Confused on iDrive update

BMW505 · 03-01-2012, 11:13 PM

Ok so I have a 2011 535xi and i thought it was possible to update idrive. I called some dealerships to do this and some didn't know how, some said it wasn't possible, and some said it cost $265. Is it possible to do yourself for free? I also wanted to know what version I have and if there is a update for it. I've seen on the Internet a "new iPhone interface" and I wanted to know it I could acquire that. Is it safe and ok doing it yourself?

Thank you help is appreciated

ibimmer954 · 03-02-2012, 02:02 AM

I think only the systems with the newer "combox" can be updated. I know my early-2011 model can't be updated over the Internet.

eskdale · 03-02-2012, 03:25 AM

Hi BMW505 - ibimmer346 is correct it is only the Combox equipped vehicles that can be updated simply but this is only really for some of the Bluetooth and music functions. If you have the Combox and I would have thought that the 2011 build has it yes you can upgrade it via the USB drive or over the air if you have BMW assist (although the over the air update failed for me and I had to upgrade via a USB stick).
Have a look at this thread it may be of interest to you.
F10 6NR BMW APPS Retrofit by Patrys - Post September Build Complete

Not cheap but they will update it to the latest for you and will be even better than the 2012 build!

BMW505 · 03-02-2012, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eskdale

Hi BMW505 - ibimmer346 is correct it is only the Combox equipped vehicles that can be updated simply but this is only really for some of the Bluetooth and music functions. If you have the Combox and I would have thought that the 2011 build has it yes you can upgrade it via the USB drive or over the air if you have BMW assist (although the over the air update failed for me and I had to upgrade via a USB stick).
Have a look at this thread it may be of interest to you.
F10 6NR BMW APPS Retrofit by Patrys - Post September Build Complete

Not cheap but they will update it to the latest for you and will be even better than the 2012 build!

Thank you, so it's not free to update? And how do I update myself. Does the update just change the look and musc interface?

eskdale · 03-02-2012, 08:23 AM

Hi BMW505
The site is
BMW update link

There is also a thread on the forum here:-

New software update for bluetooth and usb (many new phones added, iOS5 is included)

03-01-2012, 11:13 PM	#1
BMW505 Registered 2 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Confused on iDrive update Ok so I have a 2011 535xi and i thought it was possible to update idrive. I called some dealerships to do this and some didn't know how, some said it wasn't possible, and some said it cost $265. Is it possible to do yourself for free? I also wanted to know what version I have and if there is a update for it. I've seen on the Internet a "new iPhone interface" and I wanted to know it I could acquire that. Is it safe and ok doing it yourself? Thank you help is appreciated
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03-02-2012, 02:02 AM	#2
ibimmer954 Major 138 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: '23 i4 M50, '15 M3, '18 911 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Diego, California, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [9.75] 2023 BMW i4 M50 [0.00] 2018 Porsche 911 C4S [0.00] 2019 BMW X4 M40i [0.00]	I think only the systems with the newer "combox" can be updated. I know my early-2011 model can't be updated over the Internet.
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03-02-2012, 03:25 AM	#3
eskdale Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 520d M Sport Touring F11 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gloucestershire UK iTrader: (0)	Hi BMW505 - ibimmer346 is correct it is only the Combox equipped vehicles that can be updated simply but this is only really for some of the Bluetooth and music functions. If you have the Combox and I would have thought that the 2011 build has it yes you can upgrade it via the USB drive or over the air if you have BMW assist (although the over the air update failed for me and I had to upgrade via a USB stick). Have a look at this thread it may be of interest to you. F10 6NR BMW APPS Retrofit by Patrys - Post September Build Complete Not cheap but they will update it to the latest for you and will be even better than the 2012 build!
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03-02-2012, 08:23 AM	#5
eskdale Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 520d M Sport Touring F11 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gloucestershire UK iTrader: (0)	Hi BMW505 The site is BMW update link There is also a thread on the forum here:- New software update for bluetooth and usb (many new phones added, iOS5 is included)
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