DIY Guide: Unlock BMW CarPlay Full Screen with ENET Cable and E-Sys

Are you looking to enhance your BMW’s infotainment system and enjoy Apple CarPlay in full screen mode? If your BMW NBT EVO system is holding you back from this immersive experience, you’ve landed in the right place. This comprehensive DIY guide will walk you through the process of flashing your NBT EVO using an BMW ENET cable and BMW Esys iCOM software system.

Many BMW owners find themselves wanting the visually appealing and feature-rich full-screen Apple CarPlay, but discover their older NBT EVO system needs an update. While dealerships might offer this service, it often comes with a hefty price tag. This guide empowers you to take control and perform the upgrade yourself, right from your garage.

This tutorial is designed for DIY enthusiasts who are comfortable with car modifications and software procedures. We aim to provide the most detailed and user-friendly instructions available, ensuring you can confidently flash your NBT EVO and unlock the full potential of Apple CarPlay.

Let’s dive into the world of BMW coding and get your system upgraded!

What You Need to Get Started

Before we begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and software. This is crucial for a smooth and successful flashing process.

1. BMW ENET Cable: This Ethernet to OBD cable is your primary tool for connecting your laptop to your BMW. It allows for data transfer and communication necessary for coding and flashing. You can find these cables readily available online.

2. E-Sys Software: BMW E-Sys (Engineering System) is the software used for coding, programming, and diagnostics on F, G, and I series BMWs. You will need to download and install this software on your Windows laptop. Ensure you obtain a reliable and safe source for the software.

3. PSdZData Files: These are essential data files that contain the firmware and software updates for your BMW’s modules. You will need the full PSdZData package, and it’s crucial to have the correct version that is compatible with your car and the desired software update.

4. ICOM (Recommended but ENET is Main Focus): While this guide primarily focuses on using the ENET cable, the original article mentions ICOM. ICOM (Integrated Communication Optical Module) is BMW’s professional diagnostic and programming interface. While not strictly necessary for NBT EVO flashing, it’s mentioned for context and potential alternative connection methods. For DIY purposes and NBT EVO flashing, ENET cable is generally sufficient and more user-friendly.

5. Battery Charger (50 AMP or Higher): Maintaining a stable voltage supply during the flashing process is critical. A battery charger with 50 AMP or higher capacity is highly recommended to prevent voltage drops that can lead to errors or module damage during programming.

6. Windows Laptop: A laptop running Windows operating system is required to install and run the E-Sys software.

Setting Up Your Connection: ENET Cable Configuration

Let’s configure your laptop and ENET cable for communication with your BMW. This section focuses on the ENET cable setup, as it’s the primary method for this DIY guide.

1. Network Adapter Settings: On your Windows laptop, locate your Ethernet adapter settings. Go to “Control Panel” -> “Network and Internet” -> “Network and Sharing Center” -> “Change adapter settings”. Find your Ethernet connection, right-click, and select “Properties”.

2. Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the Ethernet Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.

3. Static IP Address: Configure the IP address settings as follows:

   • Select “Use the following IP address”.
   • IP address: 169.254.3.2
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Default gateway: Leave blank.
   • Preferred DNS server: Leave blank.
   • Alternate DNS server: Leave blank.

   Click “OK” in both windows to save the settings.

4. Connect ENET Cable: Plug one end of the ENET cable into your laptop’s Ethernet port and the other end into your BMW’s OBD-II port.

5. Turn on Ignition: Enter your BMW and turn on the ignition to the accessory position (press Start/Stop button without pressing the brake pedal).

Connecting E-Sys Software to Your BMW via ENET

Now that your ENET cable is connected and your laptop is configured, let’s establish a connection with your BMW using the E-Sys software.

1. Launch E-Sys Software: Open the E-Sys application on your laptop.

2. Connection Window: Click the “Connect” button in the E-Sys interface.

3. Target Selector: In the “Target Selector” window, choose the appropriate target for your BMW model. For F85, select “F025”. Important: Do not select any target ending with “DIRECT”.

4. Connection Settings: In the “Connection via VIN” section, select “ENET direct connection”. The “Interface” should automatically be set to “ENET”.

5. Connect: Click the “Connect” button. E-Sys should now establish a connection with your BMW. You will see your car’s VIN and FA (Vehicle Order) information displayed in the software.

Step-by-Step NBT EVO Flashing Guide

With the connection established, you are now ready to proceed with flashing your NBT EVO module. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Read FA (Vehicle Order): In E-Sys, click the “Read FA” button. Save the FA file with a descriptive name like “FA_original.xml”.

2. Activate FA: Right-click on the saved FA file in the FA section and select “Activate FA”.

3. Read ECU: Click the “Read ECU” button. This will read the ECU tree from your car. Save the SVT file as “SVT_ist.xml”.

4. Select Target I-Step: Under the “KIS/SVT Target” section, select the “I-Step (shipment)” value that matches your car’s original software level. This value was visible after connecting to the car.

