Navigation Maps Update for $500

June 2010

I got my USB stick and code from TomTom/BMW. It took almost two weeks.
I inserted the USB in the glove box and it asked for the code. I entered it and it said code incorrect. So I though maybe the o was a 0 (zero) still an error. Then I thought maybe I was 1(one) still an error. I tried every other combination of these to no avail.
I called TomTom/BMW but customer support knew nothing. They are supposed to have someone call me.
This could turn out to be a cluster F---. They will be hesitant to give me my money back because I have opened the package. So I end up out $250 and have no new navigation.

Maybe I should have ordered from a dealer. Then if I have a problem there is help. And if the code doesn't work they can see I don't have the new nav software installed on my car and perhaps give me a refund.

After this problem maybe I shouldn't upgrade at all. I have a a Telenav Scout app on my iPhone 5 that is the best Nav software I have ever seen. It has traffic data for local streets not just interstates. However this does not show in my HUD like the BMW nav and that makes it extremely easy to follow.
I will see if TomTom/BMW can solve the problem. Here is place I bought map and code.
http://store.bmwgpsmaps.com
CC

Originally Posted by CC Brown

I got my USB stick and code from TomTom/BMW. It took almost two weeks.
I inserted the USB in the glove box and it asked for the code. I entered it and it said code incorrect. So I though maybe the o was a 0 (zero) still an error. Then I thought maybe I was 1(one) still an error. I tried every other combination of these to no avail.
I called TomTom/BMW but customer support knew nothing. They are supposed to have someone call me.
This could turn out to be a cluster F---. They will be hesitant to give me my money back because I have opened the package. So I end up out $250 and have no new navigation.

Maybe I should have ordered from a dealer. Then if I have a problem there is help. And if the code doesn't work they can see I don't have the new nav software installed on my car and perhaps give me a refund.

After this problem maybe I shouldn't upgrade at all. I have a a Telenav Scout app on my iPhone 5 that is the best Nav software I have ever seen. It has traffic data for local streets not just interstates. However this does not show in my HUD like the BMW nav and that makes it extremely easy to follow.
I will see if TomTom/BMW can solve the problem. Here is place I bought map and code.
http://store.bmwgpsmaps.com
CC

What car is this for, and what is the build date?

Do you have ENET Cable?

They may have entered your VIN wrong. Part of the process for getting the unlock code is for the software seller to enter the VIN correctly. BMW generates the unlock code that is unique for each VIN. I paid a few bucks more in getting this my local dealer but it was quick and painless. I got my BMW Car Club of America discount so I got a reasonable discount.

This code is for a 2010 535i GT built 08/10.
I did this upgrade last year and the only problem was I could not tell an O from a 0-zero. Once I figured that out no problems.

I have concluded they put in the vin incorrectly. However we will see if BMW/TomTom gets back to me.
CC

I do not have an enet cable. What could that do for me? I did have my car programmed by a guy here in Atlanta to have the mirrors close when locking plus a couple other things. I hope that didn't screw things up.

Originally Posted by CC Brown

I do not have an enet cable. What could that do for me? I did have my car programmed by a guy here in Atlanta to have the mirrors close when locking plus a couple other things. I hope that didn't screw things up.

No, nothing like that. If you had an ENET Cable, and could connect to your car, I could help you with your problem, but if you can not connect to your car, I can't do anything.

Maybe they did mess up the VIN on your order, so if that is the case, they should be able to get you a new FSC Code for your VIN.

Thank you for offering assistance. TomTom called plus answered my e-mail. This is a new venture for them and I am one of the first ones to get the product. All of the first ones have had the same problem so it sounds like the codes being generated are incorrect. They are meeting with BMW today to resolve the issue. I am confident it will get resolved quickly or else they have no business and the new folks have no jobs.
CC

Originally Posted by shawnsheridan

Or you could by the same USB Media version without the FSC Code only for $42, and an FSC Code from "The FSC Code Man" for $50, and be done for under $100.

Just finished my budget upgrade in about 1 hour from the Tischer USB stick. No problems.

Originally Posted by dks13

Just finished my budget upgrade in about 1 hour from the Tischer USB stick. No problems.

It's getting even cheaper now as you can download the Map Image online for free, so you need only buy the FSC code itself.

Originally Posted by shawnsheridan

It's getting even cheaper now as you can download the Map Image online for free, so you need only buy the FSC code itself.

From where can you get the maps for free? Is is legitimate or bit torrent, etc.

