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      04-09-2025, 01:28 PM   #1
vrbitman
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Angry iDrive impossible to update?

I have had an update available for iDrive since I got my current BMW (in January) and so far I have never been able to install it.

From the app on my phone it made me upload it onto the car and it keeps telling me that it's "ready" to install and to follow the instructions on iDrive which however never appear.

On iDrive if I purposely go into the car settings, I see the confirmation that it has downloaded the new version but the notification that should allow me to launch the installation never appears.

I have learned that there are conditions that must be met (e.g. car stopped and cold engine) but it still does not notify me to begin the installation.

It is not clear why it does not let me install, months have passed, it cannot be that the right circumstances have never occurred.
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      04-11-2025, 07:52 AM   #2
RockCrusher
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vrbitman View Post
I have had an update available for iDrive since I got my current BMW (in January) and so far I have never been able to install it.

From the app on my phone it made me upload it onto the car and it keeps telling me that it's "ready" to install and to follow the instructions on iDrive which however never appear.

On iDrive if I purposely go into the car settings, I see the confirmation that it has downloaded the new version but the notification that should allow me to launch the installation never appears.

I have learned that there are conditions that must be met (e.g. car stopped and cold engine) but it still does not notify me to begin the installation.

It is not clear why it does not let me install, months have passed, it cannot be that the right circumstances have never occurred.
You confirmed via the app the update download happened. And then you confirmed in the car that iDrive has the new version.

But given some time has passed since the update was downloaded the update could have expired and needs to be downloaded again.


Assuming the update is well, up to date and has been transferred to the car, and yet the update does not happen suggests the car is not in the necessary condition to allow the update to happen.

One reason can be a low battery. Not so low as to cause starting problems but low enough there is not enough power reserve to complete the update process. The car's electronics are active and draw considerable power during the update process. The consequences of an update being interrupted due to insufficient power are to be avoided.

You can take the car out for a (sufficiently long enough) drive with the hope this will top up the battery sufficiently or you can if you feel comfortable doing this connect a suitable battery charger to the car and top up the battery in your garage before trying to proceed with the update.
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      04-11-2025, 08:01 AM   #3
vrbitman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RockCrusher View Post
You confirmed via the app the update download happened. And then you confirmed in the car that iDrive has the new version.

But given some time has passed since the update was downloaded the update could have expired and needs to be downloaded again.


Assuming the update is well, up to date and has been transferred to the car, and yet the update does not happen suggests the car is not in the necessary condition to allow the update to happen.

One reason can be a low battery. Not so low as to cause starting problems but low enough there is not enough power reserve to complete the update process. The car's electronics are active and draw considerable power during the update process. The consequences of an update being interrupted due to insufficient power are to be avoided.

You can take the car out for a (sufficiently long enough) drive with the hope this will top up the battery sufficiently or you can if you feel comfortable doing this connect a suitable battery charger to the car and top up the battery in your garage before trying to proceed with the update.
Thanks, I've heard about the battery story before and I can see how it would make sense for the car to prevent the update if the level is not high.

But honestly it's been so many months, and I've had people telling me they've waited up to a year and nothing happened.. so the system is also bugged.
I'm arranging for the car to be serviced, it's just a waste of my time.
The car is running a 2018 version of the software, multiple updates would have to be installed and it makes sense for them, not me, to spend an entire day taking care of all this.

Thanks.
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      04-13-2025, 06:53 PM   #4
__AD__
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Sometimes it’s as easy as parking it level, turning hazards on then off, and setting the parking break on then off.
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      04-14-2025, 12:28 AM   #5
Jolbex
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Since when can a 2018 car be updated remotely?
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      04-14-2025, 07:24 AM   #6
RockCrusher
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolbex View Post
Since when can a 2018 car be updated remotely?
That's a good question. I assumed (sigh) the OP in trying to update his vehicle remotely was doing so knowing it was supported.

But of course if is not supported he is never going to meet with success.
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      04-14-2025, 08:10 AM   #7
Jolbex
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...but bmw app shouldnt offer the update then.? Maybe the account is connected to another vin no?
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