upgrade to nav

[530hamguy]

I just took delivery of a 2004 530i. Does anyone know if these are upgradeable to the navigation package when it's available. I am getting conflicting information.

Thanks

 

[snowsedan04]

The real question is why didn't you order the car with the NAV? That was one of the best decisions I made on my car. Takes the interior to a whole new (modern) level. I haven't heard many good things about the aftermarket units, unless you really need one that is portable like the Garmin.

 

[530hamguy]

i got an excellent deal on a 530i that was on the lot. i have been told that the car is dealer upgradeable to the BMW navigation system (not an aftermarket one). i have also been told that that may not be true, based upon the date of manufacture. i am looking for some clarity in this area.

thanks.

 

[usherjackson]

According to the dealer from which I ordered my car, if the car was made before October 2003, it cannot be upgraded with the Nav kit. There was one on the lot that I would have taken if it was available, but they told me it could not be retro-fitted.

 

[RuflessPhilly]

It will have to be aftermarket. All BMW Navigation systems are a factory installed option.

"I'm Rich Biotch" - Dave Chappelle

 

[karamian]

thia is something i am interested in as well. I have a 2004 330i and I knew i should have gotten the nav, but i just didn't. Can we install it afterwards?

Vk

 

[codex57]

Cheaper/easier to do it aftermarket. The German navis don't get high marks anyways so aftermarket is prolly a better choice.

 

[530hamguy]

RuflessPhilly - I believe that you are wrong. What is your source for such a strong statement? I just came from the dealer and the new 5 series cars either come with Navigation systems or they say on the sticker Nav-ready. If they are Nav-ready, then they should be able to get the Navigation system "at the dealer". This would NOT be an after-market Navigation system, this would be the one integrated into the iDrive. I am not interested in an after-market Nav system -- I wanted to know if I could get my car upgraded with the BMW Nav system integrated into my iDrive. I just need to know what the cutoff was for production - i.e. whether my car was manufactured after BMW started making them "Nav-ready". Does anyone know when this cutoff was? usherJackson implied it was Oct 2003 - anyone know for sure?

 

[Killntime]

Might I suggest, then, that you look at the label from your new car and see if it says: Navigation Ready

 

[pydo82]

i want to do a nav upgrade to my 04 325ci too, but I know that BMW wont do it for you. In fact they say that it is not even possible. However, people sell nav parts all the time on ebay and bmw forums. I know that it has been done. If you get the part numbers and get a hold of all the necessary parts, the screen, the brain, wiring harness etc. im sure you can find a place that will do it for u. Personally I dont care whether it is thestock navi or an aftermarket one. The only reason I've been looking to do a stock navi, is because of looks. I want an in dash screen not one that pops in and out and covers other parts of your dash when in use. If anyone knows of any aftermarket nav systems (preferably ones that include dvd and tv), that doesnt compromise the look of the interior, let me know!

 

[530hamguy]

Killntime, you are too clever. Duh, Why didn't I think of that? Maybe because I bought a demonstrator and it didn't have the sticker...

 

[codex57]

Check the side of your door frame. There might be a sticker there that has your build date. That oughta help you figure out some in figuring out if yours is retrofittable or not.

Have you called BMWNA or e-mailed them. I find that dealers usually have no idea what the hell they're talking about in most cases.

 

[530hamguy]

Thanks codex57, will do. Now, that was genuinely helpful.

 

[pydo82]

I've called BMW dealerships...they tell u that it is impossible. Are they lying? Are there any dealerships that will actually do an install for u?

 

[karamian]

I am also interested in getting a Nav system just because. However, I have been also told by the dealer when i got my car that if the nav system is not installed on the 330i than you have no option of getting it later!

I don't know about you guys, but I never say never!

So I came across the following site which I think you would be interested.

http://e46.mit.edu/BMW_OEM_Widescreen_NAV_Retrofit.htm

Let me know if you come across something better.

 

[maxdowg]

I just stopped by my BMW dealer to ask about upgrading my 530 to navigation system. They said it's possible but will cost $5k because the whole harness system needs to be replaced.

 

[e60hamguy]

I just stopped by my BMW dealer to ask about upgrading my 530 to navigation system. They said it's possible but will cost $5k because the whole harness system needs to be replaced.

Maxdowg, what is the build date on your 530? I think mine was Aug 2003, so I am probably SOL.

 

[maxdowg]

Maxdowg, what is the build date on your 530? I think mine was Aug 2003, so I am probably SOL.

Mine is Aug 03 as well, but they did not check the build date.

 

[vyh]

I have both BMW nav and 2 aftermarket (Garmin 2610 and Delorme Laptop). The BMW (IMHO) has the worst input mechanism !!!! The Garmin is touchscreen; the Delorme has better screens (laptop based). Costwise: Delorme $100, Garmin $700, BMW $1200 (when ordered with car)
VH
03 X5 4.4
99 Ml320
91 LS400
92 Prelude Si
91 Galant LS