[Rik762]

Does anyone know if there is anywhere that BMW publish a list of updated maps as they become available? At present I have 'Road MapEurope Next 2013 101112.2.117 NBT_D125051' and I suspect that there may have been an update since this. ( Even though I only had my vehicle a month ago )

[Markf955]

I'm interested in how the maps are updated. Is this a dealer thing done as part of the normal service or do you need to buy something and install them?

[smovva]

Originally Posted by Markf955

I'm interested in how the maps are updated. Is this a dealer thing done as part of the normal service or do you need to buy something and install them?

You can update the maps yourself, but...

The actual map content comes on 1-3 DVD discs (depending on region I guess). The content discs can be bought from a dealership for a very low price (less than US $20). However, the content cannot be loaded, unlocked and used without a security code called an FSC and its a long code you enter into the navi system using the iDrive controller. The FSC code can cost between $150 to $250 from a dealer. I hear there is a cottage industry in Eastern Europe that generates FSC codes for a lower price. The FSC is car unique and based on the VIN.

I am still using my factory original maps from 2011; anyone hear good things about the new 2014 update? I lost all faith in my bmw navi based on the atrocious 2011 maps and routing. If they have a decent update in 2014 I may run down to my local dealer and get an update.

[kozzi]

I have the same factory maps from 2011 and they have been pretty good to me. Sure sometimes the route "freaks" out or shows me driving over water but it always gets me to my destination. I would be interested to know who has a better navi system than BMW.

[smovva]

I found the navi in our past car Acura MDX and current Honda Odyssey are much better than the BMW, though an older 2005 Lexus and Toyota were much worse. The Acura and Honda are much more simpler to use, better routing, and better auto routing due to traffic.

Though nothing comes close to my HTC One phone running Google navigation sitting in car mode on the windshield! Full voice commands and ability to find an address with incomplete information, up to the minute maps, up to the minute traffic and fantastic re-route algorithms. I cant see how car manufacturers can ever achieve the same level of usability, speed and completeness with their proprietary overpriced hardware.

Originally Posted by kozzi

I have the same factory maps from 2011 and they have been pretty good to me. Sure sometimes the route "freaks" out or shows me driving over water but it always gets me to my destination. I would be interested to know who has a better navi system than BMW.

[dudley07726]

Originally Posted by kozzi

I have the same factory maps from 2011 and they have been pretty good to me. Sure sometimes the route "freaks" out or shows me driving over water but it always gets me to my destination. I would be interested to know who has a better navi system than BMW.

The NAV in my 2013 MB E350 Cab is so much better than the one in my 2012 X3. In fact, so was the NAV in my 2006 Lexus SC 430 and my 2007 Honda CRV.

[kevinwang]

How can I check the version of the map? Thanks!

[woodchuck1]

In August when my 2013 got its 1 year service, the dealer installed new map files for free. So far I haven't noticed the difference.

[Paulus]

Originally Posted by kevinwang

How can I check the version of the map? Thanks!

Go to the "Navigation" menu and press the "Options" button. Last item on the list is used to determine the version of navigation.

[MattUK]

I really wouldn't bother.

I paid £255 to have my maps upgraded last service, and its missing loads of stuff that has been around for years. The fact BMW charge so much for this really REALLY fks me off. You can buy a top of the range tom tom with lifetime updates for less than a single out of date update from these rip off merchants.

I wrote to complain, and was simply told 'thats what it costs'

Arse

[RhoXS]

Originally Posted by dudley07726

The NAV in my 2013 MB E350 Cab is so much better than the one in my 2012 X3. In fact, so was the NAV in my 2006 Lexus SC 430 and my 2007 Honda CRV.

Wow! I have to disagree with the Lexus nav system being better than the system in my 2011 X3. No way, no how.

I have a 2009 Lexus RX350 and the system sucks, really sucks. For starters Toyota locks you out of the system as soon as the car gets under way so it cannot be used to find rest stops, restaurants, hotels, etc. unless you come to a full stop. For those of you that are about to state that one should not be doing this when driving I completely agree except that does not explain why my wife in the passanger seat cannot do this. I have a $2,400 Nav option that I supplement with a generally much more useful $200 Garmin Nuvi.

The Lexus resolution is to coarse and it is necessary to zoom so far in to see street details the overall perspective of the area is lost. The touch screen is no where near as friendly as the iDrive controller although the learning curve to fully take advantage of all the idrive features is much steeper. I hate the damn thing and the fact that all Toyota Nav systems locks the user out when underway is a definite no-go on purchasing any future Toyota product (the fact that the bouncy top heavy RX350 handles like a 1959 Buick also has a lot to do with that).

Lexus does indeed have a few nice features like showing details of the next four or so exits and a readily visible compass in the mirror but this does not compensate for an overall terrible system.

Sorry but there is no way I can see how 2006 Lexus SC 430 Nav system is better than the BMW system.

[smovva]

Originally Posted by RhoXS

Wow! I have to disagree with the Lexus nav system being better than the system in my 2011 X3. No way, no how.

I have a 2009 Lexus RX350 and the system sucks, really sucks. For starters Toyota locks you out of the system as soon as the car gets under way so it cannot be used to find rest stops, restaurants, hotels, etc. unless you come to a full stop. For those of you that are about to state that one should not be doing this when driving I completely agree except that does not explain why my wife in the passanger seat cannot do this. I have a $2,400 Nav option that I supplement with a generally much more useful $200 Garmin Nuvi.

The Lexus resolution is to coarse and it is necessary to zoom so far in to see street details the overall perspective of the area is lost. The touch screen is no where near as friendly as the iDrive controller although the learning curve to fully take advantage of all the idrive features is much steeper. I hate the damn thing and the fact that all Toyota Nav systems locks the user out when underway is a definite no-go on purchasing any future Toyota product (the fact that the bouncy top heavy RX350 handles like a 1959 Buick also has a lot to do with that).

Lexus does indeed have a few nice features like showing details of the next four or so exits and a readily visible compass in the mirror but this does not compensate for an overall terrible system.

Sorry but there is no way I can see how 2006 Lexus SC 430 Nav system is better than the BMW system.

I have to agree! Lexus Navi is pretty bad because its not user friendly or intuitive. But, at least its accurate, which I cant say for the BMW.

[dudley07726]

[QUOTE=smovva;14681676]I But, at least its accurate, which I cant say for the BMW.[/QUOT

Exactly. Never has the Lexus or Honda Nav's have me drive over lakes.
I need a Nav to be accurate and not tell me that I've reached my destination when I am still on the highway and I am passing my destination which is up above to my right on the service road and the NAV never told me to get off on the previous exit to get there. Lexus & Honda have correct vehicle position right from start up. Sometimes. I have to wait 2-3 minutes for the BMW to show it's correct position. For me accuracy trumps everything else.

[MetaX]

Sometimes I think the BMW satnav system translates your addresses into lat & long coordinates because on more than one occasion it took me down a road that parallels the actual address and announces arrival when I'm still a block over (but aligned with the house at least).

[BBender]

I think this is a matter of habit... For me Lexus IS navi with touchscreen was the best, instant start, few touches and you go... and it never showed the car in wrong place, which often happens to BMW when you are driving through tunnels. Speedlock can be turned off with simple $0,10 switch (just disconnect the speed signal from navi).

On F25 CIC first of all I need to wait till this old crappy system loads... then multiple clicks to change map direction... hate it!

With new RX system I thought there were no touchscreen, they made some kind of joystick, which behaves like mouse on the screen.