The Leading Garage in Lowell for BMW Navigation System Issues

by Mechanics Direct July 17, 2024

Are you lost? Did your BMW take you off the beaten path, and now you can see the edge of the world? Kidding aside, the navigation system of your car provides an indispensable service. You may be able to drive without it, but you wouldn’t go too far! Our road systems are complex, and without some kind of map, it’s possible we’d not find our destination. Your modern BMW’s built-in navigation system has replaced the old paper maps. In today’s article, we’ll talk about the modern navigation system, why it may have issues, and when it does, what to do about it.

What Exactly is Your Car’s Navigation System, and How Does It Work?

Your BMW’s navigation system is actually a type of GPS (Global Positioning System). The car’s system uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track its own location by connecting to the satellites, which orbit around the Earth. If data from GPS is unavailable, then your car connects to nearby cell phone towers. If you grant permission, modern car navigation systems can even connect to devices like your smartphone or tablet and use their connectivity to perform tasks like updating maps and giving you traffic-related information. In older cars, navigation was achieved by using DVDs or other data-based systems.

Navigation System Versus Tracking System

• Navigation System: Your Beamer’s navigation system uses sensors, maps software, such as Google Maps, and other types of data to establish its own location at any given point in time. It uses this information to furnish you with turn-by-turn guidance on your trips. All of this is displayed on your infotainment center. The navigation system in modern cars is capable of receiving voice commands and giving you your directions as a voice output.
• Tracking System: Modern Beemers come with their tracking system or device pre-installed. It’s part of the navigation system. It tracks your car’s location, driving history, speed, mileage, when, where, and how long it was stopped, and much more. It gathers driver behavior, trip history, and vehicle performance and then sends this information to a predetermined (by you) smartphone, computer, or tablet. It plays a crucial role in theft retrieval.

Typical Signs You’ll Notice When Your Navigation System Has Issues

When your BMW’s navigation system is not working properly, you may notice these symptoms:

• Maps are Not Updating: Your map is not displaying the current, accessible roads, bridges, construction zones, etc.
• Lack of Signal: The system is having trouble receiving a satellite signal or connecting to a cell tower.
• Battery Drain: Most GPS systems need 7 or 8 satellites to position an object within 10 yards of accuracy. If there aren’t enough satellites in the area, the navigation system keeps searching for one to connect with. This causes the battery to drain.
• Location-Related Issues: On your digital display, you may see some or all of the following,
  • The car’s location is not updating at all.
  • The system seems too slow in tracking the car’s location.
  • The system shows an incorrect location.
  • The tracking app on your phone or computer is unable to find the car’s location.

What Causes Problems With Your Car’s Navigation System

Here is a list of failures that could lead to a problematic navigation system:

• Software Glitches: Sometimes a reboot is all it takes for software to function properly. It’s always worth a try, and we can help you with this.
• Faulty GPS Antenna: This may require professional inspection.
• Loss of GPS Signal: There could be many reasons for a loss of GPS signal, starting from the mundane to the complicated. We can definitely look into this for you.
• Not Enough Satellites in the Area: This is a temporary problem and does not need our help! The moment you drive off to another area, this problem will fix itself.
• Interference or Jamming of Radio Signals: If maintenance work is going on with some of the satellites or cell towers, this could happen. It’s also common to experience signal loss while going through tunnels.
• Faulty Hardware: The navigation system in your Bimmer is a computerized electronic hardware. It is made up of electrical and electronic parts, such as wires, fuses, chips, circuit boards, and much more. If any of these components are compromised, your BMW’s navigation system will fail.

At Mechanics Direct, we are highly trained, ASE-certified (Automotive Service Excellence) mechanics who will give you straight talk and great service. Give us a call or book an appointment to stop by at any of our locations in Massachusetts. You’ll find us in North Chelmsford, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tyngsborough, Westford, and Lowell.