[Justgothere]

Hi all. For the new 2024 X5, I was told it comes with iDrive 8 but once iDrive 8.5 is released, it will be given to the X5 via “over the air” update.

However on this forum, someone said that will not be the case. They said once iDrive 8.5 is released, then it will be installed on new X5 in production. But the cars already built will not get it.

Can anyone clear this up? I am getting the 2024 X5 now and I want to confirm I’ll get my iDrive 8.5 update when it gets released.

I read this somewhere, but this doesn’t confirm 100%:

BMW will begin rolling out iDrive 8.5 on select models, either as they release or via over-the-air updates, starting this summer. Here are the models that will be getting iDrive 8.5:
• BMW 7 Series
• BMW iX
• BMW i4
• BMW X5
• BMW X6
• BMW X7
• BMW XM

Thank you!

[TurtleBoy]

There is no official word on it yet. Many believe they will be updated since the head unit being used will support it but an insider has said, at least as of a month ago or so, BMW has not made the decision yet.

[Justgothere]

This post makes it seem pretty clear that it will be given Over The Air. Why are some doubting this?

https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4113&mid=

[RNorb]

Originally Posted by Justgothere

This post makes it seem pretty clear that it will be given Over The Air. Why are some doubting this?

https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4113&mid=

It is not clear. It could be saying that vehicles produced starting in the summer of 2023...initially having iDrive 8 installed at the factory...will later get the OTA update to iDrive 8.5

[akin67]

The way I read that, I think they mean that both, through production and OTA updates, the listed vehicles will begin getting iDrive 8.5 starting summer of 2023. However, this is BMW we are talking about where they can't even tell us all the features we get with specific color and option combinations where everyone always has to guess. The relevant snippet follows:

"The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced incrementally – either in production or via a remote software upgrade in certain vehicles already running Operating System 8 – in the following models beginning in the summer of 2023:

BMW 7 Series
BMW iX
BMW i4
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
BMW XM

It will continue to be based on Linux and will be combined with the largest version of the BMW Curved Display.

The new BMW Operating System 9, based on Android Open Source Project software, will appear in the compact class first in the 2024 BMW X1."

[Justgothere]

Originally Posted by akin67

The way I read that, I think they mean that both, through production and OTA updates, the listed vehicles will begin getting iDrive 8.5 starting summer of 2023. However, this is BMW we are talking about where they can't even tell us all the features we get with specific color and option combinations where everyone always has to guess. The relevant snippet follows:

"The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced incrementally – either in production or via a remote software upgrade in certain vehicles already running Operating System 8 – in the following models beginning in the summer of 2023:

BMW 7 Series
BMW iX
BMW i4
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
BMW XM

It will continue to be based on Linux and will be combined with the largest version of the BMW Curved Display.

The new BMW Operating System 9, based on Android Open Source Project software, will appear in the compact class first in the 2024 BMW X1."

This is exactly my takeaway from the statement.

[Heavyd]

I asked it several times at my dealer. They say they contacted BMW Belux and AG and there will be an 8.5 OTA update in Q3/Q4.
Presuming they are not lying...


They even said that my car with production date in July will come with idrive 8. That cars produced from August will have 8.5 from factory. The rest will have OTA updates.

[Phasers]

This post from the X7 forum is the latest info (I believe the head units apply to the X5 as well):

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

UPDATE:

I see a lot of discussion and rumors about ID8.5. While nothing is formal, some have interrupted magazines news as formal. I intentionally did not comment again as this was answered previously but nothing had changed/confirmed yet.

To summarize:

• 2024 X7 - July+ build: Will come with MGU5, has live augmented reality in the driver infotainment screen, updated/newer modules and highway hands-free driving, and of course same new service pack that started 4/23
• ---> ID 8.5 status: 100% compatible , BMW formally decided to offer it with ID8.5 either as a future software update or from day-1 factory.
  \\\\\/////
• 2024 X7 - April-June build: coming with MGU4+, adding some computing power, live augmented reality in the driver infotainment screen, same updated/newer modules and highway hands-free driving and the new service pack.
• --->ID 8.5 status: compatibility is confirmed. BMW willingness to offer it as a software update later is unknown (hasn't been decided yet).
  \\\\\/////
• 2023 X7: has MGU4 headunit and the old service pack designed in 2018.
• ---> ID 8.5 status: compatibility is NOT confirmed. BMW willingness to release (assuming it will be deemed compatible) is unknown too. Even if MGU4 us capable, the older SP may not be compatible. BMW has not yet* decided to investigate or spend time on it. They may or may not.

Here am using MGU5 vs HU5 interchangeably; formally/internally known as (Head Unit High 5)

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Justgothere

This post makes it seem pretty clear that it will be given Over The Air. Why are some doubting this?

https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4113&mid=

I read it that it will but given that it says “certain “ and they hadn’t made a decision yet I can see the doubt.

