BMW iDrive 9 multimedia system: troubleshooting | Car news

• BMW’s multimedia system has made enormous progress since it was first launched in 2001. Its latest version, iDrive 9, is undoubtedly its best yet.

The iDrive system is obviously used throughout the BMW range, but there is also a version for cars in the Rolls-Royce range, as well as another version adapted for cars in the Mini range.

BMW iDrive
The first prototype of the iDrive system (called the “Intuitive Interaction Concept”) was introduced on the Z9 concept in 1999. A commercial version appeared in September 2001 on the BMW 7 Series (E65). It ran a modified version of Microsoft Windows CE for automobiles.

We have seen the Windows CE logo when the system reboots or crashes.

The first generation of 7 Series iDrive controllers only included a large rotary knob. The GPS system was located in the trunk and could only read CDs with road maps.

BMW iDrive 8
20 years later, things have progressed significantly. The eighth generation of the iDrive system now has two screens in addition to more physical buttons. There was even an iDrive 8.5 update released in the summer of 2023, which is the latest to date.

The iDrive 8.5 interface features a new home screen that makes smartphone owners feel right at home. The new infotainment system has very clear functions and a menu reminiscent of the iPhone menu. iDrive 8.5 users can customize the home screen as they wish.

The software interface also has fewer layers, so there’s less navigation through long menus, which should help you stay focused on the road. The iDrive 8.5 system features a vertical stripe on the driver’s side that provides quick access to functions such as media playback, navigation and settings.

This version of the iDrive system is the last one based on the Linux operating system. The iDrive 9 system, unveiled to the public in early 2024, is being updated to the in-car version of the Android mobile system.

Please note: if you have iDrive 8 in your BMW or Mini (or if you’re lucky enough to have a Rolls…), you won’t be able to upgrade the software to iDrive 9, which requires different hardware.

It’s a bit of a shame, but iDrive 8 has advantages, notably the Apple CarKey feature, which allows you to unlock and start the car without a key from your Apple Watch.

BMW iDrive 9
As is widely known in the industry, the new BMW iDrive 9 infotainment system will allow the addition of third-party applications, including video games, which can be played by connecting Bluetooth controllers.

The new home screen with clearly presented functions ensures increased usability thanks to the new curved display exclusive to BMW. The QuickSelect concept also provides an improved menu structure inspired by consumer electronics devices.

During the presentation of the iDrive9 system, the Bavarian manufacturer also showed off its remote parking system, which is still in development and will be controlled using the new system. BMW also talked about other upcoming technologies such as augmented reality glasses.

Unlike other manufacturers that also use Android for their connected cars, BMW doesn’t use Google’s core apps. Navigation, media playback and other functions are handled by BMW’s own apps by default.

You can still install third-party apps through the Google Play Store, where you can find Google Maps, Spotify, and other popular mobile apps.

Touch and voice
When BMW’s iDrive system was first launched in 2001, the goal was to use a single screen and interactive element to combine as many functions as possible, thereby reducing the number of buttons and displays. Hence the iDrive controller, comparable to a computer mouse.

Scrolling and clicking actions on the computer translate into turning, clicking and tapping in the car intuitively and with minimal distraction.

Two decades later, touchscreens and voice assistants dominate the user experience. According to BMW, the most common interaction methods are swiping, tapping and talking.

Thus, the tactile functionality of the curved screen and natural language dialogue represent the form of interaction between people and the car that the iDrive system offers.

Waiting for augmented reality…