3G Shutdown: Parts, Procedures, and Shops willing to try the retrofit

[cfm56d7b]

Starting a new dedicated thread for owners of F15 vehicles that cannot receive a technology upgrade from BMW but want to find a way to do it.

Goals of the effort - identify:

1. All required parts
2. Installation procedures, including wiring
3. ConnectedDrive configuration and activation options (might have to visit the dealer ...)
4. Shops willing to perform the retrofit

I will be visiting a local shop in OC (SoCal) that has a lot of experience with BMW vehicles. Will share an update.

UPDATE: June 14, 2021.

I spoke to a very helpful parts manager at a BMW dealer.

The solution described below will produce 4G ATM module with your vehicle's VIN. It does not use a donor vehicle with an active subscription. While active donor vehicle approach can work initially, BMW can deactivate the IMEI associated with the donor vehicle for many reasons.

Here are the steps:

1. Call your local BMW dealer parts department, provide VIN, and ask them for PN 84 10 68 36 777 - or US ATM 4G module
2. The parts system should confirm that this part number can be ordered for your VIN. This is a KEY requirement. BMW dealer will order a part only if the system indicates it can be ordered for your VIN. This has been confirmed for my vehicle - 2015 BMW X5
3. Order the part. It will arrive with your VIN already provisioned. The most difficult part is now behind at approximately $700.
4. Order and install NBT Evo head unit with 18-03 firmware from https://www.codemybimmer.ca/product/...t-2016-models/. Codemybimmer ships NBT Evo head units with 18-03 firmware.
5. Order BMW F SERIES NBT EVO ID5/6 ATM RETROFIT WIRING LOOM PLUG & PLAY + GIFT(FSC Pack)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/16333260576...oAAOSwaG1b0DxV. The wiring instructions are in the item description.
6. Install new ATM and take a photo of the label with IMEI number.
7. Connect the wires
8. Call BMW ConnectedDrive and inform them that the ATM module has been replaced and share the IMEI and any other information

That should be it. I haven't done this yet but will schedule time to prepare and order all parts.

[RED_Y_]

Parts list is pretty much here:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1593428
As far as I understand hardest part is getting the ATM module for your car.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

Parts list is pretty much here:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1593428
As far as I understand hardest part is getting the ATM module for your car.

Why is it difficult to get the ATM module?

[CatalinP]

It is not difficult to buy it, the almost impossible part is to register the eSIM in the Connected Drive Servers.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

It is not difficult to buy it, the almost impossible part is to register the eSIM in the Connected Drive Servers.

What would prevent the dealer from registering eSIM if the customer decided to retrofit the upgrade with required parts?

[XxBBVTMxX]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

What would prevent the dealer from registering eSIM if the customer decided to retrofit the upgrade with required parts?

BMW won't allow it because they want you to buy a new car 🤷🏽. They go by your Model year too, so when they see that your VIN didn't come with a native ATM, that's when BMW will most likely ignore your request.

I have not heard of anyone being successful at getting a retrofitted ATM to their VIN via a dealership.

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

What would prevent the dealer from registering eSIM if the customer decided to retrofit the upgrade with required parts?

Nothing really, but they won't do it. Your experience might be different but dealership gets parts based on VIN number and in case of ATM unit it is the key to the proper functioning system but 2013-2016 F15 has 3G module which is no longer works and never had an ATM unit with 4G support per original catalog. Same thing people seen with knee pads when dealer won't order you a pair unless you give them VIN from X6. So you can buy a used ATM module from North America car and try to make it work (like the OP from the thread I mentioned), but I doubt you will be able to get an ATM unit for your specific VIN from the dealership.

[CatalinP]

The only way to do this would be to get the NBT EVO + ATM module from a totaled car, and keep paying subscription CD service for the VIN of that car.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

The only way to do this would be to get the NBT EVO + ATM module from a totaled car, and keep paying subscription CD service for the VIN of that car.

My research indicates that once a donor ATM has been acquired, NBT Evo head unit should be coded with the same donor VIN - which by definition will be different than factory assigned VIN.

Thoughts?

[XxBBVTMxX]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

My research indicates that once a donor ATM has been acquired, NBT Evo head unit should be coded with the same donor VIN - which by definition will be different than factory assigned VIN.

Thoughts?

That is correct. Both the HU and the ATM must be assigned(coded) with the same vin for them to work.

Like CatalinP said, then add that VIN to your subscription so you keep paying for the services.

[cfm56d7b]

After researching ATM modules, the ATM module in 2017/2018 F15 X5 vehicles is also used in other BMW vehicles, including F3x.

Does anyone know if an ATM module from a late model F3X and active Connected Drive subscription can be fitted in BMW X5? Does Connected Drive server care that the donor ATM module came from F3x?

[RED_Y_]

I am guessing here but I would say probably doesn't matter as far as the HU is the same?

[cfm56d7b]

Ddayan97 was able to get his local dealer to code an existing VIN in a new ATM module ($600).

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1670258&page=2 Post#24

If the dealer can in fact update a new ATM module with the original VIN (although ATM module was not associated with the original VIN), then a solution path might exist:

1. Install NBT Evo head unit with original VIN already flashed.
2. Buy a new ATM module
3. Ask the dealer to code the original VIN in the ATM module (the above post also references DCSnet service bulletin how to do it)
4. Ask the dealer to contact BMW Connected Drive and update VIN / IMEI combination because the new ATM module has a different IMEI. Or - call Connected Drive customer service and explain that the module was replaced and provide new IMEI number.

