Uograde advice needed
 

Hi. I'm brand new here having googled my way to the experts it seems.

I have a 2002 735 with a (I assume) Carin system. It certainly uses CDs. It had a variety of software updates over the first years while BMW were servicing the vehicle but I've done nothing to it. The navigation facilities now seem a bit dated and the map update costs outrageous for TMC maps, in fact I was going to get a Tomtom for the POIs, 3d mapping etc and relegate the built-in map to an overview role.

It now seems that I can increase the capabilities of the built-in system but my query is really - what should I do?

TIA

It's very easy.

First, have a look in the Settings menu and see what system you have
The software version displays on the top right of the Settings screen
You may have a Mk2 or a Mk3

The last SW for a Mk2 is 2-1/81
The last SW for a Mk3 is 3-1/63

Check what you have, if you don't have the latest version, then an update is worth while.

From around 2004 the Mk4 appeared, which supports 3D perspective view, and is MUCH MUCH faster than the Mk3 or Mk2.

The current software version for a Mk4 is 4-1/100 (which displays as 4-1/00)

A Mk4 is a straight plug-and-play swap for the Mk3 - and for the later versions of the Mk2.

If you like keeping the car original, then consider fitting a Mk4, and even upgrading from a 4:3 narrow-screen monitor to the 16:9 widescreen monitor (if not already fitted).

The Mk4 has lots of POIs on the DVD maps (which can cover an entire continent) and also 3D view. It is different to a TomTOm, and is also much more accurate then a TomTOm, especially if you drive through lots of underpasses and tunnels (like I do).
The better accuracy in the BMW nav is due to the BMW using the wheel speed sensors and a gyro compass when no GPS signal is present. Makes a whopping difference.

TomTom is nice in that the maps are cheaper and are updated every 3 months, but it is also a decade newer than the BMW system... however nothing beats a fully integrated built-in nav (imho).

Thanks.

I don't have a version code showing on my settings screen. I've gone the rounds of the i-drive screens and none seem to show a version number.

This is the wide split-screen built in to the car as original equipment. It's the 2002 - 2008 series vehicle.

Is there some particular way to display the version?

OK, so you have an E65. You may have the early Navi01 system.

You can upgrade to the faster, perspective view capably Navi03 as a plug and play upgrade.

Keep your original nav for future coding updates.

PS: go into the service mode to view the current OS version loaded on the nav.

Thanks again. How do I go into the service mode?

To access service menu in i-drive cars:
1. From the main menu display, press the controller down for minimum 6 seconds.
2. Turn the controller 3 increments clockwise (to the right).
3. Turn the controller 3 increments counter-clockwise (to the left).
4. Turn controller 1 increment clockwise (right).
5. Turn controller 1 increment counter-clockwise (left).
6. Turn controller 1 increment clockwise (right).
7. Push down on the controller.
8. To exit the service mode, select the return arrow at the bottom on the left of the screen.

Thanks a lot.

Looking at the navigation info there, I get:

Hardware 53
Code 04
Variant 4231
Manufacture date 20020410
Diagnostic 02E0

Does that tell me anything?

You need to report the software version. Look further through the menus and submenus

I was poking around my "service menu" and saw the following numbers under "Position" submenu:

Date=24.8.2007;
Version=2.30.6;

Can this be mapped into OS and Navi s/w version numbers?


Thanks!

Looks like GPS receiver version and date.

The nav versions are shown elsewhere in the service menu