[thenew3]

I was wondering if anyone has a map version newer than 2019-3.

My 2020 X7 (Built April 2020, delivered June 2020) still has version 2019-3 maps. Everytime I check for updates it shows no new updates.

The map seems to have some very strange routing logic. Seems to take me out of the way to get to my destination onto roads that makes no sense. (One time took me on a single lane mountain road that was barely big enough for my car, but was shared by cars in both directions, instead of the highway. Yes I did check routing preference, and it has highway prefered).

It's odd the map hasn't been updated since 2019. Anyone else have a newer map version?

Thanks

[x7bmw23]

Not sure on map updates but I don't use the BMW navigation, but third party app Waze from Apple Car Play. I never drive without it. Alerts you of roadkill, stranded cars, pot holes, busy traffic, objects on the road and police. Gotta try it, free app.

[jmciver]

Regional map updates are free, at least for the first 3yrs/36k miles IIRC. You set up which region you want updated on your account on the ConnectDrive website. The base map, which is what you are referring to, requires a paid update from BMW IIRC.

Regarding BMW Nav vs Waze, I actually prefer the updated BMW Nav interface over Waze using iDrive 7 in my X7 - especially on the larger screen in the X7. However, I do like the real time updates on Waze while driving so I always have Waze running in the background. I have one of my programmable buttons set to CarPlay so when I get a Waze alert, I can quickly go to Waze on CarPlay to see what/where it is if I want.

[thenew3]

Well I recently got the idrive software updated to now support android auto which I've been testing for the last couple of weeks. It does a better job routing compared to BMW's navigation but my problem is if I use android auto and keep my phone on the wireless charger, the phone will over heat and reboot every few minutes. Similarly with my wife's iphone, if I use apple car play and charge it will overheat.
If I don't keep it charged, it drains the battery super quick.

So I was hoping to see if there's an update to the maps that will make more logical routing choices.

So how do I get the upgrade if I want to pay for it? I don't see anything in the connected portal. I am already subscribed to the "free" map upgrade according to the portal.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by thenew3

Well I recently got the idrive software updated to now support android auto which I've been testing for the last couple of weeks. It does a better job routing compared to BMW's navigation but my problem is if I use android auto and keep my phone on the wireless charger, the phone will over heat and reboot every few minutes. Similarly with my wife's iphone, if I use apple car play and charge it will overheat.
If I don't keep it charged, it drains the battery super quick.

So I was hoping to see if there's an update to the maps that will make more logical routing choices.

So how do I get the upgrade if I want to pay for it? I don't see anything in the connected portal. I am already subscribed to the "free" map upgrade according to the portal.

I believe there is a way to purchase the base map update from the BMW USA site - but I don't have an exact link. Also, you should be able to purchase the base map update from the dealer as well. As far as improving the navigation logic, the base map update most likely won't affect that - it is just the maps. Improved routing logic will either be controlled by any future iDrive updates (that coincide with vehicle software updates) and/or the user selectable route logic settings.

FWIW, I have found that Waze typically wants to route me to back roads and side streets - which gets annoying for me when driving in unfamiliar areas (and may times does not save time for the trip). The BMW Nav does a a better job with sticking to main roads, IMHO. That said, I also think the iDrive 7 Nav is much better than the iDrive 5/6 Nav in my M3. In my M3, I always use Waze.

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by jmciver

I believe there is a way to purchase the base map update from the BMW USA site - but I don't have an exact link. Also, you should be able to purchase the base map update from the dealer as well. As far as improving the navigation logic, the base map update most likely won't affect that - it is just the maps. Improved routing logic will either be controlled by any future iDrive updates (that coincide with vehicle software updates) and/or the user selectable route logic settings.

FWIW, I have found that Waze typically wants to route me to back roads and side streets - which gets annoying for me when driving in unfamiliar areas (and may times does not save time for the trip). The BMW Nav does a a better job with sticking to main roads, IMHO. That said, I also think the iDrive 7 Nav is much better than the iDrive 5/6 Nav in my M3. In my M3, I always use Waze.

