FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ page for insights on BMW navigation update, Apple CarPlay activation, FSC codes, and BMW VIN decoder. Get all your queries answered here!

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Selecting the Appropriate BMW Map Update

Finding the right map update for your BMW is straightforward with these steps:

Identify Your Current Map Version:

  • First, sit in your BMW and activate the navigation system by pressing the 'Nav' button.

  • Then, access the system's options by pressing the 'Option' button on your controller.

  • Navigate to the last item in the menu, labeled “Navigation System Version.”

This will display your current map version, such as “Road Map Europe Premium 2014-1.”

Choose the Suitable Update: Compare your current map version with the available updates. For instance, if your system shows “Road Map Europe Premium 2014-1,” you should opt for the PREMIUM update. Avoid selecting other versions like MOTION, MOVE, or NEXT, as they may not be compatible with your car.

It's vital to choose the update that matches your current version to ensure seamless integration.

Use a USB Stick for Installation: Once you've purchased the right map update, a USB stick will be required to transfer the new map files to your car. Detailed instructions will be provided on how to copy the new maps and update your car's navigation system effectively.

Remember, the accuracy in selecting the map version is key to a successful update. If you have any doubts about which version to choose, please feel free to reach out to us for guidance. Our team is always ready to help you make the right choice.

BMW Navigation System Update: A Detailed Guide

To update your BMW's navigation system efficiently, follow these clear and simple steps:

1. Keep the Engine Running or Update While Driving:
- Ensure your car's engine is running throughout the update process to prevent any disruptions.
- Alternatively, you can perform the update while driving.

2. Connect the USB Stick:
- Insert the USB stick containing the map files into the appropriate USB port.
- For updates like Premium, Motion, and Move, use the USB port in the passenger side glovebox.
- For Next, Route, Evo ID4, Evo ID5/ID6, and Way maps, connect to the USB port in the center console.

3. Await the Notification on Screen:
- After plugging in the USB, a notification should appear on your car's display within 20 seconds.

4. Initiate the Update:
- Use your iDrive controller to select 'Start update' from the displayed options.

5. Enter the FSC Activation Code:
- Input the 20-character FSC code as prompted, using the iDrive controller. Note: The code excludes the digits “0” and “1” to avoid confusion with the letters “O” and “I”.

6. Updating the Map Data:
- After entering the code, the update will commence. Your navigation system will still provide basic functionality during this time.

7. Finalize the Update:
- Keep the USB stick connected until the update is fully completed. The system will reboot automatically after a successful installation.

It's essential to use the correct USB port and input the FSC code precisely. If you encounter any issues or have queries, feel free to reach out to us for support.

Updating Your BMW's Maps: Warranty Concerns Addressed

Updating the maps in your BMW is a worry-free process that won't affect your vehicle's warranty. Here are the reasons why:

1. Sourced from the BMW Database:
- Our map updates and FSC (Freischaltcode) codes are obtained directly from the BMW database, ensuring authenticity.
- This means the FSC codes in our updates are the same as those provided by BMW dealerships, guaranteeing compatibility.

2. Authentic Dealership-Level Codes:
- The FSC codes used in our updates are exactly what you would receive from a BMW dealership.
- These codes are specifically designed to work seamlessly with your BMW's system.

3. Warranty Compliance:
- Our updates utilize official BMW FSC codes and map files, adhering to BMW's established standards.
- As a result, updating your navigation maps with our products will not have any adverse effects on your warranty.

In conclusion, updating your BMW's navigation system with our products is both safe and reliable, mirroring the quality and standards of BMW dealerships. Rest assured, this process will not compromise your vehicle's warranty.

Contents of a BMW Service History Check

A BMW Service History Check is an in-depth review of your vehicle's maintenance past. The service includes:

1. Comprehensive PDF Report:
- You will receive a detailed PDF report, providing a thorough record of your BMW's maintenance history. This encompasses all warranty work, repairs, and services your car has undergone over its lifetime.

2. Full Maintenance Summary:
- The report offers a complete summary of your vehicle's maintenance records. This allows you to easily track all the care and services your BMW has undergone, all in one place.

3. Details on Car's Equipment List:
- In addition to maintenance information, the service history check also sheds light on your car's equipment list, enhancing your understanding of the vehicle's features and specs.

