours on USB to share? Thanks!

[@TeamBimmer]

I haven't heard of them no longer allowing for the service to clients. I would assume they would take the site down altogether if they wanted to stop people from updating completely. Possible your vehicle doesn't have any updates available. They don't update the software nearly as frequent as mobile phones and it usually isn't recommended to update unless you are experiencing issues, mostly bluetooth related. The updates are to help correct things but usually will not introduce new features to the vehicles (although that may change with iDrive 7.0). Have you been having issues with iDrive?

[@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

[@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?

[@ElizabethPerez-hw3tv]

Do the downloaded files needs to be uncompressed?

[@user-dz3sq9ey8v]

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?!

[@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]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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"

[@gjmheating8857]

We Have tried doing this online doesn't do anything when I put VIN in

[@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

[@TeamBimmer]

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]

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

[@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..

[@andreaskaliviotis1916]

Can i do it at my 116i f20 2014?

[@bossgoon311]

Quick question do you think this would fix any static issues coming from a new iPhone update? All of a sudden there’s a lot of static in the bmw but not in any other car.

[@TeamBimmer]

Not sure that it will. I would try unpairing the phone from the car, and unpair the car from the phone. Then try to repair the device. Don’t just toggle Bluetooth on and off, this likely won’t help. If that doesn’t help, try pairing a completely different device (preferably not an iPhone). If the other device works fine, it may be your phone giving you trouble.

[@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…).

[@Ilovhellokitty18]

Does this up adequate the map navigation system as well

[@zlatkoturcic3041]

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

[@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

[@TeamBimmer]

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

[@prioralada_]

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

[@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?

[@hosseintavassoli2822]

Hi. Where should we open the zip file?

[@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

[@user-ii8ht4bg1n]

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

[@thewaspe177]

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

[@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

[@sale666]

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

[@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 ?

[@joshuastevens5557]

what happens if you don’t have usb drive ?

[@visarbajrami6011]

Why this model doesn't have navigation

[@snipercloutyb182]

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

[@rickkay9548]

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

[@TeamBimmer]

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

[@florinflorinstanila9860]

💪

[@steffenchristiansen8555]

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

[@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.

[@roblewis2098]

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

[@fedism]

Will it update navigation maps as well? In Miami new beighborhoods constantly being built. My software is from 2012

[@TeamBimmer]

Ri2nonerok it does not update maps. That is a different process which can vary based on your model and it’s features. May be best to contact your local parts/service for more info

[@andrea77junco]

@@TeamBimmer hello BMW 323i 2000 needs updates too?

[@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

[@nvery5497]

Is this update free?

[@Adam.minyan]

Well… in my bmw i don’t see the navigation system at all. It doesn’t show up on the screen. I have bmw 420i Coupé Model 2014 I tired to update the software but still without GPS system at all. Do u know how to solve this issue ?

[@TeamBimmer]

Not every vehicle with a screen is equipped with navigation, it’s likely it doesn’t have that option

[@xradrd]

Is this the update that allows you (if your car does not come with Apple CarPlay and you install it after) to see CarPlay in full screen???

[@edoardotunzi3526]

Good question. I would like to know that too! Please

[@randyramirez6423]

i'm gonna guess no. just a guess tho

[@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

[@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.

[@josuetobias572]

Can you use any drive to download it or it has to s BMW one like yours?

[@reneromero7631]

his is a normal flash drive renamed to "BMW Drive"

[@pepper9253]

How can I do this with Windows instead of mac?

[@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

[@sabakhan2862]

What is usb drive . Can some please explain. I have bmwz4 e89 sdrive . Thanks for any help.

[@TeamBimmer]

Check the glove box on that model, I believe your USB port is in there

[@williamavery1758]

How do I do a software update on my 2004 BMW 325i

[@H0rseMac]

You can’t. Car is to old.

[@TEAMCREAM_96]

Mine would only work with exfat not fat32

[@tedgrover3883]

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

[@alonzobrown1380]

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

[@tedgrover3883]

Alonzo Brown negative