RDS TMC available in US! Will it work for BMW NAV?

[rharma]

I ocassionaly drive a BMW in Europe and love it when the NAV voice comes on to tell me that there is traffic ahead and that it has an alternative route for me to avoid it. Frustrated with the lack of such a great feature in my US spec 325, I did some research last night.

To my surprise I found out that Clear Channel is now broadcasting RDS-TMC on its channels:

http://www.tmcforum.com/en/about_tmc/tmc_news/tmc_in_the_us_of_a.htm

The big question is if it will be possible for BMW's in the US to pick up this TMC signal. My searching revealed that US spec BMW's do have the TMC capability. However, the article suggests it is a pay for use system and there was no mention of compatability with built-in NAV system.

Does anybody have any further info?

[Alex Baumann]

For the TMC, you'll need an extra module, which is available from BMW (in Europe)

[rharma]

I seem to remember posts where people stated that TMC on US spec cars worked when they were in Europe for ED. So that means the electronics are in the car?

[rharma]

I am surprised not more people seem interested in this. TMC is one of the coolest features of the car. I spoke with someone in BMW North America and he said BMW in Germany is working on a system that will enable BMW's in the US to get some form of traffic information. I suspect it will be TMC but I will call Germany next week to see if I can learn more.

[st_o_p]

Please keep us posted :thumbup: