2011 Navigation & Map question

[sna77]

Looking at a 2011 x5 with navigation. My first experience with the CIC system.

Quick questions coming from someone very familiar with the Nav systems in pre-iDrive cars, but no experience with the CIC system:

1.
Do I need to update the firmware of the Nav system? If so, what is the legit way of doing so? (i.e no torrents downloads etc). Preferbly, i would buy the firmware update from the dealer and update the system myself.

2.
Map update. How do I update the maps to latest version? Googling around a little, it looks like there is a USB stick you can buy from the dealer with the latest maps. Does the firmaware need to be current before updating the maps?

That's it for now... Sure I will have more questions soon. THANK YOU!

[sna77]

Spoke with Tischer. This is what I got for a response:

getBMWparts.com - Exceptional Pricing | Unparalleled Service | Genuine BMW Parts

we ship the USB to you and then email the code as soon as it's received from BMW. one code per VIN#. the map data is on the usb. it wipes it clean once loaded into the vehicle.

[hd2000fxdl]

Originally Posted by sna77

Spoke with Tischer. This is what I got for a response:

getBMWparts.com - Exceptional Pricing | Unparalleled Service | Genuine BMW Parts

we ship the USB to you and then email the code as soon as it's received from BMW. one code per VIN#. the map data is on the usb. it wipes it clean once loaded into the vehicle.

That's about 145 bucks more than probably 99.9999999% of the people on these BWM forums have paid. I won't say going that route is wrong, but for the same thing and having a backup to reinstall if needed is there, I wouldn't trust a one time instal and the key wipes itself clean, but maybeit's just me..

Harry

[sna77]

Originally Posted by hd2000fxdl

That's about 145 bucks more than probably 99.9999999% of the people on these BWM forums have paid. I won't say going that route is wrong, but for the same thing and having a backup to reinstall if needed is there, I wouldn't trust a one time instal and the key wipes itself clean, but maybeit's just me..

Harry

I'm fine with buying the USB stick and key, however I'm not pleased that they wipe the physical media first. Is it not possible to clone your USB stick for backup purposes?

[Jyohay]

you can download the Maps on torrent, and buy the FSC code on ebay.
or you can buy the maps on ebay for like 40, and 50 for the FSC code

[edco]

@SNA77

Just stumbled on this ebay offer for map on stick and offers FSC code too. I have not done this myself, but thought it might be of interest to you for comparison purposes.
BMW Road Map North America Premium 2014 1 USB Discount for Both Map FSC Code | eBay
ed