MKII navigation OS upgrade question...
 

Obviously, I’m a total newbie…

I just bought a X5 4.4i 2001 (E53) with NAV and it looks very old and tired. What is the most current OS version that I can upgrade to…V31? I have MKII (s/w 2 – 1/31). I can’t seem to find a working link to download it…Is it as easy as it seems…download to CD, turn key and pop it in and cross fingers?

Lastly, I’m planning to upgrade my screen to the 16:9 this summer…should I wait to upgrade OS till I install new screen or doesn’t matter?

Thank you in advance.

2–1/81 is the latest and last version for the mk2 mate and the v32 disc will upgrade it, but it will probably need the image to be mode2/form1.

The mk2 is the biggest obstacle, its rubbish, upgrade to a mk3 or better still a mk4.

If you upgrade the display to widescreen then you will need to upgrade the Tv module as well (if you have one).

Thank you!

I was trying to do this on the cheap and avoid the entire upgrade. For 2K, you can get pretty sick Kenwood with touch screen...

Any suggestions on where to look for a used widescreen (besides usual suspects - craigslist, ebay, etc...?

Try the forsale sections of all the x5 forums mate, this is normally a good place to start as most other owners would rather sell "in house" than on ebay etc, and most times for cheaper money.

$800 - $1k should get you both 16:9 screen and a mk4, less for a mk3.

Remember to get the screen for an x5 (NOT the e39 and 7 series) these display units are no good as they have the wrong rake on the display for the x5.

If you were in the UK I could help out with a mk3 or a mk4 as I have one of each spare, but alas you are across the pond.

but for $800 - $1k, you can buy a kick-butt after market systems with bluetooth, dvd, etc...is it mostly about integrity of original BMW equipement or am I missing something about the features...?

just curious...what is your take?

True, you can, but don't expect all the OEM features to work with it without extra modules (MFSW and On-board computer).

Plus the OEM cd changer and/or phone system wont work either.

Horses for courses mate, Personally I would not have after market system in as they just don't look right, they don't fit and you lose a load of OEM compatibility, but its your car and your money.

If you do go for AM, you will need the extended loom as you have OEM nav and all the connections are in the trunk, not up front like a normal car.

Thank you for info, it has been most helpful.

For now, I'm going for cheap AND sticking with original equipment, so I will upgrade my OS and get map CDs.

Where is best place to find/buy/download v32 for my MKII?

Also, I need the map CDs...any suggestion on this?

You already have the latest and last OS for your mk2 mate, so no need to do anything.

Dealer, forums, web or ebay.

I'm confused, I currently have 2 – 1/31...that is latest?

Sorry mate, I thought you said 81 (not 31), you will need a mode2/form1 for you nav computer.

I'll dig the link up for you.