Is there an updated version of the nav system in my 03 Mini? Thanks

 

Not sure what kind of update you mean, but there are probably both software updates and certainly newer map discs available. By the way, 03s still had CD nav for awhile then switched to DVD so you should know which you have before ordering any discs. The dealer can do sw updates.

Cheers

 

Are the cd's or the dvd's in the car all the time? If so were are they? Thanks

 

The navigation computer & disc drive is located under the passenger seat, at least in my '05 MINI. For some reason, it is under the driver seat in the convertibles, but since you have an '03, prior to convertibles coming out, I expect yours is under your passenger seat too.

The disc (whether CD or DVD) remains in the drive at all times. That is where the navigation computer reads the map data it needs to display the maps and calculate the routes.

The main difference between the CD and DVD versions is that the CD version holds much less map data than the DVD. The DVD version contains all of the USA and Canada on a single disc. The CD version requires you to change discs if you leave the area contained on that particular CD (called "regions" I think).

You can tell what version you have simply by looking at the software version number reported on the screen (in the Settings page). it will looks something like "X-X/XX". The first number, before the dash, denotes the "generation" of the Nav computer. 1, 2 or 3 are CD systems, and 4 is the DVD system. The other numbers after that have to do with the software update revision.

For more info on the different software versions, updates and features, check out this link... don't worry about it saying "BMW Navigation System FAQ", it's the same navigation system:

http://www.x5world.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=59