2015 idrive on a 2013 F12 M6 question

[TomM6]

2015 idrive on a 2013 F12 M6 question, I installed a 2015 idrive controller and the dealer is telling me that all idrive system programming has to be done with the original idrive controller and the new one can't be programmed to work with the original idrive hardware. Does anybody know if the new idrive controller can be programmed to be compatible with the 2013 idrive system? Note: the new idrive controller does operate the system but the dealer says it does not allow them to do software upgrades/improvements and every time they need to do that to swap for the old.
Thanks[IMG][/IMG]

[Flying Ace]

Nelson@BimmerTech can help.

Sometimes the dealer is correct. Other times, they're wrong. What programming do you actually need? B/c there's aftermarket services like Nelson, who can do it for you too.

[TomM6]

Thank you

If I were to do a system software update they are telling me that they need to connect the original idrive controller first, meaning they would have to remove the center console etc. I would imagine than any compatible controller would suffice and would work together flawlessly. Does anybody now?

[Flying Ace]

From my prior experience with CIC system (prior gen) and CCC (2 gens old) the answer is "it depends". In the past it depended on the software version number and the part's version number. BMW does some funky things when they update software and parts. They roll it out sometimes in piecemeal with fragmented compatibility.

Case in point, a popular mod back in 2009 was to install the CIC controller onto a CCC system. It worked as a plug and play for softwares in cars built after 4/2008, but didn't for any CCC based cars prior to April 2008, and IIRC, only if you use a certain set of updated controllers.

So that's why Nelson, a coder who specializes in these things can you tell. BPMSport can also help out on this question.

But you didn't answer the question. What "update" is it that you want? If it's a map update, 3rd party vendors can do it for you for cheaper and may be able to allow you to retain your updated controller. I'm not aware of a BMW dealer willing to just update the base idrive software without any known issues, same with DME/ECU too.

[TomM6]

Understood, thank you. I asked the dealer to install the latest software version and map and he was going to do it under warranty. I am trying to find out if he can code the new controller to the existing system. I am just wondering if anybody has come across this.

[mjposner]

So the new controller is plug and play and works, but somehow is blocking software upgrades? That said is there a crucial upgrade needed that your car doesn't have?

[Nelson@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by TomM6

Understood, thank you. I asked the dealer to install the latest software version and map and he was going to do it under warranty. I am trying to find out if he can code the new controller to the existing system. I am just wondering if anybody has come across this.

He won't able to code it.

[TomM6]

So you are saying he won't be able to code it to work flawlessly with the original system so if I need to do the system update I will have to reconnect the original idrive controller?

By the way the system works great and has the 4G system conversion with the connected drive fully functional.
Thanks

[Nelson@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by TomM6

So you are saying he won't be able to code it to work flawlessly with the original system so if I need to do the system update I will have to reconnect the original idrive controller?

By the way the system works great and has the 4G system conversion with the connected drive fully functional.
Thanks

That's correct, there was never an official touch controller retrofit coding from BMW so they won't know how to code it. You will need to contact 3rd party coder. After is coded properly so won't need to reinstall old controller but will need to reinstall CIC for any future software update.

You went from CIC to NBT which is hard but not impossible to get 4G services.

I went from NBT to NBT EVO which is nearly impossible to maintain 4G services unless you know someone inside BMW that will activate it.

[BPMSport]

Dealers aren't able to perform software update programming to vehicles equipped with hardware that was not original - ISTA/P will not allow it in the majority of cases.

This is irrespective of whether the upgraded hardware functions in the vehicle or not.

The dealer is correct in this case.

Companies such as us are able to bypass this restriction and perform updates regardless of the fitted hardware.

[TomM6]

Thank you for the insight, so who would I reach out here in DC (NoVa) that can do this for me?

[mjposner]

If you just want the look of the bigger knob, you can now order them for about $25. I should have mine this week and will post pics.

https://avinusa.com/bmw-idrive-contr...ade-cover.html

[Jmrdmd]

Awesome...just ordered one. Thanks for the hook up.
Jan

[StevieM6og]

I'm very much of a newbie on the car seen. I also have m6 2014, have you updated to LCD screen yet to a newer one or it can't be done? If so where would I order one? I can't find one. Thanks and your car looks sweet.