Questions on BMW Pro SatNav as fitted to new Z4 in UK

S

ScottM

Member
After reading some interesting stuff here, time for my first post... (I did search the forum and couldn't find the following already discussed/answered, but apologies if I missed something and this is a repeat question)

A couple of questions on the BMW Professional satnav as currently (2010) factory-fitted to UK-spec Z4s, as I've received contradictory information (so please don't laugh at any stupid questions below, this is all based on what BMW have told me...)

The brochure says this supports "traffic information" and on other BMW models the Professional satnav definitely uses TMC. But BMW tell me it *isn't* TMC on the new Z4, it's now all done through BMW Assist (ie data download from phone connected to car). This seems very unlikely. So, can anyone confirm please whether the "Professional" satnav, in the new Z4 specifically, uses TMC for traffic information or requires BMW Assist? (Yes I know BMW Assist provides other data for the satnav, and that's fine, this question is just about the traffic congestion information).

If it uses TMC - is the new Pro satnav still a single-tuner system (ie you have to keep the radio tuned to Classic FM, the UK's TMC channel), or is it now a twin-tuner system (so the satnav stays tuned to Classic, and you can listen to a different station)?

Or if it does use BMW Assist for traffic congestion information, this implies one must also have the carphone option (and a phone plugged into it!)?

Next, BMW also told me that to update the maps in the satnav one has to purchase and install 14 (yes, fourteen!!!) DVDs into the car. This also seems unlikely, but BMW stuck by their answer when I queried it. I assume that, like every other satnav system, it's actually just one DVD, can anyone confirm that please? But, does the DVD stay in the satnav unit, or does the unit upload the DVD to an internal hard disk, and you then remove the DVD? If the latter, can the DVD drive then be used to play CDs, etc?

Many thanks for all and any enlightenment on the above.

Cheers,
Scott
 
Scott

Welcome to the forum and not a dumb question. In fact one that should prompt an interesting discussion. I will give you my view below (please note that I do have bmw assist but as it is free why not?):

The nav certainly supports 'traffic info' as I have seen the results in my car when on longer journeys when the info has changed and the route altered or alternative routes have been offered for my choice owing to revised traffic info. Not sure if this info was provided via TMC or BMW assist. However, I do not keep the radio tuned to Classic FM. If the car uses BMW assist then it does this via its own sim card as you do not need a phone connected to use BMW Assist.

As for the satnav software I understand it is held on the hard drive and any updates are done direct to the hard drive by the dealer. There are no DVDs supplied for the Nav and it would appear that none of the available 'update' DVDs will work with this system - so no chance so far to get 'safety cameras'! So no DVD left in the drive and it can be used to play DVDs. Not that I ever have as I downloaded all of my music from my IPOD onto the hard drive.
 
Mike, thanks for your reply and useful info - particularly that BMW Assist has its own SIM - something not mentioned in the Z4 brochure.

Given that, I wonder if there is anyone who has the satnav but doesn't have BMW Assist, who can confirm whether they get traffic info or not on the satnav? That would determine whether the traffic info is coming via TMC or BMW Assist.
 
There seems a lot of uncertainty as to whether the dealer is the only one that can update hard disk drive based sat navs. Newer cars from factory will have newer maps, and I think mine is 2008-02, rather than a 2009 release. BMW UK Customer services told me updates weren't available at that time (a while ago) for updating, but surely it should be as simple as obtaining an updated DVD...?

Without checking the car, I'm pretty sure TMC is under the Radio menu - I actually noticed mine wasn't ticked a week or so ago when I was going through some of the menus (stuck in a queue of traffic :D ) I don't have BMW Assist either.

As mentioned, the Nav definitely does show traffic "issues". One of the icons down the left side of the sat nav screen configures this, and I think also shows any traffic alerts. I also remember seeing grey triangles on a road I was driving along that was restricted to a single lane.
 
Thanks for reply, very helpful. So, satnav definitely supports traffic info without needing bmw assist (ergo it uses tmc), thanks for confirming that - but you don't say if you have to have the radio tuned to Classic FM for this to work (ie single tuner vs dual tuner)?

