2022-2024 BMW iX GPS Location Incorrect TSB

Owners of 2022-2024 BMW iX vehicles may notice that their GPS location is intermittently incorrect when using third-party navigation applications such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze. This issue, described in BMW Technical Service Bulletin SIB 84 05 23, can cause the vehicle's displayed position to drift from its actual location. Additionally, the location shown for the vehicle within the My BMW app may also be inaccurate. It is important to note that the vehicle's integrated BMW Navigation system is not affected by this problem.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of this issue is an "DISPLAYED NAV LOCATION INCORRECT WITH 3RD PARTY APPS" warning or observation. Drivers will notice that "Intermittently the GPS location in 3rd Party Navigation Apps (i.e., Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze) will drift from the correct location." Furthermore, "the location of the vehicle in the My BMW app may be incorrect." This can lead to navigation difficulties and confusion regarding the vehicle's actual position.

Cause

The root cause of the BMW iX GPS location incorrect issue has been identified as unfavorable software residing within the Telematics Module, specifically the TCB4 unit. This software glitch prevents the TCB4 from accurately relaying GPS data to third-party applications and the My BMW app.

Repair Procedure Summary

To correct the BMW iX GPS location incorrect problem, BMW has outlined a specific programming procedure in Technical Service Bulletin SIB 84 05 23. The core of the repair involves programming the Telematics Module (TCB4) to a software I-level of 1020-23-07-535 or higher, using ISTA 4.42.4 or a newer version of the software.

The repair process typically involves several steps performed by a qualified BMW technician:

1. The vehicle's current I-level is determined using diagnostic applications like AIR/ISPA NEXT/AWP (Aftersales Workplace).
2. A battery charger is connected to the vehicle to maintain stable voltage during the programming process.
3. The programming system (ISTA 4) is connected to the vehicle.
4. The technician determines the necessary measures plan for the software update.
5. The measures plan is accepted, and all control units requiring programming, encoding, or enabling are updated.
6. Any specific rework lists are followed as necessary.
7. Depending on the rework list, a vehicle test is performed, and any stored fault memory is deleted.

After the programming is fully completed, the technician will verify the functionality of the system to ensure the GPS location is accurate. ISTA automatically reprograms and codes all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software during this process.

Important Warnings

Technicians are advised to "Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SIB 04 23 10)" during the programming process to prevent voltage drops that could damage control modules. Owners should be aware that during a workshop visit for this issue, other open programming and encoding Technical Campaign repairs may also be addressed, and the programming and encoding procedure should only be invoiced once.

Claim Information

For warranty claims related to this BMW iX GPS location incorrect repair, the specific Repair Code is 8411021100, identified as "Telematics control unit occasion failure." Technicians will obtain Flat Rate Unit (FRU) allowances for the applicable labor operations. These may include:

• 00 00 006: Carrying out vehicle test (Main work)
• 00 00 556: Carrying out vehicle test (Plus work)
• 61 21 528: Supporting voltage of the vehicle electrical system / recharging vehicle battery
• 61 00 006:* Carrying out vehicle diagnosis, ABL (Work time)
• 00 58 500:* Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate (2 FRU)
• 61 00 730: Program/encode control unit(s), includes deleting the fault memory

If a Main labor code is used for another repair, labor operation 00 00 556 (Plus code) should be used instead of 00 00 006. For documentation and claiming of diagnosis work time, technicians should refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20.

Owner Action

If you own a 2022-2024 BMW iX and are experiencing an BMW iX GPS location incorrect issue where your navigation apps show the wrong location, you should contact your authorized BMW dealer. The software update described in BMW SIB 84 05 23 is performed under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program, if applicable. Ensure your dealer is aware of Technical Service Bulletin SIB 84 05 23 when you schedule your service appointment.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10242869