2023 BMW Apple CarPlay Operational Faults TSB

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 65 27 23, Revision 1, to address various operational faults with Apple CarPlay® in certain 2023 BMW models. This bulletin supersedes the previous SI B65 27 23 dated September 2023. The update provides a software-based solution to ensure seamless Apple CarPlay® functionality.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may experience one or more of the following Apple CarPlay® operational faults:

• Unresponsive I-Drive Controller: You may find that "No selections can be made in Apple CarPlay® using the I-Drive Controller."
• Intermittent Connectivity: Apple CarPlay® connections may "intermittently be dropped and reconnected."
• Connection Error Message: When attempting to connect a mobile device via Apple CarPlay®, a warning pop-up may appear on the infotainment screen stating: "CONNECT NEW DEVICE Connection failed. Please check the Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi settings on your mobile device."

These symptoms indicate a problem with the vehicle's infotainment system affecting its ability to maintain a stable and functional Apple CarPlay® connection.

Cause of the 2023 BMW Apple CarPlay faults

The root cause of these 2023 BMW Apple CarPlay faults has been identified as unfavorable software within the head unit, specifically the HU-H5 module. This software issue prevents the system from operating Apple CarPlay® correctly.

Important Warnings for Owners

BMW advises technicians to follow specific procedures to ensure a successful repair and prevent further issues:

• Battery Charger Requirement: Technicians must "Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SI B04 23 10)" during any programming procedures. This ensures stable voltage and prevents interruptions.
• Diagnosis for Newer Software: If the vehicle's current I-level software is already at version 23-11-520 or a more recent version, the vehicle should not be programmed. Instead, technicians should "Continue with standard diagnosis" to investigate other potential causes.

Repair Procedure Summary

The correction for these Apple CarPlay® issues involves programming the head unit (HU-H5). Here's a summary of the steps technicians will follow:

1. Determine Current Software Level: The technician will first determine the vehicle's current I-level software version using BMW's diagnostic applications, AIR or AWP.
2. Software Update: If the vehicle's I-level is lower than 23-11-520, the head unit will be programmed to I-level S18A/I020/G070-23-11-520 or a higher version. This update is performed using ISTA 4.44.2x, a diagnostic and programming system released in November 2023.
3. Programming Steps: The programming process includes connecting a BMW-approved battery charger, connecting the ISTA 4 programming system to the vehicle, determining a measures plan, and then executing the programming and encoding of the control units.
4. Post-Programming Checks: After the programming is complete, the technician will follow any rework lists, perform a vehicle test to confirm functionality, and clear any stored fault memory. ISTA automatically reprograms and codes any other programmable control modules that do not have the latest software during this process.

The repair code associated with this specific software update is 6512580200, identified as "Head Unit High HU-H (Nav Professional) Software error / internal device fault."

Required Tools

For the programming procedure, a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply is required to maintain stable voltage throughout the process. This is referenced in BMW Service Information Bulletin SI B04 23 10.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, or iX and are experiencing any of the described 2023 BMW Apple CarPlay faults, you should contact your authorized BMW dealer. The necessary software update to the head unit (HU-H5) is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10245426, Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 27 23.