How to upgrade satnav to use post codes, please?

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Thu Aug 02, 2018 9:44 pm

How to upgrade my satnav to use post codes, please.

Gazza51 · Post by **Gazza51** » Thu Aug 02, 2018 10:33 pm

I know some with 2017 map discs that have 7 digit postcodes.

I tried an update disc and 2018 maps and can’t do 7 digit postcodes, only 5

R.E92 · Post by **R.E92** » Thu Aug 02, 2018 11:06 pm

You need to update the firmware of your navigation system to get the postcode navigation. Updating maps won't do it. You also won't be able to update maps over USB (only the DVD method) until you upgrade.

I'm surprised your car hasn't had a software update in its lifetime. The update that added postcode navigation was from 2010. Has it not had any major work done at a main dealer since then? They usually do a full update when replacing engine components or any electronic modules on the car.

You have a couple of options for upgrading, you either pay the dealership to upgrade the software for the entire car or you do it yourself with BMW coding tools like ISTA. You could in theory just upgrade the CIC navigation unit alone but ideally you want all modules to be aligned with updates (BMW calls it 'Integration Level')

Hunter · Post by **Hunter** » Fri Aug 03, 2018 5:47 am

There is a web site that quite a few people have used for advice on Sat Nav solutions, it ran by a guy called Rusty. Look up satnavupgrades for ADVICE on your particular problem.

R.E92 · Post by **R.E92** » Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:30 am

Hunter wrote: ↑Fri Aug 03, 2018 5:47 am There is a web site that quite a few people have used for advice on Sat Nav solutions, it ran by a guy called Rusty. Look up satnavupgrades for ADVICE on your particular problem.

That website has note about upgrading the FIRMWARE "IF your car has premium but is made before 03/2010 you will need a firmware update from BMW to be able to update using USB stick".

If he doesn't have postcode search then he won't be able to use that site to upgrade. Plus £40 is steep for a non-official map update, people were paying £20 for those codes 3 years ago. It's an easy free DIY these days!

Dr-Jon · Post by **Dr-Jon** » Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:27 am

Sounds like you definitely need the firmware update, I went to my local Stealers and they said it could not be done....
So don't waste your time with the Main dealers.
It can be done, I've had mine done and now have the latest maps 2018-2 installed all works fine 7 digit post codes now work.
I had a coder round to do mine, It meant a full car firmware update, every module in the car needed to be updated as they all need to run the same version of firmware (At least thats what he told me),and took him over 5 hours to do, and he had all the needed equipment.
It is not something that can be done via a laptop and lead. He had to gain access to the fibre optic ring to do it.( with the same kit the dealers use)
So it is possible but not a DIY job for sure.

R.E92 · Post by **R.E92** » Fri Aug 03, 2018 11:01 am

Dr-Jon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:27 am Sounds like you definitely need the firmware update, I went to my local Stealers and they said it could not be done....
So don't waste your time with the Main dealers.
It can be done, I've had mine done and now have the latest maps 2018-2 installed all works fine 7 digit post codes now work.
I had a coder round to do mine, It meant a full car firmware update, every module in the car needed to be updated as they all need to run the same version of firmware (At least thats what he told me),and took him over 5 hours to do, and he had all the needed equipment.
It is not something that can be done via a laptop and lead. He had to gain access to the fibre optic ring to do it.( with the same kit the dealers use)
So it is possible but not a DIY job for sure.

Some modules are on the MOST fibre optic ring but that doesn't mean you need to use an ICOM unit to program them, I think certain modules act as a gateway to translate between protocols (footwell module is one I think). I have personally updated all my cars modules using a BimmerGeeks cable which is just a normal K+DCAN serial interface cable.

It's a very easy DIY if you have a proper battery tender but the cost of getting the proper equipment will outstrip the cost of having BMW update the software. It's certainly worth asking your local dealer if they can do it. If they refuse or ask for more than £100 then look for a local coder.

Freebster · Post by **Freebster** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 2:49 pm

BMW Sytner, Solihull did the navigation firmware upgrade on my car. This is a separate firmware update to the regular updates done on the rest of the car. Apparently, the navigation firmware update often won’t get done unless the owner specifically asks.

Zed Baron · Post by **Zed Baron** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 3:20 pm

From memory I think there is an easy way you can tell if the car needs a firmware upgrade, when you look at your sat nav map display is there an 'I' with a tick through it, within a circle in the bottom left corner of the display screen? If its not there you need an upgrade

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 6:38 am

It still can’t do proper 7 digit postcode search though. Never has done and never will. The postcode search is done through a 3rd party poi list. Kind of works ok but a little convoluted to use.

djstan · Post by **djstan** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:34 am

That's odd - I used mine just yesterday and the full postcode worked fine? I have 2014 maps.

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Tue Aug 07, 2018 11:32 pm

Apologies....didn’t spot it was E89

djstan · Post by **djstan** » Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:15 am

D'oh!

Hunter · Post by **Hunter** » Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:08 am

I uppgraded mine yesterday and installed the 2018/2 maps with full post code etc. Took nearly an hour to upload but I’m very happy with the results.

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