BMW Remote Software Upgrade
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes model-specific equipment, systems, and functions that are currently available, or may become available in the future, even if they are not present in the vehicle.
Additional information:
Vehicle equipment.
BMW Remote Software Upgrade
Principle
Remote Software Upgrade can be used to update the entire software of the vehicle. This makes new functions, functional enhancements or quality improvements available.
General information
BMW recommends performing the Remote Software Upgrade as soon as it becomes available.
Safety information
Do not leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle
Functional requirements
Active ConnectedDrive contract.
The integrated SIM card in the vehicle has been activated.
Cellular network reception.
Consent to transmit the corresponding data was given in the Data Protection menu.
Additional information:
Data protection.
Search for an upgrade
Functional requirement
Standby must be turned on to search for a Remote Software Upgrade.
Automatic search
The vehicle regularly searches for updates in the background.
Manual search
Apps menu
"All apps"
"System settings"
"Remote Software Upgrade"
"Search for upgrades"
Follow the instructions on the control display.
Download of an upgrade
Automatic download
If available, the data for a Remote Software Upgrade is automatically downloaded to the vehicle. No download consent is required.
Via My BMW App
If an upgrade is available, information on the new software version is displayed in the My BMW App.
The data for the upgrade can then be downloaded to a mobile device, for instance via an existing WLAN connection.
Data can then be sent from the mobile device to the vehicle.
This transmission method accelerates the download of the data, for instance in areas with limited mobile network availability.
Download the upgrade using the My BMW App on your smartphone.
Follow the instructions in the My BMW App.
Connect your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth audio and Wi-Fi.
The data transfer of the upgrade from the mobile device to the vehicle occurs in the background only while driving.
Follow the instructions on the control display.
Additional information:
Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle.
Information about the version
General information
The information about the version contains a description of the updates included in the Remote Software Upgrade. During the download and after the installation has been successfully completed, the information about the version can be displayed on the control display.
This information is also available in the ConnectedDrive customer portal.
Displaying information
Display in the vehicle:
Apps menu
"All apps"
"System settings"
"Remote Software Upgrade"
Display currently installed version:
"Installed version:"
Display new available version:
"Information on version"
Follow the instructions on the control display.
Display in the ConnectedDrive customer portal:
www.bmw-connecteddrive.com.
Installing the upgrade
General information
Installation of the Remote Software Upgrade may result in the deletion of software changes, e.g., performance increases not made by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Modifications to the electrical system of the vehicle, for instance to control units, that have not been made by the vehicle manufacturer can lead to an interruption of the installation.
The installation does not occur until the consent was given.
The installation may take around 20 minutes.
The installation cannot be terminated.
The vehicle cannot be used during the installation.
The vehicle can be exited during the installation.
Prerequisites for the installation
The state of charge of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The outside temperature is above 14 ℉/-10 ℃.
The vehicle is parked in a horizontal position.
The hazard warning system is turned off.
The selector lever position P is engaged.
The engine is turned off and sufficiently cooled down.
If applicable, follow the notes for further prerequisites on the control display.
If the prerequisites are not met such as a sufficient vehicle battery charge state, the upgrade will not be offered for installation.
Pay attention to an offer for installation, e.g., after longer trips.
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle safely away from the public road.
Cellular network reception must be ensured so that a fault message can be sent to the vehicle manufacturer, for instance if the installation is terminated.
Close the windows.
Close the glass sunroof.
Close the trunk.
Remove energy consuming devices such as a mobile phone.
The vehicle key must be located in the vehicle for the consent for installation.
Switch off the exterior lighting.
Remove the devices connected to the diagnostic socket.
Installing immediately
The upgrade can be installed immediately when all prerequisites have been met.
Apps menu
"All apps"
"System settings"
"Remote Software Upgrade"
"Start upgrade now"
Follow the instructions on the control display.
Installing with timer
When the trip is completed, a timer can be used to install the upgrade automatically at a configured time such as during the night. A later installation may make sense to meet functional requirements, e.g., a sufficiently cooled down engine.
Apps menu
"All apps"
"System settings"
"Remote Software Upgrade"
Select the desired settings.
The installation starts automatically when:
All prerequisites for the installation have been established correctly.
All prerequisites continue to be met at the time of installation.
The timer is turned off when the drive-ready state is turned on.
Functional limitations
During the upgrade, the majority of functions is temporarily unavailable, for instance:
Hazard warning system.
Central locking system and, if necessary, Comfort Access.
Parking lights.
Horn.
Alarm system.
Emergency call.
Power windows.
Glass sunroof.
Checking the fuel filler flap lock.
Operate the tailgate or trunk lid.
The driver's door can be locked and unlocked from the outside using the integrated key.
After successful upgrade
The vehicle can be used again immediately.
Booked services such as Advanced Real Time Traffic Information or Remote Services are automatically reactivated during the next trip.
After an extended stationary period, charge the vehicle battery with an extended drive.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, follow the instructions on the control display or in the My BMW App.
If the malfunction cannot be corrected, contact an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Validity of the Owner's Manual
Production of the vehicle
At the time of production at the plant, the printed Owner's Manual is the most current resource.
After a software update in the vehicle
After a vehicle software update such as via Remote Software Upgrade the Integrated Owner's Manual for the vehicle will contain the latest information.
Download Manual