BMW 5 Quiz
Overview

Software update

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With the software update, you keep the BMW 5 Series G30 up to date. Updates can be installed conveniently via USB or BMW Teleservices, and can even be reversed. This guide also shows how to resolve problems when connecting smartphones and how to improve compatibility, an important step for functionality and safety.

General

The vehicle supports a large number of mobile devices, e.g. mobile phones and MP3 players. Software updates are provided for many of the supported devices.

Regularly updating the vehicle software keeps the vehicle up to date.

Updates and related current information are provided at www.bmw.com/update.

Display installed software version

The software version installed in the vehicle is displayed.

Via iDrive:

  1. "My Vehicle"
  2. "iDrive settings"
  3. "Software update"
  4. "Show current version"

If an update has already been performed, select the desired version to display additional information.

Update software via USB

The software may only be updated when the vehicle is stationary.

Via iDrive:

  1. Save the software update file to the root directory of a USB data storage device.
  2. Connect the USB data storage device to a USB port.
  3. "My Vehicle"
  4. "iDrive settings"
  5. "Software update"
  6. "Update software"
  7. "USB"
  8. "Install software"
  9. "OK"
  10. Wait for the update to complete.
  11. "Shut down system"

If necessary, switch off the engine beforehand.

Update software via BMW Teleservices

Updating software via BMW Teleservices depends on the country and may not be

available.

The software is first transferred to the vehicle and can then be installed.

Installation can take place at a different time than the transfer.

The software can be transferred while driving and continues automatically after a driving interruption. The other functions remain available during the transfer. Mobile network reception is required for the transfer.

The software may only be updated when the vehicle is stationary.

Via iDrive:

  1. "My Vehicle"
  2. "iDrive settings"
  3. "Software update"
  4. "Update software"
  5. "Teleservices"
  6. "Load update" The update is loaded but not yet installed.
  7. Install or remove the update.
  • "Install software" The loaded update is installed.

This step can also be performed at a later time.

  • "Remove update" The loaded update is removed.

    • The following steps are not required.
    1. "OK"
    2. Wait for the update to complete.
    3. "Shut down system" If necessary, switch off the engine beforehand.

    Restore software version

    The software version before the last software update and the factory software state can be restored.

    The software may only be restored when the vehicle is stationary.

    Via iDrive:

    1. "My Vehicle"
    2. "iDrive settings"
    3. "Software update"
    4. "Restore software"
    • "Previous version" The previous software version is restored.
    • "Factory software state" The first software version is restored.
    1. "Remove software"
    2. "OK"
    3. Wait for the restoration to complete.
    4. "Shut down system" If necessary, switch off the engine beforehand.

    Frequently asked questions

    Information about compatible mobile phones.

    All requirements have been met and all necessary steps have been carried out in the specified order. Nevertheless, the mobile device does not work as expected.

    The following explanations may help in this case: Why could the mobile phone not be registered or connected?

    • Check whether Wi-Fi is activated in the vehicle.

    Activate Wi-Fi in the vehicle.

  • Check whether screen mirroring is activated on the mobile phone.

    • Activate screen mirroring on the mobile phone.

  • Too many Bluetooth devices are connected to the mobile phone or to the vehicle.

    • If necessary, delete the connection to other devices.

  • Before connecting, delete all known Bluetooth connections from the device list of the mobile phone.

    • Start a new device search.

  • The mobile phone is in power-saving mode or has only little battery life remaining.

    • Charge the mobile phone.

  • If necessary, only one mobile phone can be connected to the vehicle, depending on the mobile phone.

    • Disconnect the connected mobile phone from the vehicle and pair and connect only one mobile phone.

    Why has the mobile phone stopped responding?

    • The applications on the mobile phone no longer function.

    Switch the mobile phone off and on again.

  • If necessary, the ambient temperature is too high or too low for operating the mobile phone.

    • Do not expose the mobile phone to extreme ambient conditions.

    Why are telephone functions not possible?

  • The mobile phone may not be configured correctly, e.g. as a Bluetooth audio device.

    • Connect the mobile phone with the Telephone or Additional telephone function.

    Why are not all, no, or incomplete phone book entries displayed?

  • The transfer of phone book entries has not yet been completed.
  • If necessary, only the phone book entries of the mobile phone or the SIM card are transferred.
  • Phone book entries with special characters may not be displayed.
  • Contacts from social networks may not be transferred.
  • The number of phone book entries to be stored is too high.
  • The amount of data for the contact is too large, e.g.

    • due to stored information such as notes.

    Reduce the amount of data for the contact.

  • A mobile phone can only be connected either as an audio source or as a telephone.

    • Configure the mobile phone and connect it with the phone or additional phone function.

    Why is the quality of the telephone connection poor?

    • The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the mobile phone can be adjusted, depending on the mobile phone.
    • Insert the mobile phone into the snap-in adapter or place it in the center console area.
    • Place the mobile phone in the wireless charging tray.
    • Adjust the volume of the microphone and the loudspeaker separately in the sound settings.

    If all points in the list have been checked and the desired function still cannot be performed, contact the hotline, a service partner of the manufacturer, another qualified service partner, or a specialist workshop.

    The software update in the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 ensures that the vehicle always stays up to date. Whether via USB or Teleservices, updates can be installed conveniently and ensure compatibility with current devices and systems.

    The simple menu structure in iDrive makes updating easier and helps to continuously optimize the functionality of the vehicle. This keeps the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 ready for the demands of everyday life.

    FAQ

    Question 1: Can I also update the software while driving?

    Answer: The transfer can take place while driving, but the installation must be carried out while the vehicle is stationary.

    Question 2: What happens if an update fails?

    Answer: In this case, the previous software version can be restored to maintain functionality.

    Test yourself

    A quick BMW 5 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.