BMW Connected Navigator

[roadchefbob]

Just been looking at the CRN after seeing GS_PS post about the app accepting post codes. I just had a Quick Look on the app and if you do a search foe a person in your contacts or a postcode search. Turn on the CRN and go to start then to enter address. You should then see the address/person that showed up on the app. Click on it and your good to go

It looks like I need to give a big apology about the connected ride and post codes, I just assumed that it was all connected to the same as the phone ride one which doesn’t do post codes, just tested my ride one and it does do post codes so apologies all round

 

[MrC99]

......I just assumed that it was all connected to the same as the phone ride one which doesn’t do post codes, just tested my ride one and it does do post codes so apologies all round

Not too sure about that as I've just tested the connected app on my phone and it happily pulls up results for a range of postcodes (including random ones that wouldn't be in my contact list)

 

[roadchefbob]

Not too sure about that as I've just tested the connected app on my phone and it happily pulls up results for a range of postcodes (including random ones that wouldn't be in my contact list)

Ok I’ve just tried to put a post code into my phone and it didn’t do anything, so just put the same post code in again and it f—-g works now so another apology..


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[Stoffel]

Anyone bought the Connected Nav from Martin in Germany?

 

[Ash700]

Ordered mine off eBay from Sycamore Motorrad £540. It was delivered 2 days later.

 

[NeilCol]

Anyone bought the Connected Nav from Martin in Germany?

It’s a risk isn’t it…but £430 is a big difference!!

I keep looking but can’t bring myself to risk it, think I’m going to get one but likely from one of the £540 sellers in the uk I imagine.
Though pretty sure if I go to my local dealer they will match it.

 

[Ash700]

I misnamed the device and tried to change the heading name of my thread, but couldn’t find a way?

ConnectedRide Navigator
Anyway, I’ve bought one and so far, so good. I’ve also subscribed to MRA Routeplanner (not the app) and it didn’t take me very long to learn how to plan specific routes and send them to the CRN (via the BMW Motorrad Connected App on your phone).

It is different to the Nav6, it’s a different device with different functions and a different way of operating, but once you are familiar with your way around it, it becomes easy and logical. I like the way that all of its functions are controllable from the ‘wheel’, it just makes operating, whilst on the move, easy and much safer, as you’re not prodding at the screen. A downside is, as others have said, the onscreen nameplace labels are a bit too small - I wonder if this is something that might be addressed (if it can be) on a future software update?

It’s still early days but I’m happy with it and I’m sure I’ll continue to learn it’s features in more detail as I continue to use it and read other people’s findings on it. Bought mine off Ebay from Sycamore Motorrad, £540 and it was delivered within two days!

 

[FeeBee]

Just wondering what the consensus is on the BMW Connected Navigator, do any of you have one, if so, what do you think?

I currently have the Nav6, which has never missed a beat (maybe I shouldn’t say that out loud). I know it’s a compromise compared to the functions of the XT and XT2, but I see that those units are also a compromise as they don’t interact with the control wheel. Zooming in and out of areas with the control wheel when on the move is something I do a lot if I’m not familiar with an area, whilst touring. I don’t really want to have to touch the screen in order to change a feature, display, info, etc., which is why I’m asking about the new BMW concoction.

From what I’ve seen, the map view is a bit grey and boring and some have complained about the size on the on screen labels. I did search before adding this thread, but didn’t see anything with regards to decent reviews. Even the ones on YouTube are thin on the ground. It’s probably because it’s early days and software updates are still occurring.

Cheers

Bought the Navigator because my NavVI was acting up (green screen, usually when leading a group!) and because I'm planning a trip to Europe this fall and after purchasing the European maps for the Nav VI from Garmin discovered the euro map is in two files, can only be loaded on the external card of my North American Nav VI and can not be uploaded to my PC for route planning. So, when I discovered that the new BMW Connected Navigator came with downloadable worldwide maps included AND worked with the whiz wheel I said, "where do I pay".
It never dawned on me that the map view would be gray and boring (that's putting it politely!) and the labels in micro-script. To add insult to injury the home screen and main menu screens of the device show beautiful hi-res images that demonstrate the screen's capabilities! Seriously, what gives with the map view?
In a final twist of the tale (pun intended) I sent my NavVI back to Garmin for 'refurbishment' under their product recall. They sent me a brand new unit, with seriously updated firmware, and the very type of colourful map interface that the Connected Navigator should have.
The 'early days' have come and gone. BMW has our money. It's time they made this navigation device 'fit for purpose'.

