GPS Question Stock Garmin vs BMW model

[JackWinter]

I'm think about trading my '03 LT in for a new one. I use my GPS and street mapping software often.

I thought I might get one of the newer Garmins with MP3 & XM radio built in. I've seen an '07 LT that was pre-wired for GPS. The two plugs looked different than on my old BMW Nav 3 (Street Pilot 3).

Does any one know if you can swap a stock Garmin GPS for the BMW version of Garmin, or is the plug specific to the BMW sound system?

Thanks,

Jack Winter (jackwinter@email.com)

[messenger13]

The BMW Nav I = Garmin's SP III

The BMW Nav II = Garmin's 2610
The BMW Nav III = Garmin's 2820


I'm almost positive that only the top line units have a different plug than all of the units in the second and third line. I believe your '03 LT came with a Nav II. So the cables should be capable with the Nav III, or newer Garmin 27xx and 28xx units.

Also; the Garmin units will work in BMW's cradles. But the extra 4 buttons on the left side of the cradle will NOT work with them. Those buttons only work with the BMW badged units.

Hope this helps...

[jgolfer46]

I just posted in another thread wondering if my 2820 will interface to the sound system, and wondering what I need to get to mount it on an 08 LT...

I see the two pre-wire cables = the "standard" garmin shoe and the other one. Don't know what the other one does....

Should I just buy the BMW mount, knowing the buttons wont work?

Jim

[Ranger6]

Don't know what the other one does....JimThe "other one" inserts into the BMW cradle and allows for functionality of the additional four buttons for a BMW Navigator only! This is the proprietary part of the whole setup; it's the same fit otherwise and your 2820 will work except for the cradle buttons. Using the BMW cradle will be the slickest installation, plug and play, but you just won't have use of the left hand set of buttons.

[jhsonderb]

I just posted in another thread wondering if my 2820 will interface to the sound system, and wondering what I need to get to mount it on an 08 LT...

I see the two pre-wire cables = the "standard" garmin shoe and the other one. Don't know what the other one does....

Should I just buy the BMW mount, knowing the buttons wont work?

JimI use the Garmin motorcycle mount for my 2820 on my '07. I wouldn't use the BMW Navigator mount. It is black, the 2820 is dark grey, the buttons wouldn't work anyway, and it is expensive.

Here's what a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Motorcycle-Mount-StreetPilot-010-10495-01/dp/B00011ZAYY

[messenger13]

I wouldn't use the BMW Navigator mount. It is black, the 2820 is dark grey, the buttons wouldn't work anyway, and it is expensive.Since when doesn't black and grey go together? Hhmmn... :confused: Besides, the Garmin cradle is black as well ... albeit smaller and less visible.

As for the expense, I'd bet that the BMW cradle is a more secure mount than the Garmin unit. Although, my Garmin cradles have worked just fine for more than 70K miles. But if I bought a bike and it came with the BMW cradle, I'd have no issue using it.

[VitesseLT]

2820 with Garmin mount is the way to go. Exploits advantages and avoids issues as noted above. This link below with integral photos in discussion should help you with much background on implementing the 2820, a Garmin mount and installation to nav prep.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18161&highlight=2820

[jgolfer46]

Thanks guys. Mounting it up tomorrow, and hopefully riding to Julian on Sunday!

[jgolfer46]

Ok - so I have it mounted, I can hear the GPS voice in my helmet, my phone is connected to the 2820 via bluetooth....

but when I try and make a call, I get a message saying I need to connect a microphone or bluetooth headset....what am i missing? I have the BMW headsets in my helmet.

Jim

[bobbobtar]

I also use the Garmin mount with my '06 Lt, but I run a 2730 Garmin which comes with XM radio and the antenna,every thing runs into my helmets.I just love this setup.

[VitesseLT]

Ok - so I have it mounted, I can hear the GPS voice in my helmet, my phone is connected to the 2820 via bluetooth....

but when I try and make a call, I get a message saying I need to connect a microphone or bluetooth headset....what am i missing? I have the BMW headsets in my helmet.

Jim
Pretty sure that you're missing a wire between the the 2820 and intercom microphone ports ... or, how most hook up, with a Moto HF820 bluetooth adpater. Search on that here and I think you'll get the answer and next steps you need.

[jgolfer46]

Bobbobtar, where do you put the XM antenna? I have it as well.

[jgolfer46]

VitesseLT - I guess I did not think a wire was needed. Will search on the Moto HF820. Thanks

[bobbobtar]

Bobbobtar, where do you put the XM antenna? I have it as well.

golfer46, mounted the bracket on the right side empty mirror threaded hole, velcroed the back of the antenna and the flat plate on top of the mounting bracket, then ran the antenna wire under the handlebar plastic back to the 2730.