How to update iDrive to the new interface ?

TomaGo · 05-18-2016, 04:38 AM

Hello Serie 2 bimmers,

A new iDrive interface is now available for 2016 X3, X4, Série 1, Serie 2 :

How could we get it in our 2015, 2016 cars ?

- Update the software with the USB key by using a 2017 VIN ?

- Update the NBT firmware with Esys and E-net cable ?

.... ?

Thanks for your help and ideas

Thomas

jetvet · 05-18-2016, 07:39 PM

I'd be interested in knowing if it's possible, but I'm sure it's hardware specific?

Viffermike · 05-19-2016, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomaGo

Hello Serie 2 bimmers,

A new iDrive interface is now available for 2016 X3, X4, Série 1, Serie 2 :

How could we get it in our 2015, 2016 cars ?

- Update the software with the USB key by using a 2017 VIN ?

- Update the NBT firmware with Esys and E-net cable ?

.... ?

Thanks for your help and ideas

Thomas

Looks like the new design is touchscreen friendly. Probably redesigned to prepare for that eventuality for the 2018 LCI ...

That said, I doubt the upgrade is compatible with non-EVO iDrive versions, the same way that OTA (over-the-air) map updates aren't possible with non-EVO iDrive versions. Basically, that means if your 2 Series was built before March 2015 (except 'verts, all of which have EVO), you'll be out of luck.

Viffermike · 05-19-2016, 12:30 PM

Well lookie here ... iDrive 5.0, the same system (minus the touchscreen) that's in the current 7 Series, is what the OP's post refers to:

This bulletin is for BMW Canada; the OP is in the EU. No verification that this is coming for MY2017 U.S. cars ... but if Canada's getting it, I'd say it's probable.

No mention of CarPlay here; just a different interface, slightly better screen, and revised iDrive controller. So don't get your hopes up for CarPlay or AndroidAuto.

Nelson@BimmerTech · 05-19-2016, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viffermike

Well lookie here ... iDrive 5.0, the same system (minus the touchscreen) that's in the current 7 Series, is what the OP's post refers to:

This bulletin is for BMW Canada; the OP is in the EU. No verification that this is coming for MY2017 U.S. cars ... but if Canada's getting it, I'd say it's probable.

No mention of CarPlay here; just a different interface, slightly better screen, and revised iDrive controller. So don't get your hopes up for CarPlay or AndroidAuto.

Carplay will be available this summer via a software update on the new 7 series...

Viffermike · 05-19-2016, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelson@BimmerTech

Carplay will be available this summer via a software update on the new 7 series...

Interesting, this. Would you happen to know how the interface will work since the 7 Series has three options for that (Gesture Control, rear-seat touchscreen, iDrive controller)? If that trickles down to lesser models, seems to me the iDrive controller would be the only option for MY2017 -- and CarPlay isn't very controller-friendly ...

Nelson@BimmerTech · 05-19-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viffermike

Interesting, this. Would you happen to know how the interface will work since the 7 Series has three options for that (Gesture Control, rear-seat touchscreen, iDrive controller)? If that trickles down to lesser models, seems to me the iDrive controller would be the only option for MY2017 -- and CarPlay isn't very controller-friendly ...

Rear seat touchscreen? Front CID is touchscreen. Touchscreen and idrive controller.

InTheSound · 05-24-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viffermike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelson@BimmerTech

Carplay will be available this summer via a software update on the new 7 series...

Interesting, this. Would you happen to know how the interface will work since the 7 Series has three options for that (Gesture Control, rear-seat touchscreen, iDrive controller)? If that trickles down to lesser models, seems to me the iDrive controller would be the only option for MY2017 -- and CarPlay isn't very controller-friendly ...

As shown in the linked video - touchscreen not required. If BMW wanted to... they could absolutely release CarPlay support for iDrive/Contoller Knob and older vehicles.

Viffermike · 05-25-2016, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InTheSound

As shown in the linked video - touchscreen not required. If BMW wanted to... they could absolutely release CarPlay support for iDrive/Contoller Knob and older vehicles.

Right, hence my comment that the iDrive controller would be the only input option for MY 2017. My bet is that the 2 Series gets a touchscreen for the MY2018 LCI.

BentZero · 05-27-2016, 11:04 AM

Sadly, I've not heard any Android auto rumors for BMW vehicles.

siwo · 06-03-2016, 02:32 AM

My dealer advised me today that the iDrive system is being updated for the MY17. Of course sans the touch screen feature! I too wonder if the new iDrive system can be flashed to the older iDrive vehicles!!!