 

[Ash700]

Bought the Navigator because my NavVI was acting up (green screen, usually when leading a group!) and because I'm planning a trip to Europe this fall and after purchasing the European maps for the Nav VI from Garmin discovered the euro map is in two files, can only be loaded on the external card of my North American Nav VI and can not be uploaded to my PC for route planning. So, when I discovered that the new BMW Connected Navigator came with downloadable worldwide maps included AND worked with the whiz wheel I said, "where do I pay".
It never dawned on me that the map view would be gray and boring (that's putting it politely!) and the labels in micro-script. To add insult to injury the home screen and main menu screens of the device show beautiful hi-res images that demonstrate the screen's capabilities! Seriously, what gives with the map view?
In a final twist of the tale (pun intended) I sent my NavVI back to Garmin for 'refurbishment' under their product recall. They sent me a brand new unit, with seriously updated firmware, and the very type of colourful map interface that the Connected Navigator should have.
The 'early days' have come and gone. BMW has our money. It's time they made this navigation device 'fit for purpose'.

I totally agree with you.

I also have a case of wishful thinking… hoping that the map might receive some kind of upgrade in the not too distant future, together with larger place name labels. Other than that, there’s quite a lot I like about the CRN. Track recording is handy and the speed it adjusts is good.

We’ll see…

 

[BillWright]

Is there warning for approaching speed cameras yet?

 

[Ash700]

Is there warning for approaching speed cameras yet?

As it’s an illegal feature in many European countries I can’t imagine ‘corporate BMW’ condoning it by incorporating it into their latest devices. The way things are going here in the UK, I wouldn’t be surprised if it became illegal here, too.

These days, I do the mass majority of my motorcycling miles on roads south of the Channel and have never made use of a camera warning feature, I just keep my eyes peeled.

 

[Bumble-Bee]

Anyone bought the Connected Nav from Martin in Germany?

It’s not as much risk as you think, Ebay has a policy that says…. get what you ordered or your money back, plus if you pay by credit card, your card issuer will refund your money if it fails to arrive under section 75 of the consumer credit act as the purchase was over £100

 

[NeilCol]

Well having just returned from a short trip into Europe via Rotterdam, into Germany, Luxembourg and France via some of Belgium I think I will definitely cough up the money for my next trip and invest in a Nav.

Being a bit of a tight Yorkshireman, the gut wrenching feeling of chucking £540 at a sat Nav for a £22k bike bought new only 9 months ago got the better of me and I decided to give the trip a go using the App and the standard screen.

Thoughts-
Well in areas of good signal, at pretty mild speeds, with simple road layouts like motorways, main roads etc this worked perfectly fine to a degree.
Issues start when there is lag, and the phone/app aren’t quite up to speed with where you actually are and there is a quick turn just after the manoeuvre you are engaged on.
You then tend to sail past the route…though in fairness the App is pretty quick to reroute, and somewhat an improvement on the similar Triumph set up the wife’s Tiger 900 runs.

However, the App does have its failings in that it is hard to plan a route you want to take via certain places, or on certain roads. Of course it’s also a bit of a risk following a route not seeing a map of it as it arrives, as we found out on one route where we ended up going along a single track road which was very steep, with very sharp hairpin bends, added to that the road surface was very rutted and poor. Without doubt the tightest scariest road I have done.
But we were halfway up at that point, with little to no view of what was in front or behind and no way of just stopping and turning the heavy bikes around. It was hairy to say the least, especially watching the less confident wife in my mirror after every turn!! We were however lucky there was no opposing traffic at the relevant times, meeting the tractor coming the other way once we reached the top thankfully.
Wish it had an option to avoid single track roads.

But overall we got home feeling it was ok, I’m fortunate that I can perhaps afford to chuck that amount of money at what is really a modern world “non problem” just to make my life a tiny bit easier (and after the hairpin run also safer). Though I will now wait til next year having no more trips far planned to justify it.

