BMW F30 Region/Map Change

dan_ep82

I need to get the maps changed in my F30 sat nav. It's a JDM import so set to Japan and obviously want it for use in Ireland. Im pretty sure is NBT Evo ID4, its in a 161 330e.

I don't have any of the coding equipment and would prefer someone who knows what they're doing. Any recommendations on who could do it?

bazz26

Here is a link to what might be involved:

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/28-why-and-how-to-update-your-bmws-navigation-maps

But I think you may only need to install new maps for Western Europe. The NBT uses the Next maps afaik but check your map version in the idrive to confirm, you can download the Western Europe maps for free onto a USB drive, just google it. However when you go to install the maps then you will be asked for a FSC code to activate them which is derived from your car's VIN. Plenty of options on the likes of ebay or forums to purchase a generated FSC code for your car.

dan_ep82

Thanks, I'll check it in the morning and see what it says.

I gave googling a go but most of what I was reading was in acronyms so I presumed you needed some base knowledge that I didn't have. I found some maps so I'll give ebay or a forum a go for a code. I haven't rang BMW but I presume its crazy money.

kdevitt

You can get the maps direct from BMW for small money - you can either download it onto your own USB stick or buy a USB stick from the dealer with it pre-loaded. I think I paid €55 for the genuine maps download recently.

dan_ep82

Thats map updates only no? I presumed they would charge more to change the region.

Also it will not allow the car to be added to MyBMW, it says to contact support

"The vehicle cannot be added to your account as the vehicle's country cannot be validated."

bazz26

If the car is already registered in MyBMW app in some other country then BMW support might have to manually move it when you call them. Had to do that before with a car from the UK, however not sure what way it works if it's from another region such as Japan. Sure no harm in giving them a call and ask. Have the car's VIN handy.

I still think you will need it registered in this country/region for BMW to send you the maps on a USB stick as it will include the correct FSC code. The other way is to try doing it manually yourself as I outlined earlier but it might not work and it still won't fix the MyBMW app issue.

Henry Ford III

I assume android auto/car play aren't available.

Their maps are superior and are live too

dan_ep82

Apparently the NBT needs to be flashed before having maps loaded so I’m going to see if I can find a company here to do it. Don’t want to risk bricking the unit

kdevitt

Have dealt with yourcarcoder.com a bit in the past (he's on Instagram and Facebook I think) when I was looking to upgrade a unit in my 640d - seems to know his stuff. If you need coding done he might be worth getting in touch with.

dan_ep82

I got onto him. He said it has to be the package of ID4 upgrade to ID6, Carplay and Euro Maps/Region change for €400. It seems to be good value but at the minute I just wanted the maps in Europe so have not budgeted that kind of money for it.

BimmerWise

Hi, Probably you have an ID4 evo unit, that has to be flashed to ID6 1803 first after unlock the unit and patch it with new EU fscs.

I can help you with it

Bimmerwise

Daniel

multiscan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120928886#Comment_120928886

how far you got with conversion?

I have changed country in my profile to Japan and car is showing in MyBMW app. Looking into maps now.

F.Ra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121211892#Comment_121211892

Hi There, I need the same done for an F20 wirth proffessional nav unit, japanese import with japanese maps etc. can that be done please and how much would something like this cost from your experience please?

its a 2015 LCI facelift F20 118i. Many thanks

F.Ra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121559796#Comment_121559796

Hi , I might need help with mine too , Its my first japanese import and I hate to see that option not used to its capacity. How did you get on with yours?

mikeecho

https://youtu.be/lgohqo6bnLQ?si=iJEN-NZm3yMFYrfz

As for the maps, is it just not a matter of going to BMW and buying the latest map on a USB with the FSC. (Unless you want to go down the pirate route)

multiscan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121684055#Comment_121684055

I sent an email to BMW Ireland but have not received a response. The issue is that once you add a car to your profile, you will not be able to access Euro shop. Unfortunately when changing the web profile to Japland it will show Japanese offers only, We see what the dealer says.

Alternatively looks like:

1)Main unit needs region change beofre head unit goes to euro

2)FCS generated

3)maps loaded with FCS

Got all the cables now , so will have a blast if Bmw doesnt reply

dan_ep82

Headunit has to be flashed to EU

Then EU maps loaded

Then FSC has to be acquired

It’s a quite involved and lengthy process with the chance to brick your HU with one or two missed steps.

If you do attempt it set aside at least an hour and have a car battery charger attached.

Rowley Birkin QC

Hi, did you get this sorted in the end?

I'm looking at a JDM 5er that I'd want to get updated, connected drive etc. working. Basically as much as possible tech to be working.

dan_ep82

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123652916#Comment_123652916

In the end it was cheaper to get the HU software flashed to ID6 rather than a region change alone on ID4

I used Bimmer-Remote. Cost about E170

I needed to get the wifi adaptor and fit it https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098X2FV84?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

An E-net cable https://www.amazon.co.uk/UAOOK-Enet-RJ45-OBD2-Cable/dp/B0763GFCVM?sr=8-7

Then I needed a laptop and a battery charger. He then flashed it remotely over about 1.5-2hrs

You can get it done by someone in Ireland but expect to pay more. You can also get an android HU with all the capabilities retained, again it will cost more.

Rowley Birkin QC

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123657390#Comment_123657390

Cheers. I got a quote today for €350. Have no problem with techy stuff like that in general but on a €30k car I'm a little more cautious.

Is there much in the way of risk?

Are the connected drive etc. working?

Also, did you look into recalls etc? i.e. were they done in Japan and if not, would BMW Ireland look after them.

Thanks!

dan_ep82

Thats not bad, who was that with?

