BMW Maps update problem

MaceFace

I had my 330e in the garage last week for the end of warranty check. I asked they update the maps as I had a subscription but didn't have a 64GB USB stick to load it myself.
They said no worries but after I went back to collect they said they couldn't do it as the technicians advised that if they updated the maps with the latest version, it could cause problems to an unrelated ECU. It all sounded fishy to me and the guy explaining it didn't seem to know what he was really talking about or couldn't explain it.
I can't find any notice from BMW about this.

Anyone any familiarity with this or do you think they just fobbed me off because it would take them too long?

Also, I asked they don't wash the car, and that was ignored but it was explained that they just used a micro fiber cloth. I explained that doesn't stop the swirls which I always try to avoid when I wash myself.

dingding

When you download the file it is through a logged on account associated with your cars. It may be likely that the map that is downloaded is bespoke to the vehicle for licensing purposes and they may not have access to a generic map. Very easy to do if you have a PC and memory stick.

http://www.checkargos.com/product/3395891

This is the one I use and it is 21 euro.

The APP is BMW Download manager and when you log on you select which of your BMW vehicles you are updating the map for. I only have one with a map so I can't check if the image is bespoke to the car. Also when you download you get an email with a Key to enable the map. Although I got this email I never needed it and this leads me to think that the key is in the image file for the vehicle you are downloading.

Gumbo

I’ve done my i3 and her F10 to 19-1 in January and then again to 19-2 last month. The reason the garage didn’t do it is because of the time it takes in my opinion.

I used my 1tb SSD external drive. It doesn’t have to be a usb stick.
Where are you based?

bazz26

You can download the maps for free off the internet. However in order to install them you need a FSC code derived from your car's VIN to decode the maps. You can buy a lifetime FSC code from the likes of ebay fairly cheap these days. A lifetime FSC code will allow you to download and install the map updates on your specific car every time there is a new map update released.

Alternatively if you want to do all above board, and as your car is a F series you should be able to buy and download the maps onto a USB directly from www.bmw-connecteddrive.ie for around €55 once you have subscribed to that service.

dingding

bazz26 wrote: »

You can download the maps for free off the internet. However in order to install them you need a FSC code derived from your car's VIN to decode the maps. You can buy a lifetime FSC code from the likes of ebay fairly cheap these days. A lifetime FSC code will allow you to download and install the map updates on your specific car every time there is a new map update released.

Alternatively if you want to do all above board, and as your car is a F series you should be able to buy and download the maps onto a USB directly from www.bmw-connecteddrive.ie for around €55 once you have subscribed to that service.

My car came with the service supplied for a few years. If you register for bmw connected drive it will tell you all the services that your car is subscribed to and their end date. You also have the option to purchase additional services on-line.

dingding

OP, I have checked my car and the service details on my car and the maps update was only for 3 years. If your car is approaching 3 years the map update might expire on its third birthday. If that is the case I would bite the bullet and get a USB stick and update it at least the maps would be current as of today.

If you create a bmw connected drive and add the account, you will need the last few digits off the VIN number and this is visable from the windshield. You will then need to go into the messages in the connected drive and report pack to the web site the number you are given. You will then be able to look at all the services and you can buy any expired services you want to renew from this page.

nogoodnamesleft

bazz26 wrote: »

You can download the maps for free off the internet. However in order to install them you need a FSC code derived from your car's VIN to decode the maps. You can buy a lifetime FSC code from the likes of ebay fairly cheap these days. A lifetime FSC code will allow you to download and install the map updates on your specific car every time there is a new map update released.

Alternatively if you want to do all above board, and as your car is a F series you should be able to buy and download the maps onto a USB directly from www.bmw-connecteddrive.ie for around €55 once you have subscribed to that service.

You can also go another route and get a copy of BMW Esys and a INET cable to pull a copy of the FSC code from the car. The FSC code has to be translated to a authorisation code based on the map update and on the region (a copy of the FSC code on it's own will not be sufficient to install the maps). This then allows the maps to be then installed.

MaceFace

Thanks folks.

I did try download them before, went out and bought a 32GB USB stick but that was too small. I also tried to use a WD Passport but the car wouldn't recognise it.

Think I'll just have to buy the 64GB stick but either way, it's bad form from the garage saying a map update could damage the car and need a replacement ECU which would be very expensive.

nogoodnamesleft

What sort of idrive is in the car? NBT?
I think the second set of maps are out soon I.e 2019-2 incase you are installing 2019-1.

Stallingrad

I found updating the maps on my F10 utterly infuriating, did everything as per instructions, correctly formatted SD card, then HD, then USB key, multiple failed attempts and I gave up. Best advertisement for Google maps and Android auto ever.

As for "updated the maps with the latest version, it could cause problems to an unrelated ECU." that sounds like total BS but with BMW you never know.

Gumbo

MaceFace wrote: »

Thanks folks.

I did try download them before, went out and bought a 32GB USB stick but that was too small. I also tried to use a WD Passport but the car wouldn't recognise it.

Think I'll just have to buy the 64GB stick but either way, it's bad form from the garage saying a map update could damage the car and need a replacement ECU which would be very expensive.

Stallingrad wrote: »

I found updating the maps on my F10 utterly infuriating, did everything as per instructions, correctly formatted SD card, then HD, then USB key, multiple failed attempts and I gave up. Best advertisement for Google maps and Android auto ever.

As for "updated the maps with the latest version, it could cause problems to an unrelated ECU." that sounds like total BS but with BMW you never know.

I found it easy. Used my Seagate 1TB SD Portable Hard drive.

Ron Scott

I did my 330e only the other day. Have the subscription so used the BMW download program. It took hours to download to a 1tb usb drive. The update in the car took about 30 mins.

dingding

THe last couple of updates split europe into western and eastern europe. A couple of years ago it covered all europe.

The maps must be getting bigger / more detailed.

Friedrich4491

For complete and error free map updates visit <spam snipped>

biko

Signing up to recommend a company?

That's a paddl no-no