BMW Navigation Map Update NEXT: A Comprehensive Guide

Updating your BMW navigation system ensures you have the latest road information, points of interest, and optimized routes. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to update your BMW NEXT navigation maps using a USB drive. While this guide references North America NEXT 2025-1 as an example, the general process applies to various BMW NEXT map updates.

Preparing for Your BMW Navigation Update

Before you begin, gather the necessary components and information:

• BMW NEXT Map Files: These files contain the latest map data for your region. Ensure you have downloaded the correct map version for your navigation system (e.g., North America NEXT).
• USB Flash Drive (64GB or larger): A USB 3.0 drive is recommended for faster transfer speeds. It must be formatted to FAT32.
• Stable Power Supply: Ensure your BMW has a stable power supply during the update process to prevent interruptions. It’s advisable to keep the engine running or use a battery maintainer.
• FSC Code (potentially): Depending on your BMW model and map version, you might need an FSC (Freischaltcode) activation code. This guide will cover how to generate one if necessary.

Step 1: Downloading BMW NEXT Map Files

The first step is to download the BMW NEXT map files. The original article provides links for “North America NEXT 2025-1”. You can often find updated map files through online BMW forums or reputable sources.

Example Download Links (from original article):

• Part 1: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UBN3G7_znxYfzwPQLtACrQiB-92qVu-X?usp=sharing
• Part 2: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10v23Azx9DE56sJSBbOOJm_wSF9BOUdlP?usp=sharing
• Mega Download (North America Next 2025.rar): https://mega.nz/file/78pRmYSQ#GTjm-trdg8AqhUz5PE6R5Nl9f7CzwKih8-XRqVZYgic

Handling Download Quota Exceeded Errors (Google Drive):

If you encounter a “download quota exceeded” error on Google Drive, follow these steps:

1. Select the link containing the file.
2. Log in to your Google account when the webpage loads.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Make a copy.”
4. Navigate to “My Drive” in your Google Drive and locate the copied file.
5. Right-click on the copied file and click “Download.”
6. After downloading, delete the file from your “My Drive” and then empty your Trash.
7. Repeat for the second map link if necessary.

Step 2: Preparing Your USB Flash Drive

Your USB flash drive needs to be correctly formatted to FAT32 and the map files must be placed in the root directory.

1. Format to FAT32: For large capacity USB drives (64GB+), you might need specialized software to format to FAT32.

   • FAT32 Format Tool: http://ridgecrop.co.uk/download/fat32format.zip

   • Rufus: https://rufus.ie/en_US/

     When using Rufus, ensure the settings are:

     • Boot selection: Non bootable
     • Partition Scheme: MBR
     • File system: Large FAT32

   Rufus settings for formatting USB to FAT32 for BMW map update

2. Extract and Copy Map Files: Extract the downloaded map files (usually in .rar or .zip format) to the root directory of your FAT32 formatted USB drive. The root directory means the files should not be inside any folder on the USB drive.

   • 7-Zip (Free Extraction Software): https://www.7-zip.org/

3. Verify USB Drive Contents: After copying, your USB drive should only contain the map files and folders in the root directory, as shown below.

   Example of correct USB drive file structure for BMW map update

   Avoid hidden files (especially if using macOS) or placing the map files within another folder, as this can prevent the update from working.

Step 3: Starting the BMW Navigation Map Update in Your Car

1. Insert USB Drive: Plug the prepared USB drive into your BMW’s USB port. It’s generally recommended to use the USB port in the glove compartment for map updates.
2. Start Your BMW: Turn on your BMW. The iDrive system should automatically detect the USB drive and prompt you to start the map update.
3. Follow iDrive Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions in your BMW’s iDrive system to initiate and complete the map update. The update process can take some time, depending on the map size and your USB drive speed.
4. Maintain Power: To prevent the iDrive system from going into sleep mode during the update (which can interrupt the process), it’s helpful to buckle the driver’s side seatbelt.

Step 4: Generating an FSC Code (If Required)

For some BMW NEXT map updates, you might need an FSC (Freischaltcode) to activate the new maps. If your system prompts for an FSC code, you’ll need to generate one. This process involves using E-Sys software and an ENET cable.

