BMW noob with basic questions about MKII nav
 

Hi
I currently own a BMW 540 1998/9 with what I think is a MKII nav system. I'd like to upgrade it as the current CD in it dates back to 2000 and is now quite out of date. I've seen lots of downloads on this forum - is this for the map or just a software upgrade? I can buy a new disc for it from NAVTEC but its about £80+ - does anyone know of a cheaper solution?

Thanks
Matt

bump

Many downloads are for the nav operating system

Make sure you are at the newest version (2-1/81, see top right of settings screen)

The maps come on CDs, for a newer map insert a newer CD. See ebay for original UK CDs, you can easily find eg a BMW original 2006 or 2007 map for a good price.

I am currently at 2-1/25. What changes will I notice if i install an update?

I presume that all the updates on here are firmware as opposed to map update - ie it will alter the interface etc but will not change the map I see. What differences will there be?

Also - I don't seem to be able to get the TMC to work. TMC is printed in black. According to a map I saw, my area has only limited TMC coverage (so perhaps only major roads).

Changes:

2-1/25: released around early 1999 (OS disc V12)
This is v2.5 for the Mk2

2-1/81: released March 2002 (OS disc V19)
This is v8.1 for the Mk2

The changes are primarily bug fixes, there will be very little visible difference.
It is definitely worth updating the Mk2 software, as there is a big jump from v2.5 to v8.1
You will have a much more stable navigation system afterwards

As for TMC, to make TMC work you must have the following
A TMC enabled map disc
A TMC enabled radio
The most current OS software :-)

I suggest you do the following:
1. Update the OS to the latest version regardless of any other steps
2. Get a 2nd hand late model map CD for the UK, making sure it is TMC enabled. I believe they sold TMC and non-TMC map discs in the UK

Hi
Thanks for all the help - Would features like postcode entry be enabled by the software, the map, or both.

Also, when looking for a map disc - do I need to find one that is specifically advertised for the MKII system or will any do as long as it is a CD not DVD?

> Would features like postcode entry be enabled by the software, the map, or both.

Both

> when looking for a map disc - do I need to find one that is specifically advertised for the MKII system or will any do as long as it is a CD not DVD?

Mk2 is CD only. It cannot read DVDs
Any BMW map CD for the older cars will work

Thanks so much :D

One more thing about the TMC - In the Uk it is broadcast via Classic F on 100.0. I have the Business RDS radio. Does this mean I'll need to tune my radio to 100 before I can get RDS TMC?

Would the fact that my software is out of date cause the nav to state that "No RDS TMC function is available"?

The Business RDS radio only has a single tuner. So it can only receive TMC data from the station you are currently tuned to.
So to get TMC data, you must be on FM, and have selected a TMC-station.

TMC may be linked to your very old software. Update it before you ask any more "what if" questions :-)

Ok
Can I get that update on this forum (I've found some, but not one called 2-1/81)
And updating it can't cause any damage right?

The software version (2-1/81) comes on an OS disc.
The OS disc has different software versions for around 12 different nav systems

The current OS disc is V32, and any OS disc from V20 or newer carries 2-1/81

Yes, reflashing can cause damage. You must ensure:
1. battery voltage is good (don't reflash with a weak battery)
2. You never turn key off during reflash (otherwise memory gets corrupted)

But the procedure takes max 6min

Ensure when you burn the OS disc, that you burn in Mode2/Form1 using a reliable burning program. I recommend ImgBurn from The Official ImgBurn Website

Good instructions:
http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...-released.html

To find an OS google "BMW V32" or "BMW V29" etc