Remote Coding Full Option F15 F16 iDrive EVO: Your DIY Guide

Want to unlock the full potential of your BMW F15 or F16’s iDrive EVO system? Remote Coding Full Option F15 F16 IDrive EVO opens up a world of possibilities, including full-screen CarPlay. At CARDIAGTECH.NET, we empower you with the knowledge and tools needed for successful DIY coding. Discover how to achieve advanced features and personalize your driving experience, with solutions readily available to elevate your vehicle’s capabilities. This guide provides you with LSI keywords like BMW coding, iDrive customization, and enhanced vehicle features.

1. Understanding NBT EVO and iDrive Systems

The BMW Navigation Business Tablet (NBT) EVO is the infotainment system found in many BMW models, including the F15 X5 and F16 X6. It’s the brain behind your navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The iDrive system is the user interface that allows you to interact with the NBT EVO.

NBT EVO Generations: Different versions of NBT EVO exist (ID4, ID5, ID6). Each generation brings improvements in processing power, features, and user interface design.
Why Update? Updating your NBT EVO can unlock new features, improve performance, and enhance compatibility with modern smartphones and apps.
Full-Screen CarPlay: A popular upgrade is enabling full-screen Apple CarPlay. This allows CarPlay to utilize the entire iDrive screen, providing a more immersive and user-friendly experience.

2. Identifying Your NBT EVO Version

Before attempting any coding or flashing, it’s crucial to identify your NBT EVO version.

Check iDrive Menu: Navigate to the iDrive settings menu. Look for the “Navigation version” or similar information. This will usually display the software version (e.g., “NBTevo_H”).
E-Sys Software: Connect your car to the E-Sys software and read the ECU data. This will provide detailed information about your NBT EVO version.
Why It Matters: The NBT EVO version determines the compatibility of coding options and the required flashing procedures. Some features, like full-screen CarPlay, might only be available on specific versions (e.g., NBT EVO with version N or higher).

3. Essential Tools for Remote Coding

To perform remote coding on your F15 or F16, you’ll need the following tools:

E-Sys Software: BMW’s official coding software. Download the latest version from a reliable source. CARDIAGTECH.NET can point you in the right direction.
PSdzData: Data files containing the necessary coding parameters for your vehicle. Ensure you have the full version and it’s compatible with your E-Sys software.
ENET Cable: An Ethernet-to-OBD cable used to connect your laptop to your car’s OBD port. This provides a stable and reliable connection for coding.
ICOM Next (Optional): An alternative interface for more advanced procedures like flashing. A Chinese clone can work, but reliability might be a concern.
Battery Charger: A 50 Amp or higher battery charger to maintain a stable voltage during coding and flashing. This prevents errors and potential damage to your car’s electronics.
Laptop: A Windows laptop with a stable internet connection.

4. Setting Up Your Coding Environment

Proper setup is critical for a successful coding session.

Install E-Sys and PSdzData: Follow the installation instructions for both E-Sys and PSdzData. Ensure the PSdzData files are extracted to the correct directory.
ENET Cable Configuration:
1. Go to your Network Connections in Windows.
2. Open the properties of your Ethernet adapter.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Set the IP address to 169.254.3.2 and the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0.
5. Leave the default gateway blank.
ICOM Configuration (If Using):
1. Set a static IP address on your Ethernet interface (e.g., 192.168.254.1).
2. Install a DHCP server (e.g., from dhcpserver.de).
3. Configure the DHCP server to listen on your Ethernet interface.
4. Connect your ICOM to your car and it should obtain an IP address from the DHCP server.
5. Use iToolRadar to reserve the IP address and EasyConnect to lock the ICOM.
Firewall and Antivirus: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to prevent interference with the coding process.
Stable Power Supply: Connect your battery charger to your car’s battery to maintain a stable voltage throughout the coding session.

5. Connecting to Your Vehicle

Establish a reliable connection between your laptop and your car.

Connect ENET Cable: Plug the ENET cable into your laptop and your car’s OBD port.
Turn On Ignition: Turn on your car’s ignition (press the start button without pressing the brake pedal).
Open E-Sys: Launch the E-Sys software.
Connection Settings:
1. Click the “Connect” button.
2. Select “TargetSelector” and choose your car’s chassis (e.g., “F015” for F15 X5). Do not choose anything ending with DIRECT.
3. Enter the IP address of your ENET cable (usually 169.254.3.2) in the “Connection via VIN” field.
4. Click “Connect.”
Verify Connection: If the connection is successful, you should see your car’s VIN and FA (Vehicle Order) information in E-Sys.