5. Select Target I-Step (Latest): Under the “I-Step (target)” section, select the latest available I-Step version. This will be the software version you are flashing to.

6. Complete Flash: In the “SVT Calculation Options,” ensure “Complete Flash” is selected.

7. Calculate SVT_soll: Click the “Calculate SVT_soll” button. Save the calculated SVT file as “SVT_soll.xml”.

8. Calculate TAL: Underneath the “KIS/SVT” section, click the “Calculate TAL” button. Click “OK” if a warning message appears. Save the TAL file as “SVT_tal.xml”.

9. Expert Mode – TAL Processing: On the left-hand side menu, navigate to “Expert Mode” and select “TAL Processing”.

10. Load TAL File: In the “TAL Processing” window, click the “…” button next to “TAL file” and load the “SVT_tal.xml” file you saved earlier.

11. Load SVT_soll File: Click the “…” button next to “SVT file” and load the “SVT_soll.xml” file.

12. Read FA for TAL Processing: Click the “Read FA” button in the “TAL Processing” window. This populates the FA section for the TAL execution.

13. Read VIN for TAL Processing: Click the “Read VIN” button in the “TAL Processing” window.

14. Select Modules for Flashing: In the “ECU Tree” section, you will see a list of modules to be updated based on the TAL calculation. For NBT EVO flashing to enable CarPlay, you primarily need to focus on the HU_NBT_63 module. Uncheck “ALL” and then manually select HU_NBT_63. Within HU_NBT_63, ensure the following checkboxes are selected: blFlash, swDeploy, cdDeploy, ibaDeploy.

15. Check Software Availability: Click the “Check Software Availability” button to verify that you have the necessary data files for the selected modules. E-Sys will display the software availability status.

16. Start Flashing: Click the “Start” button to begin the flashing process. Ensure your battery charger is connected and providing stable power throughout the entire process.

    The flashing process can take 40-45 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, disconnect the cable, or turn off the ignition during flashing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

During the flashing process, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to the problems encountered in the original article:

1. “FA must not be null” Error: If you encounter an error message like “FA must not be null when trying to execute a TAL containing coding transactions,” the solution is to ensure you have performed step 17 in the flashing guide: Click the “Read FA” button in the “TAL Processing” window after clicking “Read VIN”. This refreshes the FA data for the TAL execution.

2. “Medium in DVD drive” Error: If you receive an error message indicating “Medium in dvd drive,” it means there is a CD or DVD in your car’s optical drive. Even if you pressed the eject button and nothing came out initially, try pressing it again a few times. In the original case, a Bang & Olufsen CD was found to be stuck in the drive, preventing the flash from starting. Remove any media from the drive before starting the flash.

Post-Flash Configuration: Activating Apple CarPlay and ID6 Lite

After successful flashing, your NBT EVO system will be updated. You may notice the menu style has changed, and you might need to perform some coding to fully enable Apple CarPlay and achieve the desired full-screen display.

1. ID5 to ID6 Lite Skin: To activate the ID6 Lite visual style (if it’s not automatically applied after the flash), use E-Sys in “Coding” mode (not “TAL Processing”).

   • Connect to your car in “Coding” mode.
   • Navigate to the ECU tree and select HU_NBT_63 (or HU_NBT2 depending on your E-Sys version).
   • Go to “Coding” -> “FDL Editor”.
   • Search for parameter HMI_ID_VERSION.
   • Change the value to id6_light.
   • Click “Write FDL” to code the change.

2. Activate Apple CarPlay: To enable Apple CarPlay functionality:

   • In “FDL Editor” for HU_NBT_63 (or HU_NBT2), search for parameter APPLE_ENHANCEMENTS.
   • Change the value to aktiv.
   • Click “Write FDL” to code the change.

3. Apple CarPlay Full Screen (for NBT EVO Version “X” and Above): If your NBT EVO firmware is version “X” or later and you have factory Apple CarPlay, you can enable full-screen CarPlay via coding:

   • In “FDL Editor” for HU_NBT_63 (or HU_NBT2), search for parameter CARPLAY_FULLSCREEN or HMI_39_39_128 (depending on your software version).
   • Change the value to aktiv.
   • Click “Write FDL” to code the change.

   For older NBT EVO versions, full-screen CarPlay might require third-party solutions or software patches, as mentioned in the original article.

Enjoy Your Upgraded System

Congratulations! You have successfully flashed your BMW NBT EVO system using an ENET cable and E-Sys software. You should now have an updated infotainment system with the potential for full-screen Apple CarPlay and the latest features for your NBT EVO.

This DIY guide provides a detailed pathway to upgrade your BMW’s system. Remember to proceed with caution, double-check every step, and ensure you have a stable power supply throughout the flashing process. By following these instructions carefully, you can unlock enhanced functionality and enjoy a more modern infotainment experience in your BMW.

Disclaimer: Modifying your car’s software can carry risks. Proceed at your own risk, and ensure you understand each step before proceeding. If you are uncomfortable with any part of this process, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.