A bit worried though if the newest maps available are 2008...
 
Definitely don't have the radio on Classic FM :P

Newer cars from the factory will come with newer maps, but a while ago it was unclear how to update the hard disk drive nav system with newer maps.

I'll try and remember to take a few pics tomorrow of the traffic option on the nav screen.
 
Just to let you know there is now an update at last for the maps from the dealers, about time for those like me with 2008 maps!
The dealer needs to download it for you. You can't update via DVD discs.
 
Hmmm- this would probably involve me having a long conversation with the dealer describing what it is that needs updated, and life's too short. :roll: A DVD update would be a much better option. I'll revisit in a years time when the car gets its first service and just go straight to the 2011 maps! :? :D
 
You're right there, was passed to parts, then service, then back to parts, turns out it is done by service dept.
When I first asked why it still had 2008 maps when I picked it up I was told by my salesman that a update was forthcoming, labour was free and implied (important word) maybe the updated maps would be no charge or discounted, When I phoned the dealers about the maps I was told the salesman no longer worked there! :(
May still chance it and see what they say!
 
This is the icon on the nav screen for traffic info. Pretty sure its highlighted orange/red when there is traffic info available:

nav-trafficinfo1.jpg

This is what happens when you select the icon:

nav-trafficinfo2.jpg
 
Keep us updated on this. I think we have both contacted BMW UK Customer Services in the past, with the usual response being that an update will be available soon and to contact the dealer. I wonder if it will ever be possible to update with a DVD - I'm sure the owners manual states something along those lines - why else would the car have a DVD player...?

JohnT said:
You're right there, was passed to parts, then service, then back to parts, turns out it is done by service dept.
When I first asked why it still had 2008 maps when I picked it up I was told by my salesman that a update was forthcoming, labour was free and implied (important word) maybe the updated maps would be no charge or discounted, When I phoned the dealers about the maps I was told the salesman no longer worked there! :(
May still chance it and see what they say!
Click to expand...
 
I did contact customer services when I got the car to ask why a 2009 car has 2008 software they replied that that was the most up to date at the time and that if a new version became available that it would be chargeable through the dealer network.

Paul
 
JohnT said:
Just to let you know there is now an update at last for the maps from the dealers, about time for those like me with 2008 maps!
The dealer needs to download it for you. You can't update via DVD discs.
Click to expand...

Hi, I don't suppose you know what version this would show as do you? I have 2008-2 but agreed with my dealer they would update it to the latest when I purchased the car (used) last week. If anyone knows the latest (2010-1?) it would help me asking for it specifically. Happy to feedback on how the update process works if I can confirm there is an update for them to apply. I thought it was DVD like some other, but only as the manual says that and I saw a map update DVD listed as an accessory for thte Z4.
 
BMW customer services said its the same version that is being put on the cars which are being built now.
On a side issue I wonder if a software (OS) update would enable voice control, it seems that 2010 model can use it to control the telephone menus, even without the voice control option, you need bluethooth option though. As far as I know 2009 models cant do this.
 
>> I wonder if it will ever be possible to update with a DVD

While trying to find out from BMW the answers to my original question (they also now say it's dual-tuner TMC, confirming replies here thank you), a dealer who's actually done an update of the HDD satnav told me...

The update is apparently done using a DVD, but you can't just go and buy the DVD; it seems it's only available to BMW dealers, because as well as uploading the new maps from the disc, you need a 'security key' (aka software licence) from BMW that is specific to each use of the disc (I got the implication, but don't know this bit for certain, they download some ID info from the car first using their diagnostic tools, then upload the key in the same way).

I was quoted these approx prices: £13 for the physical disc (you have to pay for it, even though it appears you don't get to keep it, and presumably they reuse the disc rather than buying a new one for each person!), £130 for the 'key', both plus vat, no mention of any additional labour cost.

Seems slightly worrying that one is tied to the main dealer for future map updates, and consequent risk of monopoly price hikes, rather than being able to go and buy the discs/keys oneself. Maybe that will change in future, and given that this whole procedure is new and little-understood, the above info I was given might not even be accurate, but I thought I'd pass it on to be helpful.
 
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