Navigation "update" questions - US only

[robrwalker]

Ok - so I did some research and did not come up with much information (do I suck at search function 'cause I never seem to find things!) so I am just going to ask the community my questions and hope someone smarter than me can answer.

1. Is there any "upgrade" to the firmware of our navigation systems? - I have a 2007 Z4MC and to my knowledge it has never been updated in any way.

2. If there are newer versions of the firmware for our nav, where can one acquire such treasures? And what are the changes? For instance, I have seen others talk about more 3D style perspective (sounds better to me)

3. FYI - I realize there are updated map DVD's out there, I an not necessarily asking about those, though it seems to me it may be possible that the different perspective views may actually be on the mad DVD's - anyone know?

thanks

[Finnegan]

Take a look at this thread. There are firmware updates and map updates. Firmware is about 8 bucks (and there are other options to get it).

[3002 tii]

MKIV doesn't require the firmware update or at least I don't think so. All we need are new map discs.

You can access 3D perspective by simply being in the map screen, pressing the right knob, change map positioning to "perspective". I'm not in my car but I'm pretty sure that sequence is right.

[Finnegan]

My Nav isn't running V32 so no perspective mode (unlike 'Kitty's car). You're right though, firmware doesn't need an update to use new maps.

[robrwalker]

still trying to make heads or tails of this.

Yeah - I am pretty clear that any version MKIV will run updated maps discs, but it seems people have differing opinions on whether the firmware can be upgraded and if so, what the benefits are.

I do not believe perspective mode is an option on my nav right now, nor is the night mode. both of these are of interest to me.

Maybe that part number for $8.90 in the other thread is what I need to get these options...I dont really need updated mapping, because it all seems pretty legit here in Los Angeles. Not been on a road it didnt have yet.

Of course, i really never use my nav, but i would like it to look prettier. that's kind of retarded i guess

[RichardP]

First thing to do is see what your current software version is. Go to the Settings menu, what is the number in the top right corner, 4-1/XX xx is the software version multiplied by 10. The latest is 4-1/00 which is V10.0 with the leading 1 cut off!! Anything above 4-1/70 will support perspective mode but you may have to unlock it first.

Night Mode was never available as a standard update, it's only available in a modified/hacked version of the software.

[RCNet]

Here is the definitive NAV update and tweaking thread from the DIY section.
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69732

[robrwalker]

Originally Posted by RichardP

First thing to do is see what your current software version is. Go to the Settings menu, what is the number in the top right corner, 4-1/XX xx is the software version multiplied by 10. The latest is 4-1/00 which is V10.0 with the leading 1 cut off!! Anything above 4-1/70 will support perspective mode but you may have to unlock it first.

Night Mode was never available as a standard update, it's only available in a modified/hacked version of the software.

Just looked and I am running version 8, but I see no options for perspective mode anywhere. When I push the right knob in while in map I get "Map Positioning, Dest.Input Map and Scale" as options. Map Position just allows me to switch between location and destination, not perspective mode.

maybe i need a more current version than 8?

thanks for advice so far

[robrwalker]

Just found this on the forum RCNet directed me to, going to try it later:

Enabling perspective (birds-eye view) with MKIV and v27 firmware or newer:
* Push the "MENU" button to get to the the main menu.
* Scroll to the "SETTINGS" menu selection and click the knob to select it.
* Push and hold the "MENU" button for about 8 seconds to enter the GPS Service Menu.
* Scroll beyond the bottom to a 2nd page, where you will get the Perspective option.
* Click the knob on the Perspective option to select it.
* Go back to the map view and click the knob. Select 'Map Positioning' then 'Perspective'

[RichardP]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

Just found this on the forum RCNet directed me to, going to try it later:

Enabling perspective (birds-eye view) with MKIV and v27 firmware or newer:
* Push the "MENU" button to get to the the main menu.
* Scroll to the "SETTINGS" menu selection and click the knob to select it.
* Push and hold the "MENU" button for about 8 seconds to enter the GPS Service Menu.
* Scroll beyond the bottom to a 2nd page, where you will get the Perspective option.
* Click the knob on the Perspective option to select it.
* Go back to the map view and click the knob. Select 'Map Positioning' then 'Perspective'

Yep, that's the correct procedure. MK IV that were not installed with perspective from the factory have it disabled by default when you update the software.

[robrwalker]

Well Crap. Got it all sorted, but what a load of

Perspective mode loses all the names of streets? what good is it then?

oh well - I have it now, which is what I said I wanted.

Whatever!

[BruceJ]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

still trying to make heads or tails of this.

Of course, i really never use my nav, but i would like it to look prettier. that's kind of retarded i guess

If you look really hard there might be something out there that is worse, but it works, once you get used to it. I like it in split screen mode better as it gives better indication of the upcoming turn. Also, its best to turn DSP off or she'll blow you out of the water with the volume. With DSP on it does not seem to pay attention to the Nav volume setting.

I took the time to get used to it as it irritated me that a 50K car that comes with NAV should have one thats such a PITA compared to literally anything on the market whether its the cheapest TomTom or any other OEM nav. Just the OppDef kickin in.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

Well Crap. Got it all sorted, but what a load of

Perspective mode loses all the names of streets? what good is it then?

oh well - I have it now, which is what I said I wanted.

Whatever!

I totally feel your pain. That was my exact reaction when I first tried perspective mode. It was like WTF...where's the usefulness in a map without street names . Tried it for all 10 seconds and went straight back to the 2D version.

I'm starting to find a lot of other little irks of the NAV. For example, if you have it in 1/2 view mode, a lot of the cross street names don't display at all (it probably gets cut off screen). To get cross street names to appear properly, you'll have to use the full screen mode. BUT, in full screen mode, you can't manually enter a destination address (you can only pick from a "favorite" list)?

[mikeinsf]

Anyone with an Android phone has nav in their pockets that's a hundred times better than the in-dash nav unit. I just leave mine on MAP mode and use my Droid to give me actual nav help when i need it. Then the nice lady isn't interrupting my music all the time either.

[RevsPlease]

Perspective mode is kinda useless, but hey, at least it doesn't look like a GPS display from like the 90's lol.

Figured this is kind of late in the thread...... BUT, If anybody wants the V32 update i have a burned DVD copy. I'm in SD and would be happy to lend it out to anyone who doesn't want to go through the hassle of downloading the file and mounting the ISO to disc.

[Thisisdudewhoru]

I got mine from bmwnav.net. Works like a charm. custom splash screen, speed cameras, night mode, 3d perspective and came with 2011 maps.

[RevsPlease]

Originally Posted by Thisisdudewhoru

I got mine from bmwnav.net. Works like a charm. custom splash screen, speed cameras, night mode, 3d perspective and came with 2011 maps.

Ive heard good things about them too. However, you cant beat free!

[robrwalker]

Originally Posted by RevsPlease

Perspective mode is kinda useless, but hey, at least it doesn't look like a GPS display from like the 90's lol.

Figured this is kind of late in the thread...... BUT, If anybody wants the V32 update i have a burned DVD copy. I'm in SD and would be happy to lend it out to anyone who doesn't want to go through the hassle of downloading the file and mounting the ISO to disc.

RevsPlease - PM'ed you. in LA and would like to bum a copy of your disc if possible!

[RevsPlease]

Hey, PM'd you back. Its all yours! Just pay to mail it

[z4xtreme]

Originally Posted by RevsPlease

Hey, PM'd you back. Its all yours! Just pay to mail it

Hi RevsPlease

mind helping another z4 owner with the nav update??

I can pay postage by paypal man, thanks