I just read that BMW has launched the new RTTI feature with navigation system. Real time traffic is now available in 42 cities.You need to have the latest maps to support this ( DVD ver 2007.1 launched in Sept 06) feature. The great thing is that is freeeeee...

Has anyone tried this new feature out? Also, I have an older version of the maps , so can I get access to RTTI by buying the 2007.1 version?

Thoughts and insights will be appreciated.

RTTI involves hardware which is only in cars built 9/06 and after.

how well does this work in LA?

if its crowded everywhere, and it redirects you, doesnt it slow you down more?

I haven't got the BMW system but I have a Nuvi 660 which gets traffic info from the same source as BMW (Clear Channel). That seems to indicate slow traffic when it's anywhere under 55 mph. The result is that it tries to re-route you almost constantly either the long way around or on surface streets. I've found that the only way to go is to shut off the automatic rerouting and do my own (and only really severe incidents will make me consider doing a re-route).

my nav screen went dead on me and they replaced it for me, now my maps are different and the RTTI option is available,,,does that mean i need another new CD or an added module to my car? i have a 2005 x5

This system works great saved me a long delay

RTTI seems to work well in the LA basin. Unfortunately, many of the items that are transmitted are simply "slow and go" or "stop and go" traffic. In LA, that's a given. It's definitely better to know the info than not, and it's always available and allows you to get the info without listening to the drivel on the news radio while waiting for a traffic report. It's worth much more than you paid for it.

RTTI seems to work well in the LA basin. Unfortunately, many of the items that are transmitted are simply "slow and go" or "stop and go" traffic. In LA, that's a given. It's definitely better to know the info than not, and it's always available and allows you to get the info without listening to the drivel on the news radio while waiting for a traffic report. It's worth much more than you paid for it.


same things apply in Chicago, our traffic is almost as bad

i understand their is a hardware portion of the RTTI...but can i add it to a 2005 x5