6. Understanding FA (Vehicle Order) and SVT (ECU List)

The FA and SVT are crucial data sets for coding.

FA (Vehicle Order): Contains the list of options and features your car was originally built with.
SVT (ECU List): Lists all the electronic control units (ECUs) in your car.
Reading and Saving FA:
1. Click “Read FA” at the top of the E-Sys window.
2. Right-click the “FA” folder and select “Save As.”
3. Save the FA file with a descriptive name (e.g., “FA_Original”).
Activating FA: Right-click the “FA” folder and select “Activate FA.”
Reading SVT:
1. Click “Read ECU” (or “Read SVT” if available).
2. Save the SVT file as “SVT_ist.”

7. Calculating TAL (Transaction List)

The TAL is a list of coding changes that need to be applied to your car’s ECUs.

KIS/SVT Target:
1. Under the “KIS/SVT Target” section, select the I-Step (shipment) value that matches your car’s original I-Step level. You can find this value in the SVT file or by reading the vehicle information.
2. Select the latest I-Step (target) value available in the list.
Complete Flash: Choose “Complete Flash” on the right side.
Calculate: Click “Calculate.”
Save TAL: Save the calculation as “SVT_soll.”
TAL Calculation: Underneath the “KIS/SVT” menu, click “TAL Calculation.” You might get a warning; click “OK.”
Save SVT_tal: Save the calculation as “SVT_tal.”

8. Expert Mode and TAL Processing

This is where you’ll apply the coding changes.

Enter Expert Mode: On the left side of the E-Sys window, click “Expert Mode.”
Select TAL Processing: Choose “TAL Processing” from the Expert Mode menu.
Load TAL File: Click the “TAL” (3 dots) button and open the “SVT_tal” file you saved earlier.
Load SVT File: Click the “SVT” (3 dots) button and open the “SVT_soll” file.
Read FA: Click “Read FA” above the “FA” (3 dots) button. This will automatically generate the file name “FA_aus_VCM.xml” in the blank FA area.
Read VIN: Select “Read VIN out of FA” and click “Read VIN.”

9. Selective Coding (Recommended)

Instead of flashing the entire car, it’s generally safer to selectively code only the modules you need to change.

Uncheck All Modules: In the TAL Processing window, click “ALL” to select all modules, then uncheck all of them.
Select HU_NBT_63: Find the “HU_NBT_63” module (or similar, depending on your NBT EVO version) and check it.
Select Coding Operations: Choose only the following operations: “blFlash,” “swDeploy,” “cdDeploy,” and “ibaDeploy.”

Alt: E-Sys software interface highlighting the blFlash, swDeploy, cdDeploy, and ibaDeploy coding operations for the HU_NBT module.

Check Software Availability: Click “Check Software Availability” to ensure you have the necessary data files in place. You should see a list of required files with a “OK” status.

Alt: E-Sys display showing software availability check results with all necessary files marked as OK, ensuring compatibility before flashing the NBT EVO.

10. Start TAL Execution (Coding)

Now it’s time to apply the coding changes.

Start: Click the “Start” button in the TAL Processing window.
Monitor Progress: E-Sys will begin flashing the selected module. Monitor the progress carefully. Do not interrupt the process.
Completion: Once the process is complete, E-Sys will display a “TAL execution finished” message.

11. Addressing Potential Issues

Sometimes, errors can occur during coding. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

FA must not be null: This error often occurs if the FA file is not properly loaded. After clicking “Read VIN,” click “Read FA” again to ensure the FA data is loaded.
Medium in DVD drive: This error indicates that there’s a CD or DVD in the NBT EVO’s drive. Remove any media from the drive before starting the flash.
Communication Errors: Ensure your ENET cable is properly connected, your laptop’s IP address is correctly configured, and your firewall is disabled.

12. Enabling Full-Screen CarPlay

After updating your NBT EVO, you can enable full-screen CarPlay.

Code HMI_VERSION: Change the value of “HMI_ID_VERSION” to “id6_light” using E-Sys.
Enable Apple Apps: Activate “APPLE_ENHANCEMENTS” in the coding settings.
Full-Screen CarPlay Coding (NBT EVO X or Above):
- For NBT EVO versions “X” or above, you can code full-screen CarPlay directly:
  - Activate “HMI / HMI_39_39_128” or “HMI / CARPLAY_FULLSCREEN.”

