Which BMW Navigation Map Do I Need? NBT, EVO, LIVE Guide

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BMW has used several navigation systems over the years, and the map update has to match your car's head unit, not just your model year. Pick the wrong one and the update won't install. This guide helps you match your iDrive to the right map, then points you to the correct page.

Short version: look at your iDrive screen and your build date, check the map name in your car (NEXT, EVO, LIVE, JOY, WAY, ROUTE or MOVE), and use the table below. If you're still unsure, send us your VIN. Based on your VIN, we send the version that fits your system.

Step 1: Match your head unit

Head unit / iDrive Map name Roughly which cars Our product page
CIC (older iDrive, pre-"tile" menus) Premium Roughly 2009 to the early 2010s NEXT & Premium map update. Supports NEXT or Premium systems, model years 2009–2017
NBT ("Next Big Thing") NEXT Roughly 2012–2017 F-series (e.g., F30 3 Series, F10 5 Series, F15 X5 built before mid-2016) NEXT & Premium map update
NBT EVO ID4 (looks similar to NBT) EVO Roughly 03/2015–06/2016 builds EVO / LIVE / JOY map update. Supports ID4, ID5, ID6
NBT EVO ID5 / ID6 (horizontal tile menu) EVO Roughly 07/2016–2019 builds (e.g., G30 5 Series, G11 7 Series, F15 X5, 2017 models) EVO / LIVE / JOY map update. If your FSC expired: OEM FSC + map or non-OEM activation
iDrive 7 / "Live Cockpit" (ID7, MGU18) LIVE Roughly 2018/2019 onward G-series (G20 3 Series, G05 X5, G29 Z4, etc.) EVO / LIVE / JOY map update. Supports ID7/ID8/ID9 LIVE & JOY systems, model years 2016–2025
iDrive 8 / 8.5 (curved display, MGU21) JOY Roughly 2021/2022 onward (i4, iX, 2022+ 3 Series LCI, 5 Series G60, etc.) EVO / LIVE / JOY map update
WAY (EntryNav2) WAY Roughly 2017 to present BMW WAY: covered by the OEM FSC + map page (LIVE and WAY systems, 2016–2026). MINI WAY: WAY & MOVE map update (MINI 2009–2024)
ROUTE ("Business" navigation, EntryNav) ROUTE Roughly 2014–2017. All BMWs equipped with ROUTE ROUTE map update
MOVE MOVE MINI WAY/MOVE systems 2009–2024. BMW MOVE is older (2007–2014, CCC/CHAMP2) WAY & MOVE map update
Europe maps (any EVO, NEXT, Premium or MOVE car) Europe Model years 2009–2025 Europe map update (download only; covers Europe)

Not covered: older CCC-era iDrive and any system not listed above.

Quick tips

  • Model year alone is not enough. The same model can carry different head units depending on build month. Always confirm with your iDrive screen and map name, or send us your VIN.
  • Coverage: all our North America updates cover the US, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
  • Expired activation (FSC)? LIVE, EVO and WAY factory FSC files only last three years. If you see "Connect USB device with correct activation code," read What to do when your BMW FSC code has expired.
  • Subscription vs single update: the EVO/LIVE, NEXT, ROUTE and WAY pages all offer a 1-Year Subscription option.

Step 2: How to check your map version

Easiest on older systems (CIC / NBT / ROUTE):

  1. Press Nav on your iDrive controller.
  2. Press Option.
  3. Scroll to the bottom to view the navigation map version.

NBT / NBT EVO alternative: Navigation → Options → Settings → Position & Version History → Check Version. NBT shows NBT_xxxx; NBT EVO shows NBT_EVO_xxxx.

iDrive 7 (LIVE): Map → Option → Map Version (may appear as "System and Version" or "Position and Version").

iDrive 8 / 8.5 (JOY): Menu → Navigation → Settings → Update.

Identify the iDrive by how it looks:

  • NBT: red gradient with red-lined menu borders (NBT/NBT EVO ID4 look very similar).
  • ID5: row of horizontal tiles with a zoom effect on the selected tile.
  • ID6: horizontal tiles on a grey/black background with a red/orange highlight.
  • ID7: separate instrument cluster and center display; horizontal tiles.
  • ID8: single curved glass panel combining cluster and display.

The map version shown isn't necessarily your update version, so check the map name too (NEXT / EVO / LIVE / etc.).

FAQ

How do I know if I have NBT, EVO, LIVE or JOY?

Check how your iDrive looks and when the car was built. In general: NBT/NEXT is roughly 2012–2017, EVO (ID4–ID6) roughly 2015–2019, LIVE (iDrive 7) roughly 2018 onward, and JOY (iDrive 8) roughly 2021–2022 onward. Send us your VIN if you're unsure.

Will I get the right map version for my car?

Yes. Based on your VIN, we send the appropriate version for your navigation system.

Does the update cover Canada and Mexico?

Yes. Our North America updates cover all of North America including Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

Can I get the map on a USB instead of downloading it?

Yes. Choose "Shipped USB" at checkout (a pre-paid return envelope is included), or "Download" and extract to your own USB drive. Downloads typically take two to four hours and may take up to six. There's also a $20 Shipped USB upgrade listed on our Order Upgrades page.

Do you offer a subscription?

Yes, a 1-Year Subscription gets you the newest maps for one year from purchase. BMW typically releases four EVO updates a year (two to three for NEXT, ROUTE and WAY). Subscriptions aren't transferable to another vehicle or VIN, per our FAQ.

What if the map won't install?

The most common reason on LIVE, EVO and WAY cars is an expired FSC. Read our expired FSC article, or contact us.

Not sure which one you need?

Send us your VIN →