So this is my first bmw and I just bought it with 29000 miles on it.

I was wondering if it was possible to upgrade the navigation system that it already has to the latest technology?

Also, what other possible upgrades or things I should watch for or get for this car?

bump,
I'm looking for the same thing. My father has an 03 e65 with i believe the MKIII navigation, an upgrade to MKIV would make a great christmas present.
--John

Congrats on your purchase. Depending on what navi unit you have, you maybe able to upgrade. Take a look at your navi drive and if it says DvD on it than it is the latest. It it doesn't it is MKIII which is CD based, you can upgrade to the MKIV and get a faster DVD based Navi.

I hope you've got a warranty.

I believe the e65/e66 models don't have the MK nav system. Its a different version for the I-Drive. I think there is a software upgrade for the nav system in the e65 models. Also you can't install a MK nav system in the e65.

I believe the e65/e66 models don't have the MK nav system. Its a different version for the I-Drive. I think there is a software upgrade for the nav system in the e65 models. Also you can't install a MK nav system in the e65.

actually, I think you are correct...

I hope you've got a warranty.


lol +1

(We did buy the extended maintenance and service warranty, thankfully. lol) Last time we brought it to the dealership, though, we asked them to update the iDrive. And im pretty sure they did, actually, after having checked the version before/after. However, my dads 7 is an 03 so it still has the CD-based system, and i was wondering how hard (read: expensive) it would be to upgrade it to the DVD based system like on the newer 7s/entire line. Also, while we're on it... if anyone knows if its possible to upgrade the entire iDrive software so its more like the easier-to-use version shipping with the newer models, it'd be appreciated. I'm not sure if its possible without basically a complete overhaul of the iDrive system (though id probably need to buy at least the new controller panel with the 2 additional buttons for MENU and BACK).

Thanks in advance,
--John

I believe the e65/e66 models don't have the MK nav system. Its a different version for the I-Drive. I think there is a software upgrade for the nav system in the e65 models. Also you can't install a MK nav system in the e65.

I hope you've got a warranty.

E65 envy. Same can be said for the $5000 a year the E38 requires in maintenance.

sdadept,

Enjoy your new ride. As you know you already have the bumper to bumper warranty to 100k and great call on adding the extended mainenance. I did the same and after three brake jobs and all the other scheduled stuff, it paid for itself and more. There is a bulletin out on the CD nav for the early model years and you can get them to swap in the DVD if you do some research and complain to the dealer of similar issues. Mine was upgraded to DVD as part of the bulletin. Unfortunately, even the DVD NAV in the early MY's doesn't compare to the new cars, but it still will get you where you want to go. After using the NAV in our new Audi, the older BMW Nav leaves a lot to be desired.

ALL 7 series model years are cash cows with regard to maintenance. I have owned an E32, E38 and now the E65/66. I am about to take delivery on a 2006 just coming off of lease. Can't say enough on how much fun the E65/66 is to own and drive. Light years ahead of the E38 in every category.

Joe

E65 envy. Same can be said for the $5000 a year the E38 requires in maintenance.

sdadept,

Enjoy your new ride. As you know you already have the bumper to bumper warranty to 100k and great call on adding the extended mainenance. I did the same and after three brake jobs and all the other scheduled stuff, it paid for itself and more. There is a bulletin out on the CD nav for the early model years and you can get them to swap in the DVD if you do some research and complain to the dealer of similar issues. Mine was upgraded to DVD as part of the bulletin. Unfortunately, even the DVD NAV in the early MY's doesn't compare to the new cars, but it still will get you where you want to go. After using the NAV in our new Audi, the older BMW Nav leaves a lot to be desired.

ALL 7 series model years are cash cows with regard to maintenance. I have owned an E32, E38 and now the E65/66. I am about to take delivery on a 2006 just coming off of lease. Can't say enough on how much fun the E65/66 is to own and drive. Light years ahead of the E38 in every category.

Joe

do u know where i can find details on the bulletin and the related issues?
--John

Sorry, I do not. Search the web and other BMW forums for the symptoms of the issue. Mine was replaced a long time ago.

it could be this one:
SI B65 19 04
Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRSMarch 2004
Technical Service


SUBJECT
Conversion Procedure – CD NAV (NAVI01) to DVD NAV (NAVI02)
MODEL
E65/E66 (7 Series)
Vehicles produced up to March 2003.
SITUATION
From February 2004 on, supplies of the CD Navigation control unit (NAVI01) are no longer available. DVD Navigation control unit (NAVI02) will be supplied as a replacement part."
Rob NJ.