[coolcat0304]

Originally Posted by weastwood

Just went to dealer today for the 8.5 update as it shows it due. But dealer says they don’t have it and not sure when they’ll get it. Service advisor mentioned it would be an over the air update which from what I’m reading isn’t the case..

Yes... depending on your local market and service center, there is an execution stop on the latest I-step software (07-2023). It blocks the update unless an IBAC Code is entered. This happened to me so dealer couldn't update my software.

The IBAC code can be generated by technical support. Best way for the dealer to get this code is through a warranty claim.

[moorlander]

I took my wife’s 2024 x5 in for service and they said there is a recall. I asked and they said it’s an upgrade to idrive 8.5.

[ddavtian]

Originally Posted by moorlander

I took my wife’s 2024 x5 in for service and they said there is a recall. I asked and they said it’s an upgrade to idrive 8.5.

Recall to update to 8.5?
That doesn't sound right.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by moorlander

I took my wife’s 2024 x5 in for service and they said there is a recall. I asked and they said it’s an upgrade to idrive 8.5.

They are mistaken. There is a service action for the 8.5 update. That action tells dealers that they must explain to a customer that they are being updated to 8.5 should they need to be. It also tells dealers that they will not be paid to do the update unless it is part of a warranty repair.

[moorlander]

I’ll get more info and report back.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by AloneAlien

The gap controls are on the steering wheel (left side). Please check related videos.

Did you ever get your 50e or is that just BS along with your statements on the gap controls (aka distance controls for ACC) being on the left hand side of the steering wheel. Just bought a 2024 X5 40i for the wife and to my dismay BMW in their once again irrational thinking nuked thos hard buttons as well.

[moorlander]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

They are mistaken. There is a service action for the 8.5 update. That action tells dealers that they must explain to a customer that they are being updated to 8.5 should they need to be. It also tells dealers that they will not be paid to do the update unless it is part of a warranty repair.

Here is a description of what they told me was a recall.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by moorlander

Here is a description of what they told me was a recall.

And they are wrong, that is exactly what I described.

[jad03060]

Terminology, at least in the USA, can be confusing. A recall is typically a USGov mandated action that represents a fault that is either a safety issue, or something that fails to meet the current mandated features. The manufacturer is mandated to contact affected owners and repair the vehicle so it then passes at no cost to the customers.

BMW has service campaigns, some of which are devoted to fixing some issue that is not the subject of a federal recall. Some are cautionary, where everyone SHOULD get it done, and some are broken down into they will resolve it IF the customer has an issue. Those generally are also done without cost to the customer for eligible owners.

Updating an LCI from 8.0 to 8.5, like most other updates, is only reimbursable to the dealer IF it resolves an issue...not being the latest software is NOT a reason that BMW will pay them for. That doesn't mean a dealer might not do it, but they are doing it for goodwill, not that they have to.

That document explains that. Otherwise, you must wait for the OTA update. Now, if for some reason that fails to install properly, that probably would be covered under warranty.

The 8.5 OTA update is scheduled to start happening in September 2023...a week away. Now, nobody has figured out yet, how BMW pushes out the updates, so don't expect it to happen the first day of September. If it doesn't happen probably by the last day, I'd ask my dealer about it or call BMW.

[cobramite]

What does 8.5 do that 8.0 does not? Is it worth doing this upgrade.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by cobramite

What does 8.5 do that 8.0 does not? Is it worth doing this upgrade.

++ DAPP in plus (hand free) mode is automatic when you remove hands from steeringwheel / no need to press the mode button again to activate plus mode
+ A few quick select button and very slight improvement on AC control UI
- There seem to be some infrequent carplay connection issue on 8.5, worse than 8

[cobramite]

^^^^^^

[vdosis]

This YouTube video is a nice overview of the 8.5 update

. Looks pretty cool.

[moorlander]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

And they are wrong, that is exactly what I described.

You’re right. The service advisor was wrong and they only do the update when it’s needed to address another issue.

[kangstarrr]

Just had my dealer upgrade my 2024 X5 LCI to iDrive8.5. I can control my AC without going back and forth on the screen!

[sp74]

Has anyone got the 8.5 OTA (I believe it’s would be version 23-07.xx) yet?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by sp74

Has anyone got the 8.5 OTA (I believe it’s would be version 23-07.xx) yet?

No, the OTA hasn't started yet. Last I saw it is still scheduled for September but having it slide to October would not surprise me.

