[iconoclast]

I am being told that there is no dealer update available currently and only the OTA update is what my vehicle should have.

Anyone on here know the P/N or how to request a proper map update through the dealer?

[mitch57]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

I am being told that there is no dealer update available currently and only the OTA update is what my vehicle should have.

Anyone on here know the P/N or how to request a proper map update through the dealer?

Your dealer is correct if you are located in the United States. However, you must select your region under your profile on the Connected Drive website before you will be able to get those OTA map updates.

I had that issue until I selected my region on the Connected Drive website. Once I did that I got a notification for a map update. I believe they do those updates quarterly.

[jmciver]

Also keep in mind that there are two types of map updates: Base Map and Regional Maps. There has been a lot of confusion of how OTA maps updates are supposed to work, and BMW does not help much since the info posted on official BMW web sites and what the dealers say is not always clear. But here is what I have been able to gather (this is for iDrive 4/5/6 systems, but I think it is still applicable to iDrive 7 systems).

The Base Maps are updated quarterly. These will have designations like North America 19-4 (4th qtr, 2019). These base map updates are not pushed via OTA and require a formal update from the dealer (or some other online vendor, including BMW). I heard rumors that Base Map updates, once per year, were "free" at the dealer as part of the 3yr/36 mile maintenance plan. But I never had this confirmed. My Base Maps were updated twice by the dealer (for free) only when I complained of some other iDrive issues my car was having at the time.

Regional Maps are updated via OTA. But as mentioned above, you will have to select your region in ConnectedDrive (the BMW site) before you can get them. I have received several regional updates via OTA. When they come in, I am notified on my iDrive screen and should I choose to accept the update, iDrive will download the update and reboot.

In iDrive 6, you can check both your Base Map level and Regional Map level. I am assuming you can do something similar in iDrive 7. Also, during my ownership, OTA map updates have never been that consistent. And it seems that has not really changed with iDrive 7 either......

[iconoclast]

I am familiar with this as it is the same on the X5M however on my X7 I have older base maps but regional maps are current. What is the most current base map at the moment?

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

I am familiar with this as it is the same on the X5M however on my X7 I have older base maps but regional maps are current. What is the most current base map at the moment?

For iDrive 4/5/6 I believe it is 19-4. I don't know if iDrive 7 uses the same base maps though...

[iconoclast]

I have 2018-4 loaded as road map and the OTA version as 2019-4. Requested the dealer load 2019-2 (which is what I thought is the most current revision) and they said there isn't one available I have the most current but on the loaner I have it is loaded with the same OTA but 2019-2 as the road map. Same model years but apparently different build dates which throws more variables into this.

[LittleJoe]

I never use the BMW maps when traveling so I don't pay attention when BMW releases map updates. I only use Waze via CarPlay. Knowing what's up ahead (police, pot holes, crashes, etc.) is terrific. If you have an iPhone and have never tried Waze, download it from the App Store and give it a try. A buddy talked me into trying it and haven't looked back. I hope BMW supports pushing the Waze guidance maps to HUD one day soon.

[iconoclast]

i am familiar but prefer the factory integration along with the clean look of not having devices attached in the cabin w/ wires strewn about.

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

i am familiar but prefer the factory integration along with the clean look of not having devices attached in the cabin w/ wires strewn about.

Wires? CarPlay is wireless only, I don't even take my iPhone out of my pocket when I'm driving.

[iconoclast]

Carplay isn't integrated into the HUD or Cluster.
I use the charging station for my phone this way it is not low battery or DOA.

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

Carplay isn't integrated into the HUD or Cluster.
I use the charging station for my phone this way it is not low battery or DOA.

That is true and something BMW could support in a future software update of iDrive for Waze and other 3rd party maps. I was just pointing out that "wires strewn about" comment doesn't actually apply to "wireless" CarPlay. And placing your phone on the charging pad isn't required to use CarPlay.

[iconoclast]

I understand, the CarPlay addition is relatively new but I did not mean it was a necessity to use the charging station just a preference of mine because CarPlay and Android Auto, BT streaming etc all burn up battery life very quickly. I don't like to arrive at my destination then have a dead or low battery phone.

[iconoclast]

https://www.macrumors.com/2020/03/20...texting-study/

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

I never use the BMW maps when traveling so I don't pay attention when BMW releases map updates. I only use Waze via CarPlay. Knowing what's up ahead (police, pot holes, crashes, etc.) is terrific. If you have an iPhone and have never tried Waze, download it from the App Store and give it a try. A buddy talked me into trying it and haven't looked back. I hope BMW supports pushing the Waze guidance maps to HUD one day soon.

That will be a killer feature. A few months ago I read that Apple has been working with some of their key partners in the automotive space (they didn't mention any names) to integrate Apple iOS services into secondary displays and experiences. HUD was specifically referenced for obvious reasons.

[iconoclast]

this has been rumored since carplay debuted. considering how slow and reluctant apple is with their products i highly doubt it will happen any time soon. especially now with the covid-closures.