[realdah]

Originally Posted by akin67

The way I read that, I think they mean that both, through production and OTA updates, the listed vehicles will begin getting iDrive 8.5 starting summer of 2023. However, this is BMW we are talking about where they can't even tell us all the features we get with specific color and option combinations where everyone always has to guess. The relevant snippet follows:

"The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced incrementally – either in production or via a remote software upgrade in certain vehicles already running Operating System 8 – in the following models beginning in the summer of 2023:

BMW 7 Series
BMW iX
BMW i4
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
BMW XM

It will continue to be based on Linux and will be combined with the largest version of the BMW Curved Display.

The new BMW Operating System 9, based on Android Open Source Project software, will appear in the compact class first in the 2024 BMW X1."

From what I could understand, it says that the software upgrading will start in this summer 2023. for any vehicles that models mentioned and ALREADY in iDriver 8.

So, there's no doubt that 2024 X5 will get an idrive 8.5. however, it is also true that we do not know which version of hardware will be used for 2024 X5.

[spreddybmw]

Raised a CASE with BMW NA they called me today and said by end of May they will have a press release around clarity around 8.5 Updates.

[spreddybmw]

As per our discussion today a official release will be made at the end of May that will address eligibility and capabilities of IDRIVE 8.5.



Should you have any questions in the meantime, I can be reached Monday through Friday at 1-800-831-1117 ext. 2402 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.



Kind regards,

Chris



----------------

BMW Group

Christopher Skibinski

Executive Customer Care

Customer Relations and Services

[Bakdraft21]

Ok then what is/are the difference btwn 8 and 8.5??

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Bakdraft21

Ok then what is/are the difference btwn 8 and 8.5??

This was being discussed in another thread, apw2607 posted this:

1. Removal of left side top level menu icons and replaced with home button on the bottom of the screen.

2. Quick select rather than tile based main home menu - The map appears to be always in view (supposedly customizable) and in order to get to other common top level items, you scroll up or down through the quick select overlays

3. Climate main menu completely redone.

4. Seat heating added on lower climate bar

5. Refresh of some graphical elements

6. Faster voice assistant

7. Improved performance


There are also various articles on the web concerning 8.5, here are a few:

https://www.bmwblog.com/2023/03/08/b...ve-8-5-update/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...ftware-update/

https://www.motor1.com/news/656181/b...spring-update/

[ChiRealtor]

Maybe we’ll see the return of buttons in 2028?

https://apple.news/AAvaut6KsRrCRVibjug5qBw

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by ChiRealtor

Maybe we’ll see the return of buttons in 2028?

The G65 will come out in 2026, hopefully buttons will be included.

[sam.rosen7]

Originally Posted by realdah

From what I could understand, it says that the software upgrading will start in this summer 2023. for any vehicles that models mentioned and ALREADY in iDriver 8.

So, there's no doubt that 2024 X5 will get an idrive 8.5. however, it is also true that we do not know which version of hardware will be used for 2024 X5.

My May production M4 competition will have iDrive 8, any word if they will eventually do an iDrive 8.5 OTA update to all cars with iDrive8? Or still nothing on that.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by sam.rosen7

My May production M4 competition will have iDrive 8, any word if they will eventually do an iDrive 8.5 OTA update to all cars with iDrive8? Or still nothing on that.

No, there are no plans for all vehicles with 8 to be updated to 8.5. Only certain models produced after a certain date will be able to get it. The M4 is not one of them.

[MadMaxed]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

No, there are no plans for all vehicles with 8 to be updated to 8.5. Only certain models produced after a certain date will be able to get it. The M4 is not one of them.

Hi TB. I have been following the topic across different threads.

I am sure you too have seen this video.

At Timestamp: 11:35 the BMW exec said:

All linux based cars will eventually get 8.5. iDrive 9.0 will be for Android based cars.

Am I missing something or mis interpreting it?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by MadMaxed

Hi TB. I have been following the topic across different threads.

I am sure you too have seen this video.

At Timestamp: 11:35 the BMW exec said:



Am I missing something or mis interpreting it?

]

He likely was referring to newer vehicles. BMW has announced a few times that not all iD8 vehicles will be upgraded.

[MadMaxed]

Yikes!! That would be a bummer..

I do sense a hint of uncertainty in your words though.
I think I would rather live in the denial and hope that you would be wrong..

PS:
Everyone who wants ID8.5, grab your lucky penny and start looking for a wishing well

[mobsync]

Even if the early 24 models with 8.0 don't get 8.5 it seems like it would be pretty easy for BMW to add the buttons at the bottom of the screen like seen in the screenshot above. Right now there's only the Climate Menu button with plenty of room for more.