Will a new BMW Sat Nav CD allow me to enter post codes?

[sallyjc]

Hi

While I wait for Amazon to deliver my tyre pressure meter I have another question

My Dec-2005 X5 has the in-built GPS stereo however it doesn't seem to allow post codes to be entered. Therefore I am still using my TomTom which defeats the object really!

I have the 2006 BMW sat nav disc and was wondering if I bought the new 2012 disc would I then be able to enter post codes or is it the unit itself that is the problem rather than an old disc?

Thanks again

Sally

[Raj]

I don't think there is an OE updated disc that includes postcode search for the E53. I think the new generation BMWs of now do have this feature (but someone else will need to confirm this).

[snipez999]

I thought there was previously some reluctance on BMWs part to buy in the necessary software to allow full 7 digit postcode search.  However I just wandered outside in the cold just to confirm for you that my 2011 MY E71 does indeed allow this feature (if we count the space between 2 bits of the postcode as being a character - I used fictitious M14 4DE as a test).  I am running software version Premium 2010 if that helps?  Dunno if it also has to have an updated unit - it's the software that allows the postcode to be entered surely? - mine being the HDD version.

[MJim]

Yes you can def do postcode entries on the E70, but I think the question is whether this is now possible on the E53?

[dgm]

The short answer is that you can have a full postcode search on an E53 but only if you get a counterfeit disc.  Even at that it's a slow, clunky method and really isn't worth it. 

You can still do a partial postcode search with a genuine disc though, the option is obvious on the menu.

[sallyjc]

Thanks for all the help.

Gidgets and gizmos are not my forte so this website is a lifesaver!

It doesn't sound too promising getting the post codes, however I have a another question which might mean things aren't too bad after all.

Can you save Favourite Routes on the BMW unit? I have these routes saved in my Tom Tom and it works very well.

If I could save these on the X5 unit it would make these much easier.

Thanks

Sally

[X5Sport]

Addresses - not routes - are saved in the 'Destinations' option.  It only allows you to store a destination address and not a route - that option came with the 'ConnectedDrive' system on the later E70/71 with the CIC type iDrive.

[MJim]

If it's any comfort, I've got the X70, latest software and latest maps and the system is still pretty cr*p in that it doesn't recognise the majority of addresses I try to enter.  It's the one thing I'm still in discussion with BMW 'customer services' about.  They claim that I'm the only person raising the issue (do I believe them?), and say they're at a loss as to how to resolve.  I've been promised free map upgrades until sorted and also been given a partial refund on the cost of the sat nav system ...

I know that sticking the tomtom on the windscreen is a bit naff in such a car, but I'd keep it in the glovebox for when it's needed and don't waste too much money trying to resolve ...

[pvr]

On the E53, you enter the postcode in the City/PC field.

Well, the part of the post code you can at least. Got me everywhere anyway.

E70 indeed full postcode, but had to use my Garmin to find a post code on an industrial estate that did not exist on the BMW nav (well, the estate is only 20 years old or so ...).

[jaynana]

[quote="dgm"]
The short answer is that you can have a full postcode search on an E53 but only if you get a counterfeit disc.  Even at that it's a slow, clunky method and really isn't worth it. 

You can still do a partial postcode search with a genuine disc though, the option is obvious on the menu.
[/quote]

i think it works very well, if you can put up with the million step process to enter a post code.. so much so that i actually got rid of the tommy i had because i found that i wasn't using it at all.

my mrs on the other hand hates the totally non-user friendly million step process that she refuses to use it! doesn't hesitate to show her annoyance and proceeds to borrow a tommy from a friend, in the rare occasion that she has to drive alone to an unknown location.. or uses google navigator  on her phone!

guess u can gauge how user friendly it is 

[pvr]

I prefer to think that your wife has high morals and does not want to use an illegal software disk  >:D

[Raj]

I found BMW satnav in all the BMWs I've owned to really be pretty poor. My Pioneer is superb on the other hand.

[jaynana]

[quote="pvr"]
I prefer to think that your wife has high morals and does not want to use an illegal software disk  >:D
[/quote]

who said its illegal?  .. its just 'ill' in the way it works.. 

[sallyjc]

Hi

I spent some time this morning adding all my common destinations in to the address book. I kept trying to press the screen thinking it was a touch screen like my Apple gadgets!

Is there a way of turning off the Sat Nav volume so I can listen to the radio without the instructions blaring out? I have turned the volume Mix thingy down to the minimum but it's still too loud. With the TomTom I had the volume at zero and just watch the screen without the sound.

Thanks

Sally

[sallyjc]

I forgot to say, when I was Googling this subject I read something about upgrading the Firmware which would give a better 'Perspective' view. I must admit the standard view I have at the moment isn't that great!

So, could my local BMW Dealership upgrade this Firmware for me (2005 X5) or have I got the wrong end of the stick and maybe it is only for newer cars.

Thanks

Sally