Can someone please explain what is the software in the BMW.

 

What do you mean?

The software is Java Script on Windows CE Automotive.
They update the software with CIP releases.
Software version can only be told by the dealer.

 

Lines of code?

 

To digress just a little. CIP means Channel Interface Processor? I know it equates to a software version, but wondered what CIP actually stands for.

 

Someone asked my wife about this, too. Why software in the car? Well, Car equipment/components are mechanically and/or electronically controlled. For example, auto transmission shifting program. Transmission shift point is control by a module which receives engine data from various sensors. Let's say RPM for simplicity and transmission would shift at exactly 2000RPM. When the module sees the engine rev approach 2000RPM, it'll shift up.
So let's think that we need to load a firmware/software to the module to analyze the sensor signal and output the shift signal.
Let's say customer complained that 2000RPM shift point is not enough. It needs to shifts at 2300RPM. Now SW engineer needs to go back to the source code to change the RPM parameter to 2300RPM, etc. New firmware/software needs to be reloaded to the module.
This is one program of hundreds of components in the car that requires software update every time we want to change the function of some module.

In some other thread, some one mention that BMW CIP has two portions:
IBUS and MOST programmings.
IBUS takes much longer to program and is for crucial components such as ECU, transmission, etc.
MOST takes much faster to program and is for accessories such as radio, windows, auto wiper, etc.

BMW comes up with new path: Software and Hardware working together.

Hope that helps.