MkIV BMW DVD Navigation System firmware update

[unionjack]

Well thanks to the awesomeness that is x5world and their extensive technical threads, I was able to update my OEM BMW Navigation firmware to the latest and greatest version. Understand that I did not write most of this, I just rewrote a bit of it and tailored it to my needs and to make it a bit easier to accomplish. Again, many thanks to x5world.

This DIY is for the MkIV DVD OEM BMW Navigation System only!!!

Important: You can not simply do this procedure with the same version of firmware already on the NAV unit. If your NAV unit has V29 installed already and you create a new CD with V29 then it will not update the splash. You need to either upgrade or downgrade to a new or old unmodified version. Then re-install the newly modified splash version of the firmware. This is so the NAV recognizes that there is a new update.

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that changes will be made to system ROM files and could seriously damage your navigation computer. The provided set of tools which will accomplish the aforementioned task are not Guaranteed to work 100%. As always, you take on any liability and responsibility for damages. If you need help try searching this thread first. Now with that out of the way here's a step by step guide. You will need some manipulation tools installed first.

Changes:
- BMW Nav firmware version 29.1 (4-1/91)
- Custom Splash (boot) screen)
- USA English female voice changed to Great Britain female English voice (because British accents are way hot)

Step One
Download latest firmware (v29.1) - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TNC9LTY2

Step Two
Obtain UltraISO and Navtweak

Step Three
Using UltraISO, extract NAV_SW.mdf

Step Four
Changing the splash image

1. Load image onto PC
2. Locate "navboot" file. Usually located in \V_2\RR\0101\BMWC01S\app_sw\
3. Copy "navboot" to hard drive on PC
4. Using navtweak open "navboot"
5. Once opened, click "Image"
6. Now in the "rombitmaps" box highlight the first entry and using cursor scroll down to the image that you will change. Located at line 14.
7. Now select the gif you want to change by right-clicking on the line and selecting "save"
7. NOTE! the new splash image has to fit the screen so you'll have to edit it (with Paint, PhotoShop, etc...) by making sure that it has aspect ratio of Width 400 x Height 234 x Depth 8bit 96X96dpi, single frame. And saved as a *.GIF file
8. If the new gif image is larger than 4544KB then you'll need to check the box "Do not check file size"
9. If you're running into a problem with images not being recognized even after they meet the specs in step 7. Then you need to check the box read "complicated" gifs.
10. Now select the gif you want to load by right-clicking on the line and selecting "replace"
11. Voila!! now you have a new splash that will startup

I chose this:


Step Five
Changing the language

Navigate to
V_2/Voices/0502

rename usa_f.csf to 1usa_f.csf
rename gb_f.csf to usa_f.csf
rename 1usa_f.csf to gb_f.csf

V_2/language/0103

rename usa4f.tsf to 1usa4f.tsf
rename gb4f.tsf to usa4f.tsf
rename 1usa4f.tsf to gb4f.tsf

AND

V_2/language/0105

rename usa4f.tsf to 1usa4f.tsf
rename gb4f.tsf to usa4f.tsf
rename 1usa4f.tsf to gb4f.tsf

Step Six
Creating the Image

1. Start UltraISO (you will see window split into four sections)
2. Goto File->Open (locate the Navigation CD image of firmware) or Open CD/DVD
3. Once CD is loaded into "Image" window goto Actions -> Add Folder and replace \V_2\
4. You will be prompted to verify replacement. Select "yes"
6. Now you're ready to make the new ISO image. In the top left window labeled "Image", click the first entry (it will look like 20060220_120036 with a CD Icon) edit the line to reflect "NAV_SW" and press return
7. Goto File -> Save as .ISO

Step Seven
Burning the image to CD

1. Open UltraISO
2. Goto File -> Open and select NAV_SW.iso
3. Once open, Goto Tools -> Burn CD/DVD image
4. Change the write speed to the minimum setting then click "Burn"

Step Eight
Flashing the NAV system

1. Go to your vehicle and turn the ignition switch to position 1.
2. Let the navigation system boot up and get into a normal operating mode.
3. Leaving the system on (never turn the power off during these steps!!) eject the navigation DVD from your drive unit.
3. Load the new burned V29 disk into your Nav unit.
5. Watch your screen and be patient. Once it find the disc, the monitor will turn off.



6. A few minutes later, the monitor will turn back on. It says it will take 6 minutes to do the upgrade, but it doesn't take that long. When it’s done it will eject the CD automatically.





7. Put your navigation DVD back in the drive and make sure everything is working properly.

Images courtesy x5world.

[RCNet]

If you've already updated your Nav to the latest firmware release and still want to add some customizations to it, you can create a "custom" version to allow the update instead of trying to go back to a previous release and then install the update again. This info also came from X5world.

To do this you create a "custom" version by branding it to a number higher than 29.1. You will need a hex editor to modify a couple of files.

All you need to do is hex-edit files lng_rel.tbl and sw_rel.tbl which are located in \V_2\RR\0101\BMWC01S. The first four bytes "0910" indicate the software version (29.10). You can simply edit the fourth byte to brand your custom version as 29.11.

Again these are binary files, so don't try to edit them with a standard text editor.

[Veruca]

The first thing I want to add is that in order to do this you also need to download this software or NavTweak will not work: GTK+/WIN32 Runtime Environment - http://gladewin32.sourceforge.net/modules/news/

OK, I messed around with this last night on my husband's computer (which is way too slow) until about 1:30 a.m. Couldn't be more pleased with the results. My next step is to change the icon that represents where you are to be something that resembles my car. So if anyone has any Super Mario like graphics of our cars please post them. It needs to be something simple.

Here is my accomplishment.



And now I have 3d maps - though I'm not completely sure it comes from this update. I think it's the one where you go into the hidden menu and change some settings. I'll have to check on that.



I also put this picture up as the splash screen but I couldn't get it to show when I was there with the camera.

[pvr]

Now you just need the tweak to remove that warning message ...

[Veruca]

Well that wouldn't be any fun!

[pvr]

oh, and maybe you want to remove the coordinates of your home address

[sp3ctre]

oh, and maybe you want to remove the coordinates of your home address

PARTY AT JESSICA'S HOUSE!!!!

[Veruca]

Removed them just for you. I don't see what the real issue was with them being there. To stop someone from stealing the car?

[ovrkll]

Damn it, was on my way over there tonight to raid the fridge and consume all the alcohol

[Veruca]

Damn it, was on my way over there tonight to raid the fridge and consume all the alcohol

Har har har. You guys are sooo funny.

[masterbm]

This upgrade worked for me and the new splash screen is much better. As Veruca says this doesn't enable perspective mode as such. There is a how to guide here:
http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/bmw/nav

[mitch]

does the splash screen display each time you start the car ?

mitch

[Albertoxx]

Does the update changes the available languages? Or is it only a MKIV preset?
I have Italian (that's the one I don't wanna loose) English and German.

Thank you for an answer

[WLH]

Removed them just for you. I don't see what the real issue was with them being there. To stop someone from stealing the car?

To prevent a missile strike by zee42...

[Albertoxx]

does the splash screen display each time you start the car ?

mitch

Yes, I think so.