Navigation Maps Update for $500

I would like to get the latest version of the navigation maps. The price that I was quoted was approximately $500 with the maps, installation and tax. If this is correct, it is really outrageous.

It is correct. The maps are like $15. The code to activate them is about $100. The rest is the labor they charge since it takes 3-4 hours to download them.

You can buy the maps at the dealer and the code for under $100 (or so, IIRC) from one of our European friends on here. Then just do it yourself.

Apparently you can do it yourself now: http://navigation.teleatlas.com/bmwusa

The cost is $245 and from the description they will send a USB drive with the maps, the page also asks for your VIN. This would presumably be used to create the FSC code.

Should one buy now or Spring 2013?

I had the dealer update mine from 2010 to 2011. There was no meaningful improvement in map coverage or routing intelligence (?). And it cost $650 for the dealer to do the install. From other threads, there is a relatively wide range of prices, depending on the dealer. But all are outrageous.

There is a complete thread on DIY for this. While the thread is long, there is a good explanation at #138. See link.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=540474&page=2

Tischer has it for $235 for the CIC updates: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=659278

Looks like they also added the ability to just get the media on USB if you want to get an FSC code from somewhere else.

My service adviser looked further into this. His information was out of date. Now one buys the software and a USB drive from the local BMW Center. The client is given a code and downloads the software on a USB drive purchased from the BMW center. I have no idea why one would need to buy the USB drive from the BMW center.

I ordered last Weds from this site. http://navigation.teleatlas.com/bmwusa

From what I can tell; this how you get a map update now. This site looks like it is owned by TomTom but is only for BMW around the world.

I want to see if the code key is imbedded on the USB drive or shipped with the drive. I would like to use the map for another car. I know I can get a key for less than the cost of this combination.

I did try to find a way to order the maps on a CD but I could not find a site that recognized the maps part number I used before.

Originally Posted by CC Brown

I ordered last Weds from this site. http://navigation.teleatlas.com/bmwusa

From what I can tell; this how you get a map update now. This site looks like it is owned by TomTom but is only for BMW around the world.

I want to see if the code key is imbedded on the USB drive or shipped with the drive. I would like to use the map for another car. I know I can get a key for less than the cost of this combination.

I did try to find a way to order the maps on a CD but I could not find a site that recognized the maps part number I used before.

Please update us when you get your shipment.

Originally Posted by CC Brown

I ordered last Weds from this site. http://navigation.teleatlas.com/bmwusa

From what I can tell; this how you get a map update now. This site looks like it is owned by TomTom but is only for BMW around the world.

I want to see if the code key is imbedded on the USB drive or shipped with the drive. I would like to use the map for another car. I know I can get a key for less than the cost of this combination.

I did try to find a way to order the maps on a CD but I could not find a site that recognized the maps part number I used before.

The code is sent in a pdf document via email or with the USB purchase. The code is entered manually when prompted.

Well I don't know how the code is sent. My guess is BMW is tired of people illegally generating FSC codes and selling them. Plus they are not selling CD's of the maps for $8 like they did last year as far as I can tell. My belief is they are trying to close that revenue loophole and get $245 from folks because people don't want to pay the outrageous prices they were charging-$400+ . If they are going to close the loophole they might imbed the code inside the map some way.

Not sure how they will do this for when I updated last year from a CD I bought from BMW for $14 I entered a code right at the beginning of the installation. We will see.

Originally Posted by CC Brown

Well I don't know how the code is sent. My guess is BMW is tired of people illegally generating FSC codes and selling them. Plus they are not selling CD's of the maps for $8 like they did last year as far as I can tell. My belief is they are trying to close that revenue loophole and get $245 from folks because people don't want to pay the outrageous prices they were charging-$400+ . If they are going to close the loophole they might imbed the code inside the map some way.

Not sure how they will do this for when I updated last year from a CD I bought from BMW for $14 I entered a code right at the beginning of the installation. We will see.

