Once upon a time, all that was required for basic maintenance on a car was occasional tire replacements and routine oil changes. There’s more to it, though, if you want to maintain a contemporary BMW with an iDrive operating at its peak.
Maintaining your BMW’s iDrive should be a frequent effort, just like maintaining any other aspect of your car, whether it’s updating your iDrive software or downloading BMW maps to the factory navigation system.
In fact, Bavarians advise performing BMW sat nav updates at least twice annually and preferably more frequently.
Go to your iDrive navigation view, open the settings menu, and scroll down to Navigation system version to check the map version in your BMW. The region, version, and year of your current map are displayed. It’s time to update if it’s older than a year. Do you have a MINI Cooper? Read more on the navigation upgrade for the MINI Cooper.
In This Article...
HOW TO USE A USB DRIVE TO TRANSFER AND INSTALL THE MAP UPDATE TO YOUR VEHICLE.
You are prepared to get inside the car once you have downloaded the map update or purchased the dealer’s USB disc with the update. Put the USB disk containing the most recent map data into your car’s USB port. The navigation update mode is automatically switched on by the Control Display. Choose “OK” to launch the update. The entire upgrade process could take anything from 30 to 90 minutes. You are not required to wait for the update to be finished. During the upgrade procedure, you can continue use your car and navigation system. Go to your map and press OPTION on the iDrive controller to restart the updating process. Next, choose “Navigation data update.” Please keep the USB disk in place until the update is complete. The navigation system will restart itself after the update has been installed successfully. This ends the updating process. Please navigate to “Navigation,” choose “Settings,” “Position and version,” and then pick “Version information” to view the currently installed map version.
Updates to the 2023-1 NEXT and 2022-2 Premium Navigation Map
the most recent map database for your BMW navigation system (2023-1 for NEXT systems, released August 2022; and 2022-2 for Premium systems, released September 2022). All BMWs from the model years 2009 to 2017 with NEXT or Premium navigation systems are compatible with this update. We will send you the correct version and FSC release code for your navigation system based on your VIN. Free delivery!
The update includes Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico in addition to all of North America.
For the delivery method, you have two choices. A USB flash drive with a vehicle-specific map update and installation instructions will be sent to you if you want to have a USB drive shipped. You will also receive a pre-paid return envelope with the USB flash drive.
The download link and instructions for extracting the contents to a USB drive and installing the update will be emailed to you if you choose “Download.” The download email will arrive about two hours after payment since we must receive a vehicle-specific release code for the map update (during normal business hours). The download and extraction procedure normally takes two to four hours, but it may take up to six hours, depending on the speed of your computer and internet access.
We also provide updates to navigational maps with 1-Year Subscriptions. For the first year following your date of purchase, you will obtain the most recent maps available from BMW, who normally publishes two to three updates per year. Once the new map is out, you will be added to our subscriber list and receive your Download or Shipped USB within days.
To find out what people are saying about our product and service, check out our reviews on Trustpilot and Facebook!
The delivery method is:
Single Update or Subscription:
Quantity:
How can I get free map updates for my BMW navigation system?
Several times a year, changes to the maps are released. They are offered in the BMW Shop as a one- or two-year subscription. If you have a current subscription, you can use the BMW Update Manager to obtain the most recent refresh from the BMW Connected Drive portal and update your map data. You’ll need a 64GB FAT-32 formatted USB drive and the methods below to accomplish this.
- First, use the icon in the site top to connect into your My BMW Account. Go to “My Vehicles” by navigating.
- Choose the vehicle for which a map update is desired.
- Go to the “Map update” section. If a new map version is available, a notification will appear.
Is it possible to upgrade BMW navigation?
Map updates are available from BMW using either a USB stick that has been certified by BMW or the ConnectedDrive Store. It’s crucial to get the most recent information for the best route for you and your BMW because maps are updated frequently.
Which GPS system does BMW employ?
2020 saw the release of the BMW Maps navigation system for automobiles using the BMW Operating System 7. By fusing real-time data with predicting models, the cloud-based solution accelerates route calculation and also makes it more dynamic.
What is the cost of a map update from BMW?
Theoretically, the dealer offers one free national map update, but you must insist on getting one because not all BMW dealers are aware of this arrangement. When the three years are up (or earlier if you want a second national map upgrade), updates from the dealer cost about $200.
Is Google Maps compatible with my BMW?
Visit Google Maps in any web browser, log in using your Google userid, and then search for and select the “gear” icon. You may register your BMW with Google there by entering your BMW Assist user name and password.
How can I put navigation maps on the SD card in my car?
- Tap the Map Storage option from the Menu button (three dots) in the Maps list.
- One of the choices is External SD Card if you already have a compatible SD Card installed.
- Once this has been chosen, click My Online Maps and Maps Everywhere.
- You will now save any maps you download to the SD card.
What does it cost to upgrade your car’s navigation system?
