Uter - when was your car built? My MA claims that the update won't work on cars built after May and that Mini hasn't written a software update yet, so they can't fix my voice recognition

 

Received my 2007 sparkling silver with navigation and the voice activation didn't work. After reading this thread, I printed postings of those who finally got it fixed and took them to my dealer in Tacoma WA. They were also going to install an IPOD adapter. I took my car in Monday, was told they would receive the software updates overnight, reprogram on Tuesday and I would have my car. They didn't receive them, so they kept the car Tuesday night. Still didn't receive them, so I said I wanted to pick my car up. When I got there, they told me they had the president of something working on it and would call me as soon as they received the software. Here's the funny part. I got into my car, tried the button and it worked. Apparently when they ran the software to install the IPOD adapter, it mysteriously fixed the voice activation button.

 

My R56 is a March build.

 

Anyone know if the new ones (June build) working?

In particular, has anyone tested the system on "Minibird"? So what it is in the middle of the ocean right now??
http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/shi...html?call=SHJC

 

I just picked mine up a week ago... no voice recognition. Dealer says they are waiting for the update to come in. He seemed to think they would have it in a week (from when I picked it up), but I haven't called back yet to see. I will probably have it done at another dealer, cause I hate the drive to the dealer were I bought the car.

 

My dealer (Dallas) says they have the "software patch" for my voice recognition. Anyone else in the DFW area gotten theirs fixed? I have to drive 130 miles to the dealer...I'd like to be sure the patch will actually fix it before I go....tks!!

 

Waiting for the patch in Orlando too. Sunds like we are all getting the same estimate of next week so it's probably correct.

 

Twings - my dealer was positive they had the right patch. They kept my car for a week before they finally realized that they had the original update and not a fix to the voice recognition. The original update is the one that allowed for turn by turn directions and was released early in the year.

 

Something is wrong here. My early May build came in with the voice recognition working...I can't understand why later builds would arrive with it not working..unless there was a software "tweak" that inadvertantly disabled VR.

 

I'm baffled by it, too. Mine was built in early March and everything works great. Well, except when I saw "Auxiliary on," and it brings up the navigation screen or the tire pressure check screen. Isn't even consistent in what it wrongly hears.

 

To turn on the Auxillary input, try saying: "Audio Aux"

 

I tried that but all I got was to have a picture of an ox's head come up on the display. He was wearing headphones, however.

 

Did anyone get the software update to fix the voice recognition? Had the same problem with my May build just purchased end of June.

 

Yes, I did.

 

I have to get mine done also. How long did it take.?

 

The car was at the dealer for the day. It supposedly took 6 hours. However, the service manager told me they are getting new equipment from MINI, which will cut the time to 2 hours. I had it done a couple months ago, so maybe that equipment is in place now. Yeah, right... they don't even have touch-up paint yet...

 

Just got off the phone with the dealer here in Denver and they are telling me the software to fix the Voice Recognition is on back order which seems contrary to what is being stated on the board here. With the ability to FTP and burn CD/DVD's or upload to a BMW/Mini computer interface you would think this should be an instantly available piece of software. Also no ETA on when available. Called BMW Customer Service to see if they can check on the issue as well, just waiting for an update from them.

Any ideas anyone??

 

Yea, that's got to be hogwash. And this update, probably takes about 5 minutes. Plug the cable in, download the softare, do a system reset, done.

For the folks that it doens't work for, does it not work at all, or is it just working bad, or what...?

 

The software is a download from MINI. It can't be on back order.

 

Well just got a call from BMW NA and the young lady who is trying to help me has been told that it is a VIN specific software load! WTF would MINI/BMW get themselves into a situation of specifc software codes for specific VIN sets, makes no sense at all to me, especially as I work in a hardware/software intensive environment and understand the cause and effect of these types of decisions.

Anyone have the specific fix code that they got from the dealer after their VR was fixed??

 

Does not work at all although every other function of the NAV is perfect, just no VR!

 

Don't have the code. It may be VIN specific because it differs based on whether you have nav, i-pod, cd integration, etc. I seriously doubt it is different for every car. Then, again, it is MINI. "Why do it the easy way when we can make it difficult?"

 

Was your production prior to March? Apparently after March they changed the computer system on the vehicle and it has to be created for the specific vehicle builds after March. Why they would let them go out the factory without this function being operational but advertised as a working feature on the vehicle I don't know but in my years as a BMW owner I have seen weird and wacky explanations for their numerous electrical issues especially being a longtime NAV owner in multiple X5's.

So as of now I have no ETA for this fix! All I can say is beware when buying a new MINI with NAV & VR and check the VR works prior to departing the dealership as they probably will not check it works for you!!!!!!!!!

 

Mine was an April build. My dealer didn't even know the car had VR and kept isnsiting I was talking about the voice commands on the nav.

 

Lynn,
STOP back talking!!!!