Understand the Limitations of BMW's MyBMW App to Manage Your Car Remotely
BMW's MyBMW app is a great way to stay connected with your car. It allows you to check the status of your car, access services, and upgrade its software remotely. However, many users have reported that the version number displayed in the app does not match the one installed in their car. This can be especially frustrating if the dealer has recently updated the software in the car but the app still reports an older version.
The issue seems to be related to remote software updates only, as those who had their software updated at the dealership are reporting that the app reflects the correct version. To check what version is currently installed in your car, go to "My Vehicle" > "Settings" > "General Settings" > "Remote Software Upgrade". The current version will be displayed there.
Another issue that some users have encountered is that after the 11/2022 update, they no longer have individual control over panel heating. This affects those who paid extra for Comfort Plus pack, which should have included separate controls for heated door panels, arm rests and infra red lower dash panels. Unfortunately, these controls were removed due to complaints about too many buttons on the climate control window. As a result, users now have to turn on both heated seats and radiant panel heating at the same time, which reduces range and is inconvenient.
Fortunately, some users still have individual control over panel heating on newer versions of software. To find out if this applies to you, go to Settings on left of display in climate control. If you see separate icons for panel heating, then you are in luck! If not, then you may want to consider raising a case with BMW or your dealership as it appears that more recent builds do have this corrected.
In conclusion, while BMW's MyBMW app is a great tool for staying connected with your car, it is important to remember that it may not always reflect the most up-to-date version of software installed in your car. Additionally, some users have experienced issues with individual control over panel heating after certain updates. If this applies to you, then you may want to consider raising a case with BMW or your dealership as it appears that more recent builds do have this corrected.
Since the dealer updated the software in my car to 11/2022 in late December, why is the MyBMW app still reporting that it's on 03/2022?
The app only reports software updates carried out remotely, not dealer installed ones. It doesn't show the current version installed, but only if there's a newer version waiting to be installed. To check what version your car is currently on, go to "My Vehicle" > "Settings" > "General Settings" > "Remote Software Upgrade".
Does my vehicle have the Comfort Plus pack (heated door panels, arm rests and infra red lower dash panels)?
You can check this by going to Check Status > Services > Remote Software Upgrade. The current version is shown there under New features and improvements.
Since the upgrade on car software in December, have I lost the icons in climate control to switch the panel heating on/off?
Yes, some folks have reported that after the update they no longer have separate panel heat control and those pointless new modes. However, some people still do have individual control on a newer software version. If you paid extra for panel heating, you should raise the issue through your dealer.
How do I turn the panels on without the seats?
You can turn on or off the panel heating for both driver and passenger independently of each other, and you can do this whether seat/steering wheel heat is on or off. This is done through Settings on left of display in climate control.
Is there a way to check if my car has the latest software version?
Yes, you can check this by going to My Vehicle > Settings > General Settings > Remote Software Upgrade. This will show you the current version installed in your car. You can also check for updates by going to Check Status > Services > Remote Software Upgrade. If there is an update available, it will be shown here.