Unlock Apple CarPlay on Your BMW EntryNav2 WLAN with FSC Pack

Many BMW owners with F48 models (X1 and X2) from 2017 to 2019 have encountered difficulties enabling Apple CarPlay. A common question arises: why isn’t Apple CarPlay readily available through the BMW ConnectedDrive store’s over-the-air (OTA) subscription for these models? The answer, in short, is that CarPlay availability for F48 models is contingent on the vehicle’s production date and original factory options.

For BMW X1 and X2 vehicles manufactured between mid-2017 and late 2018, CarPlay was primarily available as a factory-installed option. In rare cases, owners of “fully loaded” vehicles with specific pre-requisite options could activate CarPlay via an OTA subscription from BMW. However, for models produced from late 2018 through 2019, the pathway to OTA CarPlay became even more restricted. Owners were only eligible to purchase CarPlay via BMW ConnectedDrive if their vehicle was initially equipped with factory option 6CP, designated as “CarPlay preparation.”

Fortunately, a solution emerged in August 2019 for a broader range of BMW owners. For most vehicles equipped with the EntryNav2 head unit (identifiable by build dates roughly from April 2017 onwards and featuring a wireless antenna socket in the head unit), a genuine BMW FSC code became obtainable through specific channels, albeit not directly from BMW. This FSC code unlocks lifetime Apple CarPlay functionality.

To ascertain if your BMW has the EntryNav2 system, navigate to the map version within your navigation settings. If the map version includes the word “Way,” you possess EntryNav2. Conversely, “Route” indicates the older EntryNav1 system, which unfortunately is not compatible with CarPlay activation via FSC code. In the case of EntryNav1, alternative solutions like “plug-in” Android boxes may be considered.

A less common scenario for CarPlay retrofit arises with BMWs equipped with option S609, “professional navigation.” This option typically signifies the presence of an NBTevo head unit, for which CarPlay activation via coding is often feasible through specialized vendors. However, this configuration appears to be less prevalent outside of regions like Russia and the Far East (China, Japan, and Taiwan).

The Detailed Explanation

The hardware configurations of the BMW X1 (F48) can differ across geographical markets, making generalizations somewhat unreliable. Nevertheless, the majority of X1 models are fitted with either the ENTRYNAV or ENTRYNAV2 head unit. Notably, in China, Japan, Taiwan, and Russia, X1 models often come with a “tall” head unit, suggesting the inclusion of NBT and professional navigation either as standard or readily available options, potentially influenced by mapping requirements in these regions. It’s confirmed that Japanese F48 models with professional navigation are indeed equipped with the NBTevo head unit.

BMW vehicles featuring the NBTevo head unit are generally straightforward to retrofit with CarPlay, as FSC codes for this purpose are widely accessible. The challenge lies in the common misconception that the F48 typically does not have an NBTpro or NBTevo head unit. This confusion is amplified by coding applications like Bimmercode and Carly, which may label the ENTRYNAV/2 head unit module as HU_NBT. Furthermore, the software interface of ENTRYNAV/2 head units incorporates “skins” that visually mimic the appearance of evo ID5/ID6 systems.

Regrettably, professional navigation (S609) was not commonly offered as an option in markets like the UK, EU, and USA. Instead, BMW utilized terms such as “Nav” and “Nav Plus” (options S6UNA & S6UPA), both of which are based on the ENTRYNAV head unit with business navigation software, differing primarily in the size of the Central Information Display (CID), either 6.5″ or 8.8″ (in the UK, this option also included a Head-Up Display). Consequently, the majority of F48 vehicles were factory-equipped with ENTRYNAV (up to approximately April 2017) or ENTRYNAV2 (from July 2017) head units. Prior to August 2019, readily available FSC codes for enabling CarPlay on these head units, whether through direct installation or OTA provision, were largely non-existent. Even currently, publicly accessible third-party FSC codes for this specific purpose remain unavailable. Websites that offer CarPlay installation services and prompt for your VIN will typically indicate incompatibility for these systems. Checking your navigation settings for the map version and the inclusion of “NBT” is also a way to verify compatibility, although this is rare outside specific markets.

