Business navigation activation code

[stiglet]

New owner of an i3 w/out the Tech Package
When I go into the Navigation page, I am asked an activation code. Dealership is closed now and my search on this forum did not return any results. Has anyone had the same issue or know what the activation code is.
Thanks

 

[jadnashuanh]

Which country are you in?

When updating the maps to a new version that I've done on my other car, the activation code is a long alphanumeric code that is generated specifically for each car by the VIN, so there is no, one code that will work on every car. This is required based on BMW's licensing agreement with the map supplier...you can actually get the maps for free, but they are useless without the activation code to make it run on your vehicle.

In the USA, one of the nav choices is standard, so I doubt anyone here has a clue. No idea how it is handled elsewhere, but the 'lockdown' and activation code is a generic thing between BMW and their vendor.

 

[stiglet]

Located in CA, USA. I will give the dealership a call and see if they have any clue. Thanks for the info

 

[jadnashuanh]

Sounds like someone messed up. If you just got the car, the 2015 maps may have just become available, and they installed that on your vehicle prior to delivery (a nice touch), but did not finish up properly and put in the activation code. FWIW, unless BMW changes their policy, if you want updated maps, and have the dealer do it, it's quite expensive. You can do it yourself for about 1/3'rd the cost the dealer typically charges - it's all done with a USB drive and is pretty automatic when you do it...the dealer may use a faster download method, but they are the same maps. I've done it a couple of times on my 2011 BMW - typically takes about an hour, mostly sitting around waiting for the data to transfer from the USB drive (wish they used high speed USB3 or 4!), but you first have to enter the activation code to get it started.

 

[stiglet]

Turns out the dealership forgot to do this. it is a long code that is car specific. A call to the dealership and then the dealership contacting BMW solved the issue. I was sent the code and activated the navigation.