BMW launches a new wireless update that will reach almost 4 million units of different models in the Bavarian manufacturer’s range manufactured from 2019 onwards. A set of important novelties that reach the multimedia, comfort systems and also the driving safety assistants.
In the coming weeks, almost four million units of different models of BMW will receive a powerful over-the-air update. A compendium of free novelties that will reach the models manufactured from 2019 onwards, which are provided with the iDrive 7 operating system and the latest version iDrive 8thanks to an electronic network that allows the different systems and equipment on board to be kept up to date.
The Munich firm has developed a new package of novelties by which practically the entire range -30 models- will be updated to the latest, without the need to go through the dealership and in just 20 minutes for that unit that has a more complete on-board equipment and also depending on the country. Drives equipped with the iDrive 7 operating system will receive a number of improvements focused on greater stability of the system.
What’s new in the new BMW OTA update
Below, we break down in more detail what will be included in the new package that models will receive via OTA updates for the latest models equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
1. Smart personal assistant
The Intelligent Personal Assistant adopts new graphics when addressing the driver or passenger, reproducing the shape of a gaze or any of the twenty designs that will be incorporated into the system. This has also been improved especially in those units that have the active cruise control and parking assistantoffering the owner suggestions on the use of both systems.
2. Amazon Alexa
The voice assistant arrives amazon. Alexa is integrated through the “My BMW” application in all models of the brand, except in the 7 Series, which does so by scanning a QR code, and from which you can access news, purchases or lists of music. It even controls devices with home automation.
3. Premiere of the new “My Modes”
A new feature for BMW iX Y Series 2 Active Tourer. The electric SUV and the compact minivan will receive the new “Relax” and “Expressive” modes, adding to those already available of “Personal”, “Efficient” and “Sport”, offering a more relaxed driving, the first offering a massage function on the active seats and the second by changing the ambient lighting.
4. Connected Drive Store
The two models mentioned above also debut the “ConnectedDrive Store” function. A suite of applications that allow equipment to be downloaded on demand, with a free period and with the subsequent purchase option. Options available with factory pre-installation.
5. My BMW mobile app improvements
The “My BMW” app not only solves some stability problems, but also makes it easier to add or remove users from the platform by allowing, depending on the model, to add between three and seven users, the first being always the main one acting as a administrator mode that controls the identifiers (ID) of all users. A very useful and interesting measure for those units in which the digital key is available.
6. QLOCKTWO debuts at BMW
Available in 16 languages for all BMW models with iDrive 8 operating system, it is a completely newly designed digital clock display that can be added as a widget on the infotainment system screen.
7. Improvements in driving assistance systems
In the BMW iX and 2 Series Active Tourers built before July 2022Forward Collision Warning with Brake Intervention has been fine-tuned to offer a more immediate reaction to a foreseeable collision, detecting traffic jams and stopping the vehicle or slowing down to avoid an imminent impact, also advising the driver to take whatever measure you consider.
The Lane Keeping Assistant its performance has also improved. Until now, the system warned for a space of 10 seconds to carry out the necessary maneuvers by intervening in the direction, while with the new update the warning signal is restored in response to the driver’s activity. The system will also more smoothly rectify the vehicle’s movements towards the road lines when it veers off course, increasing safety.
Function specially designed for the BMW iX3. The electric SUV’s navigation system adds the charging route function, indicating the driver the fastest route to a charging point when their autonomy is minimal, 10%. The system will also offer additional information such as the estimated and recommended loading time, processing this data and returning it to a data cloud to offer the most accurate information to other users.