They are apparently not selling the DVD Media only version anymore, but instead you can get the USB Media Version only. So it is now $42 instead of $11. You can buy an FSC Code for $50, and be upgraded for around $100 net.

Originally Posted by shawnsheridan

They are apparently not selling the DVD Media only version anymore, but instead you can get the USB Media Version only. So it is now $42 instead of $11. You can buy an FSC Code for $50, and be upgraded for around $100 net.

Is all this accomplished through the BMW web site, or by other means?

Originally Posted by Ace535i

Is all this accomplished through the BMW web site, or by other means?

I ordered the 2013 USB Media Only version from Tischer BMW for $42.20:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...gid=4462&tab=1

Hit the Drop Down box to get the USB option.

Now for the FSC Code, you can buy that too from BMW for a couple hundred dollars, or get a generated one for $50.

And the generated code....

Has anyone upgraded yet?
Have a 2012 F10 and wondering if there are any significant upgrades.

Anyone know if the upgrades include the improved traffic re-route shown in TV ads.

Originally Posted by Baquir

Has anyone upgraded yet?
Have a 2012 F10 and wondering if there are any significant upgrades.

Anyone know if the upgrades include the improved traffic re-route shown in TV ads.

I have.

I haven't noticed any difference yet, although I have not driven it much either since upgrading.

I did the upgrade which just came out.

Key information:
BMW 0n-Board Navigation System
Digital Road Map for North America
USB North America Premium 65 90 2 338 094
2013 Version 1A
The maps are by Tom Tom
A 32 GB USB drive has the maps on it. It is contained in a nice PVC case.
The BMW Center submits your VIN Number to BMW. They receive a Map Certificate that is given to the customer. It has a release code for your vehicle.
You insert the USB drive into USB outlet on the right side of your glove box. When the car recognizes the USB it prompts you for a code. You enter the code and and the software starts loading. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Once started you can drive while it loads. If you turn off the car while loading, it starts up again when you restart the car. Very cool.
After loading the maps, you remove the thumb drive and reuse it for another purpose.
Price approximately $220 plus tax.

Routing is better and it better identifies streets/roads with less traffic. For me it is worth the price.

Originally Posted by pharding

I did the upgrade which just came out.

Key information:
BMW 0n-Board Navigation System
Digital Road Map for North America
USB North America Premium 65 90 2 338 094
2013 Version 1A
The maps are by Tom Tom
A 32 GB USB drive has the maps on it. It is contained in a nice PVC case.
The BMW Center submits your VIN Number to BMW. They receive a Map Certificate that is given to the customer. It has a release code for your vehicle.
You insert the USB drive into USB outlet on the right side of your glove box. When the car recognizes the USB it prompts you for a code. You enter the code and and the software starts loading. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Once started you can drive while it loads. If you turn off the car while loading, it starts up again when you restart the car. Very cool.
After loading the maps, you remove the thumb drive and reuse it for another purpose.
Price approximately $220 plus tax.

Routing is better and it better identifies streets/roads with less traffic. For me it is worth the price.

Or you could buy 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.

Originally Posted by Ace535i

And the generated code....

It is generated based on the 1B Nav FSC Code in your CIC and your short VIN, so it is car specific. There is no universal FSC Code.

Here is what your $42 buys you.

Shawn, I see the note on the bottom of that literature abou a pre-9/09 build date. Will it work with non-combos cars?

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Shawn, I see the note on the bottom of that literature abou a pre-9/09 build date. Will it work with non-combos cars?

Yes, Combox is not at all related. I have not figured out why it states that CIC <= 09/2009 won't work via USB. I know several people with builds much older (e.g. 09/2008), and as long as you have a CIC and USB Port in the Glovebox, it seems to work just fine.

My 5er is non-combox and the maps upgrade worked fine.

Originally Posted by pharding

My 5er is non-combox and the maps upgrade worked fine.

Just curious, what is your actual build date? Are you <= 09/2009?