Originally Posted by BMW_F1

From where can you get the maps for free? Is is legitimate or bit torrent, etc.

The Nav Map software, sold by BMW without an FSC Code, is essentially free. BMW sold the DVD media version last year for only $11 and this year they sell the USB media version for only $42. All you are paying for is the cost of the media itself, i.e. the cost of three DVD Roms or the cost of one 32 GB thumb drive. What they actually sell for profit is the FSC Code, i.e. software license. So, what is out there available for download without an FSC Code in Digital media format from file hosting sites, FTP sites, or as a Torrent costs nothing as it has no actual media related costs. After downloading though, if you want to obtain an FSC Code and use the software, you can choose to buy a legitimate FSC Code from your Dealer, or buy one from "The FSC Code Man".

Originally Posted by shawnsheridan

The Nav Map software, sold by BMW without an FSC Code, is essentially free. BMW sold the DVD media version last year for only $11 and this year they sell the USB media version for only $42. All you are paying for is the cost of the media itself, i.e. the cost of three DVD Roms or the cost of one 32 GB thumb drive. What they actually sell for profit is the FSC Code, i.e. software license. So, what is out there available for download without an FSC Code in Digital media format from file hosting sites, FTP sites, or as a Torrent costs nothing as it has no actual media related costs. After downloading though, if you want to obtain an FSC Code and use the software, you can choose to buy a legitimate FSC Code from your Dealer, or buy one from "The FSC Code Man".

I see what you mean. I thought BMW was now providing a sanctioned way to get the map data downloaded for free. I know the FSC code is, of course, separate and not free.

Originally Posted by BMW_F1

I see what you mean. I thought BMW was now providing a sanctioned way to get the map data downloaded for free. I know the FSC code is, of course, separate and not free.

Unfortunately, not. BMW offers no digital media download option.

WOOHOO...Successfully upgraded maps in my F10 for just $50 inclusive of maps and FSC code thanks to our European friend and shawnsheridan who was very patient with me

No noticeable difference that I could tell, but I will try a route this evening and see if it still takes me through those roads that are closed

Glad I didn't spend $250+

BMW/TomTom sent the correct code for the map update today. It took about 55 minutes to complete the entire process. Much faster than last year with the CD's. I did pay $250 and not $100 but I am uneasy about someone running a bootleg business and stealing real Companies monies. I put myself and the other side of these transaction and ask would I want people doing that to me. Just my 2 cents.
CC

Three things I have noticed about the new maps.
1. I like the new arrangements of POI. It seems better organized to me plus I found some new places
2. When I looked at traffic it had some local streets listed now. Before I only saw interstate highways.
3. A map error close to me still has the error. I decide to report it and maybe next year it will be fixed.
CC

Cc. How do u report errors?

The question I have is about the maps. Is the routing better?

Maps are data; they don't contain any logic. If the map update includes new streets that allow the logic in the nav system (firmware) to make better routing choices, the the routing will be better. In this case the system has more information to work with. But a map update won't change the ways that the system makes it routing decisions.

Originally Posted by SuperSnoop

Maps are data; they don't contain any logic. If the map update includes new streets that allow the logic in the nav system (firmware) to make better routing choices, the the routing will be better. In this case the system has more information to work with. But a map update won't change the ways that the system makes it routing decisions.

Not correct.

The map data also indicates possible routes, two ways vs. one ways, average speeds, and data for which way is faster, etc.

So yes, the map data can have an effect on routing.

http://store.bmwgpsmaps.com/

This is where I bought my maps and FSC code. It is a TomTom company authorize by BMW. On that web page is a place to submit map changes.

Close to my house there is an intersection that the maps must indicate no left turn. So it wants to take me through the intersection and do a turn around and come back and make a right turn.
I submitted a change thru this site. I got a confirmation that they had received and two days later the a change had been made.

In answer to some others questions this maps error caused incorrect routing!

Unforetunely we will not see that change on our maps for another year.

I got an email today from Tom Tom, offering me the 2013 nav update for $245 on USB. From what I heard this is the new normal.

It's still more than the Lexus update which is $169.00...still too much.

Bmwnav.net... I ain't too proud to beg for $49.95...

Originally Posted by Akshun

Bmwnav.net... I ain't too proud to beg for $49.95...

They offer only CCC DVD based software, not CIC Hard Drive software.

So, for those with CIC, it's:

1) Pay $250 to BMW / Tom Tom,
2) Use fscmap.com
3) Download it for free, and see "The FSC Code Man" for $50.

2 and 3 though are basically one in the same though.