MKIV - E46 SatNav/TV "Satellite Search"

darrenkite · #1 03-09-2009, 04:56 AM

Hi All,

Very recently started having an issue with the BMW Sat Nav in my e46 M3. it's a MkIV - version 4 1/9.

I've read many posts with interest (tried some of the hint n tips to no avail.) Basically a few weeks ago the map went "crazy" and shot off about 50 miles north of my location - and yes the GPS logo disappeared from the top right hand corner. Magnetic north was all showing fine.

I left it for a day and it started working again fine for another week. Then today it did the same thing although this time it dropped from 6-7 satellites visible to 1 or 2 then nothing. Now "north" is way off (more like south meaning the map now thinks I am in France!). I reran the software update disc I have but this has not solved the issue. In the "Engineer" menus it's not picking up any satellites now, almanac is yes, and GPS status is "Satellite Search".

I guess the next thing to try is removing the battery for 15 mins (as per other advice in this forum?). Additionally I'd like to check out the GPS antenna/receiver connections but am not 100% clear where this is located on my car? Is there a bit in the stack (where the Nav DVD unit is) and also something near to the Harmon Kardon "Sub" on the rear shelf? Any pictures/advice would be greatly appreciated!

I've had the car about a year and until last week all was good!

Thanks all in advance,

Darren

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ccfj1 · #2 03-09-2009, 05:32 AM

Hi Darren, welcome to the forum.

I'd say your gps antenna has gone mate, (it's located under the rear parcel shelf).

BTW Any smb gps antenna will work, the BMW unit is approx £70, a one from ebay about £6.

What version of OS are you running?

darrenkite · #3 03-10-2009, 03:58 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestion. in the satnav menu it shows 4-1/91 which is V30 "firmware" I believe. In the "engineer" menu under the "navi" option the OS version shows as 0910.

What antenna piece do I need to look out for on ebay and how do I get to it in the boot (removing the HK "sub"?) Am happy to remove the "upholstery" in the boot as had to do that before when gaining access to the stack to find the bt passcode plus to use navcoder.

Thanks in advance.

Darren

ccfj1 · #4 03-10-2009, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrenkite

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestion. in the satnav menu it shows 4-1/91 which is V30 "firmware" I believe. In the "engineer" menu under the "navi" option the OS version shows as 0910.

You could probably do with an update as 4-1/00 (100 - 10.00) is the latest and if you run the 2009-1 map disc you will need it.

Quote:

What antenna piece do I need to look out for on ebay and how do I get to it in the boot (removing the HK "sub"?)

Check your pm mate

Quote:

Am happy to remove the "upholstery" in the boot as had to do that before when gaining access to the stack to find the bt passcode plus to use navcoder.

From the inside, I'll try and dig up a readme (i saw one somewhere).

KiwiJochen · #5 03-10-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrenkite

Thanks for the suggestion. in the satnav menu it shows 4-1/91 which is V30 "firmware" I believe. In the "engineer" menu under the "navi" option the OS version shows as 0910.

To be pedantic, the firmware is 4-1/91

V30 refers to the OS CD version, which contains around 8 different firmware versions.

You load 4-1/91 from the V30 OS CD, but you do not load "V30" itself.

It's a common terminology problem...

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrenkite

What antenna piece do I need to look out for on ebay and how do I get to it in the boot (removing the HK "sub"?) Am happy to remove the "upholstery" in the boot as had to do that before when gaining access to the stack to find the bt passcode plus to use navcoder.

Here's lots on ebay.

djstan · #6 03-11-2009, 03:32 PM

As somebody who is having a few issues with his Sat Nav at the moment too, I'd get 4-1/100 installed just so it's running the latest.

I've had times when the GPS has pitched me right in the Bristol Channel but it's sorted itself out after a while, but if yours has been going on for a while then it's probably something more fundamental. Agree with your idea about killing your power - like PCs it's amazing what can be resolved with a reboot!

Madkruger · #7 05-17-2009, 10:29 AM

Is there a step by step guide to removing the Mk 4 nav from my M3?

I read somewhere that you need to remove the trim and centre vents before anything else.

Also I cannot see how you remove the plastic surround it seems pretty fixed in place and I don't want to snap it.

Please note that I have removed the two screws visible from removing the centre trim.

Your assistance would be appreciated.

Cheers

trapdoor · #8 05-17-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madkruger

Is there a step by step guide to removing the Mk 4 nav from my M3?

I read somewhere that you need to remove the trim and centre vents before anything else.

Also I cannot see how you remove the plastic surround it seems pretty fixed in place and I don't want to snap it.

Please note that I have removed the two screws visible from removing the centre trim.

Your assistance would be appreciated.

Cheers

The MK4 Nav Computer will be in the boot on the E46 M3. The unit in the dash is just the Tape/CD player and screen unit. It is called the Boardmonitor. Removal is easy and just requires the trim to be removed, one piece at a time, remove the screws and then you can just pull the unit out.

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