I spoke to BMW Connected Drive and was assured that as long the vehicle can initiate / receive 4G signal the services will remain active and can be renewed. Essentially, if the dealer retrofits 4G signal on a vehicle which could be retrofitted, the result would be the same.

I asked my local dealer to confirm if the original VIN can be coded to a new ATM module.

[XxBBVTMxX]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Ddayan97

I asked my local dealer to confirm if the original VIN can be coded to a new ATM module.

I would think you also have to get a new fin antenna installed, I am almost positive the current one cannot see 4G signals. But the good thing is that I would think this new fin would not need coding as it is just an antenna and GPS receiver 🤷🏽

See this thread too..

F15 NBT Evo Retrofit https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1593428

Retrofitting everything is definitely posible, they just don't want us doing it. But my personal though on all this is, can a dealership really match a new IMEI to your VIN via ATM? I thought that was done when the new ATM is ordered, that is why they order it off of your VIN. So I assume it is already programmed to your VIN prior to shipping 🤷🏽 (just me thinking out loud here).

[cfm56d7b]

Original post has been updated with additional solution information as of June 14, 2021.

[RED_Y_]

So this would cost $2000+ for the retrofit. Not sure if I am willing to spend this much money on my 7 years old X5.

[cfm56d7b]

Can someone confirm if the F15 ATM 4G module is roof mounted (white color) or trunk mounted (black color)?

[RED_Y_]

Pretty sure it is a truck mounted one.

[RakoNYC]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

So this would cost $2000+ for the retrofit. Not sure if I am willing to spend this much money on my 7 years old X5.

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

So this would cost $2000+ for the retrofit. Not sure if I am willing to spend this much money on my 7 years old X5.

Yes but...
$2000 outlay v c. $30000 difference between trade-in and new car similarly equipped is a no-brainer (for me)

[RakoNYC]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Starting a new dedicated thread for owners of F15 vehicles that cannot receive a technology upgrade from BMW but want to find a way to do it.

Goals of the effort - identify:

1. All required parts
2. Installation procedures, including wiring
3. ConnectedDrive configuration and activation options (might have to visit the dealer ...)
4. Shops willing to perform the retrofit

I will be visiting a local shop in OC (SoCal) that has a lot of experience with BMW vehicles. Will share an update.

UPDATE: June 14, 2021.

I spoke to a very helpful parts manager at a BMW dealer.

The solution described below will produce 4G ATM module with your vehicle's VIN. It does not use a donor vehicle with an active subscription. While active donor vehicle approach can work initially, BMW can deactivate the IMEI associated with the donor vehicle for many reasons.

Here are the steps:

1. Call your local BMW dealer parts department, provide VIN, and ask them for PN 84 10 68 36 777 - or US ATM 4G module
2. The parts system should confirm that this part number can be ordered for your VIN. This is a KEY requirement. BMW dealer will order a part only if the system indicates it can be ordered for your VIN. This has been confirmed for my vehicle - 2015 BMW X5
3. Order the part. It will arrive with your VIN already provisioned. The most difficult part is now behind at approximately $700.
4. Order and install NBT Evo head unit with 18-03 firmware from https://www.codemybimmer.ca/product/...t-2016-models/. Codemybimmer ships NBT Evo head units with 18-03 firmware.
5. Order BMW F SERIES NBT EVO ID5/6 ATM RETROFIT WIRING LOOM PLUG & PLAY + GIFT(FSC Pack)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/16333260576...oAAOSwaG1b0DxV. The wiring instructions are in the item description.
6. Install new ATM and take a photo of the label with IMEI number.
7. Connect the wires
8. Call BMW ConnectedDrive and inform them that the ATM module has been replaced and share the IMEI and any other information

That should be it. I haven't done this yet but will schedule time to prepare and order all parts.

Thanks this is super helpful
What's your timeline in doing this?
Who did you speak to at your dealership (what role)? Reason I ask is that the service manager did t even know what o was talking about - I feel like CD and the tech is almost like finding the right person in an IT department...

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by RakoNYC

Yes but...
$2000 outlay v c. $30000 difference between trade-in and new car similarly equipped is a no-brainer (for me)

3G unit and older navigation system doesn't make you car go slower.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by RakoNYC

Thanks this is super helpful
What's your timeline in doing this?
Who did you speak to at your dealership (what role)? Reason I ask is that the service manager did t even know what o was talking about - I feel like CD and the tech is almost like finding the right person in an IT department...

Every BMW dealer has received standard guidance and text to be used when a customer asks about a vehicle not eligible for a technology upgrade.

If the goal is to retain OEM SOS and teleservices, the only option is to order a newer ATM module, while BMW parts system shows that this module is still valid for your vehicle's VIN. Once the module has been purchased (it will be provisioned with your vehicle's VIN), then you can purchase NBT Evo head unit, wiring loom, and install all three components. It's best to find a qualified shop in the area.

I am also working with an engineer who plans to offer a complete package:

- NBT Evo head unit with original VIN flashed
- Wire loom
- Working ATM with original VIN (the more complex effort since a new ATM has to be purchased)
- All components will be bench tested together including verifying that Connected Drive services will work. This a major plus. I will have to supply a temporary userid / password combination

This effort is still in progress.