The quality of built-in navigation systems has increased recently, and they now provide more functionality for a lower price. (Nowadays, some systems just cost $500.) Factory-installed systems are better integrated into your car’s functioning and controls than portable GPS units are. They effortlessly integrate with the entertainment system, respond to voice commands, and have easy access to the contact list on your smartphone. However, maintaining those maps might be more expensive and time-consuming than updating a portable device or a smartphone.
Most built-in systems don’t automatically update themselves over the air with new roads, lanes, interchanges, businesses, or even traffic laws, such speed limits and left-turn prohibitions, unlike Google Maps on your phone. They also don’t provide regular one-click updates like the best navigation applications do.
Updates must instead be bought for a price ranging from $129 to $299 from the automaker, the dealership, or online. Additionally, there can be an additional installation fee. You could purchase a very fine portable GPS device with lifetime traffic and map updates for that amount of money. (See, for instance, the Garmin Nuvi 58LMT.)
For our recommendations for the best presents, information on the newest discounts, time-saving advice, and much more, check out Consumer Reports’ 2015 Holiday Guide. And for the best gift suggestions for everyone on your list, check out our countdown calendar.
In-car upgrades are becoming obsolete because to the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on smartphones.
TomTom, a manufacturer of navigation systems, estimates that 18% of the roads on maps require upgrading each year. You can be using really outdated maps if you haven’t updated them recently. How can I find my way to a certain location, such a restaurant? Prepare yourself to improvise. According to Navteq, their database might receive more than 230,000 new points of interest each year. Therefore, having the most recent maps on your car is beneficial, and the holidays are a good time to consider getting an upgrade.
We advise visiting Navteq’s website first because it provides links to updates for more than 30 different auto brands. Direct downloads from Navteq can be used to install some updates. Others need you to enter your vehicle’s year and model and may direct you to your car manufacturer’s website, where you may download the necessary software or schedule a map update appointment at a nearby dealer. Depending on what your automobile needs, the updated map software is available on either a DVD or an SD card. Of course, hiring a pro to conduct the installation will increase the cost.
Every 12 to 18 months, according to a Navteq spokeswoman, maps are updated for each automaker. Most drivers find it difficult to justify upgrading maps so frequently when they cost more than $100 each. But it’s wise to budget for at least one, if not two map upgrades during your ownership period if you frequently use a built-in navigator and/or depend on it for occasional trips. We have observed specials being offered on maps from several brands during the holiday season.
You probably don’t want to take a chance by traveling by car for the holidays this year if your map is more than a few years old. Additionally, upgrading maps for a family member can be a thoughtful gift because they might not know how to do it. And if your vehicle’s system cannot be easily updated because it is outdated, you may still suction-cup-mount a new portable GPS device to the touch screen.
Do you have access to free navigation system updates?
The OpenStreetMap project lets you get maps and upload them to your system without spending any money, so you can update your GPS for nothing. A database of free maps that is updated by volunteers makes up this Open Source software. Different navigation systems are compatible with the downloaded maps. For instance, you can install the suggested formats right on your Garmin GPS. OpenStreetMap files can be converted for your TomTom assistant so that your GPS can play them. However, because a plug-in installation is necessary, the process takes longer. Discover the procedures that must be taken to accomplish this in the following two paragraphs.
How can I make my SD card’s maps current?
- Register with Map Update Toolbox.
- A button will show up on the menu’s left side. If there isn’t an update available right now, the button will say “Device.” A button with the label “Updates” will appear if an update is available.
- Choose UPDATES if it’s an option. (VERY IMPORTANT: Before starting this step, make sure to read the full “PLEASE NOTE” section.)
- Choose INSTALL to start the procedure.
Does updating BMW software make sense?
Generally speaking, software upgrades ensure that your BMW is always maintained current. Basic functionalities may occasionally require code review and bug fixes, but data and content will always be consistent.
What version of BMW iDrive do I have, and how do I know?
The iDrive system’s navigation is a crucial component that makes getting from A to B simple. But since roads and sites of interest constantly change, it’s critical to maintain your BMW’s GPS maps updated if you want to get the most out of your iDrive.
Many of the most recent BMW models include over-the-air (OTA) map updates, which use the vehicle’s integrated SIM card to automatically download the most recent map data. The procedure in these automobiles is comparable to updating your smartphone to the most recent iOS or Android version; all you have to do is restart your car after your iDrive has downloaded the data.
For vehicles that do not allow OTA updates, a manual upgrade is necessary. Previously, updating BMW navigation maps required changing a DVD holding the map data. More newer vehicles include built-in hard drives that hold the data, allowing you to update your map by overwriting the hard drive’s contents. You can accomplish this with BMW by connecting a USB stick with the updated map data to the USB port in your vehicle.
It’s a good idea to determine which map version you need, which relies on your iDrive system, before purchasing a new BMW map. Use the settings menu when your iDrive navigation is open to navigate to “Navigation system version,” where you can see the region, version, and year of your current GPS data.