iDrive: Which version do I have?

[BMWCali]

Hey folks, I have a 2018 X6M. Posting in here as I'm assuming it's the exact same iDrive system as the non-M X6 and there's more people in this forum. Apologize in advance for any ignorance.

How do I determine whether I have iDrive 6 or the most current iDrive 7? Mine is a March 2018 build and is showing me "TB-006.006.006" and "MB-006.006.006" as the current version and "NBTevo_M17365I" and "111172.3.211" as the current nav software version. Are there any significant updates since then that I should update my iDrive for? I'm taking a big 3,000 mile roadtrip next month so thinking it would be a good idea to have all the latest functionality. Also, I'm planning to buy the full screen CarPlay patch and if I need to update the iDrive software version then I should probably do that before I install the FS CarPlay patch.

Would appreciate it if anyone could give me insight into how to determine which version I have -- can I enter my VIN online somewhere to determine whether it's iDrive 6 or 7? And whether I should update / what I'd experience by updating? And if I can update with a USB drive or it has to be done by the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

[CatalinP]

There are photos allover the internet about how the iDrive interface looks in 6 and 7 versions.

Can't you google it and spot the differences?

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Hey folks, I have a 2018 X6M. Posting in here as I'm assuming it's the exact same iDrive system as the non-M X6 and there's more people in this forum. Apologize in advance for any ignorance.

How do I determine whether I have iDrive 6 or the most current iDrive 7? Mine is a March 2018 build and is showing me "TB-006.006.006" and "MB-006.006.006" as the current version and "NBTevo_M17365I" and "111172.3.211" as the current nav software version. Are there any significant updates since then that I should update my iDrive for? I'm taking a big 3,000 mile roadtrip next month so thinking it would be a good idea to have all the latest functionality. Also, I'm planning to buy the full screen CarPlay patch and if I need to update the iDrive software version then I should probably do that before I install the FS CarPlay patch.

Would appreciate it if anyone could give me insight into how to determine which version I have -- can I enter my VIN online somewhere to determine whether it's iDrive 6 or 7? And whether I should update / what I'd experience by updating? And if I can update with a USB drive or it has to be done by the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

You have iD6. 2019 got the 7. And you can't just "update" to 7. It's a full hardware upgrade worth couple $$$thousand.

[CanadianLurker]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Hey folks, I have a 2018 X6M. Posting in here as I'm assuming it's the exact same iDrive system as the non-M X6 and there's more people in this forum. Apologize in advance for any ignorance.

How do I determine whether I have iDrive 6 or the most current iDrive 7? Mine is a March 2018 build and is showing me "TB-006.006.006" and "MB-006.006.006" as the current version and "NBTevo_M17365I" and "111172.3.211" as the current nav software version. Are there any significant updates since then that I should update my iDrive for? I'm taking a big 3,000 mile roadtrip next month so thinking it would be a good idea to have all the latest functionality. Also, I'm planning to buy the full screen CarPlay patch and if I need to update the iDrive software version then I should probably do that before I install the FS CarPlay patch.

Would appreciate it if anyone could give me insight into how to determine which version I have -- can I enter my VIN online somewhere to determine whether it's iDrive 6 or 7? And whether I should update / what I'd experience by updating? And if I can update with a USB drive or it has to be done by the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

Looks like you have software version M based on "NBTevo_M17365I"

Mine was updated early last month to Q.

Can't say that I noticed anything major that changed but the system does seem to be smoother and more reliable.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

You have iD6. 2019 got the 7. And you can't just "update" to 7. It's a full hardware upgrade worth couple $$$thousand.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by CanadianLurker

Looks like you have software version M based on "NBTevo_M17365I"

Mine was updated early last month to Q.

Can't say that I noticed anything major that changed but the system does seem to be smoother and more reliable.

How did you get yours updated? Dealer is telling me they only update the software if current software has a problem. Do I just tell them it's running slow? Ha!

[CanadianLurker]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

How did you get yours updated? Dealer is telling me they only update the software if current software has a problem. Do I just tell them it's running slow? Ha!

I think if you explain that sometimes it hangs and comes back on its own after a restart of the vehicle and sometimes it seemingly shuts down and you get a black screen then they'll probably be inclined to update the version.

That's how we explained our idrive problems nudge-nudge, wink-wink.

[CatalinP]

You can have all the car modules updated to the latest ilevel, but the dealer might charge you for that. Anyway, that has nothing to do with the long trip and all the other nonsense from the fist post...

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Hey folks, I have a 2018 X6M. Posting in here as I'm assuming it's the exact same iDrive system as the non-M X6 and there's more people in this forum. Apologize in advance for any ignorance.

How do I determine whether I have iDrive 6 or the most current iDrive 7? Mine is a March 2018 build and is showing me "TB-006.006.006" and "MB-006.006.006" as the current version and "NBTevo_M17365I" and "111172.3.211" as the current nav software version. Are there any significant updates since then that I should update my iDrive for? I'm taking a big 3,000 mile roadtrip next month so thinking it would be a good idea to have all the latest functionality. Also, I'm planning to buy the full screen CarPlay patch and if I need to update the iDrive software version then I should probably do that before I install the FS CarPlay patch.

Would appreciate it if anyone could give me insight into how to determine which version I have -- can I enter my VIN online somewhere to determine whether it's iDrive 6 or 7? And whether I should update / what I'd experience by updating? And if I can update with a USB drive or it has to be done by the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

Any firmware version of iDrive 6 up to, but not including 'P' only requires a USB drive to unlock CarPlay if you so desire. After that, an ENET cable is required if you don't already have one.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

I have no idea wtf this is supposed to mean.

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

I have no idea wtf this is supposed to mean.

Allow me to translate: thumb downs emoji , mad emoji , slice emoji , BS emoji , broken hearted emoji and suicide emoji . HINT: hover over emoji with your mouse for future translation or .

[TheUltimateDrivingManiac]

Originally Posted by DeeO

Allow me to translate: thumb downs emoji , mad emoji , slice emoji , BS emoji , broken hearted emoji and suicide emoji . HINT: hover over emoji with your mouse for future translation or .

So he killed himself? That's sad.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by DeeO

Allow me to translate: thumb downs emoji , mad emoji , slice emoji , BS emoji , broken hearted emoji and suicide emoji . HINT: hover over emoji with your mouse for future translation or .

Don't use the computer just the app. And don't care enough to need to search lol. The point was why. Lot of mixed emotions there.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by DeeO

Any firmware version of iDrive 6 up to, but not including 'P' only requires a USB drive to unlock CarPlay if you so desire. After that, an ENET cable is required if you don't already have one.

So is it possible to upgrade from NBTevo_M to NBTevo_N or higher with just a USB drive? Because what I'm really after is full screen CarPlay as I only have half screen CarPlay and I'm told I need N or higher in order for that patch to work.

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

So is it possible to upgrade from NBTevo_M to NBTevo_N or higher with just a USB drive? Because what I'm really after is full screen CarPlay as I only have half screen CarPlay and I'm told I need N or higher in order for that patch to work.

Refer to this thread:https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1563454 or you may have to visit the stealer to update at least 'N'. Once done, here's the cheapest eBay plug & play example I could find that suits your needs: https://www.ebay.com/itm/CarPlay-Ful....c100903.m5276