Decoding Your BMW MGU iDrive 7 & iDrive 8 Software Version: A Patching Guide Overview
Navigating the software versions on modern BMWs, especially those equipped with the MGU (Media Graphics Unit) running iDrive 7 and iDrive 8, can be more complex than it used to be. For BMW owners familiar with older systems, the straightforward methods for checking software versions seem to have vanished. This guide aims to clarify how to understand your BMW’s software information and provides an overview related to the concept of “patching” these advanced systems.
Many BMW owners, like yourself, are accustomed to easily accessing software details through the iDrive menu. In older models, this was often a simple task. However, with the introduction of iDrive 7 and 8, particularly in models produced before July 2020, the process has become less transparent for end-users.
You mentioned your 2020 BMW 540i xDrive, delivered in May 2020, with a production date in March 2020, is equipped with the HU_MGU head unit. You’ve already discovered that the typical “Automatic Software Update” method, often cited online, doesn’t readily reveal the software version for your vehicle. This is a common experience for owners of pre-July 2020 builds.
You correctly navigated to “Car > Settings > General Settings” and found no software version information, nor an “Automatic Update” selection. This confirms that the direct software version display is not available in this menu for your system.
Moving on to “Nav > Settings > Update,” you found map information: “Map version: Road Map NORTH AMERICAN Live 2019-3 111031913.3.03, K18_21w40.3-1 IL, IN, MI, WI, 2022-1”. This is indeed where BMW provides update information, but it’s primarily focused on map data, not the overall iDrive system software version.
Let’s break down what you’re seeing:
- “Map version: Road Map NORTH AMERICAN Live 2019-3”: This indicates the base map version initially installed on your system.
- “111031913.3.03, K18_21w40.3-1 IL, IN, MI, WI, 2022-1”: This part details the updated map regions and versions. “2022-1” suggests a map update to the first quarter of 2022 for the mentioned regions (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin).
It’s understandable to look for “MGU” or “iDrive 7/8” explicitly mentioned in these details, similar to how older NBT systems might display “NBT” in their software strings. However, the MGU system’s software identification is less direct in user-facing menus.
Understanding MGU, iDrive 7, and iDrive 8 in Relation to Software Updates and “Patching”
MGU is the hardware platform for iDrive 7 and later iDrive 8 systems. It represents a significant leap in BMW’s infotainment technology. When we talk about “patching” in the context of these systems, we’re generally referring to software updates that can address bugs, improve performance, or enable new features. While end-users don’t typically “patch” their car’s software in the same way you might patch a computer operating system, BMW regularly releases software updates that dealers can install.
Your dealer visit for the brake recall likely included a software update. The “I-Level” information you retrieved from bimmertech BMWVINDECODER confirms this:
- I-Level(current) S15A-21-11-535: This is your current software level, indicating a November 2021 update (21-11).
- I-Level(factory) S15A-20-03-524: This was the factory software level from March 2020 (20-03).
This “I-Level” is a more technical way to identify the software version of your car’s systems, including the MGU. It’s not displayed in the standard iDrive menus because it’s primarily for diagnostic and service purposes.
Is There a User-Accessible Software Version Display?
For iDrive 7 and 8 MGU systems, especially pre-July 2020 production, there is no simple, direct menu option for the user to see the full system software version in the way older iDrive versions provided. The focus shifted towards automatic, over-the-air (OTA) updates for newer models (post-July 2020) and dealer-installed updates for others.
“Patching Guide” Context and What You Can Do
While a direct “patching guide” for end-users isn’t applicable to BMW iDrive systems in the traditional sense, understanding software updates is crucial. Here’s what you should know:
- Dealer Updates are Key: For significant system software updates beyond map data, visiting your BMW dealer is usually necessary. They have the tools to flash the latest software versions to your MGU and other car modules.
- OTA Updates (Limited by Production Date): BMW introduced OTA updates for software, but this functionality is fully realized in models produced after July 2020. Pre-July 2020 vehicles have limited or no OTA software update capabilities beyond map updates.
- “Patching” for Features and Functionality: In the broader car enthusiast community, “patching” or “coding” can sometimes refer to enabling hidden features or customizing vehicle behavior through aftermarket tools. This is a separate topic from official BMW software updates and carries its own risks and considerations.
- Map Updates are User-Manageable: As you’ve seen, map updates can be checked and are often user-installable via USB or sometimes OTA depending on your subscription and model.
In conclusion, while you might not find a straightforward software version display in your iDrive menus for your 2020 BMW 540i, your system is indeed running on updated software as indicated by the I-Level. For system-level software updates and ensuring you have the latest official versions, consulting your BMW dealer remains the most reliable approach. Understanding the distinction between map updates and full system software updates, along with the role of the MGU and I-Level, provides a clearer picture of software management in your modern BMW.
