Nav OS V26 has been released
 

Thanks to Ferri, V26 is available. I loaded it this morning on my X5 with a MkIV nav computer and it went as smooth as silk. Below are some pictures showing the update progress and the end result.

Note that this update is for MkIV nav drives only. If you have a MkIII, do not even consider using this release because it is reported to have some issues that could render your nav drive inoperable.

A few notes on the upgrade, but first a reminder that there are risks to doing the upgrade on your own, so do so knowing that risk is present. Although rare, problems can occur if update steps aren't followed properly or there are issues with the media. Such conditions can cause problems with the nav drive which may not be recoverable.

- The image files have been rar'd (compressed), so you will first need to un-rar them. I use a program called TugZip, but there are other programs such as WinRAR that will also do the trick.
- Once you have uncompressed the image files you will need to burn them to a CD-R using a program called Alcohol 120%, which is available as a free 30 day trial here - http://trial.alcohol-soft.com/en/download_120.php
- Burn the disk using a high quality CD-R disk at the lowest possible burning speed using these steps:

1. click on "image burning wizard" then click "browse" and find the folder that you extracted the two files to.
2. click on "bmw v26 software" (there's only one to choose) and click "open" it.
3. Under Image file information, it should list the two files and the total size is "288.66 MB". Click "Next"
4. If you didn't insert a high quality CD-R earlier, insert it and set the write speed at the slowest one (mine was 2x). Make sure the CD/DVD Recorder is set on the right drive.
5. Click "Start" and it should start burning. Once it reaches 100%, it'll be done and the disc will eject on its own.

- Once the disk is ready, follow these steps

1. Go to your vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the first position. Let the navigation system boot up and get into a normal operating mode.
2. Leaving the system on (never turn the power off during these steps!!), go back and eject the navigation CD from your drive unit.
3. Put in the V26 disk you created into your drive unit. Watch your screen and be patient. It says it will take about 6 minutes to do the upgrade, but it doesn't take that long. When it’s done it will eject the CD automatically.
4. Put your navigation CD back in the drive and make sure everything is working properly.

Here are some screen shots from my update to V26

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-1.JPG

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-2.JPG

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-3.JPG

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-4.JPG

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-5.JPG

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-6.JPG

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/member.../v26/v26-7.JPG

As you can see from the last couple shots, the screen has a whole new look and feel - and my first reaction is :wow: - very nicely done :thumbup:

Now for what you have all been waiting for - the download link - or http://bmwnavigation.com/software/Na...tware_Updates/

From the X5world team - Enjoy!! :D

Thanks Jeff! But please forgive me for my ignorance, I'm a bit confused and have not done an update just yet. Your instructions talk about the "cd", but don't you mean "DVD"? Also, is this just an OS upgrade, i.e. no map updates? I do have the MkIV system in my X - it's a 2004. Thanks again!

Good questions (for a rookie ;) )

I do mean CD, as the operating system is loaded to the nav drive via a CD and not a DVD. But this update is for the DVD-based MkIV ONLY!!!

And yes, this is an OS upgrade and not a map update. The lastest map disk for the U.S. is version 2005.2 and is not contained on the download link provided.

U mention Alcohol 120%. is this a necessity or could one use Nero?

Great - thanks for the clarification. And yes, I am a rookie, but not for too much longer! :thumbup: Downloading now...

Is the latest map update available on-line as well? I recently got a flyer from BMW saying a new one is available, but I certainly don't want to pay the premium for it... Thanks again, Jeff!

i was under the impression that if ur still under warranty, u can have the NAV Maps upgraded at the dealer for free.:dunno:

Can you use this to upgrade a UK spec/delivered 2005 system?

Hi guyz,

- Yes, burning only with alcohol 120% and with slow burning speed!
- Yes, you have to burn it on a CD
- Yes, if you're under warranty the upgrade is free!
- The upgrade is for all countries and all spec/delivered systems!

!!!! ONLY FOR MKIV !!!!

Greetz

Jeff, big THANKS!! for all your help and this website... What a big change to navigation screen... Not Lexus or Acura class, but anything is better than we had.. Mark

:iagree:

And again, a big thanks to you for sourcing this for us!! :thumbup: