x5 navigation maps
 

was wondering if anyone has tried the disks v16 on ebay at $100 wondering if they work. Dealer price of $480 seems a little hot

Well first off what Model Year X5 do you have?

If it is 2010 or 2011 then you what is known as CIC iDrive. This system uses a HDD based system so you would need the whole BMW software and hardware kit (ISIS, ISTA, ETK etc), which with the Siemens server costs 10k+. On average this costs around $400-$500 for updating and programing.

If you have a 2009 or earlier E70 X5 then you have a CCC iDrive, and this is DVD based. Dealer's and all other official sources charge $200 for updated disc's (maps by TeleAtlas). To update all you need to do is to change disks.

Groan.

For 2010 cic based nav the customer can update the map themselves. The difference with cic map updates is that not only do you order the media (DVDs) you also need to order a special enabling code for your car .. It's based on the vin #. your dealer can order these codes for you.

Bmw added the enabling code for nav map updates to lock down nav map updates.

Nav DVDs for 2010+ cic systems are about $7

The enabling code however is $180.

:iagree:

However, to update the maps there is a software update that must be completed. That cannot be done by the customer, without appropriate equipment.

I was quoted by a dealer $639.24 to upgrade the software and maps for my 2010 X5 35d. Way too much in my opinion. I only paid $129 for lifetime map updates for my Garmin.

Chuck

Do you have a source for this assertion?

Because the published BMW procedure allows this to be done by the owner- and if the car needs software updating to be able to do this, it must be free under the warranty!

You buy the DVDs (3 disc set, for the CIC data maps) with an MSRP of $9-10. Then you buy an FSC activation code ($400 at dealers, $250 or so dealer 'cost', or $100 on the internet.) Load the first disc, enter the 20 digit FSC code and off you go.

So if there is a software update that only the dealer can do to allow this process to work, that would be an issue...

Those that have 2010 NAV system and later need the code and dealer to update. Those pre 2009 use DVDs. Not both. so either or, costs not quite as high, but still not cheap.

wow there's actually a plus to owning the dvd-based system then. So ridiculous the new system can't update simply via disc alone. And even so, I've updated from year to year and the maps aren't even all that accurate. I would save my pennies until maybe 2-3 years.

I just got my new x35d two weeks ago. It was built in November and didnt have the new 2011 maps installed. Raised much hell, and they called BMW and got them to approve the update.

I'm using the 2011 DVD maps on my 07' w/ traffic camera info. works good. Is pretty good just to swap DVD's and your done.