BMW 3 Series 2018-2023 Owners Manual: BMW Remote Software Upgrade

Concept

Remote Software Upgrade can be used to update the software of the vehicle. Remote Software Upgrade makes new functions, functional enhancements or quality improvements available.

General information

BMW recommends performing the Remote Software Upgrade as soon as it becomes available.

The available data for Remote Software Upgrade is automatically loaded into the vehicle.

For reasons of safety, the loaded upgrade can only be installed when the vehicle is stationary.

The installation is not installed until it was confirmed on the vehicle.

• 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.

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, a Remote Software Upgrade - the Integrated Owner's Manual for the vehicle will contain the latest information.

Functional requirement

The use of the Remote Software Upgrade requires an active ConnectedDrive contract.

Information about the version

General information

The information about the version contains a description of the updates that are included in the Remote Software Upgrade. During the download and after the installation has been completed successfully, the information about the version can be displayed on the Control Display. The information is available in the ConnectedDrive customer portal at any time.

Displaying information about the version

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "General settings".

4. "Remote Software Upgrade".

5. "Installed version:"

Safety information

Warning Unattended children or animals in the vehicle can cause the vehicle to move and endanger themselves and traffic, for instance due to the following actions:

• Pressing the Start/Stop button.
• Releasing the parking brake.
• Opening and closing the doors or windows.
• Engaging selector lever position N.
• Using vehicle equipment.

There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle.

Take the vehicle key with you when exiting and lock the vehicle.

Search for and download of an upgrade

General information

There are various options to search for and download an upgrade:

• Automatic.
• Via iDrive.
• Via BMW Connected app.

Automatic download

The available data for Remote Software Upgrade is automatically loaded into the vehicle. The download does not require an approval.

Via iDrive

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "General settings".

4. "Remote Software Upgrade".

5. "Search for upgrades".

6. Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

Via BMW Connected app

1. Download the available upgrade to the smartphone in the BMW Connected app.

2. Follow the instructions in the BMW Connected app.

3. Establish a simultaneous WiFi and Bluetooth connection between the smartphone and the vehicle.

The data transfer of the upgrade from the smartphone to the vehicle occurs only while driving.

4. Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

Install the upgrade

General information

After successful download completion, installation is offered once the vehicle is parked. The installation can be carried out immediately following the download or at a later time.

Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

After the successful completion of the upgrade, booked services, for example RTTI, will be reactivated automatically while driving.

Functional requirements

• The battery is sufficiently charged.
• The external temperature is above 14 ℉/-10 ℃.
• Vehicle is parked in a horizontal position.
• Hazard warning system is switched off.
• Transmission position P is engaged.
• Engine is sufficiently cooled down.
• Automatic engine start for stationary climate control is not activated via iDrive.

Preparing the vehicle

• Park the vehicle safely away from the public road.
• Ensure cellular network reception so that an error message can be sent, for example if the installation is terminated.
• Close the windows.
• Close the glass sunroof.
• Close the trunk lid.
• Remove energy consuming devices, such as a mobile phone.
• The vehicle key is in the vehicle at the start of the installation.
• Switch off the exterior lighting.

Additional vehicle related functional requirements are shown on the Control Display.

Install the upgrade later

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "General settings".

4. "Remote Software Upgrade".

5. "Start upgrade now".

Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

Functional limitations

During the upgrade, the majority of functions is temporarily unavailable, for instance:

• Hazard warning system.
• Central locking system.
• Parking lights.
• Horn.
• Alarm system.
• Emergency Request.
• Power windows.
• Glass sunroof.
• Checking the fuel filler flap lock.

The driver's door can be locked and unlocked from the outside using the integrated key.

Malfunction

In the event of a malfunction, follow the instructions on the Control Display or in the BMW Connected app.

If the malfunction cannot be remedied, contact a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.