New owner...Please educate me on Sat Nav Disk

[Julwalsh]

Hi all

I only bought my X5 yesterday. In the boot there is A SatNav Disc player (DVD). I ejected it to find a copied Disc with BMW 2006 wrote on it. So, I assume I can buy updates to the Disc. Not asking for any illegal copies etc, but do need to know ALL the details surrounding this, INCLUDING the copied Disc stuff. At least that way I'll be educated.

Thanks all

[bmwmmn]

Take it from here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all...ystem-faq.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...available.html

[X5Sport]

Typically BMW release 2 versions of each mapping disk per year. We're probably on 2010-2 at present.

The DVD version (for the MkIV - widescreen nav) is about £200 but BMW were doing a deal where if you took your old disk in, they gave you a new one for £100. If your system is still running a 2006 map disk, then you probably need an upgrade to the firmware too. That is easy to do yourself and there are lots of guides and hints in the forum on Navigation Systems.

If you are doing a firmware upgrade it is absolutely crucial that you print and follow the instructions to the letter as failing to do it right can 'brick' the Nav Computer in the boot.

I've upgraded mine and that on our E46 several times with no issues at all. Just follow the guides...

I've never been able to get a copy disc to work either (I tried it using my own legit copy as the source to generate a backup disc) so I have always used the OEM versions.

[Julwalsh]

Hi

Message to mods... I have only today bought the car, and while the subject of copied discs is mentioned here, I AM NOT ATTEMPTING TO DISCUSS THE SUBJECT OF THESE ITMES OR TRYING TO OBTAIN SUCH ITEMS. I am simply trying to gather information from other helpful owners about the system installed in my vehicle. Thanks



Thanks for that advice mate. That is excellent. While I am NOT asking for advice or info on using, buying or obtaining a copied disc, I would like some information if that is OK??

1. I have seen the Sat Nav system working with the copied disc in the drive, so am I right in thinking that my system has been modified by somebody previously to accept such discs? I guess they will have upgraded the firmware at the same time??

2. Taking into account that the system is running on a copied disc, do I still need to upgrade the firmware on my system to run a proper, legitimate disc (which I intend to buy from BMW soon), or is the firmware always compatable for original/genuine BMW discs?

3. What is the exact model of my BMW. Am I right in assuming it is E53? Log book shows as 01/2005. Reg is 54 plate.

Sorry for asking so basic questions.

Thanks all

[BrianX54.4is]

Originally Posted by Julwalsh

Hi

Message to mods... I have only today bought the car, and while the subject of copied discs is mentioned here, I AM NOT ATTEMPTING TO DISCUSS THE SUBJECT OF THESE ITMES OR TRYING TO OBTAIN SUCH ITEMS. I am simply trying to gather information from other helpful owners about the system installed in my vehicle. Thanks



Thanks for that advice mate. That is excellent. While I am NOT asking for advice or info on using, buying or obtaining a copied disc, I would like some information if that is OK??

1. I have seen the Sat Nav system working with the copied disc in the drive, so am I right in thinking that my system has been modified by somebody previously to accept such discs? I guess they will have upgraded the firmware at the same time??

2. Taking into account that the system is running on a copied disc, do I still need to upgrade the firmware on my system to run a proper, legitimate disc (which I intend to buy from BMW soon), or is the firmware always compatable for original/genuine BMW discs?

3. What is the exact model of my BMW. Am I right in assuming it is E53? Log book shows as 01/2005. Reg is 54 plate.

Sorry for asking so basic questions.

Thanks all

1. System does not need modification to read a home burned disc. Your system is known as MKIV and firmware has most likely not been upgraded since factory. You can check the firmware version in settings (top right corner of screen see below). If yours reads SW 4-1/91 or less then it's not the latest.
Read more here.


2. You don't need to upgrade firmware to read facory discs but you will want all the latest graphics/functionality so get the latest firmware (or at least 4-1/60) its cheap or even free. There are 3rd party compatible sat nav map disc sellers much cheaper than OEM and they can also provide firmware upgrade discs (one is advertised on the bottom of this page!!!). Some even incorporate speed cam location warnings to your system and allow postcode destination programing.

3. Your X5 is an E53 and will be the facelifted version. It would also incorporate the improved X-Drive 4 wheel drive system in addition to other improvements to pre 2004 X5.

Get to know your great car and enjoy it!!!