[beamer116]

I got an email recently from my dealer about an offer to upgrade my navigation software for some amount of money. Is this not covered by the warranty? Why do they ask for money?

[steve1975l]

Originally Posted by beamer116

I got an email recently from my dealer about an offer to upgrade my navigation software for some amount of money. Is this not covered by the warranty? Why do they ask for money?

How much was it? I haven't read anything about free updates and I'm not surprised they charge for them.

[Bradbury]

What is wrong with your current navigation software? Unless it is completely broken, I don't see why an upgrade would be covered by warranty.

[beamer116]

140 euros. Not really an urgent need to upgrade, although sometimes it goes "crazy". Just thought it should be covered by the warranty.

[Math]

I spoke to my dealer about this recently, just for future reference since I have no BMW navi currently.
She told me a maps update is available now and then, about 1-2 times per year, according to how much the roads have changed. Whether you perform the update is entirely up to yourself and costs around €250 (here in Belgium apparently).

For this reason and the high option price to begin with and the fact it has no speed cameras available, I chose no BMW navi, but instead bought a "top of the line" TomTom navi system which has lifetime free map updates (3-4 per year), traffic info, speed cameras and I can switch it between my car and work-van.

[Math]

Originally Posted by beamer116

140 euros. Not really an urgent need to upgrade, although sometimes it goes "crazy". Just thought it should be covered by the warranty.

Oh, ok, apparently its cheaper in Holland or my dealer was a bit off on the price, hehe.
Still, its a lot of money I think..

[beamer116]

When you buy some software, upgrades are typically included -for a specific period of time- in the price. Why not with the navigation software as well? BMW's navigation systems are not cheap to buy at first place.

[Math]

Originally Posted by beamer116

When you buy some software, upgrades are typically included -for a specific period of time- in the price. Why not with the navigation software as well? BMW's navigation systems are not cheap to buy at first place.

Exactly, thats what I find also. I dont know, I suppose its just another way to make some more money for them...
It really beats my why they are so expensive, a lot of other brands have much more affordable gps systems... But BMW is just expensive in all options really.

[steve1975l]

Originally Posted by beamer116

When you buy some software, upgrades are typically included -for a specific period of time- in the price. Why not with the navigation software as well? BMW's navigation systems are not cheap to buy at first place.

With a sat nav unless you buy a map update model you will have to buy maps. I guess if they had a fast internet connection they might give you map updates but I doubt it as it won't be fast enough even 4G. Yes integrated nav are very expensive but more desirable for re-sale especially on a premium car. I have thought about upgrading but it's not worth it for the odd road change.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by steve1975l

With a sat nav unless you buy a map update model you will have to buy maps. I guess if they had a fast internet connection they might give you map updates but I doubt it as it won't be fast enough even 4G. Yes integrated nav are very expensive but more desirable for re-sale especially on a premium car. I have thought about upgrading but it's not worth it for the odd road change.

I actually prefer NOT having navigation on second hand premium cars, as I will not upgrade the maps anyway. I have better maps (free lifetime) and features on my Tomtom.

[Bob UK]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

I actually prefer NOT having navigation on second hand premium cars, as I will not upgrade the maps anyway. I have better maps (free lifetime) and features on my Tomtom.

My opinion too these days, I had Radio Nav in my e46 which I thought was great back in 2001. Then I needed a map update CD . . . £115 twelve years ago was a shocker.

If I need a nav now I'll get a Tom Tom or a Garmin.

[steve1975l]

I guess it depends on how much you use it. I would have to un-mount and re-mount it every time I wanted to use it as I can't leave it on show.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by steve1975l

I guess it depends on how much you use it. I would have to un-mount and re-mount it every time I wanted to use it as I can't leave it on show.

I have no use for it during short trips close to where I live. I only use it for long journeys. I do however use my Tomtom quite a lot for work related driving in rental cars, mostly abroad.

[steve1975l]

Fair enough. I use it for the traffic too. I use navfree for my iphone for renting cars abroad.