Z4 e89 35i software update

[lucazkoh]

Hi Guys, I have a 2009 35i. I have the same issue as drewsutton and lucazkoh. My car has both the glove box and arm rest USB ports but there is no software update option in the menu that I can find. I would be really interested to know if anyone manages to get this updated without taking it to the dealer.

As a side note I would be interested to know whether anyone else with a 2009 Z4 is able to play music over the Bluetooth after installing the update. I see the update mentions Bluetooth device control so I have hope. The reason I ask is if it actually allowed me to play audio from my phone I would consider even getting the dealer to install the update.

This is what im trying to achieve as well, to be able to play music over bluetooth!

 

[Anonymous]

As previously suggested..if you don't see an option in the settings menu for s/w update then you can't update the usb/bluetooth s/w!

You need a main dealer or and indy /private with the proper BMW factory programing tool set..

Its a truism that s/w updates for COTS systems has got progressively easier over time and today several devices can have their s/w or firmware easily and reliably updated..

I guess the boxes they were using then did not expected to be as frequently upgraded and/or assumed everyone was happy to go to a main dealer..

The interesting one is: if the factory toolset is used to upgrade the usb/bluetooth s/w then can you, thereafter upgrade it, or does it remain a dealer upgrade only..

Since the Z4 E89 was 'functionally stablised' as IBM used to say in 2016 that will the latest date for upgrades..

FWIW..I have the 2016 update and USB / phone/ bluetooth support is good..I run iOS13 no issues..

For media control USB is best as you can get artwork streamed as well..bluetooth does offer track control..

 

[Chippie]

To stream music through Bluetooth I think need to have a couple of factory options on the car.
S6NFA music interface for smartphone and
P7HPA connectivity package.
You can check what options came on the car by putting your VIN into
https://www.mdecoder.com/

 

[Chippie]

Hi all, sorry for being mia over Christmas, I’m having the same issues as drewsutton regarding there being no software update option in my menu, as per the photo attached. Photo from drewsutton but is exactly what I see on my menu. Tried with both glovebox and armrest usb but no Software update option appears. It’s definitely reading the usb in the armrest because I’ve renamed the usb to BMW when reformatting it and it shows on the media section when I select usb.

this might be stating the obvious, but have you tried scrolling down the menu towards the "door locks" and see if it moves up to reveal "software update"?

 

[lucazkoh]

Hi all, sorry for being mia over Christmas, I’m having the same issues as drewsutton regarding there being no software update option in my menu, as per the photo attached. Photo from drewsutton but is exactly what I see on my menu. Tried with both glovebox and armrest usb but no Software update option appears. It’s definitely reading the usb in the armrest because I’ve renamed the usb to BMW when reformatting it and it shows on the media section when I select usb.

this might be stating the obvious, but have you tried scrolling down the menu towards the "door locks" and see if it moves up to reveal "software update"?

Yup! Doesn’t go further than that unfortunately

 

[Stevo1987]

I found this on youtube in the comments- The BMW Group allows part of the vehicle software to be updated, to enable compatibility of the latest tested Bluetooth or USB devices in the vehicle. This offer is available for selected vehicles manufactured after March 2010.

and this -
Hollis Allen
3 years ago
can you do this with models before march 2010?



Forza Sim Racing
Forza Sim Racing
3 years ago
+Hollis Allen no it won't I'm afraid. Trip to the dealer's for those models.



Hollis Allen
Hollis Allen
3 years ago
+Alex Savo dang that's annoying

 

[Stevo1987]

Which is what gusTaco said in post 2 -
Post by gusTaco » Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:59 am

I may be wrong, but I believe it is not possible on 09 Z4's to update iDrive software / firmware from USB.

You can however, update maps from USB.

 

[gnwooding]

Thanks guys for your input, next time I go to the dealer I will get them to install the latest update (providing they don't charge too much) and then I will be able to tell you if I can theoretically install further updates and what improvements I notice. I am unable to scroll down on that menu either. I assume the only place to check your current version is when you select "software update".

My car has S6NFA and S644A but not P7HPA (can't figure out what this is) so this is probably why I can't do Bluetooth music. What would be interesting to know if the Bluetooth module used lacks the A2DP profile entirely or BMW have just chosen to not enable it if you lack the P7HPA package.

 

[Stevo1987]

Bluetooth music did not work for me until I upgraded the s/w. Mine is a 2014 so it does not follow it will work for you though. But there is hope. See here..... https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=118911

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[gnwooding]

Thanks, I managed to figure out that P7HPA was the connectivity package II but I was wondering what exactly it added to the vehicle

 

[drewsutton]

Which is what gusTaco said in post 2 -
Post by gusTaco » Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:59 am

I may be wrong, but I believe it is not possible on 09 Z4's to update iDrive software / firmware from USB.

You can however, update maps from USB.

He speculated, but there was nothing conclusive. It would appear our speculations were correct.

Anyone have any idea on a cost for this?

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[lucazkoh]

Have booked in with the dealer on the 9th for them to look into it, mentioned that I have approved used warranty and it said it should be covered if they can update it and it works. Will have to ask again when I get there

 

[drewsutton]

Have booked in with the dealer on the 9th for them to look into it, mentioned that I have approved used warranty and it said it should be covered if they can update it and it works. Will have to ask again when I get there

Perfect, keep us updated as to what the remedy is.
I'd like to get Bluetooth functioning in my car but would be surprised if it was just a software update.

 

[lucazkoh]

Had a phone call off bmw today who had taken a look into my enquiry ahead of my visit on Thursday.

Was told that my car didn’t have the hardware for Bluetooth music streaming and the software update would not enable this. So there’s that I guess?

 

[drewsutton]

Ahh. I have bluetooth, I just can't connect any phones, personally. I haven't gotten as far as music streaming yet.

 

[lucazkoh]

Ahh. I have bluetooth, I just can't connect any phones, personally. I haven't gotten as far as music streaming yet.

so do I, but only for phone calls and not music streaming it seems. Hope you have better luck than I do!

 

[enzed4]

On the up side, there seems to be more choices available for the E89 to give BT/music streaming nowadays. I have the Kufatec Fiscon BT add-on which give phone calls and A2DB music streaming, integrated with the iDrive and steering wheel controls. Just doesn't show the music track names