I did check with my local dealer service manager and the bmw genius at the dealer and the 800#. They all said map updates are included and come OTA and that there isn't anything they can update/install at the dealership service dept.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by thenew3

I did check with my local dealer service manager and the bmw genius at the dealer and the 800#. They all said map updates are included and come OTA and that there isn't anything they can update/install at the dealership service dept.

Well, not surprising, your dealer and the genius only partially know what they are talking about. The only OTA map updates are the regional updates based on your settings in your ConnectedDrive account. The pic below shows what is in my car as an example:



My car has a Jan 2020 build date, and the base maps in the car from the factory is Road Map NORTH AMERICA Live 2019-3. So the base maps in my car are from 3rd qtr of 2019. However, I have two different region updates, one from 2020-1 and another from 2020-4. I received each of those regional updates via OTA based on the settings in my ConnectedDrive account.

As far as updating the base maps, I took a look on the ShopBMWUSA website, but could not find anything compatible with the X7 (only older BMW models). I don’t have an explanation other than BMW has not addressed this yet. Or, maybe the regional updates are supposed to update the base maps for those regions (i.e. new roads and not just POIs) but I am not sure. However, you can get updated base maps from other online vendors like the one here:

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/category...date-mapupdate

Just type in the last 7 of your VIN to see what is available for your X7 (I typed in my VIN and newer base maps were available).

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Well, not surprising, your dealer and the genius only partially know what they are talking about. The only OTA map updates are the regional updates based on your settings in your ConnectedDrive account. The pic below shows what is in my car as an example:



My car has a Jan 2020 build date, and the base maps in the car from the factory is Road Map NORTH AMERICA Live 2019-3. So the base maps in my car are from 3rd qtr of 2019. However, I have two different region updates, one from 2020-1 and another from 2020-4. I received each of those regional updates via OTA based on the settings in my ConnectedDrive account.

As far as updating the base maps, I took a look on the ShopBMWUSA website, but could not find anything compatible with the X7 (only older BMW models). I don’t have an explanation other than BMW has not addressed this yet. Or, maybe the regional updates are supposed to update the base maps for those regions (i.e. new roads and not just POIs) but I am not sure. However, you can get updated base maps from other online vendors like the one here:

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/category...date-mapupdate

Just type in the last 7 of your VIN to see what is available for your X7 (I typed in my VIN and newer base maps were available).

Just had a chat with the bimmer tech folks at your link. They said the updates they sell and the free OTA updates from bmw are the same thing.

[jmciver]

Well then, I guess I just learned something and the dealer/genius actually know something of some value other than how to press the start button to turn on the engine.... I will speculate then that the regional OTA map updates update ALL map data (roads, new construction, POIs, etc) for a specific region. So in theory, if you want to update the entire map database in your car, I guess you will need to change regions in your ConnectedDrive account until all regions are updated (I did this for two regions in my X7). Go figure...

[jhb]

They just started renumbering our exits here in MA. I hope we get updates as they go along.

[Wild Blue]

Makes me think about me and others doing big, cross-region road trips. Sounds like you'd have to change the region in your Connected Drive account as you go, to reference all POI details

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Makes me think about me and others doing big, cross-region road trips. Sounds like you'd have to change the region in your Connected Drive account as you go, to reference all POI details

That is basically what I did, for two regions at least. I previously lived in the DC metro area, one of the largest continuous/sprawling geographic areas in the country - MD, VA and DC. But the people in charge of the BMW maps in their infinite wisdom split up those three areas between two zones (see the pic above). So I went back and forth with the settings in ConnectedDrive to keep both regions up to date while I lived in the region.

TBH, I am surprised the system let me do that. I figured there would be a restriction that required me to only get updated from a single region for a year or something. But the update after the switch is not instantaneous though, typically waiting a few weeks before an OTA updated happened. But YMMV...

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Makes me think about me and others doing big, cross-region road trips. Sounds like you'd have to change the region in your Connected Drive account as you go, to reference all POI details

That would suck. Back in 2007 my VW passat had the entire USA (and part of Canada) in the nav system hd. Didn't need to switch regions as I drove cross country.