Upgrade of BMW MKIII CD based GPS computer to MKIV DVD based GPS computer

I recently decided to upgrade from a CD based MKIII GPS computer in my 2002 BMW to a DVD based MKIV GPS computer for everal reasons:

• Having to switch CDs when driving south from Washington, DC into North Carolina or west in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Faster processing speed of DVD based GPS computer.
• Better graphics.
• More information on maps.
• BMW is continuing to upgrade the software for the DVD based computer while the last update for the CD based DVD computer was released at least 3 years ago. I am afraid Navtech will also stop updating the maps. The current release for CD maps is 2006.2 while the DVD maps is 2007.1.
• Possibility of adding integrated Sirius satellite receiver with the purchase of a new radio.

From my research which was mostly done on X5 world (great source of BMW and X5 information), everyone on the forum views this as a plug and play replacement. The problem in the US is that you can only purchase a new navigation computer from a dealer. The retail price is around $2500. When you return your old navigation computer the price drops to around $1800 with various discounts. The cost is really not justifiable, I don't quite understand why BMW makes it so price prohibitive to upgrade. You can however purchase a used one in Europe via eBay. I found one and purchased it for about $800 from a seller which seems reputable, naviandbmwparts. I received it yesterday, installed it and will report back shortly on my experience.

Update 1/9/06: Link to Part II of my project.

Comments

[Vox]

Hello!

Are you going to use the original 2007-1 dvd on the car, or make a copy for the car and keep the original at home?

This because i have a european e90 idrive system that came with 2006-1. But a friend has the 2007-1 europe version. And wen i make a copy and put it on my car it doesn´t recognise it has a Navteq dvd.

So can you please tell me if you could with sucsses make a copy and use it on your car, and what were the steps and software used?

thank you

Best Regards

Vox - Portugal

[Stephen Skarlatos]

Yes, I did make a backup using imgburn http://www.imgburn.com/ .

Under tools you create an MDS file which is an image of the DVD. You then open the MDS and burn it to a new DVD. I used +R DVD with no problems. The MKIV recognized it.

[Deadra]

I purchased a MK4 on eBay and am waiting for it to arrive. In the mean time I thought that I would ensure that the swapping procedure would go smoothly by familiarizing myself with the removal process for the existing computer. I'm concerned because I absolutely can not get the MK3 out. I've used four nails of diameter similar to a hangar and press them into the holes as far as they will go. Still, no joy. Did you have any difficulties here or do you have any comments or recommendations for me? Thanks!