BMW Over the Air: Software Update for 3.8 Million Vehicles

The German manufacturer allows BMW model customers equipped with OS 8.0 to receive a free and remote software upgrade.

The remote software update is available for more than 30 BMW models equipped with OS 7.0 and 8.0. Munich-based customers can view information related to their “software” directly on their multimedia screen under the “Remote Software Upgrade” section.

The installation process takes approximately 20 minutes and allows BMW owners to benefit from the latest updates in information entertainment, driving, driving system, driver assistance, comfort, and safety… According to the manufacturer.

Several points to note for this update:

Improvements to the route planner in BMW Maps for electric vehicles.
Once the destination is entered, an optimized route for charging will be calculated if the current vehicle range isn’t sufficient to reach the destination. The route calculation speed should be optimized for charging. Additional information includes the estimated charge upon arrival, the recommended charging time, and the target charge level for the rest of the trip. By default, the system is set so that the vehicle reaches its final destination and charging stations with at least 10% charge remaining. Customers can now adjust this value if necessary.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant now has new functions.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is the voice command system of the German manufacturer. It now features improved visual expression with around twenty different symbols, particularly with the “Expressive” mode. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can also command the active cruise control and parking assistance.

Amazon Alexa integration is possible with OS 8.0.
After installing the latest remote software update, customers will also be able to activate Amazon Alexa to access latest news or listen to music. Users can also control compatible smart home devices from their vehicle.

New My Modes for the BMW iX and the BMW Series 2 Active Tourer.
This update adds two new modes – Relax and Expressive – to the existing modes Personal, Efficient, and Sport. The Relax mode activates special settings for a more “calming” driving experience, while the interior changes appearance and becomes brighter in Expressive mode.

Access to the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.
The remote software update grants access to the ConnectedDrive Store in the BMW iX and the new BMW Series 2 Active Tourer. Customers can opt to test a feature for free and then purchase it for a limited period, paying only for the usage duration. If a feature like seat heating is selected during vehicle order, it will be permanently accessible without extra charges.

The exit warning function enhances safety when leaving the vehicle.
An ambient flashing light has been added to the exit warning feature on BMW iX and BMW Series 2 Active Tourer—if equipped with Drive Assist—produced before July 2022. Consequently, the ambient lighting is also used to alert occupants to the exit warning when necessary. The exit warning alerts vehicle occupants about approaching vehicles as they exit and helps prevent collisions.

Forward collision risk warning with brake intervention.
The latest remote software update extends the forward collision risk warning capabilities with brake intervention on BMW iX and BMW Series 2 Active Tourer produced before July 2022. The system can now react to oncoming vehicles, such as when turning, and recognize the end of a traffic queue. This feature helps prevent collisions by either completely avoiding impact or significantly reducing impact speed in critical situations.

Time update.
QLOCKTWO is a display that shows the time using a word matrix that updates every five minutes. Slightly illuminated dots in the corners indicate the minutes in between.

Improvements to the lane keeping assistant on models equipped with OS 7.0.
A warning signal is emitted if the lane keeping assistant has to intervene multiple times during driving. If the system intervenes three more times within three minutes, the warning sound will play for an additional ten seconds with each new intervention. With this update, the warning signal is now reset to its initial duration in response to driver activity (only available on models with factory-installed lane keeping assist).