[robby818]

1. I purchased the map update from bimmer-unlock for $40.00.
2. Downloaded the maps in ZIP format from a Google Drive link (26 GB)
3. On a Windows machine, I unpacked the Zip using 7zip.
4. I formatted a 64 GB Patriot USB3 flash drive in NTFS
5. I copied all the unpacked files (should see a config.nfm file amonst other files and folders) and the total size is around 30 GB.
6. Plugged the flash drive into USB port by cupholders.
7. Hit the menu button by the shifter and was prompted to install the map update.
8. Hit OK and let it update
9. If you leave the update status page, you must go to the Maps view and hit the Options button by the shifter to see a link to the page that shows the update progress bar. It only took 15 minutes for the update to install.

It wasn't all smooth.

Make sure you get the correct Maps file from bimmer-unlock. I used a link from these forums and it took me to the Maps for the 3 series but it didn't really say anything about the maps being model specific on the checkout page. The files are very different. If you don't see that config.nfm file and 30 GBs of files then you probably have the wrong Maps files. Bimmer unlock was super responsive to my issues.

You do not need to format the flash drive in FAT32. Formatting to FAT32 is a pain to do in Windows 10. There are 3rd party tools that do it, but it is not necessary. NTFS works just fine.

I did not have to start the engine to install the update, but I did have to hit the Menu button to get iDrive to scan the USB drive. I just waited in the car while it updated. Again, it only took 15 minutes or so to complete. I am on the latest iDrive software (version V installed by the dealership in 11/2020) if that makes a difference.

To get back to the progress bar, use the physical buttons by the shifter (Map & Options). I spent a lot of time navigating the menus trying to find the update status screen aka progress bar. It is impossible to do without using that Options button.

I understand that some users will need a code to enter to install the update. Since my G30 is still rather new it did not ask for a code. BTW, before the update, the map version was North America EVO 2017-4 and now I am on 2020-2. I am not sure why 2020-4 is not available yet but 2020-2 is good enough for me.

[SteveinArizona]

I don't understand. In the US on a 2018 5 series you get over the air map updates without a fee or having to download into a USB drive. Were you installing more than your region?

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I don't understand. In the US on a 2018 5 series you get over the air map updates without a fee or having to download into a USB drive. Were you installing more than your region?

I don’t get why BMW makes this so complicated. In the UK they give you OTA updates and they let you download the full EU map via the website. In the US we only get the OTA and need to go to the dealer for the full map update (or use a site like OP). Makes no sense!

Just let us download the map if we have a subscription for OTA updates.

[robby818]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I don't understand. In the US on a 2018 5 series you get over the air map updates without a fee or having to download into a USB drive. Were you installing more than your region?

I have never gotten OTA updates on my 540i since I purchased the car. I am logged into my Connected Drive account on the car and I selected the Pacific region on the CD website, but I have never seen a map update delivered OTA in the 2 years I have had the car. I thought maybe it would show up after the iDrive update to version V but still no prompts. $40 didn't seem like much to pay for the full North America update so I went for it.

[raduron10]

So it did not ask for a FSC code ? Your car still has factory warranty ?

[robby818]

Originally Posted by raduron10

So it did not ask for a FSC code ? Your car still has factory warranty ?

Correct, still under warranty and no FSC code was requested. I have an active subscription for Map Updates in Connected Drive so I suspect once that expires next Spring, I will need a code if I want to update the Maps again. I probably won't be updating the Maps again though. This will be it until I sell or trade in the car.

[raduron10]

Originally Posted by robby818

Correct, still under warranty and no FSC code was requested. I have an active subscription for Map Updates in Connected Drive so I suspect once that expires next Spring, I will need a code if I want to update the Maps again. I probably won't be updating the Maps again though. This will be it until I sell or trade in the car.

Yes that was my case also, when the 3 year factory warranty ended, all the paid subscriptions from the Connected Drive store also expired including maps update.

My curiosity is why did you choose to pay a third party for the maps, when they are free to download with Bmw Download manager directly from the CD store.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by raduron10

Yes that was my case also, when the 3 year factory warranty ended, all the paid subscriptions from the Connected Drive store also expired including maps update.

My curiosity is why did you choose to pay a third party for the maps, when they are free to download with Bmw Download manager directly from the CD store.

Sadly, BMWNA in their infinite wisdom has decided that NA BMW cars will not be able to download full maps from the CD store. So we lack the option you all have in Europe.

Why? No one knows. I guess they figure BMW owners on this side of the pond wouldn’t be able to handle it.

[raduron10]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Sadly, BMWNA in their infinite wisdom has decided that NA BMW cars will not be able to download full maps from the CD store. So we lack the option you all have in Europe.

Why? No one knows. I guess they figure BMW owners on this side of the pond wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Wow...that is infinite wisdom indeed
I wonder if the dealer will charge if you ask for a map update and if you still have a paid subscription.

