[dirtdreamer50]

Is anyone using the BMW Navigator IV GPS? They are giving one away with the purchase of their touring bikes, and I am considering an RT. Would have to pay for the install, but free's not always great if it isn't a quality unit. Any users have opinions? tomp/dd50

 

[johnbaker15]

It is the same unit as the Garmin 660 or 665, 665 has radio. Lots of people have the Garmin and seem to like it just fine. The BMW unit has some additional functions and software features that are custom to BMW and costs $899. So free is great and in addition the Rt really is a great bike.

BTW, Harley, and Victory also use the Garmin for their GPS.

 

[dirtdreamer50]

Thank you john. I had a garmin phone once, basically a gps w a phone added. It was great and accurate, until it hit the ground, and then it was broken junk...

It has an mp3 player, bluetooth and free lifetime map updates, too. If I get the bike I will certainly go for the Nav IV. tp

 

[Bkrnrd]

I bought my RT before they started this offer and paid for a BMW Navigator, I'd buy both again but would much prefer the free offer. Go for it. RT is a great bike.

 

[DocCarroll]

I have it installed on my 2011 RT. I wouldn't pay for an install since it is plug-and-play. I like that it is plug-and-play and is integrated into the cycle speedo and radio. I don't like that the volume when it over rides the radio is not as loud as it should be.

 

[dirtdreamer50]

DocCarroll, how much plastic has to be removed to plug in the unit? I wonder if BMW will send the unit w instructions or retain them so I will have to allow the service dept to do the install? The dealer is still working on the numbers and I refuse to test ride it until that part is good to go. We know how our brains go dead when we find something we just gotta have, don't we??? tp

 

[rcopeland]

DocCarroll, how much plastic has to be removed to plug in the unit? I wonder if BMW will send the unit w instructions or retain them so I will have to allow the service dept to do the install? The dealer is still working on the numbers and I refuse to test ride it until that part is good to go. We know how our brains go dead when we find something we just gotta have, don't we??? tp

I bought the nav iv mount and not that much plastic has to be removed to do the install. You remove the windshield to screw in the mounting bar, this also gives you enough access to attach the other gps mount parts. Then you remove the dash cover to route the wiring to where the plug is and that's about it.

 

[srgilmore]

Is anyone using the BMW Navigator IV GPS? They are giving one away with the purchase of their touring bikes, and I am considering an RT. Would have to pay for the install, but free's not always great if it isn't a quality unit. Any users have opinions? tomp/dd50

I included the Navigator IV GPS with my 2011 R1200RT purchase from the dealer. It is a great unit and I've been told the only real difference between the BMW version and the stock Garmin is the pre-programmed BMW dealer network. There may be a couple others, but that's the only feature I'm aware of. I like the GPS unit though and would purchase it again. Pretty cool you can get it for free except installation.

 

[patsmith]

I have heard that when the time comes to get software updates that we can only eat them from BMW, not Garmin even though this is a garmin unit. Just FYI.

 

[Sleuth]

I have heard that when the time comes to get software updates that we can only eat them from BMW, not Garmin even though this is a garmin unit. Just FYI.

I have a Nav IV and I get my updates from Garmin. The only thing I obtain from BMW is the dealer database. I use everything else from the Garmin website.

The main differences between the 660 and Nav IV are;

• The hardware buttons on the mount, which the 660 cannot use.

• The 660 can only play MP3 & GPS instructions via bluetooth when in the Motorcycle mount. I believe the 660 has a socket which allows a hardwire connection to a wired intercom system, but I am not 100% sure!

• Nav IV gets a two year warranty, while the 660 gets only one.

• There is a BMW dealer database as a separate POI file. It is not always the most accurate, (Our dealer is marked further down the road than they actually are.) However when I have needed it, when I was on tour it was close enough to help me out of a mess.

Would I buy another Nav IV / 660? - Yes, though I am not 100% sure which one!

 

[Bkrnrd]

I have heard that when the time comes to get software updates that we can only eat them from BMW, not Garmin even though this is a garmin unit. Just FYI.

Updated mine thru Garmin and have a lifetime updater.

 

[tvguy]

Go with the the FREE Nav IV... It is the same as a Garmin 660 or 665 but NO XM radio option. (Yes I have one)
The Nav IV comes with the cables you need to connect to the canbus system for a clean install. If you buy a 665 you would want the $80 canbus cable to make that clean install.

