BMW rolls out new software OTA update

BMW is rolling out a new software over-the-air (OTA) update, the German automotive brand announced.

Per the carmaker, the new software OTA commenced “at the beginning of the year” and will be compatible with BMW vehicles fitted with BMW iDrive Operating Systems 7 and 8.

“At present, about 4.7 million BMW vehicles are upgradeable thanks to their hardware and BMW iDrive Operating System. Since 2019, BMW has been offering free remote software upgrades several times a year for infotainment, driving, driver assistance, comfort, and safety,” BMW said in a press release.

One of the new functions to be brought by the update includes the ability to share the BMW Digital Key between Apple iPhones and Android smartphones. Further, the BMW Digital Key shared via smartphone can be activated directly in the vehicle by entering an activation code after the software update. Prior to the update, a conventional vehicle key had to be located in the passenger compartment.

Customers of certain models will also get to enjoy Remote Control Parking after the software update rollout. According to BMW, Remote Control Parking will allow customers to perform remote-controlled parking maneuvers outside the vehicle using the My BMW App — such as maneuvers previously recorded in the vehicle with the Maneuvering Assistant.

In addition, BMW owners in the United States (US) who use AT&T services will get to activate the BMW Personal eSIM after the update. BMW explained that the Personal eSIM integrates BMW vehicles with Operating System 8 into their mobile phone allowing the vehicle to use their device’s 5G cellular service. Moreover, BMW owners will be able to make phone calls without their smartphone in the vehicle, stream data via the Wi-Fi hotspot and use video services directly in the vehicle.

The Munich-based automotive marque also said that select models, which are the BMW iX, BMW Active Tourer, BMW X1, BMW 7, and BMW X7, will get additional features and enhancements after the software update.

For the BMW iX, the carmaker said that owners will be able to stop charging and unlock the charging cable lock via the My BMW App after the update. Meanwhile, BMW iX, BMW Active Tourer, and BMW X1 owners will get active steering assistance when reversing with a coupled trailer after the software rollout.

Additionally, the software update will allow owners of the BMW 7 Series or the new BMW X1 to enjoy the new My Mode “Digital Art.” Also, customers of the BMW X7 in the US and Canada can look forward to a modern light graphic of the direction indicator.

Photos from BMW

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