[cdnowak]

I just discovered this board and it it awesome! So much better and more polite than many of the other boards out there. Through a sad set of circumnstances, I inherited a late production (July) 2001 X5. It has the Nav system, but I heard that there have been some upgrades since then. How do I get the system upgraded, and what are the updates/differences?

Currently I have a 323, and I recently sold my 1998 M3. I do not see a discussion forum for the X5. Now, being a 3-series owner for many years, I too have ill feelings toward the SUV/SAV thing. It seems like in many places, such as the BMWCCA the X5 is not recognized as a BMW, because it is an "SAV." As I said, I have never been a big fan of the things, but this was my step-father's and he passed away and wanted me to have it. It is not often that one is given a car, and for sentimental resons, I am not ready to turn around and sell the X5 to buy a new M3.

I guess my question is, will there ever be a forum for the X5 here?

Thanks for your help, and thanks for creating and maintaining a great board.
Chris

 

[alee]

You have 3 options...

a. You can upgrade to v18 (latest is v18.2). This will upgrade your navigation system to use the "split screen" functionality offered in all current BMWs.
The software is free, but some dealers are reluctant to offer the upgrade. You must make sure your dealer has the 2 CD set (key CD and software CD or it won't work).
Alternately, you can buy the software for $159 from BMW.

It will make your navigation system look like this...

More images...

b. You can upgrade your navigation system to be cosmetically the same as the 2002+ models. The cost to do this is $1500, and is not too hard.
You do NOT get more data on the screen... everything just gets stretched horizontally.

It will make your navigation system look like this...

More images...

c. You can do both. With (b) only, you will only get the older interface stretched to fit the wider screen.

Functionally, doing step a will give you 100% of the functionality of the newest BMWs. (b) is only cosmetic.

 

[Josh (PA)]

You have 3 upgrade options for your 2001 spec navigation system...

a. Install v18 (most current 18.2). This will upgrade your navigation software to support the latest split screen interface. It will look like this...

More images...

Your dealer should have the software, and the upgrade should be free, although some dealers may insist on charging you. Many will claim it does not work, but clearly it does. Make sure they have BOTH CDs (key CD, and software CD) or it will not work.

b. Install the

Al, you didn't just get abducted by aliens in the middle of writing about option B did you? Al, can you hear me, are you still there....... Al? AL? ALIEN BASTARDS give us back our friend. OH NO!:bawling:

 

[alee]

Al, you didn't just get abducted by aliens in the middle of writing about option B did you? Al, can you hear me, are you still there....... Al? AL? ALIEN BASTARDS give us back our friend. OH NO!:bawling:

My wireless is all wonky today.

 

[cdnowak]

It already has the wider screen. It is not the exact same screen, because it does not have that "ripple" or crease in the plastic that matches the break in the 3-series dashboard. It is, however, the wider screen that takes up the whole nav unit. To access the casette deck, I have to hit the eject button and the face folds down and in.

Thanks for the info on the version update, I will call my dealer and see if they will do it for me.

Chris

P.S. Alee, we've talked before. You put me on to Zaino - Thanks!

 

[alee]

It is, however, the wider screen that takes up the whole nav unit. To access the casette deck, I have to hit the eject button and the face folds down and in.

Then you're in great shape. All you need is the software update. If you can't get it (most dealers only have the software, not the key CD), let me know and I can get you the part number to buy the upgrade. It takes about 10 minutes and can be done in your driveway.

P.S. Alee, we've talked before. You put me on to Zaino - Thanks!

I hear that a lot. I hope Zaino doesn't turn out to be something that dissolves paint, or I'll have a lot of angry people chasing me. :eeps:

 

[cdnowak]

Thanks Alee,

If I buy the part myself with the Key CD, will I always be able to use that Key CD for future upgrades? If so, then I am very inclined to buy it myself so that I don;t even have to deal with the dealer. I also need to order the New England CD because the car was purchased in Florda and has that CD in it. Do you happen to know the part number for that, or at least could point me in the direction that I might be able to find it. Thanks again, I really appreciate your help.
Chris

 

[alee]

The part is 65 90 0 140 531 and is labeled "Split Screen". It contains the key CD and the software CD.

You only need the key CD for this upgrade. Once you're done, you are set and won't need it for any subsequent updates.

 

[Plaz]

Regional CDs are available through NavTech.