Upgrade the Navigation Map Data for CIC Head Units

BMW navigation data update can be performed gradually over an extended period of time during normal vehicle operation, with a set of USB flash drives containing the complete data, and will resume updating after normal vehicle power off. The method described in this blog post is for those who prefer to update the navigation data at one go, which completes in about 40 minutes.

Required:

• Intelligent car battery charger capable of 10A or more.
• New navigation data on USB flash drive(s).
• FSC activation code for navigation data update. It is a one-time code specific to the vehicle VIN, navigation system type, and map region / version. Lifetime codes are not authorized by BMW and may have undesirable effect in the future. Use lifetime FSC activation codes at your own risk.

Here is the file structure of a USB flash drive with navigation data, if one is using a single USB flash drive instead of multiple USB flash drives.

Using a computer, one would move pkgdb and config,nfo from the first folder to the root folder and insert the USB flash drive into the vehicle USB port. When prompted, one would remove the USB flash drive from the vehicle and use a computer to move the pkgdb and config.nfo back to the first folder, and move the two files from the second folder to the root folder. Repeat until all data has been copied to the vehicle.

Before starting the navigation data update, connect the car battery charger to the vehicle at 10A or more (eg 12A, 15A). Let it charge for about 10 minutes in case the vehicle battery is too weak or old to maintain 12V without the engine running. Be forewarned that an old or weak battery is detrimental to your vehicle alternator and electronics. You should perform electronic service work only with a vehicle battery that is capable of providing at least 12V.

Car battery charger connected

To begin the update, engage the parking brake for safety, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine (keep foot off brake or clutch pedal), To conserve vehicle battery energy during navigation data update, turn off DRL, interior light, audio, climate control, and any other accessories.

Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port for data update. It is the USB port in the glove compartment, or in the center console if there isn't one in the glove compartment. Once the USB flash drive is in the correct port, the vehicle will detect that it contains newer navigation data.

USB flash drive with newer navigation data detected

Have the FSC activation code handy. The FSC activation code is alphanumeric, but will not have the numbers 1 (one) or 0 (zero) in order to avoid confusion. Start the update and enter the FSC activation code.

Enter the FSC activation code

Navigation data update in progress

Replace USB flash drive as prompted or follow your navigation data seller's instructions for moving files from the USB flash drive folders to the root directory. Continue to update the navigation data.

It takes about 40 minutes for all navigation data to be copied from the USB flash drive(s) to the CIC. Allow the system to restart. Wait about 5 minutes before verifying the new navigation system version information. To verify, go to Navigation, Map, Option, Navigation system version.

Navigation system version

Remember to re-enable DRL if it was on previously. Turn off ignition. If you wish, you may leave the car battery charger running for an additional 10 minutes to make sure that the battery has enough power to start the engine. Navigation data update is complete.