[jellyfish]

Hi All. I love the car but I think BMW pulled a fast one on us by advertising it had ID7. They gave us the digital cockpit but not everything else that makes up ID7 (ie auto software update). I like to think of it as ID 6.5. How have you updated the maps and "ID6.5"? do you use a USB stick like previous ID versions? Has anyone tried that? What is your experiences? Thanks

[GmanJeff]

From page 6 of the owner's manual which addresses the navigation system:

Overview
General information

Navigation data is stored in the vehicle and can
be updated from a USB device.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by jellyfish

Hi All. I love the car but I think BMW pulled a fast one on us by advertising it had ID7. They gave us the digital cockpit but not everything else that makes up ID7 (ie auto software update). I like to think of it as ID 6.5. How have you updated the maps and "ID6.5"? do you use a USB stick like previous ID versions? Has anyone tried that? What is your experiences? Thanks

To update the vehicle to the latest software you need to program your vehicle at the dealership with ISTA.

[allinon72]

Is there really a need to update maps on '21?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Is there really a need to update maps on '21?

I don't think so.
I'm not sure about you guys outside Los Angeles, CA.
Over here, it took them forever to build a road. Heck, they take forever to fix the current roads.

[thestimp]

https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html

[jellyfish]

Appreciate the responses. I plugged my VIN in and the bmw site says my software will be updated automatically. My map is outdated as all the exits off the highway in my state (Massachusetts) has changed.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

I would like to know this too. Sure do miss the nice gauges from the 2020 X3 M I had with the iD6. The iD7 on my 2021 X3 MC seems fine. But maybe it's lacking in some areas...

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by thestimp

https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html

I tried entering my VIN on that website. Even though it said my vehicle will update itself, it said I have a 2020 vehicle, when it's a 2021. Hmmmmm???

[jeebus]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I tried entering my VIN on that website. Even though it said my vehicle will update itself, it said I have a 2020 vehicle, when it's a 2021. Hmmmmm???

Build date. No worries.

[Littleted]

Maps can be updated from your MY BMW portal, im doing it as we speak.
I have full digital cockpit, but my Idrive 7 is Slightly DIFF from my Wifes M135i Idrive 7 she has that option for relaxing music and flashy lights i dont, she also has UPDATE from WEB i dont.
In the My BMW portal there is a manual update to USB for MAPS, my car was a late 2020 build ( i got it feb 2021) but maps are 20/2 im dloading it now its 29GB and it takes 5 hours to the USB key ( im on a GIG Pipe) very slow

For main platform its dealer only Update, book it in for a fault and ask them to do it
Ive recently had Key issues saying it cant see key. so i will at some point book it in.

[LeopardM3]

Is there a huge benefit to ID7 over ID6? I've played with it a bit, doesn't impress me much and seems like the changes are minor, aside from better voice control and relaxing music (meh).
Maps definitely need constant updating though, and the fact that BMW was not doing that OTA until just recently is baffling. My car is a 2020 (built in 2019), so next time I schedule service, I intend to ask them if they'll update my map - assume that's covered under my service contract.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

Is there a huge benefit to ID7 over ID6? I've played with it a bit, doesn't impress me much and seems like the changes are minor, aside from better voice control and relaxing music (meh).
Maps definitely need constant updating though, and the fact that BMW was not doing that OTA until just recently is baffling. My car is a 2020 (built in 2019), so next time I schedule service, I intend to ask them if they'll update my map - assume that's covered under my service contract.

It's very different considering the whole interface is different. And full screen carplay and Android Auto compatibility.

[Klazu]

The voice control is maybe the biggest pro and that's actually a huge one, as with iDrive 7 you can actually find gas stations and restaurants to navigate to effortlessly. Of course you can do the same with a modern smartphone as well...

Though I am very disappointed by the iDrive v7.0 / v7.5 split and no ability to update from older to the never one. That just sounds like BS and an artificial limitation to me.

[LeopardM3]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

It's very different considering the whole interface is different. And full screen carplay and Android Auto compatibility.

Android Auto is definitely the change that BMW didn't make in forever, but then again I've driven many cars with Android Auto and never feel the need to use it unless the car's systems and navi are complete trash and/or difficult to use. Not the case in our cars, so I really don't use it. I do, however, connect my phone via BT all the time to play podcasts or music - which I know you can also do if you're in AA, but I like the BMW interface just fine.

[ProfessorPatPending]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I tried entering my VIN on that website. Even though it said my vehicle will update itself, it said I have a 2020 vehicle, when it's a 2021. Hmmmmm???

Same message for me. 2020 build, 2021 model year.

I was hoping for an update to fix the very unreliable Amazon Alexa integration.

Also because in MA our highway exits numbers have changed.

[sittingmongoose]

I believe I drive updates are within the ista/istep updates. So when you get your car updated by a dealer, it should update I drive. Not to full id7 but bug fixes at least.