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Idrive 8.5/9 and the IX

12750 Views 137 Replies 30 Participants Last post by Paladin1, 17 h ago

Dan UK

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

any info on whether the IX will upgrade to idrive 8.5? I’m on the verge of buying a 2nd hand early car and given the debacle with parking assistant pro not working with pre March cars, I’m even more concerned that 8.5 might not be ported to early cars. This would likely mean no meaningful software updates and investment from BMW in the old idrive 8 stack As they will already have to support 8.5 and 9 on cars they are selling new.

I have to say I’m very dismayed to hear I drive 8 is already superseded. I have zero trust in car companies to support sold cars with different tech. Enough to make me just get the substantially cheaper model Y - I don’t to want to drive a new model around with old tech for this money, nor take the residuals hit that would accompany that.

N.b. apparently they have already said not all idrive 8 cars can be upgraded to 8.5 but I’ve only seen the current 3 series mentioned.

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101 - 120 of 138 Posts

inxs

· #101 · 1 mo ago

Bay Area Celt said:
We want the best. European luxury and quality AND the tesla level or equivalent of technology and software. And why shouldn't we? It shouldn't have to be either or.

I was at the exaclty same point where me and my wife decided what car to buy next. I love Teslas Software but the Ride and suspension quality was bad and also the lack of radar ACC and parking sensors. But I also knew beforehand that BMW is not the best software maker. They stepped it up with OS 8 but still not as good as Tesla.

Reactions: 1

Medhat Ashamalla

· #102 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

My issue is not how competent or incompetent BMW is in software development, or whether autonomous driving and new features are meritorious; to me these are distractions from a fundamental issue. Should BMW "obsolete" an expensive vehicle that is merely 2 years old by not providing an upgrade path (paid/unpaid/prorated) on 1 or 2 eminently upgradeable hardware boxes. They allowed HW upgrades in the past, they can do it now. Everyone can then decide for themselves what is best for them.

Reactions: 1

Bay Area Celt

· #103 · 1 mo ago

You mean, like this?

www.tesla.com

Full Self-Driving Computer Installations | Tesla Support

While no Tesla vehicles are fully autonomous today and require active driver supervision, the FSD computer is capable of delivering intelligent performance and control to enable a new level of safety and autonomy, without impacting cost or range. Learn more about FSD computer installation.

www.tesla.com

For instance? Many firms are not quite at this level of retroactive support yet, but they should be. This is basic tech forward thinking about release and hardware future proofing..

It's not free totally for Tesla but they... don't shut it down like the Germans who are just not even knowing where to begin with any of this level of integration Tesla has.

To be expected. BMW is a legacy Car company and designed for the past.

Newer companies don't have that issue and can be tech forward first.

Trade offs as a customer as a result.

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inxs

· #104 · 1 mo ago

Maybe you guys should consider buying a Tesla?

darylp310

· #105 · 1 mo ago

inxs said:
Maybe you guys should consider buying a Tesla?

Most of us had Teslas in the past and ran away to that safe warm arms of BMW!! We know the trade off we made to have a nicely built luxury car.

Reactions: 1

Bay Area Celt

· #106 · 1 mo ago

inxs said:
Maybe you guys should consider buying a Tesla?

"Trade offs for customers as a result".

I made my trade off for my use case at this time, and know well the limitations of bmw. It's an interim car, Rivian incoming, which suits my needs for family and towing ability needed soon.

Medhat Ashamalla

· #107 · 1 mo ago

Bay Area Celt said:
You mean, like this?

Full Self-Driving Computer Installations | Tesla Support

While no Tesla vehicles are fully autonomous today and require active driver supervision, the FSD computer is capable of delivering intelligent performance and control to enable a new level of safety and autonomy, without impacting cost or range. Learn more about FSD computer installation.

www.tesla.com

For instance? Many firms are not quite at this level of retroactive support yet, but they should be. This is basic tech forward thinking about release and hardware future proofing..

It's not free totally for Tesla but they... don't shut it down like the Germans who are just not even knowing where to begin with any of this level of integration Tesla has.

To be expected. BMW is a legacy Car company and designed for the past.

Newer companies don't have that issue and can be tech forward first.

Trade offs as a customer as a result.

I agree with the essence of your statement. However, itsn't German vs American. MB, VW (including AUDI, Porsche) are not "Obsoleting" an expensive vehicles in 2 years. This entire discussion is about upgrading 1 or 2 boxes that can be upgraded if BMW wills it. As it stands now, my iX is gorgeous and wonderful but I'm not using any of its autonomous features, the SW is buggy and unpredictable.