No, he takes care of everything on the computer. I'd be fairly handy around a computer but I was in a similar situation of not wanting to risk it as it was new to me software. Fitting the Wifi adaptor is very easy, you don't need any car knowledge. Taking your time 10 minutes will do it. I've honestly never checked connected drive, everything else works though.

No current recalls on it. Unless there was a recall in Ireland I highly doubt they would do anything.

What year is the car?

Rowley Birkin QC

Bimmerwise. It was actually €300 ex VAT. Had a good chat on the phone with him, he has done about 200 of them this year he reckoned. Only annoying thing is having to get extra kit for Android Auto.

Car is a 182 G31 Touring Luxury Line. Absolutely huge spec and very clean at a 4.5 auction grade.

I ran the VIN yesterday and it showed that it would be subject to the EGR cooler recall so that's why I'm curious as to how that would work here. I haven't had a chance yet to see if it has had it done in Japan.

kdevitt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123661450#Comment_123661450

Interested in knowing how you get on with the recall - saw a sign up in a main dealers recently saying they won't order any parts for jap import BMWs, curious if they'll honour any recall work.

As a related aside - used bmniretrofit for some coding recently, they're 30 mins outside Newry - but do remote coding too. Excellent work, and very cheap for what he did.

Rowley Birkin QC

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123662554#Comment_123662554

Thanks. That is pretty interesting about them not ordering parts. What's the logic there I wonder?

Afraid of liability extending to the car if one of the parts they supplied fails?

Car was built in Germany based on the VIN and uses a B47 engine.

Rowley Birkin QC

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123662554#Comment_123662554

Also, anything outside of the localisation stuff worth coding on this car?

I rang BMW customer service who indicated there's an active EGR recall on the car. Guy was very helpful and said for safety related work like that one of their service centers should take on the recall job. Waiting on a call back from Joe Duffy now.

It has (I think) a pretty good spec;

Type	520D A
Series	G31 (G31 Series)
Body Type	Touring
Steering	RL
Engine	B47O
Displacement	0
Power	140kw / 190hp
Drive	HECK
Colour	mineral-weiss metallic
Upholstery	Leather Dakota/black/Exclusive seam
Check mileage	!! CHECK HISTORY !!
Comfort and interior equipment
S402	Panorama glass roof
S417	Roller sun visor, rear door
S423	Floor mats velours
S459	Seat adjustment, electric, with memory
S488	Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S4AW	Instrument panel Sensatec
S4HA	Seat heating, front and rear
S4LQ	Poplar grain grey acc.pearl lust.chrome
S4NB	Autom. climate control with 4-zone ctrl
S4T8	Extended mirror package
S4U0	Electroplat.cover/clip f.operat.elements
S4UR	Ambient interior light
Multimedia
S601	TV function
S609	Navigation system Professional
S610	Head-up display
S650	CD drive
S688	Harman/Kardon surround sound system
S6AC	Intelligent emergency call
S6AE	Teleservices
S6AK	Connected Drive Services
S6AP	Remote Services
S6NS	Comfort telephony w/ enhanced Smartphone
S6WB	Multifunctional instrument display
S7S2	Luxury Line
Driver assistance and lightning
S548	Kilometre speedo
S552	Adaptive LED headlight
S5A1	LED Fog lights
S5AC	High-beam assistant
S5AL	Active Protection
S5AT	Driving Assistant Plus
S5DN	Parking assistance system Plus
Wheels and drive
S205	Automatic transmission
S212	Equipment, brake syst. country-specific
S230	Extra package, EU-speciifc
S255	Sports leather steering wheel
S258	Tyres with runflat properties
S28V
BMW LA wheel W-spoke 632
BMW replacement parts
S2VH	Integral active front steering
Environment and safety
S322	Comfort access
S346	Chrome Line exterieur
S3AS	Roof rails, silver
S807	National version Japan
S845	Acoustic fasten seat belt reminder
S852	Language version Japanese
S876	Radio frequency 315 MHz
S8KL	Oil service interval 15,000 km/12 months
S8S3	Automatic locking during starting
S8SX	Providersteuerung Telematik
S8TD	Decoding Speed Limit Info
S8TR	Decoding additional functions
Other equipment
S1CA	Selection of COP-relevant
vehicles
S925	Dummy-SALAPA
S992	Control of number-plate attachment
S9AA	Outer skin protection
SA105	105 Ah AGM battery
SA96	mineral-weiss metallic
SLCFK	Leather Dakota/black/Exclusive seam

bazz26

My understanding is that the cost of recall work is normally covered by the manufacturer in the region it's issued. So in this case the BMW dealer would claim off BMW Ireland/UK who in turn claims off BMW Europe. BMW Europe would also supply a list of affected VINs that are covered to the various country distributors where those cars were sold.

Japanese imports were never intended to be sold in Europe so I'd be very surprised if they would be covered under a recall here as it won't be on the distributor's list of impacted cars. The only way I could see it being possibly done here is if BMW Japan/BMW Asia some how authorized/paid for it to be done here by BMW Ireland. It's all BMW funny money at the end of the day but these things need to go through a charge back model like any global business.

Rowley Birkin QC

Update; Joe Duffy are happy to do the recall work but wouldn't take it for a service. It's due the EGR Cooler replacement.

Happy enough with that.

bazz26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123663514#Comment_123663514

That's surprising and interesting but a result all the same.

dan_ep82

Not sure on yours but mine still had the reverse dong thats needed for Japan, also the mirror toll would beep an error. You can program the seats to move back to allow more room to exit/enter the vehicle, handy to be fair. Those can be done using Bimmercode but won't work after a headunit flash so needs to be done before or during the HU flash.

The only reason I can think of them not wanting to service the car is they update all systems and it usually breaks any coding changes. Do the recall before the flash, they will probably update all the systems.

You should have the 4GB HeadUnit as well so you won't have to worry about any lock ups or freezing from the flash.