BMW iDrive 6 HMI Update via USB: Resolving Activation Code Errors
Updating your BMW’s iDrive 6 system can enhance your driving experience with the latest features and navigation updates. For models like the 330e and 340i from 2016, using a USB drive for the HMI update is a common method. However, users sometimes encounter frustrating “Connect USB device with correct activation code” errors, even after purchasing official updates. Let’s explore this issue and how to potentially resolve it.
One BMW owner, after coding their 2016 330e with BimmerCode and registering with BMW ConnectedDrive, faced this exact problem. Despite purchasing and downloading the latest maps onto a FAT32 USB drive, the iDrive system prompted for an activation code it seemed unable to recognize. Screenshots from the user illustrate the sequence of messages encountered during the attempted update:
This situation isn’t unique, as another 2016 BMW 340i owner reported facing the same predicament. Several factors could contribute to this activation code error during a BMW HMI Update IDrive 6 Active By USB process. Firstly, ensure the USB drive is correctly formatted to FAT32, as this is often a requirement for BMW systems to recognize the update files. Secondly, verify that the downloaded map data is complete and not corrupted. Redownloading the files might resolve issues caused by incomplete downloads.
It’s also crucial to confirm that the activation code provided by BMW ConnectedDrive is correctly entered, although in this case, the system seems to be failing to even reach the stage where it requests manual code entry from the USB. The issue might stem from a mismatch between the downloaded map region and the vehicle’s region coding, or potentially a glitch in the ConnectedDrive registration process itself, as suggested by the original poster’s experience after deregistration and registration.
If basic troubleshooting like checking USB format and redownloading maps doesn’t work, contacting BMW ConnectedDrive support again is advisable. Explain the error message and the steps taken, referencing that the issue arose post-ConnectedDrive registration. In some cases, a remote diagnostic check by BMW might be necessary to identify software conflicts or account-related issues preventing the BMW HMI update iDrive 6 Active by USB from proceeding correctly. If all else fails, a dealership visit might be required for a professional diagnosis and software update, ensuring your BMW’s navigation system is up-to-date and functioning optimally.