[yrplace]

I spoke to both the service manager at my dealer and the tech line at BMW USA and was told that models built from July onward would have 8.5 installed at the factory , but earlier cars would have to wait until alter in the year to ge the over the air update from 8 to 8.5

Also that dealers are not able to install the update , and seem to be willfully ignorant about the entire thing. I just bought a 2024 ix50 ,and discovered after a week that it had 8.0 and not 8.5 because it was actually built in May

Trying to persuade/ force my dealer to install the update , and really don't understand why BMW would build cars with 8.5 but wait months before releasing the download for the update. Would have made more sense to release the update and then put it on newly manufactured cars at the same time imo.

I don't have any leverage but would return the car if I were able to as I think the dealer's failure to tell me about the newest software not being on the car when others of the same exact model have it is deceptive and dishonest. And while I like the car every much, it will certainly affect how I feel about BMW and whether I continue with the brand when my lease is up.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by yrplace

I spoke to both the service manager at my dealer and the tech line at BMW USA and was told that models built from July onward would have 8.5 installed at the factory , but earlier cars would have to wait until alter in the year to ge the over the air update from 8 to 8.5

Also that dealers are not able to install the update , and seem to be willfully ignorant about the entire thing. I just bought a 2024 ix50 ,and discovered after a week that it had 8.0 and not 8.5 because it was actually built in May

Trying to persuade/ force my dealer to install the update , and really don't understand why BMW would build cars with 8.5 but wait months before releasing the download for the update. Would have made more sense to release the update and then put it on newly manufactured cars at the same time imo.

I don't have any leverage but would return the car if I were able to as I think the dealer's failure to tell me about the newest software not being on the car when others of the same exact model have it is deceptive and dishonest. And while I like the car every much, it will certainly affect how I feel about BMW and whether I continue with the brand when my lease is up.

Welcome to the forum. You got some bad information but overall have the gist of it. The X5/X6's built from August on have 8.5 installed at the factory. For the X5/X6, all LCI's are eligible to run 8.5 and the OTA for the update is currently scheduled to start this month. For the iX starting from 03/23 is eligible.

Dealers definitely can install 8.5 and have been doing so since July. BMWNA reminded dealers that they will not be paid for performing the update unless it is tied to a warranty repair. Some dealers though are installing it as part of customer goodwill but most are not. You also have the option of paying the dealer to install it for you.

I'm actually surprised the OTA is that soon after release. They generally wait three months or so, sometimes quite a bit more, to release software OTA that has been available at dealers.

Given the bugs we are seeing with it you are better off waiting for the OTA anyways since they may be addressed.

[yrplace]

Point taken, but shouldn't the dealers be installing 8.5 on any car they get that only has 8.0 before selling it ?

Seems odd to be selling 2024 cars that may or may not have the latest software especially without explaining it to prospective buyers.
Had I been told before signing, I would have insisted they install 8.5 or not bought the car, and of course they would have complied. Now I am more or less at their mercy....

And while I do understand about possible bugs in 8.5 , I am already taking the car back for service on the drive because it has reset itself while driving several times.

Why is my dealer saying that they can't install 8.5 , and how do I force them to do it ?

thanks

[Heavyd]

Yes, you would think they would equip a new car with 8.5.

My car got 8.5 from factory and when it arrived 2 months later in my country the new ones got 8.5 from factory. So why would I accept a new car with 8.0.

After some discussions the dealer installed 8.5 and I’m very happy with it. I haven’t encountered any problems with it.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by yrplace

Point taken, but shouldn't the dealers be installing 8.5 on any car they get that only has 8.0 before selling it ?

Seems odd to be selling 2024 cars that may or may not have the latest software especially without explaining it to prospective buyers.
Had I been told before signing, I would have insisted they install 8.5 or not bought the car, and of course they would have complied. Now I am more or less at their mercy....

And while I do understand about possible bugs in 8.5 , I am already taking the car back for service on the drive because it has reset itself while driving several times.

Why is my dealer saying that they can't install 8.5 , and how do I force them to do it ?

thanks

I can see both sides of the argument so I can argue it is odd and the dealers should be updating them or can argue it is a wise business decision to have the folks wait until the OTA for it to be updated. Since us talking about that decision will have no effect on the current situation it is just a waste of time/keystrokes. Keep in mind though that the overwhelming majority of customers have no clue as to what the current version of iDrive is, many don't even know what iDrive is, so we can't take our (forum members) experience/situation/knowledge and project it on the customer base itself.

As an aside, very rarely are vehicles built/delivered with the latest software. Minor versions are constantly being developed so you are always behind on at least the minor version and often the major version.

Many dealers are saying they can't install 8.5 because BMWNA has told them that they will not be paid for just performing the update. There is nothing you can do to force them to update. If you asked and they said they won't then it is done. Why aggravate yourself trying to get it installed?

Depending on what you are taking your vehicle in for they will likely have to update iDrive as part of the troubleshooting and/or repairing process. At that time they should be installing 8.5 since it will be the latest version for your vehicle.