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 V32 installed already and you create a new CD with V32 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 32
- Custom Splash (boot) screen) [OPTIONAL]
- USA English female voice changed to Great Britain female English voice [OPTIONAL]
Step One
Download latest firmware (v32) -
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IP0KD0O0
Step Two
Obtain
UltraISO and
Navtweak
GTK+/WIN32 Runtime Environment
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 V32 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.