Updated September 17, 2005

There are two basic software components to the BMW navigation system.  One is the Operating System (OS) software and the other is the Map software from Navteq.  The focus of this FAQ is on the OS software.

To determine which Nav OS software version you presently have, go into either “Set” or “Settings” from the main menu of your navigation screen.  In the upper right hand corner you will see SW x-x/xx (see picture below). 

  • The first number indicates which generation navigation system you have.  1 indicates MKI, 2 indicates MKII, 3 indicates MKIII, and 4 indicates MKIV. 

  • The second number (which will most likely be 1) tells you that you have the full color “high level” nav screen. 

  • The third numbers tells you the software version.  For example, the version 18 disk will take a MKIII system to version 4.0 and show 1/40. 

The following table will tell you the version number of the OS that you are currently at:

Navigation OS Version MKI MKII MKIII MKIV Comments
V14 1-1/69 (7.7) 2-1/30     Released 12/1999
V15 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/50 3-1/10   Released 6/2000
V16 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/60 3-1/20   Released 8/2000
V16.2 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/60 3-1/21   Released 12/2000
V17 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/70 3-1/30   Released 4/2001
V17.1 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/70 3-1/31   Released 8/2002
V18 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/80 3-1/40   Released 9/2001
V18.2 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/80 3-1/41   Released 11/2001
V19 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/80 3-1/50   Released 3/2002
V20 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/80 3-1/60   Released 9/2002
V20.1 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/80 3-1/60 4-1/12 Released 11/2002  -  The MK4 units were shipped with 4-1/10 from the factory at the start (from 09/02 to 10/02) but this version had some known bugs and therefore BMW put the text "T20.10" as a dealer reminder to upgrade with the V20.1 CD when available.

This 4-1/10 software for MK4 has never been released on any CDs since it was a temporary beta software they had to rush out since all cars from 09/02 would have the new DVD based MK4 unit.

The V20.1 CD will install 4-1/12 and remove the text "T20.10" at the start up screen. The only software version that has this text is the beta version of 4-1/10 that was used at the factory for a short period while finishing the 4-1/12 that was released on the V20.1 CD.
V21 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/81 3-1/61 4-1/12 Released 2/2003
V21.1 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/81 3-1/62 4-1/12 Released 4/2003
V22 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/20 Released 8/2003
V22.1 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/20 Released 11/2003  -  This version didn't have any new updates for the MK1 MK2. MK3 and MK4 units (only for NAVI01 units in the 7-series)
V23 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/30 Released 3/2004  -  This version only has changes that affect the MkIV unit.
V24 1-1/72 (8.0) 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/40

Released 7/2004 - New features:

- Stolen vehicle tracking on vehicles from 09/2004 on

- E83, E85: Displaying of MP3 info text

- "Route Magnet" feature
V24.1 1-1/80 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/42 Released 11/2004 - no new features.
V25 1-1/80 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/50 Released 3/2005 -  see V25 TSB for details
V26 1-1/80 2-1/81 3-1/63 4-1/60 Released 9/2005 -  see this X5world thread for details.  V26 TSB

You can also visually determine what kind of hardware your system has.  The following images depict what each generation of the navigation computer looks like, along with the nuances associated with each:

MKI or MKII

  • The software update disk DOES work on the MKII systems installed on all 1999 and 2000 models.  While the MKII does NOT get the new graphics, features, etc., it will benefit from many bug fixes and a slightly improved trip routing logic.

  • The KeyCD does not apply to the MkII

  • Although they look alike, you can tell the MKI from the MKII by the voice driver.  The MKI has a male voice and MKII has a female voice.  On the back of the unit, if there are two connections that are blue and purple then the unit is a MkII.  If the connections are brown and black then the unt is a MkI. 

  • Separate GPS receiver module

 

MKIII:

  • The MKIII system is installed on all 3-Series produced after 6/2000 and all X5, 5 & 7-series produced after 9/2000 through the end of the 2002 model year.

  • The MKIII system is the only nav version that requires the KeyCD. If you are doing the upgrade on a MKIII that is on Version 15 through Version 17 you will be asked to insert a Key-CD after you complete the upgrade.  If you do not have that disk you may be able to obtain a copy from the bmwnav group on Yahoo.  MKIII systems that are already on Version 18 or newer will not need a KeyCD in order to upgrade to a newer OS version.

  • For the MKIII based systems, the biggest software change is going from Version 17 to Version 18 (or beyond).  This adds the split-screen capability to your system.  However, you do loose the OBC+Radio option. It comes down to personal preference, but in my opinion, the new features far outweigh loosing this.  Click here for screen shots of the MkIII on a 4:3 screen with split screen working.

  • On the MKIII systems, if you do the upgrade and then install an older software version, the navigation system may reset out of USA mode and put you into UK mode. You will know this has happened if you are now receiving directions in yards instead of feet and the "Emergency" option has disappeared from your main menu. The advantage of this is that you no longer have the annoying "Accept" screen to hassle with every time you turn on the car.   To fix this, the dealer can hook the car up to their computer and reset the navigation system to "USA".

MKIV:

  • The MKIV system system is installed on model year 2003 and beyond vehicles. 

  • The MKIV is DVD-based and can use both CD and DVD navigation disks from Navteq

  • The MKIII systems can be upgraded to a MKIV - it is a simple plug-and-play swap.

  • On the MKIV systems, if you do the upgrade and then install an older software version (such as going from V23 down to V22.1 and then back to V23) , the navigation system may reset out of USA mode and put you into UK mode. You will know this has happened if you are now receiving directions in yards instead of feet and the "Emergency" option has disappeared from your main menu. The advantage of this is that you no longer have the annoying "Accept" screen to hassle with every time you turn on the car.   To fix this, the dealer can hook the car up to their computer and reset the navigation system to "USA".

To upgrade your navigation software, follow these steps  (see http://www.bimmernav.com/software.htm for additional tips)

  1. Go to your vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the first position. Let the navigation system boot up and get into a normal operating mode.
  2. Leaving the system on (never turn the power off during these steps!!), go back and eject the navigation CD from your drive unit.
  3. Put in the V "XX" disk into your drive unit. Watch your screen and be patient. It will take about 6 minutes to do the upgrade. When it’s done it will eject the CD automatically.  (note: for MKIII systems that are on version 17 or lower, the system may ask you to insert the Key CD.  If so, insert the KeyCD and then follow the on-screen instructions.  THIS ONLY APPLIES TO THE MKIII)
  4. Put your navigation CD back in the drive and make sure everything is working properly.

Eliminating the Accept Screen

 

Benefits owners have seen from Version 22:

  • The brightness is much better, and you can see the NAV display with polarized sunglasses.
  • The white lines mapping your route to a destination disappear immediately when you turn off guidance.
  • The white lines mapping your route to a destination disappear after you reach your destination.

Benefits owners have seen from Version 23:

  • while V22 would show many streets with a route number (like SR581, A21, M10, etc.), after V23 is loaded on a MKIV system the display shows the actual "common" street names (like Bruce Downs Blvd, Fort Street, Southfield Road, etc.).  It has not been confirmed if this also works with the MkIII systems.

Benefits owners have seen from Version 24

  • Route Magnet (only on MkIV's in Euro mode or in USA mode with Accept Screen eliminated)

Benefits owners have seen from Version 24.1

  • TBD

Benefits owners have seen from Version 25

  • Route preferences selection "via Freeway" and "avoid Freeway" is changed to "via Highway" and "avoid Highway"
  • One user also noticed a language preference change.  Instead of English, German & French it is now
    English, German & Italian