Navi system X3/E46 vs. iDrive (E90)

davipt · #1 09-21-2006, 04:26 AM

A question for the resident experts

Is there a difference between the so called "Navigation Professional" with the display on front in a X3/E83 and the latest 3-series E46, and the newer iDrive based systems in the E9x?

My main issue is that it seems that both are MKIV, and both should load up the v28 update, but one reads the maps dvd called "High" and the other is called "Pro".

If the systems are the same, can both load the v28?

If the systems are the same, why are the maps different?

What is different between the two systems?

Update: iDrive systems are NOT MVIV! They are some kind of Microsoft based systems. The V28 update doesn't work with them.

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Brian-bmw · #2 09-21-2006, 07:17 AM

The quick answer is that the X3 and E46 systems are the same. (Actually, the E38, E39, X3, X5, and Z4 systems are all the same). The iDrive E90 system is totally different.

You can upgrade the operating system with the the upgrade CDs in all of the E38/E39/E46/X3/X5/Z4 systems. Also, the E65/E66 systems are different from the E38... systems, but you can also upgrade that one from the OS disk as well. The E60/E63/E90 system systems get their software updates directly from the ProgMan computer rather than from an OS update disk inserted directly into the navigation computer. As a result, the software updates are not readily available to the common man and can only be done by a dealer.

Who knows why BMW changed the map format for the new systems. I believe that all of the new bodies use the new map format.

davipt · #3 09-21-2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian-bmw

The quick answer is that the X3 and E46 systems are the same. (Actually, the E38, E39, X3, X5, and Z4 systems are all the same). The iDrive E90 system is totally different.

Ah so the update dvd is only for the non-idrive cars. Great.

Any known issue when updating a E46 from v24 to v27 or v28? It's a friend's car and I don't want to risk his navi system.

Brian-bmw · #4 09-21-2006, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davipt

Ah so the update dvd is only for the non-idrive cars.

Almost. The OS update disks work in the non iDrive cars, plus it also works in the E65/E66 iDrive cars (only). It does not work in any of the other iDrive cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davipt

Any known issue when updating a E46 from v24 to v27 or v28?

I assume the E46 as a MKIV computer? If so, there are no risks really, just benefits. Sometimes, an upgrade can kick the navigation computer into "Euro" mode, which means that the "Emergency" menu option goes away, the Accept screen is disabled, short distances are in yards instead of feet, and you gain the Route Magnet option. The reason I do not call Euro mode a risk, is because that is actually the preferred setup for almost everyone who has a nav system.

davipt · #5 09-21-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian-bmw

I assume the E46 as a MKIV computer? If so, there are no risks really, just benefits. Sometimes, an upgrade can kick the navigation computer into "Euro" mode, which means that the "Emergency" menu option goes away, the Accept screen is disabled, short distances are in yards instead of feet, and you gain the Route Magnet option. The reason I do not call Euro mode a risk, is because that is actually the preferred setup for almost everyone who has a nav system.

It looks the same as our X3, even though the screen at the front is at the middle of the dash and not at the top. The maps dvd is the same. We live in Germany, so the "Euro" mode is not an issue for him. It might be for us, as we have the assist option (not active yet nonetheless), but I don't think I'll care anything about it going away.

Thanks

davipt · #6 10-20-2006, 02:02 PM

BTW, the v28 update on their E46 worked without any glitch, but the Maps DVD "backup" didn't work - maybe the dvd hardware is older and more demanding than the newer on the X3.

I've been using an old TDK DVD-RW in our X3 with a single error in almost two monts, and I've borrowed it to them. After some days, their system got stuck in the "Please Wait" and "DVD Error". Bad luck for trying to keep the original safe at home.

ahmadof · #7 12-16-2006, 01:57 PM

MKIV work in an i-drive nav (5 series)?

Brian-bmw · #8 12-16-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahmadof

MKIV work in an i-drive nav (5 series)?

No. The MKIV only works in the E38, E39, E46, X3, X5, and Z4 cars.

The E65/E66 (iDrive) uses a different system only designed for those cars. And, the E60, E63, and E90 (all iDrive too) use a third system that is totally different from the other two.

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