BMW highlights 10 features of new OTA update

BMW started rolling out its new Operating System 8 over-the-air (OTA) software update with plans for a similar update for the BMW Operating System 7 expected to be released soon.

Per the German automotive brand, some 3.8 million vehicles will benefit from the update.

The ongoing system update provides BMW owners a total of 10 features that include improvements and extensions to infotainment, driving, drive system, driver assistance, comfort, and safety features.

Here’s a quick look at the 10 features highlighted by the brand.

BMW Maps extensive improvements

For all-electric BMW iX and i4 models manufactured before July 2022, the new OTA software update brings extensive improvements to the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system’s “charging route” feature.

BMW explains that after the software update, owners will begin to see improvements to both the calculation algorithm and the speed of calculation for routes optimized for charging. Important information about the charging stops has been added in the route summary, such as the estimated state of charge upon arrival, the recommended charging time, and the target state of charge for the onward journey.

The driver is also offered alternative charging routes, where available.

By default, the system is set to ensure that the vehicle reaches both the final destination and the charging stops with a charge level of at least 10 percent. This charge “cushion” can now be adjusted if required.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant's new skills and visual expression

Applicable for all BMW vehicles with Operating System 8 manufactured before July 2022, the OTA update brings greater visual expression for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. According to BMW, it now has some 20 different icons, resulting in even more animated and dynamic interaction with the voice assistant.

Furthermore, the Intelligent Personal Assistant can now assume an “expressive” look — featuring a pair of eyes — when desired, bringing it even more to life. This way, customers are now able to choose between a “harmonious” and an “expressive” form of visualization.

The Intelligent Personal Assistant’s range of proactive suggestions has also been expanded to include the Active Cruise Control and Parking Assistant functions (where fitted) for increased driving comfort. If these functions are used rarely or not at all, the assistant will recommend activating them in appropriate situations.

Amazon Alexa integration

Following the installation of the latest remote software upgrade, customers now have the option of activating Amazon Alexa in BMW Operating System 8.

Amazon Alexa can be installed in the car in just a few steps with the help of the My BMW App.

The feature is available for all BMW cars with Operating System 8 manufactured before July 2022.

New My Modes

For BMW iX and 2 Series Active Tourer models manufactured before July 2022, the update enables the activation of two new My Modes, namely, Relax and Expressive.

Relax mode activates special settings for a calming experience while driving, whereas activating Expressive mode gives the cabin a far more dramatic look. The 2 Series Active Tourer must be equipped with active seats for Relax mode and with one of the optional interior trim variants offering additional ambient lighting for Expressive mode.

ConnectedDrive Store integration

Following the software update, BMW iX and 2 Series Active Tourer models manufactured before July 2022 get in-car access to the ConnectedDrive Store. Here, customers will find a summary of all the available services and functions for their vehicle as well as those they have already added.

An up-to-date list of the various Functions on Demand available can be accessed in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store or via the My BMW App. Availability of the products and functions varies from market to market and depends on the technical capabilities of vehicles and their equipment.

BMW ID and My BMW App improvements

Per BMW, the latest update makes it easier to add a vehicle with Operating System 8 to the My BMW App. The first time customers sign in to a vehicle with their BMW ID, the vehicle will be automatically added to the My BMW App on their smartphone, making it possible to use the extensive Remote Services. This also applies to BMW IDs that were set up before the upgrade was installed in the vehicle.

The technology is available for all models with BMW Operating System 8 manufactured before July 2022.

Improved exit warning function

Owners of BMW iX and 2 Series Active Tourer models manufactured before July 2022 will notice the addition of flashing ambient lighting to their vehicle’s exit warning function.

The exit warning function alerts the car’s occupants to approaching vehicles when getting out of the car and helps to prevent collisions.

Enhanced front collision warning feature

BMW iX and 2 Series Active Tourer models manufactured before July 2022 will also get an enhanced front collision warning.

According to BMW, the system can now react to oncoming vehicles and identify the end of a queue of traffic. In doing so, the vehicle can either prevent a collision completely or reduce the impact speed substantially in a critical situation.

QLOCKTWO availability

Following the latest software update, all BMW vehicles with BMW Operating System 8 can now get the award-winning QLOCKTWO time display. In addition, QLOCKTWO can be set to display in 16 different languages.

Lane Keeping Assistant improvements

Finally, the new software update brings improvements to the Lane Keeping Assistant in models with BMW Operating System 7.

A warning signal (sound) is produced if the Lane Keeping Assistant has to intervene repeatedly in the steering. If the system makes another three steering inputs within the next three minutes, the warning signal will sound for an extra ten seconds with every subsequent intervention in the steering. With the upgrade, the warning signal is now reset to its original length in response to driver activity.

The Lane Keeping Assistant’s intervention in the steering when the car leaves its lane also becomes smoother, as both the duration of the steering input and the force applied are adapted more closely to the specific driving situation. The slower the vehicle drifts out of its lane, the more gently it is steered back into it. To ensure the vehicle moves back into an optimum road position faster, its course is now corrected when it is close to the lane markings rather than after crossing them.

The availability and content of Remote Software Upgrades depend on the country, model, equipment, and installed software version. The country-specific BMW websites provide information on the relevant content and prerequisites for Remote Software Upgrade in each country.

Photos from BMW

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