I'm considering installing a media software update/partial software update to get newer iDrive software and hopefully make my CarPlay reliable.
1. My CarPlay connection with my 2017 M240i has been very unreliable throughout many different iOS updates 11 and 12 (currently 12.3.1, iPhone 8) and minor ones. CarPlay has worked very well and reliably with at least 7 other vehicles I've tried it on, though all were wired CarPlay and rentals.
40% of the time, the iPhone connects within 15 seconds of startup automatically
20% of the time, I need to go to the devices page and select Apple CarPlay, and it connects
30% of the time, I have to manually connect as above, but it gets stuck on "Connecting to Apple Carplay... This may take some time" for 30+ seconds, then fails with "Connection failed. Retry/OK". It works when I turn off and on wifi on my iPhone. I tried searching, and surprisingly no results on these forums with that exact quoted message, but plenty of people on Apple forums suggesting re-connecting Wifi.
In 9.7% of cases, I have to restart my iPhone.
In the last 0.3% of cases, I have to completely re-pair my phone with the car
This has proven aggravating, especially since these cars don't have wired CarPlay (right?) in which I could connect in 5 seconds by plugging in
I suspect this is actually a software issue on the car side and not an iOS issue. Thus, I'm thinking of installing the
BMW software update through a USB stick
I enter my VIN, and get:
Quote:
Software Update found: UPD09032
The Software Update is valid for BMW M240I, 2016, __VIN__
For detailed information on the new and customized features, please refer to the PDF "Software Update Information".
If the download does not start or there isn’t any PDF content shown please right-click on the download button and save the file with "Save target as...".
Software Update Information (PDF, 1.53 MB)
Software Update User Agreement (PDF, 1.49 MB)
Download UPD09032.bin (120 MB)
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What's amazing is that it says it is for BMW M240i, 2016. I know my car was produced in 2016, so maybe that is why.
Looking at this page:
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/ite...-do-it-and-how
Quote:
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More common, though, is a partial software update, or media software update. This may cover things like multimedia, Bluetooth, Internet connectivity, or mobile compatibility with the latest version of Apple iOS or Samsung/Android system.. Any owner can install this kind of update themselves as long as their car features a Combox, which works with iDrive and enhances many technology features in your BMW.
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Questions:
1. Should I already have this software update as part of "over the air" update? I thought that wasn't possible?
2. Will I have to start paying $80/year for CarPlay if I upgrade software? The car was bought with CarPlay as an option as part of Executive Package I think, so I hope not... I really don't want another bill and something that can disconnect me at random
3. Is it really true that there is no way to get wired CarPlay? No iDrive special editions anywhere?
4. Many people in other threads are warning against software updates
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1515996 and taking forever, but it looks like only the ECU/main software updates are bad, and not the infotainment/media one?
5. I'd much rather do this myself and really avoid the dealership - the chance of "bricking" the car completely should be nil, yes?
6. Anyone else had CarPlay connectivity issues that were solved by doing this?