Viffermike · 06-03-2016, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siwo

My dealer advised me today that the iDrive system is being updated for the MY17. Of course sans the touch screen feature! I too wonder if the new iDrive system can be flashed to the older iDrive vehicles!!!

siwo · 06-03-2016, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viffermike

I was just simply confirming that the new iDrive is coming to MY17 cause my dealer told me through Email. I ordered a MY16 and was also interested to know if it was possible to flash the new iDrive system to the MY15/16s. I did read this thread prior to posting, may I know what I missed?

crbalch · 06-08-2016, 08:51 AM

subbing to see if its possible to get the upgrade on my Oct '15 build

aorland1 · 06-15-2016, 03:20 PM

Very interested in the availability of a flash upgrade as well. Would love CarPlay.

crbalch · 06-16-2016, 01:46 PM

Called BMW Genius and they said the retrofit for both iDrive 5 and CarPlay would NOT be available. However, that doesnt rule it out in the future.

There is no way BMW would leave money on the table for existing owners to get CarPlay if compatible with existing head units. We will see once it comes out on the August produced cars.

05-18-2016, 04:38 AM	#1
TomaGo Private First Class 91 Rep 183 Posts Drives: BMW X4 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: France iTrader: (0)	How to update iDrive to the new interface ? Hello Serie 2 bimmers, A new iDrive interface is now available for 2016 X3, X4, Série 1, Serie 2 : How could we get it in our 2015, 2016 cars ? - Update the software with the USB key by using a 2017 VIN ? - Update the NBT firmware with Esys and E-net cable ? .... ? Thanks for your help and ideas Thomas
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05-18-2016, 07:39 PM	#2
jetvet Private First Class 34 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 M Sport [0.00] 2015 M235i xDrive [0.00]	I'd be interested in knowing if it's possible, but I'm sure it's hardware specific? __________________ Current: 2015 M235i F22 BSM (FBO) Current: 2015 X5 M Sport CBM (hers) Previous: 2008 335i E90 Tiag (FBO)
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05-19-2016, 12:30 PM	#4
Viffermike Colonel 1753 Rep 2,942 Posts Drives: '18 black-n-blue 718 Cayman Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Big D iTrader: (0)	Well lookie here ... iDrive 5.0, the same system (minus the touchscreen) that's in the current 7 Series, is what the OP's post refers to: This bulletin is for BMW Canada; the OP is in the EU. No verification that this is coming for MY2017 U.S. cars ... but if Canada's getting it, I'd say it's probable. No mention of CarPlay here; just a different interface, slightly better screen, and revised iDrive controller. So don't get your hopes up for CarPlay or AndroidAuto. __________________ --Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.-- --Helmets are for closers.-- <<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>>
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05-27-2016, 11:04 AM	#10
BentZero Lieutenant Colonel 625 Rep 1,753 Posts Drives: 6MT Mineral White M235i Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (2)	Sadly, I've not heard any Android auto rumors for BMW vehicles. __________________ I rev-match from neutral to first 6MT Mineral White on black M235i coupe Build thread
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06-03-2016, 02:32 AM	#11
siwo Lieutenant 116 Rep 509 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i RWD 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M235i Coup ... [0.00]	My dealer advised me today that the iDrive system is being updated for the MY17. Of course sans the touch screen feature! I too wonder if the new iDrive system can be flashed to the older iDrive vehicles!!! __________________ 2016 M235i RWD 6MT - Current! as of July 28/16 2015 ES350 6AT - Traded In 2004 RX330 5AT - Sold 2004 Civic Coupe Si(EX) 5MT - Retired 1993 Civic Coupe Si(EX) 5MT - Retired
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06-08-2016, 08:51 AM	#14
crbalch The Schwab 473 Rep 1,605 Posts Drives: 2020 AW M340xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 BMW X1 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235xi [0.00]	subbing to see if its possible to get the upgrade on my Oct '15 build
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06-15-2016, 03:20 PM	#15
aorland1 New Member 5 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M235i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	Very interested in the availability of a flash upgrade as well. Would love CarPlay.
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06-16-2016, 01:46 PM	#16
crbalch The Schwab 473 Rep 1,605 Posts Drives: 2020 AW M340xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 BMW X1 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235xi [0.00]	Called BMW Genius and they said the retrofit for both iDrive 5 and CarPlay would NOT be available. However, that doesnt rule it out in the future. There is no way BMW would leave money on the table for existing owners to get CarPlay if compatible with existing head units. We will see once it comes out on the August produced cars.
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