Alt: Apple CarPlay displayed on BMW iDrive screen, showing a full-screen interface with navigation, music, and phone functions.

Third-Party Solutions (Older Versions): If you have an older NBT EVO version, you might need to use a third-party software or service to unlock full-screen CarPlay. CARDIAGTECH.NET can offer advice but we are not responsible for third-party software.

13. Post-Coding Verification

After coding, verify that the changes have been applied correctly.

Check iDrive Menu: Navigate through the iDrive menu to ensure the new features are available and functioning properly.
Test CarPlay: Connect your iPhone to the iDrive system and verify that CarPlay launches in full-screen mode.
Scan for Errors: Use E-Sys or ISTA+ to scan for any error codes that might have been generated during the coding process.

14. Importance of Battery Charger

A stable power supply is critical during coding.

Voltage Drops: During coding and flashing, your car’s ECUs draw a significant amount of power. Voltage drops can cause errors and potentially damage the ECUs.
Battery Charger: A battery charger provides a constant and stable voltage, ensuring that the coding process is completed successfully.
50 Amp or Higher: Use a battery charger with a minimum output of 50 Amps to provide sufficient power.

15. ENET vs. ICOM: Which to Choose?

Both ENET and ICOM interfaces can be used for coding, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

ENET Cable:
- Pros: Affordable, easy to configure, reliable for most coding tasks.
- Cons: Slower than ICOM, not suitable for all flashing procedures.
ICOM Next:
- Pros: Faster, supports all flashing procedures.
- Cons: More expensive, requires more complex configuration, Chinese clones can be unreliable.
Recommendation: For most DIY coding tasks, an ENET cable is sufficient. If you need to perform advanced flashing procedures, an ICOM Next is recommended (but ensure you purchase a genuine one).

16. Maintaining Up-to-Date Software

Keeping your software up-to-date is essential.

E-Sys Updates: Download the latest version of E-Sys from a reliable source.
PSdzData Updates: Regularly update your PSdzData files to ensure compatibility with the latest BMW software versions.
Benefits: Updated software includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for new features.

17. Remote Coding Services at CARDIAGTECH.NET

If you’re not comfortable performing remote coding yourself, CARDIAGTECH.NET offers professional remote coding services.

Expert Technicians: Our experienced technicians can remotely connect to your car and perform the coding for you.
Safe and Reliable: We use the latest software and equipment to ensure a safe and reliable coding process.
Customized Solutions: We can tailor the coding to your specific needs and preferences.
Contact Us: Contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (641) 206-8880 or visit our website at CARDIAGTECH.NET to learn more about our remote coding services.

18. Benefits of Remote Coding

Remote coding offers several advantages over traditional coding methods.

Convenience: You can have your car coded from the comfort of your own home.
Cost-Effective: Remote coding is often more affordable than taking your car to a dealership or specialist.
Customization: You can customize your car’s features to your exact preferences.
Latest Features: Unlock new features and improve the performance of your car’s electronics.

19. Understanding VO Coding

VO (Vehicle Order) coding is a method of adding or removing features by modifying your car’s FA.

Adding Options: If you’ve added a new option to your car (e.g., aftermarket backup camera), you can add the corresponding VO code to your FA.
Removing Options: If you’ve removed an option from your car, you can remove the corresponding VO code from your FA.
Coding with VO: After modifying the FA, you need to code the relevant ECUs to activate the new or removed features.

20. Diagnosing and Clearing Error Codes

After coding, it’s important to diagnose and clear any error codes.

E-Sys: E-Sys can be used to read and clear error codes from your car’s ECUs.
ISTA+: ISTA+ is BMW’s diagnostic software and provides more detailed information about error codes.
Clearing Codes: Clearing error codes can resolve minor issues and prevent warning lights from appearing on your dashboard.

21. Addressing Common Coding Mistakes

Coding mistakes can lead to problems with your car’s electronics.

Incorrect I-Step: Selecting the wrong I-Step value can cause coding errors. Double-check the I-Step value before starting the coding process.
Interrupted Coding: Interrupting the coding process can damage your car’s ECUs. Ensure your laptop has a stable power supply and your internet connection is reliable.
Incorrect Coding Parameters: Using incorrect coding parameters can cause unexpected behavior. Always double-check the coding parameters before applying them.

22. Safety Precautions During Coding

Always follow these safety precautions during coding:

Stable Power Supply: Use a battery charger to maintain a stable voltage.
Reliable Connection: Ensure your ENET cable is properly connected.
Disable Firewall: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software.
Do Not Interrupt: Do not interrupt the coding process.
Backup: Back up your car’s FA and SVT files before making any changes.

