[IanS100]

I have a late 2010 e90 Sport Plus with Business Nav, combox and USB in the Glovebox but not the armrest. The Glovebox USB doesn't recognise MP3 files, being Business Nav I can't upload music files to HD and there's no 'Update Software' option on the iDrive so what on earth is it there for - it doesn't seem to have any usable function or am I missing something?

[Business edition]

Mate I got the same m sport business edition e90 2010. I think it's for USB charging cables like the ones you have for the iPhone, because i tried plugged mines in and it just charges the phone.

Use the aux port in armrest to listen to your music.

I spoke to the dude at dealer he said it don't come with the hard drive. But I drove a 2009 e91 and that had I drive and a hard drive.

I think it's because we don't have professional system mate. That's what sales men was saying to me. But then he we should have a hard drive so am a bit confused to

[Business edition]

The business system is very limited and you can do more with the professional system

[coopersim]

I think the USB port in the glovebox is to update the maps, be it hard drive or solid state

[BanziBarn]

What a tease, having it there but non functioning!

Very annoying.

I guess it's just marketing, deliberately disabling stuff which you have to pay more for to unlock.....exactly the same as the new 325d which is just a software stunted 330!

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by coopersim

I think the USB port in the glovebox is to update the maps, be it hard drive or solid state

Unless the software/map update opens a hidden menu I can't find any menu item that would allow updating of car or maps, maybe BMW forgot to fit option 69xyz

[Falmouthboy]

Originally Posted by Business edition

Mate I got the same m sport business edition e90 2010. I think it's for USB charging cables like the ones you have for the iPhone, because i tried plugged mines in and it just charges the phone.

I seem to recall reading in the hand book a warning that under no circumstances should you use the glove box USB as a charge point. I only say this because if your Nav goes 'tilt' and they see that you have been doing that it will not be covered by the warranty.

I must admit, I have Pro Nav so use it to upload music to the HDD. Map upgrades are still done with a disc (albeit not the hookey ones you can buy for £25). So I'm at a loss to see it's purpose.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

What a tease, having it there but non functioning!

Very annoying.

I guess it's just marketing, deliberately disabling stuff which you have to pay more for to unlock.....exactly the same as the new 325d which is just a software stunted 330!

Its not entirely the same car (bar the engine mapping). The 325d probably hasnt got the same brakes as the 330d LCI which now of course shares the same size brakes as the 335i/335d.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

I seem to recall reading in the hand book a warning that under no circumstances should you use the glove box USB as a charge point. I only say this because if your Nav goes 'tilt' and they see that you have been doing that it will not be covered by the warranty.

I've read the same somewhere & was scouring the handbook for it last night but couldn't find it

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

Map upgrades are still done with a disc (albeit not the hookey ones you can buy for £25). So I'm at a loss to see it's purpose.

That's interesting to know although I bet BMW charge an arm and a leg for them

[Falmouthboy]

Originally Posted by IanS100

That's interesting to know although I bet BMW charge an arm and a leg for them

About £250 - total rip off. Plus, if you want to get the 7 digit post code search too (and don't haave it) they will charge you for a software update too The reason the hookie discs don't work, is that they install the maps on the HDD rather than 'play' the maps as with the non HDD systems so BMW can install security.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

About £250 - total rip off. Plus, if you want to get the 7 digit post code search too (and don't haave it) they will charge you for a software update too The reason the hookie discs don't work, is that they install the maps on the HDD rather than 'play' the maps as with the non HDD systems so BMW can install security.

As far as I'm aware both BMW & TomTom use TeleAtlas info & I can buy a years worth of updates (4 editions) for less than £20 for my TomTom which makes BMWs £250 charge scandalous - and I can't even install speed cams on the BMW

I'd also like to Add that my mega expensive BMW Sat Nav doesn't half take me on some very strange routes compared to the TomTom!

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Its not entirely the same car (bar the engine mapping). The 325d probably hasnt got the same brakes as the 330d LCI which now of course shares the same size brakes as the 335i/335d.

Nicely pointed out.

But on the subject of software, most things you buy such as mobile phones will get regular 'free' updates. The manufacturers see it as their duty to continue support once you've bought their product. Just think of when apple update all their stuff, they offer big improvements for free. So why then do BMW charge for upgrades to get functionality that should have been there in the first place, such as full post code searching!

Poor show if you ask me!

[dopper99]

Yes I havent got built in sat nav in mine but from what I understand what they charge for an upgrade DVD is bloody outragous. Especially as you can buy a TOMTOM for far less than the upgrade DVD - and its still better.