Requirements:

• E-Sys Software: (BMW coding software)
• ENET Cable: (Ethernet to OBD cable)
• Windows Laptop:
• EDIABAS 7.3.0 Installed
• BMW VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• BMW FSC Generator Software (e.g., BMW_CIC_FSC_Generator.exe)

Steps to Generate DE.FSC File using E-Sys:

1. Connect ENET Cable: Connect the ENET cable to your BMW’s OBD port and your laptop’s Ethernet port.

2. Prepare Laptop Network: Disable firewalls and antivirus temporarily. Set your laptop’s Ethernet adapter to DHCP (automatic IP address).

3. Ignition ON (Engine OFF): Turn on your BMW’s ignition by pressing the START button without pressing the brake pedal (engine should not start).

4. Wait for Ethernet Connection: Wait until the Ethernet connection shows a yellow exclamation mark (!). Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to verify you have a 169.254.xxx.xxx IP address for the Ethernet adapter. Wait for 2 minutes.

5. Launch E-Sys: Open the E-Sys software.

6. Connect in E-Sys:

   • Click “Connect.”
   • Select the appropriate “Target” based on your BMW’s I-Level (software version). Avoid using “_DIRECT” targets.

   E-Sys Target Selection Screen

   E-Sys Target Selection Example

   • Select “Connection via VIN.”
   • Click “Connect.”

7. Navigate to FSC Extended:

   • Click “Expert Mode.”
   • Select “FSC Extended.”

8. Identify and Store FSC:

   • Diagnostic Address (hex): 0x63

   • Click “Identify.”

   • Application Number (hex/dec): 0xDE

   • Upgrade Index (hex/dec): 0x1

   • Scroll down and select “StoreFSC.”

   • Click “Add to the batch button (>>).”

   E-Sys Store FSC Button

   • Click “Read.”
   • Click “Save.”
   • Save the FSC file using the format: XXXXXXX_000DE001.fsc (replace XXXXXXX with the last 7 digits of your VIN).

Generating FSC Code using BMW_CIC_FSC_Generator.exe:

1. Download FSC Generator: Download the BMW_CIC_FSC_Generator.zip file.

   • BMW_CIC_FSC_Generator.zip Download: https://mega.nz/file/PFsHHYLY#pYF4svz2zynsFTIySoPtTUDyuSJOcwzhvVvINin5Rnk

2. Extract and Run Generator: Extract BMW_CIC_FSC_Generator.exe from the ZIP file and run it.

3. Download Lookup.xml: Click “OK” when prompted to download Lookup.xml (internet connection required). Close and reopen the program after downloading.

   BMW CIC FSC Generator Download Lookup.xml Prompt

   BMW CIC FSC Generator Program Reopen Prompt

4. Generate FSC Code:

   • Select “NBT” (or your appropriate Navigation system type).
   • Browse and select the FSC file you created with E-Sys.
   • Map type: “Next”
   • Region: “NORTH AMERICA” (or your region)
   • Maps: “ROAD MAP NORTH AMERICA NEXT 2021-1” (or your map version)
   • Optionally check “Lifetime.”
   • Click “Generate.”

   BMW CIC FSC Generator Interface

5. Enter FSC Code in iDrive: When prompted in your BMW iDrive system, enter the generated FSC code to activate your new maps.

Step 5: Completing the Update

Once the FSC code is accepted (if required) and the update process is complete, your BMW navigation system will be running the latest maps. You can verify the update in the navigation settings menu.

USB Flash Drive Recommendations (from original article):

• Patriot Supersonic Rage XT 64GB USB 3.0: https://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Supersonic-Flash-Drive-PEF64GSRUSB/dp/B008R6OPQE/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rage+xt+64gb&qid=1625879503&s=electronics&sr=1-1

  Patriot Supersonic Rage XT 64GB USB Drive

Determining Region and Map Sequence Code (Advanced):

For advanced users, you can determine the region and map sequence code directly from the map files using a hex editor like HxD.

• HxD Hex Editor: https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/

• File Path: 1INFO_MAP_NANT_#####Info_Map.imp (within the map files)

  Example of Region and Map Code in Info_Map.imp

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of updating your BMW NEXT navigation maps. By following these steps, you can ensure your BMW’s navigation system is up-to-date with the latest road information. Remember to always source your map files and software from reputable sources to ensure a safe and successful update process.