Map Updates

[jadnashuanh]

My car came with 2014-2 version of the maps and 2015-2 just came out, so I decided to update it. The procedure is straightforward if you wish to do it yourself. You need to buy an FSC code that is unique to your VIN and the specific maps you want to install, but once you've downloaded all of the files (they're HUGE!), and have everything ready, at least on mine (USA maps), it took about 32 minutes after the code was entered.

There are various people that can generate the FSC code (I'm told, BMW charges $35 to generate one, plus whatever transaction fees and profit the person you want to buy it from decides is fair), and doesn't take very long for the turn-around. SO, rather than paying the dealer big money, you can do it yourself. If you don't have fast internet access, you may want to pass on this or get the files from someone else.

If somebody wants to do this and is near Nashua, NH, I can copy the files to your USB stick if you wish...you'll have to get your FSC key on your own. It will save you hours of downloading. You'll need a 32G stick. FWIW, I also have the files for the older vehicles (I'm about to update them on my GT after I get all of the files transferred to the stick).

 

[Blue20]

It seems there are multiple NA map version. Which version is for i3 / you used?

North American Region Maps

North_America_High_2015
North_America_Professional_2015
North_America_Move_2015
North_America_Premium_2015-2
North_America_Next_2015-2

 

[jadnashuanh]

The i3 uses the NEXT series.

 

[i34me]

I thought the map updates for the i3 were automatic, OTA.

http://www.bmw.com/_common/shared/insights/technology/connected_drive_2013/connecteddrive_services/video/bmw-connecteddrive-automatic-map-update-en.mp4

 

[Lincsat]

I took this up with my I3 rep, he says they are not automatic or free on the I3 as they communicate by 3G which is too slow. They are automatic on cars with 4G communication as standard. It sucks as I was promised free upgrades with the professional navigation when I ordered the car. BMW want around £200 in the UK to update the map, so I bought a $25 code and updated myself, the UK map took about 40 minutes.

 

[ted99]

After watching the video, I'm left with a question. Is the 2014 USA i3 3G or 4G with automatic updates? Don't we have "connected drive"?

 

[Jeffj]

2014 US i3 is 3G, not 4G. Pretty sure 2015's are the same. We might see 4G in the 2016's, but I'd guess its not going to be a retrofit option on the 2014's or 2015's.

It would be nice if the car let us just leverage our already paid for mobile subscriptions and/or WiFi for connectivity to do this, but there are a lot of security aspects to that which make it highly unlikely.

 

[jadnashuanh]

Replacing all of the maps is a huge set of files (nearly 30G). Over a 3G connection, it would take a very long time. Now, if they could do incremental updates, it may be manageable (which is what they were talking about, if I remember correctly). By doing incremental updates, you should be able to make it viable, regardless. The logic uses the HD as a buffer and only switches once the whole update is present and verified. BMW could let you download the files and remove the requirement for a new FSC code for each update, or provide people with a lifetime FSC code so that people could update the maps as they saw fit. I think that is a fair concession to those with older systems...if they can't support OTA updates, let people do it themselves at no cost other than the time involved.

 

[Blue20]

There are some ebay entries saying they can generate life time FSC code. Anyone tried and get a working code?

 

[Lincsat]

I bought a "Lifetime" code online but only tried it once so far.

 

[MFNATIK]

I bought lifetime codes for my cars but only used it once. It seems getting the latest map data has been harder than I thought. Where can I download these?

 

[MFNATIK]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=995629

Found it