Age old question:

I know there is no way to tell what software version you have other than by the dealer system.

But there must be some way you can tell visually ---
May be the way the iDrive looks, behaves, certain functions deferences between the newer and an older version.

Does anybody have any experience/insight with this sort?

Actually, there is a way to check it indirectly via a hidden iDrive menu. The menu will actually give you a code called the "Target Data Status" which you can cross reference with the CIP version. Here is a good post (from another forum) that explains how to do it. Its a bit old, so it doesn't have all the latest cross reference information, but it should get you on the right track.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthrea...light=drive+cip

I've noticed that the start-up menu changed from mostly brown in the earlier version to mostly gray on the latest 31.2 upgrade.

Yeah......mine is now blue/ grey after the upgrade I got last month. They didn't tell what version it is....but the SA said it was the latest. I may have to try this route just for kicks to see what version it is

:nono:

Not really, unless you go through ALL hidden sub menus and check ALL codes.
Different modules, different codes.
When you perform the CIP/Progman update not ALL modules get updated.
Therefore, it is not a 100% guarantee to see the actual "correct" code. Maybe, if you're lucky. ;)

The only way to really know what version the OS is: you have to get the info directly from your dealer!

Good to know. I plan to get mine upgraded within the next month. I'll make damn sure they tell me what I get.