In some regions new map updates are not even released every year so even the newer navigation systems may have to wait. For example, newer iDrives like NBT Evo ID5/ID6 can get two or three updates annually, while ENTRYNAV can wait for a new BMW navigation update for up to a year. The frequency of new releases strongly depends on the head unit as well as the country. How often are BMW map updates released?īMW usually releases up to 3 new versions per year and recommends performing a BMW map update every six months, or annually at the very least. If you're in an unfamiliar area and want to stop off for a bite to eat, having the latest maps on your iDrive will make it easier to use the interactive map to find out what options you have around you. What's more, a huge number of points of interest are added to the BMW road map each year, including restaurants, gas stations and attractions. Earlier versions of the BMW navigation system map update can include mistakes (even Google Maps has a few streets that exist in principle, but in reality are just empty fields), and each subsequent map version is going to iron out more of these issues. Thousands of miles of new roads are added as part of the BMW iDrive map update every year, so updating your maps means your navigation system is going to work a lot better.īut BMW is also working hard to improve its map data. The last thing you want your BMW GPS map to do is send you down a street that hasn't existed for five years, or let you spend an hour weaving through an unfamiliar town when there's a shiny new bypass that could cut your journey time in half. In some areas, up to 40% of the road network can change from one year to the next. New roads are being built, old roads are being closed or rerouted, two-way streets are being turned into one-way streets. Part of the reason is the fact that roads are always changing. Why update your navigation maps for 2022? If it's more than a year old, it's time to update. You will see the region, map version and year of your current map. To check the map version in your BMW, go to your iDrive navigation view, open the settings menu and scroll down to Navigation system version.

In fact, BMW recommend updating your navigation system's maps twice a year, or annually at the very least. Whether updating your iDrive software or doing a BMW map download to the factory navigation system, keeping your BMW's iDrive up-to-date should be a regular task, just like maintaining any other part of your vehicle. But to keep a modern, iDrive-toting BMW at its best, there's a little more to it.

There was a time when regular oil changes and a new set of tires once in a while was all the routine maintenance a vehicle needed.

2015 bmw navigation update