Navigation Database Updates - you might get it for free!

[X5Sport]

This is 100% legit, and is for hard drive based CIC iDrive systems and their equivalents in BMW and Mini cars. It is direct from BMW only.

When we ordered he Mini Countryman last weekend, the Sales Manager was puzzled when I asked how much the nav updates were. He said they were free for the first three years, and that this has applied to new BMWs & Minis since some time in mid-2010.

I promptly went and had words with my tame sales person in the BMW side and he confirmed that new BMWs come with a certificate which entitles owners to free nav updates at he time of servicing for the first three years. This was the first I'd heard of it, and I have no cert! No problem, all sorted sir.....

My E71 was in for warranty work this week to change a door seal (bad vulcanisation) and the Dealer has updated the software and nav database at the same time. Saved £190! Result!! The update does have to be done at the Dealer as the car has to be plugged into the Diagnostics System which then updates everything. There are no discs available.

So, for those of you who have recently bought a new BMW or Mini, check with your Dealer. You should be getting a free nav update or two.

[stevee]

This is great info. The 2012 maps came out mid-October, so I was looking for a cheaper way to update! Thanks.

[stevee]

I asked Barons Service F'boro about this today. They claimed to know nothing about it and said any map update is chargeable.

[X5Sport]

I got mine done free. Elms in Bedford told me the first three were included, and normally done with the servicing. The Sales Team knew nothing about it nor did the Service Team, but the Dealer Principal did and told them to do it.. I've never come across a Dealer Network who seem to know so little about what is going on. It was the Mini Dealer part that tipped me off, and one of their team had just come from the BMW side. I'm never sure if it's poor comms or deliberate withholding so that customers pay more.

To be honest I have not seen any major differences between the map databases. The roads recently built around south Bedford are still missing and the speed limit info is still completely wrong. My Road Angel is more accurate for that so I tend to use that as a backstop instead of the speed limit display function on the HUD.

[stevee]

I asked my dealer (Sytner) about this today .. and they too came back and said no free updates. The CIC systems requires a code for a map update which must be purchased ... was the line I got.

The 2012 maps are now live (on the bmw map website) and the updates to the A421 south of Bedford appear to be on it!