My friend just bought a new RT last weekend and took the free GPS and they are throwing the mounting bar in for free as well. its a $1000 worth of stuff (retail)

 

[DanDiver]

Just a cautionary FYI...

If it is not to late to decide, I'd hold off and have the dealer throw in something else... Garmin is replacing the Nav IV with a new model that should have a much better screen for sunshine visibility. I think I read something about it :

New Garmin 350LM

This thread will tell you more about it:

http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-accessories/4671-new-garmin-350lm.html

 

[DocCarroll]

DocCarroll, how much plastic has to be removed to plug in the unit? I wonder if BMW will send the unit w instructions or retain them so I will have to allow the service dept to do the install? The dealer is still working on the numbers and I refuse to test ride it until that part is good to go. We know how our brains go dead when we find something we just gotta have, don't we??? tp

All the plugs are zip tied to the forks. You just removed the caps and plug-in the GPS. I removed the windshield to install the mount easier. And, I removed the dash trim that makes the circles for the speedo and tach. I routed the wire from the GPS to the plugs under this trim. There is a hole for the GPS wire on the top of the dash that would route the wire straight down behind the entire dash. You'll see it when you remove the trim piece. I didn't use it cause it was too small to fit the plug adaptor, on the GPS wire, through. It is extremely easy to install. I hope this helps.

 

[dirtdreamer50]

Thanks guys. It is the Nav IV or nothing. No substitution. It comes from BMW not the dealer, so..... I'm sure I will use it, as the guy I normally ride with has one that is eight years old and he has been remiss in updating it.

BTW, I did bring the new bike home today, but as it is around 100F now, so I'm in the A/C playing on this forum. It is much nicer than the 03 that went away, today, with 0 miles not 66K. tomp

 

[dirtdreamer50]

The Nav IV came in today. Just need to go out to the hot garage and install it. Thanks for all the help and info. The BMW parts man wasn't sure if the GPS comes loaded or not. Guess I need to read the instructions carefully before starting the install... tomp dd50

 

[mtrevelino]

Just a cautionary FYI...

If it is not to late to decide, I'd hold off and have the dealer throw in something else... Garmin is replacing the Nav IV with a new model that should have a much better screen for sunshine visibility. I think I read something about it :

New Garmin 350LM

This thread will tell you more about it:

http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-accessories/4671-new-garmin-350lm.html

I agree although I would have thought that Garmin would have made the 350 in a five inch screen. Here is a little write-up about it:

Garmin's torn the wraps off its zumo 350LM for those of you who prefer to zip around on two wheels. Though its 4.3-inch glove-friendly touchscreen is encased in a waterproof exterior to withstand a beating from the elements and "fuel sprays," it'll happily sit inside your car with an included mount and built-in speaker. Those sticking to motorcycles, however, can pipe turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation through the sunlight-readable device to compatible Bluetooth headsets or helmets. Stat-happy bikers can record their chopper's maintenance work with the service history log feature and use Garmin's Basecamp utility to plan out trips beforehand. The zumo's expected to ring up at $699.99 -- as pricey as its older siblings -- and roll out in the third quarter of 2012.

 

[TheoM]

IIRC, the RT plug carries a third (red?) wire to transmit the speed "pulse" to the Nav IV unit. This allows the unit to "know" the bike's speed without a GPS signal. You will notice that this results in your position being fairly accurately reported when you temporarily lose a satellite fix...like in a tunnel or under a heavy tree canopy. I don't know if the Zumos support the speed pulse signal.

FWIW

 

[mrrick]

Made the switch from the LT for a "12" RT with the free Navi IV including bracket and install. Had it out for a ride yesterday and couldn't seem to get the audio to play through the external speakers. Am I missing a setting on the GPS or radio system or could it have been a bad install. Anyone else having this problem. FYI I did the update through Garmin site. No problems - Lifetime maps.

 

[gr8ridn]

The only audio sent to the radio is the monaural directions from the navigation function. If you want to use the mp3 player or audible books the GPS Bluetooth function paired with a headset needs to be used. I am using the Sena SMH10 headset with good results. I do get GPS directions through the bike radio when the GPS Bluetooth is disabled.

Hope this helps. Best bet is to read the GPS and Radio manual carefully.