[blue1910]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a 2022 BMW F40 118d, but the vehicle is set to the Japan region. This affects several features, and I’d like to change the region settings to Europe since I live in Cyprus. Here are the main issues I’m trying to fix:

The navigation system is locked to Japan and doesn’t allow me to use European maps.

The system language options are limited and do not include some European languages.

The radio frequency steps are set to the Japanese standard, so many local stations don’t tune correctly.

I would really appreciate any help or guidance on:

How to change the region coding from Japan to Europe (either via coding, software update, or other methods).

Whether I need specific tools or software (like Esys, ISTA, or BimmerCode).

If anyone has experience doing this on the F40 model and can share the steps.

Thanks in advance!

[BMW_E_F_G]

Originally Posted by blue1910

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a 2022 BMW F40 118d, but the vehicle is set to the Japan region. This affects several features, and I’d like to change the region settings to Europe since I live in Cyprus. Here are the main issues I’m trying to fix:

The navigation system is locked to Japan and doesn’t allow me to use European maps.

The system language options are limited and do not include some European languages.

The radio frequency steps are set to the Japanese standard, so many local stations don’t tune correctly.

I would really appreciate any help or guidance on:

How to change the region coding from Japan to Europe (either via coding, software update, or other methods).

Whether I need specific tools or software (like Esys, ISTA, or BimmerCode).

If anyone has experience doing this on the F40 model and can share the steps.

Thanks in advance!

Hi mate,

You need a customized FA/VO (vehicle order) and reflash a couple of ECU's with that specific FA/VO. The customized FA/VO needs also to be written to the car itself. This way the car should behave like it is made for the European market.

I can do it remotely if you would like to, or give you some instructions. You need a laptop and a E-net Wi-Fi adapter or a E-net cable. If your laptop does not has a ethernet port you can buy a USB Type-A adapter or a USB Type-C adapter in order to connect to the car.

Just send me a PM whenever you want.

Greets!

[blue1910]

Alright mate, I’ll reach out to you as soon as possible. I’ve got my E-net cable and it’s on its way. I do have a question though. There won’t be any issues, right? Also, could you let me know in advance what I need to download from the internet? I’ll download everything before we start.

Cheers!

[PakosG1]

blue1910 do you manage to switch it to europe region? I have the same problem as you so i will appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[blue1910]

Hello everyone,

I'm reviving an old thread about an issue I'm having with my 2022 BMW F40 118d. The vehicle is currently coded for the Japanese region. I posted this a while ago, and unfortunately, the user who offered to help has been unavailable for about eight months, so I'm hoping to gain some new insights from the community.

Since I am now based in Cyprus (Europe), the current regional coding is causing several major usability issues that I urgently need to resolve:

Current Japan Region Issues:
Navigation System: The navigation is completely locked to the Japan region, making it impossible to install or use European maps (CE/ECE).

Language Options: The available system languages are severely limited, and crucial European languages are missing.

Radio Frequencies: The radio frequency steps and ranges are set to the Japanese standard (e.g., 76.0 – 90.0 MHz range, different deemphasis setting), preventing correct tuning of many local European stations.

[blue1910]

Originally Posted by PakosG1

blue1910 do you manage to switch it to europe region? I have the same problem as you so i will appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Hello there,

Thanks for reaching out!

Unfortunately, I haven't managed to switch the region coding to Europe yet. I'm still trying to figure out the right combination of coding (BimmerCode/E-Sys) and whether new FSC codes are absolutely needed for the navigation system.

Have you had any luck or started attempting the process on your end? Any shared advice would be greatly appreciated!

[winterfall]

Originally Posted by blue1910

Hello there,

Thanks for reaching out!

Unfortunately, I haven't managed to switch the region coding to Europe yet. I'm still trying to figure out the right combination of coding (BimmerCode/E-Sys) and whether new FSC codes are absolutely needed for the navigation system.

Have you had any luck or started attempting the process on your end? Any shared advice would be greatly appreciated!

Have you managed anything? Im also interested in a region change I just dont like the dashboard without the map in the middle , its to empty.

Regards

[parminds]

Found some answer from gemini

Converting a BMW from the Japanese region to the European region using E-Sys involves modifying the Vehicle Order (VO)—the "identity" of your car—and then recoding the relevant modules to adopt those new regional settings.⚠️ Important Disclaimer• Battery Support: You must use a high-quality battery charger/maintainer. If the voltage drops during coding, you risk "bricking" (ruining) your electronic modules.• Navigation Maps: Changing the region via coding will unlock European radio frequencies and languages, but it will not automatically provide European maps. For NBT/Evo systems, you will need a separate FSC code and a USB map update.Step 1: Preparation1. Hardware: ENET cable and a laptop with an Ethernet port (or USB-to-Ethernet adapter).2. Software: E-Sys (v3.27 or newer) and a recent version of v.4.xx.xx PSdZData (Lite is sufficient).3. Connection: Connect the cable to the OBDII port, turn on the car's ignition (engine off), and open E-Sys. Select your target chassis (e.g., F020 for F30 models).Step 2: Modify the Vehicle Order (VO)The VO tells the car's computer which regional rules to follow.1. In E-Sys, go to Expert Mode > Coding.2. In the "Vehicle Order" section, click Read, then Save (always keep a backup of your original FA file).3. Click Edit. This opens the FA Editor.4. Expand the folder tree until you find SALAPA-Element.5. Change the Codes:• Remove: 807 (Japan version) and 852 (Japanese language).• Add: 812 (UK/England) or 810 (Australia/General Europe).• Add: 853 (English language) and 880 (English onboard literature).6. Right-click "FA" at the top of the list and select Calculate FP. Ensure there are no errors.7. Save the file and click the "Back" arrow (top left) to return to the Coding screen.Step 3: Write the New VO to the Car1. Under "Vehicle Order," right-click your modified FA and select Activate FA.2. Go to the VCM tab (Vehicle Configuration Management).3. Load your saved, modified FA file in the "File" section.4. In the "Master" tab at the bottom, click Write FA FP. This saves the change permanently to the car's hardware (CAS/BDC and FRM modules).Step 4: "VO Code" the ModulesNow you must tell the car to apply these new settings to the actual hardware.1. Go back to Expert Mode > Coding.2. In the "SVT" section, click Read (VCM) or Read (ECU).3. Select the following modules (hold Ctrl to select multiple):• HU_NBT (or HU_CIC / HU_ENTRYNAV) — This fixes radio frequencies and menus.• KOMBI — This fixes the instrument cluster units/language.4. Crucial: Right-click the module folder (e.g., HU_NBT) and select CODE.• Do NOT click "Code Default Values." Just click "Code."5. Wait for the green "Success" bar. Your iDrive will reboot, and the radio frequencies should now go up to 108.0 MHz.Specific Regional Differences