XSeries-forum

Hi

While I wait for Amazon to deliver my tyre pressure meter I have another question

My Dec-2005 X5 has the in-built GPS stereo however it doesn't seem to allow post codes to be entered. Therefore I am still using my TomTom which defeats the object really!

I have the 2006 BMW sat nav disc and was wondering if I bought the new 2012 disc would I then be able to enter post codes or is it the unit itself that is the problem rather than an old disc?

Thanks again

Sally

I don't think there is an OE updated disc that includes postcode search for the E53. I think the new generation BMWs of now do have this feature (but someone else will need to confirm this).

I thought there was previously some reluctance on BMWs part to buy in the necessary software to allow full 7 digit postcode search.  However I just wandered outside in the cold just to confirm for you that my 2011 MY E71 does indeed allow this feature (if we count the space between 2 bits of the postcode as being a character - I used fictitious M14 4DE as a test).  I am running software version Premium 2010 if that helps?  Dunno if it also has to have an updated unit - it's the software that allows the postcode to be entered surely? - mine being the HDD version.

Yes you can def do postcode entries on the E70, but I think the question is whether this is now possible on the E53?

The short answer is that you can have a full postcode search on an E53 but only if you get a counterfeit disc.  Even at that it's a slow, clunky method and really isn't worth it. 

You can still do a partial postcode search with a genuine disc though, the option is obvious on the menu.

Thanks for all the help.

Gidgets and gizmos are not my forte so this website is a lifesaver!

It doesn't sound too promising getting the post codes, however I have a another question which might mean things aren't too bad after all.

Can you save Favourite Routes on the BMW unit? I have these routes saved in my Tom Tom and it works very well.

If I could save these on the X5 unit it would make these much easier.

Thanks

Sally

Addresses - not routes - are saved in the 'Destinations' option.  It only allows you to store a destination address and not a route - that option came with the 'ConnectedDrive' system on the later E70/71 with the CIC type iDrive.

If it's any comfort, I've got the X70, latest software and latest maps and the system is still pretty cr*p in that it doesn't recognise the majority of addresses I try to enter.  It's the one thing I'm still in discussion with BMW 'customer services' about.  They claim that I'm the only person raising the issue (do I believe them?), and say they're at a loss as to how to resolve.  I've been promised free map upgrades until sorted and also been given a partial refund on the cost of the sat nav system ...

I know that sticking the tomtom on the windscreen is a bit naff in such a car, but I'd keep it in the glovebox for when it's needed and don't waste too much money trying to resolve ...

On the E53, you enter the postcode in the City/PC field.

Well, the part of the post code you can at least. Got me everywhere anyway.

E70 indeed full postcode, but had to use my Garmin to find a post code on an industrial estate that did not exist on the BMW nav (well, the estate is only 20 years old or so ...).

[quote="dgm"]
The short answer is that you can have a full postcode search on an E53 but only if you get a counterfeit disc.  Even at that it's a slow, clunky method and really isn't worth it. 

You can still do a partial postcode search with a genuine disc though, the option is obvious on the menu.
[/quote]

i think it works very well, if you can put up with the million step process to enter a post code.. so much so that i actually got rid of the tommy i had because i found that i wasn't using it at all.

my mrs on the other hand hates the totally non-user friendly million step process that she refuses to use it! doesn't hesitate to show her annoyance and proceeds to borrow a tommy from a friend, in the rare occasion that she has to drive alone to an unknown location.. or uses google navigator  on her phone!

guess u can gauge how user friendly it is 

I prefer to think that your wife has high morals and does not want to use an illegal software disk  >:D

I found BMW satnav in all the BMWs I've owned to really be pretty poor. My Pioneer is superb on the other hand.

[quote="pvr"]
I prefer to think that your wife has high morals and does not want to use an illegal software disk  >:D
[/quote]

who said its illegal?  .. its just 'ill' in the way it works.. 

Hi

I spent some time this morning adding all my common destinations in to the address book. I kept trying to press the screen thinking it was a touch screen like my Apple gadgets!

Is there a way of turning off the Sat Nav volume so I can listen to the radio without the instructions blaring out? I have turned the volume Mix thingy down to the minimum but it's still too loud. With the TomTom I had the volume at zero and just watch the screen without the sound.

Thanks

Sally

I forgot to say, when I was Googling this subject I read something about upgrading the Firmware which would give a better 'Perspective' view. I must admit the standard view I have at the moment isn't that great!

So, could my local BMW Dealership upgrade this Firmware for me (2005 X5) or have I got the wrong end of the stick and maybe it is only for newer cars.

Thanks

Sally