[Lotus99]

I just bumped into them on eBay and They say that one code from them is good for a lifetime of updates, and you don't need to get a new code every time. And they're only like $40 US.

Sounds too good to be true... But there's some sellers with 100% Feedback scores who have sold hundreds of these...

Thoughts?

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Lotus99

I just bumped into them on eBay and They say that one code from them is good for a lifetime of updates, and you don't need to get a new code every time. And they're only like $40 US.

Sounds too good to be true... But there's some sellers with 100% Feedback scores who have sold hundreds of these...

Thoughts?

There are some people who have a vested interest in this and say they do not work or they can be detected. Also there are some naysayers who say it might void warranty. I asked my BMW Tech if there was a problem and he says not.

From my experience they do work and I bought one from UK web site at an excellent price last year. I have updated 3 times and it is still working, currently using NBT 2015-2. That is the latest one.

To avoid any conflict of interest on this site, if you want to know more and a reliable UK contact, drop me a PM.

Edited. I see you are from Canada, so I perhaps better to try locally or on the bay.

[Kimo]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

There are some people who have a vested interest in this and say they do not work or they can be detected. Also there are some naysayers who say it might void warranty. I asked my BMW Tech if there was a problem and he says not.

From my experience they do work and I bought one from UK web site at an excellent price last year. I have updated 3 times and it is still working, currently using NBT 2015-2. That is the latest one.

Pardon my ignorance on this topic generally, but do the 'one-time-use' FSC codes sourced OUTSIDE THE DEALER NETWORK present the same potential risks identified above, or are these risks unique only to these lifetime FSCs?

And generally, what is the cost difference between these 'one-time-use' FSCs and the $40(?) Lifetime FSCs (for purposes of evaluating the risk)? Is it $40 every update, or less?

Thanks

[cigar3tte]

I'm running the latest version right now, but I'm wondering if I should buy this now for the future, in case they're no longer around when an update is available.

[Peter_R]

BMW do not create "one time FSC codes", so as such these are only available from outside the dealer network. They should always be available.

The following forum link explains more.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=949582

[Lotus99]

From what I understand, you then just need to find the map files next time, and update them, and I guess You would use the same code again? Worst case Though I figure, since the cost is no greater than a one time update, even if the code does not work next year, you're not any worse off Than if you had bought a one-time code.

[Peter_R]

When you update the map from the 32gb USB stick containing the files, you put the USB stick into the USB slot in the centre console armrest and the system recognises that there is an update.

It asks if you wish to update! When you say yes (forgot the wording used) , it then it asks for the FSC code which you enter. The map then updates. This takes about 45 minutes, so it is best to do it on a longish trip. Once completed the system restarts and you are then running the latest map.

The next time you want to upgrade to the next dated map (say from NBT 2015-1 to NBT 2015-2), you put the USB stick in the slot. The map starts the upgrade after you say yes, but it DOES NOT ask for a code if it is the lifetime FSC code that you entered previously. If the code was dealer supplied or had been the single purchased code from outside the UK dealer network then the system would have asked for a new code.

I have the NBT system with the Pro Sat Nav and have upgraded from UK NBT 2013-1 to 2015-1 to 2015-2. I only put the lifetime code in on the first upgrade.

It is also worth noting that I had a software problem some time back and the dealer updated my media and Bluetooth files (shown in iDrive menu) to the very latest standard, and this did NOT affect the maps that are running UK NBT 2015-2 with the lifetime code.

I hope this clarifies the situation.

[evilken]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

BMW do not create "one time FSC codes", so as such these are only available from outside the dealer network. They should always be available.

The following forum link explains more.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=949582

I followed that post and generated my own FSC code.

[PX3]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

When you update the map from the 32gb USB stick containing the files, you put the USB stick into the USB slot in the centre console armrest and the system recognises that there is an update.

It asks if you wish to update! When you say yes (forgot the wording used) , it then it asks for the FSC code which you enter. The map then updates. This takes about 45 minutes, so it is best to do it on a longish trip. Once completed the system restarts and you are then running the latest map.

The next time you want to upgrade to the next dated map (say from NBT 2015-1 to NBT 2015-2), you put the USB stick in the slot. The map starts the upgrade after you say yes, but it DOES NOT ask for a code if it is the lifetime FSC code that you entered previously. If the code was dealer supplied or had been the single purchased code from outside the UK dealer network then the system would have asked for a new code.

I have the NBT system with the Pro Sat Nav and have upgraded from UK NBT 2013-1 to 2015-1 to 2015-2. I only put the lifetime code in on the first upgrade.

It is also worth noting that I had a software problem some time back and the dealer updated my media and Bluetooth files (shown in iDrive menu) to the very latest standard, and this did NOT affect the maps that are running UK NBT 2015-2 with the lifetime code.

I hope this clarifies the situation.

Were you able to update the Maps via the centre console USB? Mine had to be done via the USB socket in the glovebox (Just in case anyone has any issues)

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Petex3

Were you able to update the Maps via the centre console USB? Mine had to be done via the USB socket in the glovebox (Just in case anyone has any issues)

Interestingly mine does NOT have a USB socket in the passenger side glove box. It only has one in the centre console between the driver and passenger, so that is where I carry out the map updates and where the dealer does the other iDrive software updates.

