matsmith749 said:
Now there are decent MMI box options like the mr12volt, it kinda kills the standard system & makes updating the maps redundant.
It's not just about more up to date maps, it's about always current maps. And better navigation options (re-routing etc) - it's just a cleverer system full stop.
Andriod auto / apple car play has completed killed the bespoke infotainment systems for all current & future cars IMHO - well worth getting.
I can't agree more. Having Google Maps or Waze at your finger tips is great, but not infallible (as we've recently found out in France). You need either to download the area map or have phone signal for it to work properly though. If you loose phone signal then you'll loose the ability for re-routing (ie; reported accidents and roadworks etc) also if you haven't downloaded the local maps (and most people don't) it'll only work as far as it's last section of the map has loaded. In hot weather a smart phone can overheat, and one of the first things to shutdown will be the mapping, especially vulnerable if you are charging the phone and using wireless connection as this will increase the phone temperature quite considerably.
These are good reasons as to why to have the built-in system up to date, just as a back-up.
Most people don't realise though that the OEM mapping system does have re-routing! here in the UK it works along with systems like Trafficmaster, and this information is transmitted via the RDS radio network signal. It'll re-route for accidents and roadworks, so as long as you have the current mapping update then you'll be good to go. Oh and you don't need the BMW account for this to work

:driving:
Nathanio said:
Thanks Dave, if the dealer is involved then I'm sure it'll be expensive! Might be better to just put the money into a mr12v.
Perhaps I'll see what the newest map dvds are available and just at least get it partially updated
The Mr12volt is a great piece of kit and I highly recommend it
Yes, going through a BMW dealer is expensive :thumbsdown: I had my headunit reset (as I accidentally Bricked it :headbang: ), and while it was away the guy updated the i-Level to the latest, he also installed all of the available FSC's (Voice, Nav and Connected Drive (as I have a Combox)) and installed the latest Maps, all for £60. Alas I can't find him now on eBay, but there are others that do it. It's always an option.