[claykin]

NA Evo map 2020-3 has been out since September 24th.

OP, you are entitled to your region map OTA updates for 3 years. I suggest either contacting BMW Assist, Genius line or let your dealer figure out why yours isn't working. In most cases BMW Assist staff can open a trouble ticket and have this fixed for your VIN within a week or so.

[mrgicm]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Sadly, BMWNA in their infinite wisdom has decided that NA BMW cars will not be able to download full maps from the CD store. So we lack the option you all have in Europe.

Why? No one knows. I guess they figure BMW owners on this side of the pond wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Maps update work fine in Europe. You did not have to pay for the map as you can get it for free.

[Skyrider01]

Over the air map updates on my 2019 M550i never worked.
I need to take it to the dealer to have it checked out.

Anyone here have any solutions before I do so?

[paquet]

are you logged into bmw connected? not sure if that's required.
only other thoughts i have are:
- strong wireless network connectivity area
- subscription active in bmw connected portal

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by packet

are you logged into bmw connected? not sure if that's required.
only other thoughts i have are:
- strong wireless network connectivity area
- subscription active in bmw connected portal

Yes to all

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

Over the air map updates on my 2019 M550i never worked.
I need to take it to the dealer to have it checked out.

Anyone here have any solutions before I do so?

You can call ConnectedDrive, but a dealer drop off would probably be the most productive then they can spend the time phone tagging with ConnectedDrive to get it sorted out.

For me MY2020 it downloads them regularly without issue. I'm currently on 2020-4 from OTA updates.

[faz999]

I have 2018 G30 with 2017-4 maps

I have full warranty until January 2022 and connected to BMW connect drive available

Never i could update maps and I took it to the dealer for maps they will not do it as they do not have the maps.

Any suggestion getting my maps for free form BMW ? or my only option is buy ? I should not be paying but I cant get the update form OTA or from the dealer.

[paquet]

one option is to take it to another dealer.
some users have reported success with complaining about the rearview camera - that has the dealer upgrading all the software and bringing you up to latest NBT_Evo version (i believe it's V, but i could be wrong) alongwith map updates etc.

i have auto map updates for the southern region and those are at 2020 - but the base maps are 2018 i think

[robby818]

The dealership will update the Idrive software if you give them a good reason (bluetooth disconnect issues is a common one), but they don't usually update the maps at the same time unless your technician is just being extra helpful. They are separate things.

Honestly, $40 from a third party is not a bad price for the maps. Other manufacturers charge hundreds for map updates and they are tied to VINs, ugh..

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by faz999

I have 2018 G30 with 2017-4 maps

I have full warranty until January 2022 and connected to BMW connect drive available

Never i could update maps and I took it to the dealer for maps they will not do it as they do not have the maps.

Any suggestion getting my maps for free form BMW ? or my only option is buy ? I should not be paying but I cant get the update form OTA or from the dealer.

Maybe ConnectedDrive is the a better angle? The base map isn’t updated OTA, but you should be getting the region updates 4x a year.

[faz999]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Maybe ConnectedDrive is the a better angle? The base map isn’t updated OTA, but you should be getting the region updates 4x a year.

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Maybe ConnectedDrive is the a better angle? The base map isn't updated OTA, but you should be getting the region updates 4x a year.

I never get any Ota update I will try to call connect drive but no luck they escalated a ticket but I am not holding my breath

[raduron10]

Originally Posted by faz999

I have 2018 G30 with 2017-4 maps

I have full warranty until January 2022 and connected to BMW connect drive available

Never i could update maps and I took it to the dealer for maps they will not do it as they do not have the maps.

Any suggestion getting my maps for free form BMW ? or my only option is buy ? I should not be paying but I cant get the update form OTA or from the dealer.

In your Connected Drive account, do you have any option to download maps ? I am referring to, when you open your account in a browser, not by connecting in your car.
If not, another idea is to register a CD account in a different NA country, such as Canada.

In EU for example not all countries offer all the CD options, including map updates, but if you register the account in a different country you have all the packages already available for your car.

[faz999]

Originally Posted by raduron10

In your Connected Drive account, do you have any option to download maps ? I am referring to, when you open your account in a browser, not by connecting in your car.
If not, another idea is to register a CD account in a different NA country, such as Canada.

In EU for example not all countries offer all the CD options, including map updates, but if you register the account in a different country you have all the packages already available for your car.

Originally Posted by raduron10

In your Connected Drive account, do you have any option to download maps ? I am referring to, when you open your account in a browser, not by connecting in your car.
If not, another idea is to register a CD account in a different NA country, such as Canada.

In EU for example not all countries offer all the CD options, including map updates, but if you register the account in a different country you have all the packages already available for your car.

Sent you PM let me know

No I don't have option to download maps

Thanks