Solution: BMW Native Data and Wonder Wheel Control Issues

Solution: Unable to Get BMW Wonder Wheel Control

Some BMW motorcycles marked as compatible with native Wonder Wheel Control in our compatibility chart may still fail to activate Wonder Wheel control on the CHIGEE Display.
This issue can be caused by BMW cradle pins, CHIGEE settings, or the BMW electrical system itself — not just the display.

Please follow the steps below to identify and resolve the issue:

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check for the “TFT~Nav” Logo on Your TFT Dashboard

If your BMW shows the “TFT~Nav” logo on the dashboard:
→ Wonderwheel control should be functional once connected. 
  1. Long press the "Menu Up" button on the BMW Wonderwheel until the screen changes to the Navigation interface.
  2. You can also go to Settings > Features > RC(remote controller) on your CHIGEE Display and select Nav (instead of CGRC). Enable Vertical Scrolling to support full control.
    1. ❗ If you’re using a CGRC CAN or LIN module instead, set RC Type to CGRC.
Notes
BMW motorcycles with analog (mechanical) dashboards will not display a "TFT~Nav" logo and cannot support this function.

If your bike does not show the “TFT~Nav” logo:
→ Please continue with the following diagnostic steps.

2. Check the Physical Mounting & Cradle Pins

  1. Firmly press the CHIGEE Display into the BMW Navigation Cradle.
  2. Use the BMW cradle key to lock the display into place.
  3. Observe whether the "TFT~Nav" logo appears on the screen.

If the logo appears only after pressing firmly or locking the unit, it’s likely that the BMW cradle's pin contacts are worn or corroded.This could result in sufficient power but insufficient data transmission for Wonder Wheel Control.

✅ Solution: Consider replacing your BMW Navigation Cradle.

3. Verify BMW Nav Prep 5/6 Authenticity

Make sure your motorcycle is equipped with an authentic BMW Nav Prep 5 or Nav Prep 6 cradle. Aftermarket or modified cradles may cause power or data communication issues.
Idea
Test on Another BMW
Try installing your CHIGEE Display on another BMW motorcycle with a known working BMW Navigation Cradle.
If Wonder Wheel control works on the second bike: Your original BMW cradle or bike wiring may be faulty.

4. Inspect Your BMW’s Electrical System

Please consult your BMW dealer to check the overall condition of your motorcycle’s electrical system:
  • Ensure the ECU (Engine Control Unit) is functioning properly.
  • Verify the battery voltage is stable and sufficient.
  • Look for any intermittent wiring issues or loose connections that could disrupt communication between the Nav Prep and the display.

Even small fluctuations in power or unstable ECU signals can cause problems with powering the device or accessing functions like Wonder Wheel control and native data reading.

5. Additional Solutions

  • Activate SA 272 / Option 272 through a BMW dealer or authorized service center. According to official BMW information, operating the Navigator via the BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller requires the option “Preparation for Navigation Device” (SA 272).
  • Alternatively, if activation is not possible, consider using a CGRC CAN module, which provides Wonder Wheel control using a separate interface, independent of the BMW cradle.

Activate Preparation for navigation system (SA 272 / option 272)

When does this apply?

If everything is correctly connected and the issue persists, we recommend activating Navigation Software (Option 272) to enable Wonderwheel functionality. 
You can also share the following video with your BMW dealer or service center (4S shop). Starting at 2'23", it demonstrates how to activate the SA272 “Preparation for Navigation” option using BMW ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application).
Note: Navigation Software (272) is related to enabling Wonderwheel control. It is not required for native BMW data reading.
Prerequisites:
  1. Ensure your BMW Navigator Cradle is Nav5/6.
  2. The CHIGEE display is securely inserted into the BMW navigation cradle.
  3. The CHIGEE display remains powered throughout the update to avoid any failures.

Steps to Resolve:

Please visit your local BMW service center and explain that you need to use the BMW Nav Prep and control it with the handlebar rotary knob. Request activation of SA 272 / Option 272 and an update of the BMW Nav Prep firmware. 
  1. Locate 3-Pin Interface: Use ISTA to diagnose the BMW and verify the presence of a 3-pin interface (X740*1B). 
  2. Connect Computer to OBD: Connect your computer to the BMW's OBD port.

Reference Diagrams: Refer to the provided diagrams for guidance on the necessary equipment.





Reference articles from BMW：
BMW Motorrad presents the ConnectedRide Cradle
In conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Connected app and the Connectivity equipment, can I continue to use the BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller for operating the BMW Navigator?

Notes
We recommend finding another BMW rider with a BMW Navigator Cradle to test your device on their motorcycle. This will help you determine whether the issue lies with CHIGEE or your BMW Navigator Cradle.
If you still experience issues with wonderwheel control after following these steps, the BMW Navigator Cradle or Nav connector may be damaged and require replacement. 

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