[L3BIUS]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and to BMW's! Only had mine a few days now (09 E90)...

I'm wanting to make sure my idrive is up to date (software/firmware) (not maps - yet).

I think it's the CIC model as it has the newer menu layout and the car has a hard drive.
There is a USB port in the arm rest and in the glove box.

I tried putting the last 7 digits of my vin in BMW/update website but It just returns a blank page.

Can anyone advise on how I can check its up to date/update it??

Also I wanted to use the BMW connected app but this is not in my menu...

The car has Bluetooth, Pro nav, aux etc.. If anyone can help or needs more info that would be much appreciated! Thanks

[david in germany]

It is an 09 like mine. We can't do it.

[L3BIUS]

Is there a way to enable the features in the "BMW Services" Menu? Mine says its either inactive or expired.... would the car call for an update in here?

Not sure what stuff i have but here is everything listed against my vin:

Code Optional Equipment
S1CAA Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S1CBA CO2 package
S1CDA Brake Energy Regeneration
S205A Automatic transmission
S230A Extra package, EU-specific
S258A Tire with run-flat functionality
S2BZA BMW alloy wheel, double spoke 161
S2PAA Lug bolt retainer
S2XAA Sport steering wheel with shift paddles
S302A Alarm system
S423A Floor mats, velours
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A Smoker package
S470A Isofix-System
S488A Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S494A Seat heating driver/passenger
S4ATA Interior trim finishers black high-gloss
S4UAA Partially electric seat adjustment
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S507A Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
S521A Rain sensor
S522A Xenon Light
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S544A Cruise control with brake function
S563A Light package
S609A Navigation system Professional
S612A BMW Assist
S615A Expanded BMW Online Information
S616A BMW Online
S620A Voice control
S633A Preparation, mobile phone, Business
S694A Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S698A Area-Code 2 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TeleServices
S6ABA Control for Teleservices
S6FLA USB/Audio interface
L812A NATIONAL VERSION GREAT BRITAIN
S850A Additional Export tank filling
S863A Retailer Directory Europe
S877A Delete cross-pattern operation
S880A On-board vehicle literature English
S8S2A Coding alarm signal
S8S3A Automatic locking when driving off
S8SCA Telematics access request,country-spec.
S8SMA Car ident. number visible from outside
S8SPA Control unit COP

[esberelias]

only cars with build dates AFTER September 2011 can update their software... anything before is stuck with what we have.

[mjn77]

I'm pretty certain you need the Combox option.

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by esberelias

only cars with build dates AFTER September 2011 can update their software... anything before is stuck with what we have.

Not exactly stuck, but it requires a dealership trip to update the module.

Only vehicles with the 6VC (Combox) option can update their Combox software via a USB stick.

Also, because people get confused about it.... The software update via USB is *ONLY* for the Combox (the module in the trunk which handles the USB/Bluetooth). Updating the iDrive system (navigation system) requires a dealership trip regardless of your year/model as it can only be updated via the optical connector in the footwell (except for F-series vehicles which require E-NET).

[esberelias]

Originally Posted by Dracon

Not exactly stuck, but it requires a dealership trip to update the module.

Only vehicles with the 6VC (Combox) option can update their Combox software via a USB stick.

Also, because people get confused about it.... The software update via USB is *ONLY* for the Combox (the module in the trunk which handles the USB/Bluetooth). Updating the iDrive system (navigation system) requires a dealership trip regardless of your year/model as it can only be updated via the optical connector in the footwell (except for F-series vehicles which require E-NET).

Good to know!

so my car has both USB (center console for media and glovebox for service) & and factory bluetooth... does that mean I do have a combox or could I still have those features without it?

would LOVE to be able to update mine...

if so, the combox is located leftside of the trunk correct?

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by esberelias

Good to know!

so my car has both USB (center console for media and glovebox for service) & and factory bluetooth... does that mean I do have a combox or could I still have those features without it?

would LOVE to be able to update mine...

if so, the combox is located leftside of the trunk correct?

If your vehicle was built 09/10 or later then you have the combox.

It's in the right side when looking into the trunk, typically. Otherwise it's a TCU/MULF2.

[mjn77]

You can always put your VIN into bmwvin.com and confirm that way.

[HareRee]

Originally Posted by Dracon

Not exactly stuck, but it requires a dealership trip to update the module.

Only vehicles with the 6VC (Combox) option can update their Combox software via a USB stick.

Also, because people get confused about it.... The software update via USB is *ONLY* for the Combox (the module in the trunk which handles the USB/Bluetooth). Updating the iDrive system (navigation system) requires a dealership trip regardless of your year/model as it can only be updated via the optical connector in the footwell (except for F-series vehicles which require E-NET).

For additional clarity:
I can update the combox firmware via BMW's update site and USB stick.
And that will add connectdrive and apps to my car? Also, upgrades to the combox firmware can be done without a FSC code?

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by HareRee

For additional clarity:
I can update the combox firmware via BMW's update site and USB stick.
And that will add connectdrive and apps to my car? Also, upgrades to the combox firmware can be done without a FSC code?

It will not add ConnectedDrive and BMW Apps to your car.

You can update the firmware on the Combox without an FSC code. Special FSC code is required for enabling BMW Apps.

You basically need to talk to a coder or a retrofit vendor to have your vehicle recoded for ConnectedDrive and FSC loaded for BMW Apps. As it requires recoding the vehicle (using a coding cable and software) and loading of an FSC long code into the head unit.

[HareRee]

Thanks for clearing that up.

Originally Posted by Dracon

It will not add ConnectedDrive and BMW Apps to your car.

You can update the firmware on the Combox without an FSC code. Special FSC code is required for enabling BMW Apps.

You basically need to talk to a coder or a retrofit vendor to have your vehicle recoded for ConnectedDrive and FSC loaded for BMW Apps. As it requires recoding the vehicle (using a coding cable and software) and loading of an FSC long code into the head unit.