2021 BMW Models: Remote Software Upgrade Exclusion

BMW has issued a Service Information Bulletin (SIB) to address a specific concern where some 2021 model year vehicles might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) campaigns. This communication, identified by NHTSA ID 10204533, provides dealers with the necessary information to identify affected vehicles and resolve the issue.

Remote Software Upgrades are crucial for keeping your vehicle's systems current, offering new features, improvements, and bug fixes. When a vehicle is subject to a BMW RSU exclusion, it means it will not automatically receive these important updates.

Understanding BMW RSU Exclusion

Remote Software Upgrades (RSU) allow BMW vehicles to receive software updates wirelessly, similar to how smartphones update. This process ensures that various vehicle systems, including infotainment, driver assistance, and powertrain controls, remain optimized and up-to-date. However, in some rare instances, certain vehicles may be inadvertently excluded from these RSU campaigns.

This BMW RSU exclusion prevents the vehicle from downloading and installing available software updates. Owners might notice their vehicle is not receiving notifications for new software versions, or that certain features are not performing as expected due to outdated software.

Identifying Excluded Vehicles

BMW's SIB outlines a process for dealerships to identify vehicles affected by an RSU exclusion. Technicians are instructed on how to check if a customer's vehicle is indeed excluded from specific Remote Software Upgrade campaigns. This diagnostic step is crucial to confirm the presence of the exclusion before proceeding with any corrective actions.

Addressing the RSU Exclusion

Once a vehicle is identified as having a BMW RSU exclusion, the SIB provides guidelines on how to proceed. While the specific repair procedure is detailed for technicians, it generally involves rectifying the vehicle's status within BMW's systems to ensure it can receive future Remote Software Upgrades. This may involve specific software programming or administrative actions to re-enroll the vehicle in the RSU program.

What Owners Should Know

If you own a 2021 BMW and suspect your vehicle is not receiving Remote Software Upgrades, it is important to contact your authorized BMW dealership. Explain that you believe your vehicle may be subject to an RSU exclusion. The dealership will be able to perform the necessary checks and implement the solution as outlined in this BMW Service Information Bulletin (SIB).

This issue is typically addressed under warranty, ensuring that your vehicle can once again benefit from the latest software enhancements and improvements provided by BMW through its RSU campaigns.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10204533