NAV CD - update question. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Noka · 6th January 2002, 22:46

MAP CD:
Not sure how it works with new vehicle purchase but does anyone know about CPO? Am I entitled to any NAV CD updates for my region? Would you recommend buying updates? How often? How can you compare it to your current CD to evaluate if it is worth anything? Lastly, how do I know what version map CD I now have?

S/W CD:
I currently have s/w rev 3-1/20. It is MKIII, so I know split-screen will work. Can someone tell me what exactly split screen is (i.e. what data shows up on both sections, is it configurable in any way, etc.). Also, I believe someone said (ver-18??) changes the screen updates from the little-triangle-in-circle (i.e. the car) moving to the entire map moving. Am I the only one who thinks having the whole map moving/updating continuously would be a bad idea (e.g. more processor intensive and more difficult to read map detail when it's moving)? Is it configurable so you have a choice of map moving vs. stationary?

Sorry for all the Q's. Any advice appreciated.

Rgds,
Norm

Need4Spd · 7th January 2002, 02:45

Not sure this is what you want, but I got one free upgrade CD during the first year for my region. I'm sure I'll have to pay for any future upgrades. Hard to tell when it's "necessary" to get an upgrade. I suppose when the mapping starts to get inaccurate; i.e., new roads added or changed, etc., making affecting your routes.

As for the S/W or firmware, I think that scrolling the map while holding the car position steady IS the way to go. This is how the Acura and Lexus DVD based systems work, and they work better. (another thing is that you can see the screen while wearing polarizing sunglasses; something you have a hard time doing with the BMW system). The reason is that you need is to see what's coming up, and the more the better. Too often when your indicator gets near the top of the screen, you're at a critical decision point and have no idea what's ahead of you. Yes, this is no doubt more processor intensive, but so long as it can keep up without blanking to "please wait" too often, then it's worth it IMHO. As to the other questions re config., I don't know, as I don't have that update yet, but I think the split allows you to show either a detail map (like that showing whether to take a left or right fork) or certain audio display info in addition to the map and cursor, but I'm not sure.

Bart Carter · 7th January 2002, 02:51

The split screen allows you to display the map plus written instructions, including arrows.

The verbal instructions continue, no matter what.

Noka · 7th January 2002, 03:42

Need4Spd: I see what you mean. I drove to CT yesterday and there were a couple of times when I needed to see some detail but was at the point where the cursor was about to scroll off-screen. If I upgrade, hopefully I will still be able to read map detail OK with it moving more.

Bart: Thanks for the info.

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I'll ask my dealer about map CD updates. Maybe the previous owner already got one. I'll also inquire about whether they have CD's for s/w updates yet.

Rgds,
Norm