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I just got a BMW and I know nothing about the navigation system

It's a 2003 330i ZHP, manufactured March of 2003. It has a nav system which I'm pretty sure hasn't been updated since then.

From looking around the forums a bit, I think I understand that there are two components that need to be updated:

1. The navigation system "software" itself.

2. The map, which is probably a $100+ DVD from BMW, which I refuse to pay.

Are those the only components I should be concerned with? If so, how do I go about updating the nav system software?

You are right. Those are the only 2 updateable components

But before you update the nav check the current version on the top right of the Settings screen:
Mk3 = 3-1/63
Mk4 = 4-1/00 (means 4-1/100)
These are the current versions. If yours is older, an update will be advantageous.
Report back if you have a Mk3 - updates can crash the Mk3 if done incorrectly.

To update nav software:
1. Insert nav Operating System CD into nav drive
2. Follow onscreen instructions -do NOT turn off key!
3. Disc will be ejected when complete
The OS CD is available new from BMW for approx US$10, or can be downloaded from various locations

To update map:
1. Obtain new map disc (buy new or 2nd hand)
2. Insert disc

You may find 2008 maps for sale much cheaper than 2009 maps. Check ebay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiwiJochen (Post 660802)

Thanks.

It says SW 4-1/12, whatever that means. Should I go ahead and start searching for an update? It would be nice if I could make this thing a bit more functional... For example, a way to turn the screen COMPLETELY off... Instead of just making it go blank.

You have MK4 NAV hardware. You are few versions behind on NAV OS.
Check this page, last column on the table shows current version(V32). - > http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all...ystem-faq.html

V32 thread - http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...available.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonmoor (Post 660908)

It says SW 4-1/12

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonmoor (Post 660908)

Should I go ahead and start searching for an update?

Yes, get V32 OS disc here:
http://gren.exe.su/flash/NAV_SW(v32).rar
V32 OS disc contains nav versions for around 10 different nav systems, including the Mk4.

Download rar file
Extract img or iso file
Use www.igmburn.com to burn the OS CD from the image
Insert CD and follow onscreen instructions

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonmoor (Post 660908)

a way to turn the screen COMPLETELY off... Instead of just making it go blank.

The only way is via the ignition key. And turning off the display (as currently available) is the only other option of turning off the screen.
Personally, I don't see a point of turning the screen off in the car while you are using it - that's like trying to use a laptop with the screen turned off...

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansX5 (Post 660912)

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiwiJochen (Post 660945)

This means Mk4, Colour nav, version 1.2

The current version is 4-1/100, whicht is Mk4, Colour, v10.0

So you will see huge improvements by jumping from nav version v1.2 to nav version v10.0, such as

3D display
Huge amount of bug fixes
Ability to read the latest double-layer map DVDs
Improved graphics with car symbol and destination flag
Post code search
And more...

Yes, get V32 OS disc here:
http://gren.exe.su/flash/NAV_SW(v32).rar
V32 OS disc contains nav versions for around 10 different nav systems, including the Mk4.

Download rar file
Extract img or iso file
Use www.igmburn.com to burn the OS CD from the image
Insert CD and follow onscreen instructions

The only way is via the ignition key. And turning off the display (as currently available) is the only other option of turning off the screen.
Personally, I don't see a point of turning the screen off in the car while you are using it - that's like trying to use a laptop with the screen turned off...

Thanks guys. Can't believe I didn't look into the FAQ thread... my excitement got a hold of me.

Anyways, I just followed Jochen's instructions and it worked brilliantly. It now says 4-1/00 (not 4-1/100, I believe that was a typo on Jochen's part... at least I hope so). However, now the Accept screen disappears after 8 seconds (thank god) so I'm sure that this is the latest.

Unfortunately, I'm not seeing the 3D display? Not sure if this is because I haven't started driving or what. Also, it's still just the regular blue triangle, not a car symbol. Perhaps this is for later models equipped with iDrive only?

Thanks again.

Oh and btw Switzerland is my favorite place...

And about why I'd like to turn it off completely - sometimes when I'm coming home late at night I just want total peace and quiet, just me and the car. I turn off my music and I'd like to turn off the nav screen - because even when the screen goes to "off," it's still on (just blank), and a significant source of light in the cabin.

OH MY GOD THIS IS WONDERFUL, I CAN TURN THE SCREEN COMPLETELY OFF NOW!! I am now a truly happy man. Before when I clicked "off" all that would happen is it would go black but the LCD would stay on, this is beautiful.

I did some more searching on the perspective mode and figured it out... I can't imagine how complicated I-Drive is if BMW makes enabling this feature so difficult. Anyways, thanks again.