Medhat Ashamalla

· #108 · 1 mo ago

I hope this thread doesn't deteriorate into German vs American software/hardware, in my view the issue is about BMW apparent decision to not to provide a HW upgrade path to existing owners that would allow for upgraded autonomous functionality and better user interface.

Paladin1

· #109 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

Medhat Ashamalla said:
I agree with the essence of your statement. However, itsn't German vs American. MB, VW (including AUDI, Porsche) are not "Obsoleting" an expensive vehicles in 2 years. This entire discussion is about upgrading 1 or 2 boxes that can be upgraded if BMW wills it. As it stands now, my iX is gorgeous and wonderful but I'm not using any of its autonomous features, the SW is buggy and unpredictable.

Actually VAG is pretty well known for obsoleting vehicles, for a variety of reasons - completely separate, of course, from their underhanded and unethical Dieselgate shenanigans, now largely forgotten, but leaving quite a number of Audi TDI owners unsupported and stranded. Spoken from ownership of two Q7s that had the Virtual Cockpit removed from them a little over a year into ownership, because, according to VAG, their hardware no longer supported it. No mention of compensation or retrofit, and not even announced (one morning there, next morning not). Buried about 5 layers deep on their web site it did say they reserved the right to delete any software function, at any time, for any reason, including their main OS with MMI and any connected functions. Likely wouldn't (couldn't prove it by me), but just pointing out that BMW is not unique, and in fact is a pretty high bar by comparison. Just a brief summary from Audi:

• You will only use the Service when it is safe and legal to do so, and in compliance with these Terms of Service (and will ensure the same for additional users)
• We may suspend, modify or terminate the Service at any time
• You may cancel the Service at any time
• You are responsible for maintaining your Vehicle in good working order so that the Service can be provided
• You may not use the Service for illegal, fraudulent or abusive purposes
• Information collected to provide the Service will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Statement
• The Terms of Service for Audi connect services and Audi Financial Services are separate and we are not bound by or responsible for them
• The Service is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind and can be limited or discontinued entirely because of technological changes
• We may update or modify the software used to provide the Service at any time, and we may do this remotely without notifying you or seeking your consent
• If a dispute arises, it will be resolved through arbitration
• We can modify these Terms of Service at any time and such modifications will become effective upon posting on the website or if we notify you, then at the time of notification

5. Termination, Suspension, Reactivation, Change and Transfer of Service

a. Our Rights to Suspend or Terminate the Service
We can decide to either suspend or terminate the Service without warning, or issue a warning, at any time for any reason in our discretion, including for network or system maintenance, improvement, congestion, or failure or if we suspect your Service (in whole or in part) is being used for any unauthorized or inappropriate purpose, as a result of your breach of these Terms of Service or for reasons unrelated to you or your account with us. If suspension or termination of the Service occurs for any reason, you acknowledge and agree that you may not be able to access the Service, including the emergency services. In addition, if we are advised by your financing company or any Audi Company that you no longer own or lease your vehicle, we may terminate your Service.

Availability of the Service is subject to certain technologies remaining commercially available for the Service period and such availability is not guaranteed.

And as far as Audi's take on their equivalent EA promotion and discount with an EV purchase:

Audi reserves the right to end this Promotion at any time before its automatic termination date for any reason, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you. Following the termination or expiration of this Promotion for any reason, your access to the credit under this Promotion will immediately cease, and you may not use or redeem any remaining portion of the credit (if any).

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Reactions: 3

Medhat Ashamalla

· #110 · 1 mo ago

inxs said:
I was at the exaclty same point where me and my wife decided what car to buy next. I love Teslas Software but the Ride and suspension quality was bad and also the lack of radar ACC and parking sensors. But I also knew beforehand that BMW is not the best software maker. They stepped it up with OS 8 but still not as good as Tesla.

Paladin1 said:
Actually VAG is pretty well known for obsoleting vehicles, for a variety of reasons - completely separate, of course, from their underhanded and unethical Dieselgate shenanigans, now largely forgotten, but leaving quite a number of Audi TDI owners unsupported and stranded. Spoken from ownership of two Q7s that had the Virtual Cockpit removed from them a little over a year into ownership, because, according to VAG, their hardware no longer supported it. No mention of compensation or retrofit, and not even announced (one morning there, next morning not). Buried about 5 layers deep on their web site it did say they reserved the right to delete any software function, at any time, for any reason, including their main OS with MMI and any connected functions. Likely wouldn't (couldn't prove it by me), but just pointing out that BMW is not unique, and in fact is a pretty high bar by comparison. Just a brief summary from Audi:

• You will only use the Service when it is safe and legal to do so, and in compliance with these Terms of Service (and will ensure the same for additional users)
• We may suspend, modify or terminate the Service at any time
• You may cancel the Service at any time
• You are responsible for maintaining your Vehicle in good working order so that the Service can be provided
• You may not use the Service for illegal, fraudulent or abusive purposes
• Information collected to provide the Service will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Statement
• The Terms of Service for Audi connect services and Audi Financial Services are separate and we are not bound by or responsible for them
• The Service is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind and can be limited or discontinued entirely because of technological changes
• We may update or modify the software used to provide the Service at any time, and we may do this remotely without notifying you or seeking your consent
• If a dispute arises, it will be resolved through arbitration
• We can modify these Terms of Service at any time and such modifications will become effective upon posting on the website or if we notify you, then at the time of notification

5. Termination, Suspension, Reactivation, Change and Transfer of Service

a. Our Rights to Suspend or Terminate the Service
We can decide to either suspend or terminate the Service without warning, or issue a warning, at any time for any reason in our discretion, including for network or system maintenance, improvement, congestion, or failure or if we suspect your Service (in whole or in part) is being used for any unauthorized or inappropriate purpose, as a result of your breach of these Terms of Service or for reasons unrelated to you or your account with us. If suspension or termination of the Service occurs for any reason, you acknowledge and agree that you may not be able to access the Service, including the emergency services. In addition, if we are advised by your financing company or any Audi Company that you no longer own or lease your vehicle, we may terminate your Service.

Availability of the Service is subject to certain technologies remaining commercially available for the Service period and such availability is not guaranteed.

And as far as Audi's take on their equivalent EA promotion and discount with an EV purchase:

Audi reserves the right to end this Promotion at any time before its automatic termination date for any reason, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you. Following the termination or expiration of this Promotion for any reason, your access to the credit under this Promotion will immediately cease, and you may not use or redeem any remaining portion of the credit (if any).

Thank you, i stand corrected for mentioning VW and to add insult to injury MB added outrageous subscription to accelerate their cars by 1 sec or less.

Reactions: 1

Paladin1

· #111 · 1 mo ago

No worries, just particularly familiar with Audi/VAG. And unlike BMW, it's not that they were refusing to offer an upgrade path (other than purchasing a new vehicle - always an option

). They removed a key feature you purchased with the vehicle, unannounced, and offered no remedy. Like starting your iX one morning and finding that it was now on iDrive 7, and BMW telling you there's no option to revert to iD8 and "Go check our website."

Medhat Ashamalla

· #112 · 1 mo ago

Paladin1 said:
No worries, just particularly familiar with Audi/VAG. And unlike BMW, it's not that they were refusing to offer an upgrade path (other than purchasing a new vehicle - always an option ). They removed a key feature you purchased with the vehicle, unannounced, and offered no remedy. Like starting your iX one morning and finding that it was now on iDrive 7, and BMW telling you there's no option to revert to iD8 and "Go check our website."

My intention is to refocus the discussion on BMW offering an upgrade to the headunit which seems doable and may be even achievable. If left behind, I'll naturally trade up to a company that better support their customers and products. From 15 years experience, Huyndai/Genesis has served me and my family well with excellent cars, support and best warranty on the planet. 6 cars without any hiccups. I should have waited for their EV offering to mature. My Genesis 2015, which I traded for the 2023 iX, gave me better, more predictable, and safer driving assist features than my iX.

Reactions: 3

iX_Los Angeles

· #113 · 1 mo ago

inxs said:
Dont wanna put Oil on the fire but here is a video of BMW OS 8.5 in usage and explained.
Dont know yet if I like it more than OS 8.0

8.5 actually seems worse 😂

Reactions: 2

LowerEast

· #114 · 1 mo ago

The concept of a hardware upgrade from BMW is crazy to me. There’s no way that’s going to happen.

if BMW specifically promised that functions would be available to existing cars in the future, and those promises were the reason you bought the car, I understand being upset. Personally though, I would never buy a car because of what the manufacturer says it will or may be able to do in the future. Even if the manufacturer is genuine in their expectation that certain functions will be available, there’s always a (good) chance that things won’t work out the way they planned, and the functions never become available.

An even worse reason to buy a car would be promises of future functions from a salesperson. 1. Plenty of salespeople will stretch the truth and tell you whatever you want to hear to make the sale. 2. They may just not know and assume a function will become available in the future when in reality it isn’t going to happen.

I bought my 2023 based on the functionality available to me at pick up. I was satisfied with it then and I’m satisfied with it now. Why would my level of satisfaction change based on added functionality in a newer car that someone else owns?

Would I like a new operating system or highway assist to become available for my car? Sure. But if it never happens, that’s ok too. I got what I paid for and I’m very happy with it. Fretting over how the latest and greatest compares with what you have seems like a recipe for only being happy with your purchases on the day you make them.

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Medhat Ashamalla

· #115 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

LowerEast said:
The concept of a hardware upgrade from BMW is crazy to me. There’s no way that’s going to happen.

if BMW specifically promised that functions would be available to existing cars in the future, and those promises were the reason you bought the car, I understand being upset. Personally though, I would never buy a car because of what the manufacturer says it will or may be able to do in the future. Even if the manufacturer is genuine in their expectation that certain functions will be available, there’s always a (good) chance that things won’t work out the way they planned, and the functions never become available.

An even worse reason to buy a car would be promises of future functions from a salesperson. 1. Plenty of salespeople will stretch the truth and tell you whatever you want to hear to make the sale. 2. They may just not know and assume a function will become available in the future when in reality it isn’t going to happen.

I bought my 2023 based on the functionality available to me at pick up. I was satisfied with it then and I’m satisfied with it now. Why would my level of satisfaction change based on added functionality in a newer car that someone else owns?

Would I like a new operating system or highway assist to become available for my car? Sure. But if it never happens, that’s ok too. I got what I paid for and I’m very happy with it. Fretting over how the latest and greatest compares with what you have seems like a recipe for only being happy with your purchases on the day you make them.

Each to his taste, live and let live😂😂! Those hoping for a hardware upgrade are not asking for MANDATORY upgrade for every one; that would be silly and INSANE. If you are happy with what you have keep it, you can never be forced to upgrade. BTW, does the RESALE/TRADE IN value of a vehicle that doesn't offer software uprades and improved functions due to hardware limitation take a hit especially when the vast majority of the industry does (Ford, GM, Polester, Rivian, Lucid, Volvo, and yes Tesla, etc.)? I think YES. But then may be BMW iX 2022/2023 is the exception. As to never buy a car on promises made: LESSON LEARNED.

LowerEast

· #116 · 1 mo ago

Medhat Ashamalla said:
Each to his taste, live and let live😂😂! Those hoping for a hardware upgrade are not asking for MANDATORY upgrade for every one; that would be silly and INSANE. If you are happy with what they have keep it, you can never be forced to upgrade. BTW, does the RESALE/TRADE IN value of a vehicle that doesn't offer software uprades and improved functions due to hardware limitation take a hit especially when the vast majority of the industry does (Ford, GM, Polester, Rivian, Lucid, Volvo, and yes Tesla, etc.)? I think YES. But then may be BMW iX 2022/2023 is the exception. As to never buy a car on promises made: LESSON LEARNED.

Who made the promises and what were they?

I’m not trying to be a smart ass. I’m genuinely curious.

Reactions: 1

inoextomc

· #117 · 7 d ago

paultan.org

BMW begins rolling out iDrive 8.5 - 7 Series, iX, X5, X6, X7 and XM to receive new system through OTA update - paultan.org

BMW has revealed it has begun rolling out the new iDrive 8.5 (with BMW Operating System 8.5) across additional models. As the German carmaker explained earlier this year, iDrive 8.5 is a software upgrade for …

paultan.org

NomoTesla

· #118 · 6 d ago

Today the choice is between better software (Tesla) or a better car (anyone else). I picked the better car which is why I'm in this forum. The software you interact with only occasionally. The competence of the vehicle's design and manufacture, however, you experience constantly.

Reactions: 4

inxs

· #119 · 6 d ago

That will be pretty cool to play some video games for example on a road trip with the kids

www.press.bmwgroup.com

Die neue BMW 5er Reihe geht mit Gaming-Plattform AirConsole an den Start.

+++ BMW Group und AirConsole bringen einzigartiges Spielerlebnis ins Fahrzeug +++ AirConsole App wird auf weitere Modelle ausgerollt +++ BMW i5 in speziellem Gaming-Look präsentiert +++

www.press.bmwgroup.com

DanSilov

· #120 · 5 d ago (Edited)

NomoTesla said:
Today the choice is between better software (Tesla) or a better car (anyone else). I picked the better car which is why I'm in this forum. The software you interact with only occasionally. The competence of the vehicle's design and manufacture, however, you experience constantly.

I fully share this view. I've been sort of pissed at BMW for some time, but I keep enjoying my car every day, and the software I use almost exclusively is CarPlay, which, luckily, has nothing to do with BMW. I might consider upgrading to M60 in a couple years, if the price is right, but so far I think iX is a great car as is.

Reactions: 4

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