2010 X5d iDrive NAV INaccuracy
 

Anyone else find the NAV inaccurate? My first hint was when it did not list my home address (over 10 years old) and used a wrong word (Great instead of Glen) for the actual street location.

My second hit today was a failed attempt to find a large pharmacy chain store and it put me in a wrong place. Northeast corner (an empty lot) instead of a Southeast corner of a very large busy city intersection so I could not find the pharmacy.

It isn't totally accurate for us either, but it seems fine for the most part. To get on one of the local highways, it is just a left turn off a main road and even our old Garmin Nuvi 355 knew that with the 2009 map and even the 2007 map. For iDrive, it tells us to turn right and then make an U-Turn at the next stoplight on that highway. Very stupid :rofl: but it is faster at giving directions than the Garmin Nuvi 355.

Not too unusual for most nav systems, not just BMW. Best thing to do is submit a inaccuracy to Navteq on their web site so its fixed for future versions.

In one case, it told me to turn left when it should have told me to turn right! That must be a classic No No for a navigation system! My trusty portable Garmin has its own problems too. Some times it shows me driving on a parallel street!

One thing I do like about it is the option to display diesel gas stations (even though it misses the closest one to me!) Is there a way to save that option so you don't have to go through all those selections?

Yes you can save it to one of the memory buttons.


Anyone know how to update your maps via satellite ? Is there a charge for it?

You have to wait for an update through the map makers (can't remember the name of the company right now). I think they update once or twice a year. I'm quite sure there haven't been any map updates since the new iDrive came out in the 2009 3ers, so we'll have to wait and see how the updates are distributed. (I think)

I believe they are distributed on DVDs and CDs on an annual basis, Unfortunately, the updates cost $199. As with most things BMW, it is over-priced, but I doubt BMW will lower the price.

Another thing that cought me by surprise is inability of the Nav to extrapolate the car dynamics when gps link is temporarily unavailable, particularly after you enter a tunnel. I don't understand why it jumps from the tunnel I enter onto neighboring streets, even though there is exits along the way. My old Acura was much better at it, and was moving me along the tunnel very accurately based on the speed of the car without losing track. this issue is particularly bad when you cross from Manhattan to Brooklyn over the BBT and NAV shows you 4-5 blocks away from your actual location.

I might bet that the new iDrive NAV update will only be able to be done at the dealer. I would guess no more DVDs for this new system (the older systems will still use DVDs). This could mean it would be more expensive than buying a DVD (upgrade fees + labor fees?). Just my guess.

I don't believe you can save search criteria to a memory button. It won't let me do it. The only thing you can save is a destination. If you have been able to do it, please let me know how.

Another thing with the nav, mine does not have the "Recommended refuel" option as described on page 151 of the manual. Sounds like a great feature but I can't get to this option from the Route information page. Anyone knows how to do it?