I have a 2004 MC with DVD navigation (Bought Nov 2003), how often to they update the DVD? Most GPS software do it at least yearly. I have not heard anything about this though?

 

In theory, the map data is updated twice a year. If you eject the map data disc out of your nav computer (which is under the passenger seat), the version of the map data will be printed on the disc's label.

I have a early September built 05 MCS with nav and it came with a 2003-2 map data disc (i.e. the map data was last updated in the second half of 2003). I complained to both the dealer where I purchased the car and to MINI USA that with a brand new 2005 car I should have gotten a more up to date map data disc (such as a 2004-2). However, both the dealer and MINI USA told me that for the MINI, the 2003-2 disc was the latest version when my car was made (for North America anyway).

For some reason, the BMW cars get much more updated map data than do the MINIs (although I think the BMW discs would work just fine in the MINI, but I've not been able to confirm this as of yet). The new BMW cars all get 2004-2 map data discs and I believe that I read that a new 2005-1 disc is now available for them as well (although that could be the European version only).

Also, I've heard tale (but cannot confirm it) that NavTech (or NavTeq as it is now called) will provide you with the first update disc for free. After about a year to a year and a half, some folks have claimed that NavTech has sent them an updated map data disc for there MINI for free. It could be folklore though as I didn't receive anything from MINI stating that this would happen and the dealer where I bought my car didn't know anything about it.

If there is a newer map data disc available for your car, then you should be able to get one from your local MINI dealership, or by contacting NavTech (www.navtech.com).

 

I called NavTech about a month ago inquiring about my "free upgrade". They told me to call back (1 800 NAV MAPS) towards the end of December for the newest disk. Not sure if this will automatically come to me or if i'll have to order it, but i'm calling anyway. I called MINI (dealer) and this is the number they gave me to call.

 

rg,

Thanks for the info...

-- TOM

 

I called Navteq today, they said the free upgrade was for the CD based units, the DVD will not be free you will have to buy it $199 when it comes out in Feb 2005.

 

I intend on trading my MC for a MCS with NAV in January. I assume it will come with the new DVD.

If not I don't mind buying the new one for $199, but would like to know if it would contain certain roads in my area before buying. How could one find out? No point buying the upgrade if it doesn't contain new roads in my area.

 

I would call 1-866-4NAVTEQ and ask them, my street is 10 years old but not on the dvd that came with my 2004 Mini (2003 version), I just bought a Dell PDA with GPS (software by Navteq), and my street is on the maps. I assume it will be on the next version for the Mini. I live in the boonies, most major city streets are on it.

 

Hi, does anyone know how I can get an update for my 2004 mini cooper s? Was told anything after 2005 is made with a different GPS system.

 

Looking for system software, or map DVD?
System software should be available online somewhere. More likely to be found on a BMW site - the software is the same, but may have a BMW splash screen. I've got the latest (which was quite a while ago) on a DVD somewhere.

 

The early NAV map discs were the "high version". After 2009 they are on two discs, so not so good if you frequently cross the areas of coverage. I bought a 2009 BMW map disc but I'm not sure where it is. I'll see if I can find it and try it out this weekend in the MINI. After a certain year, the NAV discs would only work with the latest system software.

 

That is not accurate, but in summary you have a MK4 navigation system that uses "High" format DVD disc maps.

Here is one source for the newest available maps: https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...Dvd/ES2782003/
I see that there are pirated copies on eBay for much cheaper (labeled for BMW but they are compatible).

Note that 2015 is the final version of DVD maps for your system. There will be no further updates for your car's Nav beyond the 2015 maps. TomTom, the map publisher for BMW/MINI has stopped producing maps in disc format: http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/12/...ity-to-update/