Enabling Codes (09 04 09)

ENABLING CODES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SUBJECT

Enabling Codes 

INFORMATION

Enabling Codes are needed for certain module replacements, retrofits, crashed modules or during the QC1 Pre-Delivery Check. This bulletin gives a general overview of Enabling Codes, which parts are affected, and how to load and activate Enabling Codes (Use Cases).

The abbreviation FSC stands for Freischaltcode, which is the German translation for Enabling Code. These codes are used to enable hardware or software in our vehicles to protect unauthorized access to various vehicle functions. These codes are ordered via the EPC and delivered through the Sweeping Technology system, SWT.

Enabling Codes allow BMW to develop new business models like selling software as a product. This means that the hardware functionality is already in the vehicle, but is not usable by the customer until he or she purchases and enters the Enabling Code into the vehicle. With Enabling Codes, BMW ensures that the system can only be used in a registered vehicle.

WHICH MODULES REQUIRE ENABLING CODES?

Please refer to TIS, in section "Technical Documentation", and look for the document "FSC Enabling Codes".

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE MOST COMMON USE CASE SCENARIOS THAT YOU WILL ENCOUNTER IN THE WORKSHOP: 

1. USECASE: QC1

All vehicles with navigation will require an Enabling Code to activate the navigation map for the first time. The code is entered automatically when running the QC1 test module in ISTA. No programming is required.

2. USECASE: REPLACEMENT OF A CONTROL UNIT WHICH HOLDS ENABLING CODES

Every replacement of a diagnosable Control Unit requires a programming session to ensure the right software level and configuration for each individual vehicle. The download and import of all required repair Enabling Codes is executed automatically during this programming session without any need to access ASAP for ordering or downloading repair Enabling Codes. All necessary enabling codes are obtained online.

However, in some cases (where ISTA/P is in offline mode or due to other technical reasons), the ASAP process will be available as a backup solution. Please refer to Attachment_A.

The only exception to this procedure is the enabling of the Navigation map:

On any replacement of a headunit, the navigation map has to be checked separately and will be not enabled automatically through programming.

In order to find out if the map (installed on the replacement part) can be enabled right away, or if the map needs to be downgraded, two pieces of information are needed:

1. What map version is currently installed on the replacement headunit?
2. Which enabling code is available as a repair code as of now?

Before any enabling is attempted, make sure that the installed map is covered by the existing enabling code (subscription). Otherwise, if enabling is performed the existing enabling code in ASAP will be flagged as rejected within the headunit and cannot be used anymore for that exact headunit part. If that has happened a Puma case has to be created in order to have a complete new repair code generated. If a code has in fact the status of "rejected", this can be checked with ISTA/P under "Vehicle Details".

The easiest way right now to find out what needs to be done (e.g. is downgrade of the map necessary before enabling?) is to use the AIR application. AIR can be easily accessed by using the AIR button in ISTA. That will open a VIN specific overview.

The Navigation Map Section shows the latest released map which is covered by the existing Enabling Code under "Latest Map Covered by Existing Subscription". "Installed Map" and "Enabling Code (subscription)" indicates the currently installed map in the vehicle.

Important Note: 

The date shown in the "Installed Map" section indicates when the last transfer of FASTA data to BMW occurred. It can happen that right after a replacement, BMW's backend data (FASTA) is not up-to-date. In order to update this information please have an ISTA Short-Test performed and close the session. After that, make sure that the FASTA data was successfully transferred.

Map downgrade: 

If a map has to be downgraded, please refer to B65 10 15 in order to find out how to obtain a map online, prepare a USB stick and perform the downgrade.

When an upload is performed with USB, the Headunit might ask for the Enabling code before the upload can be started:

• For all F- and E-Series vehicles please refer to Attachment_B to obtain the PDF file with the 20-digit enabling code in order to provide the code via iDrive
• For all G-Series vehicles please refer to Attachment_C for the instructions to add the code onto the USB stick. The enabling code has too many digits to be able to be provided via iDrive.

3. USECASE: UPGRADE A NAVIGATION MAP

In order to find out what is the latest map available for a vehicle, please use AIR (see picture above) and make sure that the right vehicle was selected. The two columns, "Latest Map Covered by Existing Subscription and "Latest Map Subject to a fee", show the latest map in each category.

• If the desired map version is free of charge, no new enabling code needs to be ordered. Updating via USB in the vehicle will require NO enabling code. The update will start right away.
• If the desired map version is not covered by the existing enabling code, a new enabling code must be purchased via the Parts Department. After the desired map is purchased, please refer to B65 10 15 to find out how to obtain a map online, prepare a USB stick and perform the upgrade. When an upload is performed with USB, the Headunit will ask for the Enabling code before the upload can be started:
  • For all F- and E-Series vehicles please refer to Attachment_B to obtain the PDF file with the 20-digit enabling code in order to provide the code via iDrive
  • For all G-Series vehicles please refer to Attachment_C for the instructions to add the code onto the USB stick. The enabling code has too many digits to be able to be provided via iDrive.

4. USECASE: RETROFIT INSTALLATION REQUIRES ENABLING CODE

Every retrofit that has enabling codes involved, requires a programming session in order to transfer the enabling code to the vehicle. Be certain that the right enabling code has been ordered via EPC. After the desired map is purchased, execute the conversion in ISTA/P. The enabling and the download of the enabling code will be executed automatically.

As outlined above, in some cases where the ISTA/P system works offline or due to other technical reasons, the ASAP process will be available as a backup solution. Please refer to Attachment_A.

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. That the correct VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) was used for the order - check the VIN on the vehicle, not the Repair Order.
2. The correct dealer number was used. If your dealer has multiple locations and dealer numbers, you must make sure your Parts department orders the codes under the same dealer number that you enter into ASAP to download the codes.
3. The date when ordered, because the Enabling Codes have a shelf life of 30 days.
4. If the wrong dealer code was used, or the wrong part number was ordered in the case where the message "No delivery possible please check part number" is displayed.
5. If the wrong part number code was ordered in the case that the "pdf" file was not received when ordering an INITIAL code for the Navigation road map at QC1.
6. If the vehicle was swapped from another dealer who had ordered, but not downloaded, the Enabling Code. The ordering dealer must cancel the previous order.
7. If the same code for the same VIN was ordered twice in the same order - submit a PuMA case requesting assistance.

For further details on importing these codes into ISTA/P, please see CenterNet under: BMW / Aftersales Portal / Service, Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming.

If, after following all these steps, additional support is required, please submit a PuMA case.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ATTACHMENTS