navigation system

[trbotwuk]

I have a 97 540i and I'm wanting to goto the junkyard and fit in the navi system. My ?? is do you have to have a subscription to use the navi or is it a free service?

[ksz]

Navigation is free. The GPS receiver picks up signals from several satellites that are continuously broadcasting. There is a "secret" service menu in the E39 navigation system that identifies the number and names of the GPS satellites that it is tuned to. It came up accidentally on my 530i, but I have not been able to repeat it.

The only cost is for the street map CD which is updated every year, but you are not obligated to purchase the updates.

[mrogers]

I'm not sure if you know, but usually there is more than just the head unit. I'm not familiar with how BMW systems work, but in the Acura TL there is the head unit, a black box in the trunk that actually contains the brain, and then a small stubby antenna. PLEASE take pics along the way once you get this project going, and if it works maybe you could write a tutorial...because I also have a '97 540i and this interests me. May be a future mod. Thanks!

[trbotwuk]

Yep, I bought the bentley and it lays out all the different pieces needed. I'm still wondering about the radio is it incorporated into the navi system?