4. Support for Informed Maintenance Choices:
- Armed with this detailed service history, you're equipped to make knowledgeable decisions about your car’s maintenance needs and future upkeep, crucial for maintaining your BMW's health and performance.

5. Useful for Various Needs:
- Whether you're planning to sell your BMW, want to ensure its optimal condition, or simply prefer to keep comprehensive records, the BMW Service History Check is an invaluable tool.

6. Focus on Authorised Dealer Services:
- Note that the report will only cover services and maintenance done by authorised BMW dealerships.

Activating BMW Apple CarPlay: USB or Cable Coding?

To activate BMW Apple CarPlay, whether you use USB or cable coding depends on your BMW's head unit firmware version. Here's a guide to determine the appropriate method:

1. Check Your BMW's Firmware Version:
- Sit in your BMW and access the Navigation Maps.
- Press the Options button and navigate to Settings.
- Go to Position & Version History > Version Information.

2. Determine the Software Version:
- Your firmware version will display in a format like "NBTevo_P183621".

3. Coding Method Based on Version:
- For Cable Coding: If your software version starts with P, Q, R, S, U, V, W, X, or Y, cable coding is the route to take.
- For USB or Cable Coding: If the version begins with a letter before P (O, N, M etc), you have the flexibility to use either USB or cable coding.

4. Requirements for Cable Coding:
- If cable coding is necessary, you'll need an ENET coding cable and a Windows laptop with at least Windows 10.

By following these steps, you can determine if USB coding is possible for activating Apple CarPlay in your BMW, or if cable coding is needed. The firmware version plays a critical role in identifying the suitable coding method. Generally, newer firmware versions require cable coding, whereas older versions may support both USB and cable options.

Compatibility of Fullscreen CarPlay Add-On with BMW iDrive

To check if the fullscreen CarPlay add-on will work with your BMW iDrive, it's essential to verify your BMW's software version. Here’s how to do it:

1. Accessing Your BMW's Software Version:
- Sit in your BMW and open the Navigation Maps.
- Press the Options button, then go to Settings.
- Navigate to Position & Version History, then select Version Information.

2. Identify Your Firmware Version:
- Your firmware version will typically be displayed in a format like "NBTevo_P183621".

3. Assessing Compatibility:
- For Versions P, Q, R, S, U, V, W, X, or Y:
- If your software version starts with any of these letters, you will need to use cable coding.
- For Versions N or O:
- If the software version begins with N or O, you have the option to use either USB or cable coding.

4. Requirements for Cable Coding:
- Should cable coding be necessary for your BMW, you'll need an ENET coding cable and a Windows laptop running at least Windows 10.

By following these instructions, you can ascertain whether your BMW unit is compatible with the fullscreen CarPlay add-on. The deciding factor is the software version of your BMW, which dictates the required coding method for the add-on.

Understanding and using the Feature Installer Tool

Feature Installer is a specialised coding tool created for vehicles like BMW, MINI, Toyota Supra, and Rolls Royce. Here's an overview of its functionality and usage:

1. Easy-to-Use Interface:
- Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this tool is suitable even for first-time coders.
- Its intuitive interface simplifies the coding process, making it accessible to everyone.

2. Capability to Unlock Advanced Vehicle Functions:
- Feature Installer can activate various advanced features in your vehicle. These include Apple CarPlay and Fullscreen CarPlay for BMW and MINI, Evo ID5/6 Video in Motion, MGU Video in Motion, and Toyota Supra and Rolls Royce Apple CarPlay upgrades.

3. How to Use the Feature Installer:
- Certain functionalities may require an unlock code for coding. We provide these codes as necessary.

For Resellers:

1. Automated Access Portal:
- Resellers can use our automated portal to acquire Feature Installer codes swiftly and efficiently. Please get in touch.

2. Wide Range of Features:
- The portal offers an array of features including FSC codes, BMW service history reports, and BMW EVO and NBT coding files, all available in an automated system.

3. Instant BMW VIN Decoder:
- We also provide an immediate-use BMW VIN Decoder for resellers.

This tool is a comprehensive solution for enhancing your vehicle’s capabilities, offering easy access to a range of advanced features and functions.