[Grayhair]

I have tried three different flash drives but cannot update my software. I am downloading from an apple computer to the flash drive. The screen says no software detected yet its on the flash drive. Any suggestions would be appreciated. (flash drive is FAT 32)

[zipphreak]

Can you be more specific as to what your trying to update? You have been very vague in your post. Also please use the forum search as many update issues have already been discussed in detail.

[Grayhair]

I am trying to update the cars computer software. I went to BMW put in my 7 digit vin number and downloaded the upgrade to my flash drive. I am using a Mac computer. The flash drive shows the upgrade but the cars system doesn't recognize it.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by Grayhair

I am trying to update the cars computer software. I went to BMW put in my 7 digit vin number and downloaded the upgrade to my flash drive. I am using a Mac computer. The flash drive shows the upgrade but the cars system doesn't recognize it.

The Owner's Manual mentions nothing about updating iDrive software, or any other software. Updating Navigation maps, Bluetooth version, and certain iDrive infotainment functions is covered in the Navigation, Communication, and Entertainment manual, the .pdf for which is below.

From p. 58 of that manual:
Software Update
The vehicle supports various external devices
depending on the current software version.
With a software update, compatibility with the
vehicle can be improved, so that the vehicle
can support new mobile phones or new external
devices, for example.

The updating of the software is done via USB.
Updates and related current information
are available at www.bmw.com/update.

Existing software can be updated directly
via the vehicle.
Note: Installation must only be carried out while the
vehicle is stationary. To complete the installation,
the ignition must be switched off.

Displaying the current version
The currently installed software is displayed.
1. "Settings"
2. "Software update"
3. "Show current version"
If an update has been carried out before, select
the desired version to display additional information.

Updating software via USB
The software may only be updated when the
vehicle is stationary.
1. Store the file for the software update in the
main directory of a USB flash drive.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB interface
in the center armrest and switch on
the ignition.
3. "Settings"
4. "Software update"
5. "Update software"
6. If necessary, "USB".
7. "Install software."
8. "OK"
9. Wait for installation.
10. Switch off the ignition, and wait until the
Control Display has shut down.

Updating software via BMW
TeleServices
The software can be transferred while driving,
and if the journey is interrupted it will resume
automatically the next time the vehicle is
driven. All other functions remain available during
the transfer. Wireless reception must be
available for the transfer to take place.

[Grayhair]

I READ the manual well before I posted. I wanted to see if anyone had the same problem. Called BMW and was advised you can't save the download in FAT 32 as the BMW system will not read the flash drive.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by Grayhair

I READ the manual well before I posted. I wanted to see if anyone had the same problem. Called BMW and was advised you can't save the download in FAT 32 as the BMW system will not read the flash drive.

So what format do you have to use then?

I'm pretty sure I have formated as fat 32 and the update worked fine when i did it

[pikcachu]

this is for updating the maps but i think it might help you:

"Notes:
======

1. Some USB drives come with a hidden partition at the front of the drive. Make
sure to go into Disk Management (for Windows) or Disk Utility (OSX) and delete all partitions.
Then recreate a single partition formatted FAT32 (Windows) or FAT (OSX, it's FAT32 by default).

2. For Mac users, OSX places a series of hidden files on the USB stick which may cause the NBT not to properly read the data, if you have this problem
use a utility like Blue Harvest to remove all the hidden files/folders from the USB stick. If you have trouble with this, let me know and I can assist.
"

[Grayhair]

Thanks, I'll try your suggestion and let you know if it works.

[Don228i]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

this is for updating the maps but i think it might help you:

"Notes:
======

1. Some USB drives come with a hidden partition at the front of the drive. Make
sure to go into Disk Management (for Windows) or Disk Utility (OSX) and delete all partitions.
Then recreate a single partition formatted FAT32 (Windows) or FAT (OSX, it's FAT32 by default).

2. For Mac users, OSX places a series of hidden files on the USB stick which may cause the NBT not to properly read the data, if you have this problem
use a utility like Blue Harvest to remove all the hidden files/folders from the USB stick. If you have trouble with this, let me know and I can assist.
"

Where can you download maps? I'm from Aus.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by Don228i

Where can you download maps? I'm from Aus.

bittorrent

[isthar]

OP, what version do you have? What are you trying to update to?

My car currently has a version newer than the website (my car version reads 003.001.002 which is greater than 002.xxx.xxx which is on web)

edit: and then the car doesn't say something like "it's older", it just says something as if it didn't recognize the update.

[wujin941005]

OS X may put some hidden files in the flash drive which my cause the car not recognize the flash drive. I suggest you erase the flash drive and recopy it under windows machine.