My car is a 63 plate X3 xDrive30d M Sport! Which year was your X3 built and which version (18sd, 20d, 30d or 3.5d) of X3 (F25) do you have?

[PX3]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

Interestingly mine does NOT have a USB socket in the passenger side glove box. It only has one in the centre console between the driver and passenger, so that is where I carry out the map updates and where the dealer does the other iDrive software updates.

My car is a 63 plate X3 xDrive30d M Sport! Which year was your X3 built and which version (18sd, 20d, 30d or 3.5d) of X3 (F25) do you have?

I have a 62 plate (Dec 2012) 2.0d M Sport (inc bluetooth and Pro Satnav).
They must have deleted the USB from the glovebox and combined the functionality in to the centre armrest. Mine has both, but the glovebox is used to either transfer music or update the Nav, whereas the armrest USB is for charging / playing music.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Petex3

I have a 62 plate (Dec 2012) 2.0d M Sport (inc bluetooth and Pro Satnav).
They must have deleted the USB from the glovebox and combined the functionality in to the centre armrest. Mine has both, but the glovebox is used to either transfer music or update the Nav, whereas the armrest USB is for charging / playing music.

That will be it then. Combining all functions in the one USB port in the centre console.

[Kimo]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

When you update the map from the 32gb USB stick containing the files, you put the USB stick into the USB slot in the centre console armrest and the system recognises that there is an update.

It asks if you wish to update! When you say yes (forgot the wording used) , it then it asks for the FSC code which you enter. The map then updates. This takes about 45 minutes, so it is best to do it on a longish trip. Once completed the system restarts and you are then running the latest map.

The next time you want to upgrade to the next dated map (say from NBT 2015-1 to NBT 2015-2), you put the USB stick in the slot. The map starts the upgrade after you say yes, but it DOES NOT ask for a code if it is the lifetime FSC code that you entered previously. If the code was dealer supplied or had been the single purchased code from outside the UK dealer network then the system would have asked for a new code.

I have the NBT system with the Pro Sat Nav and have upgraded from UK NBT 2013-1 to 2015-1 to 2015-2. I only put the lifetime code in on the first upgrade.

It is also worth noting that I had a software problem some time back and the dealer updated my media and Bluetooth files (shown in iDrive menu) to the very latest standard, and this did NOT affect the maps that are running UK NBT 2015-2 with the lifetime code.

I hope this clarifies the situation.

Good stuff here, thanks!

Can't help noticing that the contributors to all the great info in this thread are from either north (Canada) or from the other side of the pond than us in the USA.

Does this fact change the calculus for those of us in the US who might want to purchase the lifetime codes and obtain the map updates? Will our F25s immediately self-destruct?

Thanks

[cigar3tte]

People still have 32-bit Windows laying around? Are there any alternatives that work with 64-bit Windows?

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by cigar3tte

People still have 32-bit Windows laying around? Are there any alternatives that work with 64-bit Windows?

I am not sure to what you are referring to?

[cigar3tte]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

I am not sure to what you are referring to?

The one link I see on this site that shows how to generate an FSC code is:
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=949582

That thread shows the software for generating the code only works in 32-bit Windows, not 64-bit.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Kimo

Good stuff here, thanks!

Can't help noticing that the contributors to all the great info in this thread are from either north (Canada) or from the other side of the pond than us in the USA.

Does this fact change the calculus for those of us in the US who might want to purchase the lifetime codes and obtain the map updates? Will our F25s immediately self-destruct?

Thanks

I am not an expert for the X25 across the pond, but I would suggest there would be no problem using the lifetime codes over there. After all they are all the same cars with just a different map for country of residence.

About self-destruct...perhaps if you drive it at the wall.

Seriously though if there is a problem (I cannot foresee one) then the map will not update if there is an error and everything will stay as it is and you will be fine.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by cigar3tte

The one link I see on this site that shows how to generate an FSC code is:
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=949582

That thread shows the software for generating the code only works in 32-bit Windows, not 64-bit.

I have not got a clue why it does not work on windows 64bit.

If you read the the thread you refer to, there are many pitfalls to doing it with the possibility of a lot of messing about. Why go to all that trouble for doing that when you can get a lifetime code for very little money.

I am ex engineering (aircraft and IT) and would always take the simple route.

[evilken]

Why pay if you can spend a few minutes and get it for free?


Take a look at this post, it sums up the steps better there.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1&postcount=33

You may be able to open the program by running the program in 32-bit mode, but if you cant there are links that will properly convert the output run from a 64-bit OS to what is needed.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by evilken

Why pay if you can spend a few minutes and get it for free?


Take a look at this post, it sums up the steps better there.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1&postcount=33

You may be able to open the program by running the program in 32-bit mode, but if you cant there are links that will properly convert the output run from a 64-bit OS to what is needed.

Go ahead. I personally have other more fruitful things to do in life.

[evilken]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

Go ahead. I personally have other more fruitful things to do in life.

As I can see....

[Kimo]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

I am not an expert for the X25 across the pond, but I would suggest there would be no problem using the lifetime codes over there. After all they are all the same cars with just a different map for country of residence.

About self-destruct...perhaps if you drive it at the wall.

Seriously though if there is a problem (I cannot foresee one) then the map will not update if there is an error and everything will stay as it is and you will be fine.

Thanks a lot for the response . . . I may just give this a try.