23. Resources for Further Learning

There are many online resources available to help you learn more about BMW coding.

BMW Coding Forums: Bimmerpost, BMW Coding and Retrofit
YouTube Channels: Search for “BMW coding” on YouTube
CARDIAGTECH.NET: Check our blog for helpful articles and guides.

24. Common Acronyms in BMW Coding

Understanding common acronyms is helpful.

Acronym	Meaning
FA	Vehicle Order
SVT	ECU List
TAL	Transaction List
ECU	Electronic Control Unit
VO	Vehicle Order
ENET	Ethernet to OBD cable
ICOM	Integrated Communication Optical Module
PSdzData	Programming System Data
NBT	Navigation Business Tablet
EVO	Evolution
HMI	Human Machine Interface

25. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is remote coding?
Remote coding is the process of modifying your car’s software using a laptop and an ENET cable, with the assistance of a remote technician.

Q2: Is remote coding safe?
When performed correctly with the right tools and knowledge, remote coding is generally safe. However, it’s important to follow safety precautions and back up your car’s data before making any changes.

Q3: What is NBT EVO?
NBT EVO is the infotainment system found in many BMW models, responsible for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.

Q4: What is full-screen CarPlay?
Full-screen CarPlay allows Apple CarPlay to utilize the entire iDrive screen, providing a more immersive experience.

Q5: What tools do I need for remote coding?
You’ll need a laptop, ENET cable, E-Sys software, PSdzData files, and a battery charger.

Q6: How do I find my NBT EVO version?
You can check the iDrive menu or use E-Sys software to read the ECU data.

Q7: Can I code full-screen CarPlay on any NBT EVO version?
No, full-screen CarPlay coding is only directly available on NBT EVO versions “X” or above. Older versions might require third-party solutions.

Q8: What is VO coding?
VO coding is a method of adding or removing features by modifying your car’s Vehicle Order (FA).

Q9: What should I do if I encounter an error during coding?
Check the error message, consult online resources, and double-check your connections and settings.

Q10: Where can I get help with remote coding?
CARDIAGTECH.NET offers professional remote coding services. Contact us for assistance.

26. Understanding Bootloader and Firmware Updates

Sometimes, updating the NBT EVO requires updating the bootloader or firmware.

Bootloader: The bootloader is a small piece of software that starts the operating system. Updating the bootloader can improve compatibility and stability.
Firmware: The firmware is the operating system of the NBT EVO. Updating the firmware can unlock new features and improve performance.
Risk: Bootloader and firmware updates are riskier than regular coding and should only be performed by experienced users.

27. Utilizing Cheat Codes

Cheat codes are pre-made coding snippets that can be used to quickly enable or disable certain features.

Benefits: Cheat codes can save time and effort.
Caution: Use cheat codes with caution and ensure they are compatible with your car’s model and software version.
Sources: Find cheat codes on BMW coding forums and online resources.

28. Coding with BimmerCode App

BimmerCode is a popular app that allows you to code your BMW using your smartphone or tablet.

Ease of Use: BimmerCode is more user-friendly than E-Sys.
Limited Functionality: BimmerCode has limited functionality compared to E-Sys.
Suitable for Basic Coding: BimmerCode is suitable for basic coding tasks like enabling full-screen CarPlay.

29. Potential Risks of Incorrect Coding

Incorrect coding can have serious consequences.

ECU Damage: Incorrect coding can damage your car’s ECUs.
Malfunctions: Incorrect coding can cause malfunctions and warning lights.
Immobilization: In extreme cases, incorrect coding can immobilize your car.

30. Why Choose CARDIAGTECH.NET for Your Coding Needs?

CARDIAGTECH.NET is your trusted partner for all your BMW coding needs.

Expertise: Our experienced technicians have extensive knowledge of BMW coding.
Reliability: We use the latest software and equipment to ensure a safe and reliable coding process.
Customer Support: We provide excellent customer support to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Affordable Prices: We offer competitive prices on our remote coding services.
Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of having your car coded remotely, from the comfort of your home.

Don’t let technical challenges hold you back. Contact CARDIAGTECH.NET today via WhatsApp at +1 (641) 206-8880 or visit our website at CARDIAGTECH.NET. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your BMW and enjoy a driving experience that’s truly customized to your needs. Our address is 276 Reock St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, United States.