Adding to the complexity, BMW transitioned to a “subscription-only” model for CarPlay in 2018 and early 2019 build dates. Vehicles could be ordered with option 6CP, “CarPlay preparation” or “CarPlay ready,” which included an initial subscription period with renewal options. Before late 2019, it’s believed that only 2017 models outside the USA had lifetime CarPlay pre-installed. In the USA, BMW USA specified that all 2019 onwards F48 models would be Apple CarPlay ready (though verification at the time of ordering is always advised). Outside the USA, if your X1/X2 from late 2018 or 2019 onwards lacks build option 6CP, ordering OTA CarPlay through ConnectedDrive will not be possible, regardless of other vehicle specifications. Interestingly, BMW UK stated that option 6CP CarPlay integration was available as a build option from July 2016. However, despite CarPlay’s introduction in 2014, widespread adoption only gained momentum around 2017/18, leading to many vehicles being sold without factory 6CP.

Solutions for F48/F39 Models Without Factory CarPlay

For most F48/F39 vehicles not equipped with CarPlay or CarPlay preparation from the factory, several options exist:

• Apple CarPlay FSC Pack (August 2019 Update): As of August 2019, purchasing a genuine BMW FSC code for “lifetime” CarPlay (feature 143) became feasible if your car has option 6UP (larger 8.8” display and WIFI/WLAN capability). This solution is typically accessed through specialized channels, often via forum communities and individuals with connections to BMW or authorized code resellers. The FSC code is VIN-specific and requires installation using the E-sys coding tool. Furthermore, if not already present, a Fakra WiFi antenna may need to be connected to the back of the head unit. Alternatively, CarPlay enabling services without an FSC code for EntryNav2 head units are also available at a lower cost but may be vulnerable to being lost after a head unit software update by a BMW dealership.

• BMW ConnectedDrive (Late 2017/Early 2018 Models): For F48 models produced in late 2017 or early 2018, it’s worth checking BMW ConnectedDrive to see if your vehicle, by chance, possesses the necessary hardware configuration (8.8” screen, extended Bluetooth, and WLAN module & antenna – essentially a “fully loaded” specification) to enable OTA CarPlay activation. BMW utilizes a combination of Bluetooth and WiFi for CarPlay functionality.

• Aftermarket Android Boxes: Installing an aftermarket Android box, which generally connects via the head unit’s AUX input, is another option. These often come with a 10.25” screen and support various apps, including CarPlay. However, compatibility with first-generation (non-touch screen) F48 head units was noted around April 2019, and ongoing updates regarding compatibility should be considered.

• NBTevo ID5/ID6 Head Unit Retrofit: Replacing the existing head unit with an NBTevo ID5/ID6 or a “tall” head unit from a different BMW model is a more comprehensive retrofit solution. These are often available as complete kits with installation support and necessary FSC codes. Be aware that this option might lead to the loss of BMW ConnectedDrive services.

• VO Coding for Official OTA CarPlay (July 2024 Update): According to a recent update from July 2024, it may be possible to modify your car’s Vehicle Order (VO) – the list of factory build codes stored on BMW servers – to include option 6CP using tools like E-sys. Subsequently, scheduling a service appointment at a BMW dealership for an ISTA system update could potentially enable the purchase of lifetime Apple CarPlay directly through the ConnectedDrive store after a short period. This method relies on the vehicle having the required hardware (wireless antenna and enhanced Bluetooth) and 6CP being a valid build option for the vehicle’s production date.

It is crucial to understand that the BMW ConnectedDrive store verifies your vehicle’s factory build options (by VIN entry) before offering OTA CarPlay. Therefore, simply retrofitting a larger 8.8” CID, WLAN antenna, and extended Bluetooth will not automatically unlock OTA CarPlay unless BMW’s system recognizes these changes. The VO coding method mentioned above (July 2024 update) offers a potential workaround to address this limitation.

Connectivity Caveats

Finally, it’s important to note BMW’s specific CarPlay configuration, which relies on a combination of Bluetooth and wireless data transfer (WiFi). Unlike some manufacturers using wired USB connections, BMW’s wireless approach, while convenient, can be susceptible to connectivity issues. The loss of either Bluetooth or WiFi signal can lead to CarPlay freezes or crashes. Interference from other Bluetooth devices or general wireless connectivity problems are often the root cause of complaints regarding CarPlay stability in BMW vehicles. Therefore, ensuring a stable Bluetooth and WiFi environment is essential for optimal Apple CarPlay performance in your BMW.