 

[the woodster]

If I'm reading right, the CRN relies upon being connected to the app on a smartphone? If that is the case then it's the XT2 for me. The whole point of a separate sat nav is that it's stand alone, for me.

 

[unicycler]

Just back from picos trip with my CRN.
it made the trip with windy roads and choice for dirt roads, Out performed mates nav6 by far.
no sim card was inserted, no complaints and can only get better with updates!

 

[autogs]

Any roads worthy of sharing other than the usual?

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[septikangel]

If I'm reading right, the CRN relies upon being connected to the app on a smartphone? If that is the case then it's the XT2 for me. The whole point of a separate sat nav is that it's stand alone, for me.

Doesn't 'rely' on being connected to the smart app......but it is useful and works well......the 'maps' (wordwide) are downloaded onto your Nav using wifi or Mobile data and so are available for use without internet in the wild. Not tried that just yet but have downloaded whole UK. Working well for me.
I lamented the discontinued Zumo 550 from what seems decades ago now, so easy to use........still got it......but I do find planning my trips on the BMW phone app just as easy as that zumo 550 which then magically appear available upon the Nav itself, along with other useful information controlled by the wonder wheel.....who knew I can lean over that far!

 

[the woodster]

Doesn't 'rely' on being connected to the smart app......but it is useful and works well......the 'maps' (wordwide) are downloaded onto your Nav using wifi or Mobile data and so are available for use without internet in the wild. Not tried that just yet but have downloaded whole UK. Working well for me.
I lamented the discontinued Zumo 550 from what seems decades ago now, so easy to use........still got it......but I do find planning my trips on the BMW phone app just as easy as that zumo 550 which then magically appear available upon the Nav itself, along with other useful information controlled by the wonder wheel.....who knew I can lean over that far!

Thanks for clarifying re the app connection. Can I ask a few questions please?

1. I saw a You Tube video a few months ago in which a reviewer said it didn't accept GPX files. Can this be right?
2. Can you attached a USB lead to it from a laptop to download routes from My Route App or other saved GPX routes?
3. Who makes it/whose is the mapping software? Someone mentioned TomTom.
4. Can I just use it like a Nav 5/Nav 6 and just enter and find locations once I've got the mapset on board?

Thank you. I'm trying to work out if it's for me. I don't use the BMW app. I don't have my phone/comms etc. connected to my bike via the TFT.

 

[septikangel]

Thanks for clarifying re the app connection. Can I ask a few questions please?

1. I saw a You Tube video a few months ago in which a reviewer said it didn't accept GPX files. Can this be right?
2. Can you attached a USB lead to it from a laptop to download routes from My Route App or other saved GPX routes?
3. Who makes it/whose is the mapping software? Someone mentioned TomTom.
4. Can I just use it like a Nav 5/Nav 6 and just enter and find locations once I've got the mapset on board?

Thank you. I'm trying to work out if it's for me. I don't use the BMW app. I don't have my phone/comms etc. connected to my bike via the TFT.

Hi Woodster,
1 - I can do routes on google and convert to GPX on mapstogpx.com then load them onto the Navigator.
Early days for me though yet with that and I have found it can alter the actual route when transferred and dunno why yet, but for simple direct routes, it works well. Must just need me to put more waypoints in it to ensure it goes where I want and not the route it may choose (faster/shorter etc)
2 - I've used a USB lead from my desktop to the Navigator which has a USB c connector. Once my google trip is converted by mapstogpx.com, I save it on my desktop and transfer it to the Nav. for use on the device when ready.
3 - Don't know that one for sure soz.
4 - Yes, that's why I liked my old Zumo550 and with the Nav, without being connected, I can enter addresses with the search function or simply press on the screen where I want to go and it drops a pin to set your route.
The app on my phone, also allows me to do that so I suppose that when I'm away and perhaps have locked my Nav in hotel room, while sat in pub or tent, I can set trip plan for next day on just my phone which connects a syncs with the Nav when back on bike. The plans from the pub the night before will magically appear on your Nav.
I'm happy so far.

 

[septikangel]

Simpy ??? a few pics of the Nav screen which hopefully helps some

https://imgur.com/NheZcvg

https://imgur.com/WXj80WR

https://imgur.com/2fUP1V2

https://imgur.com/ye604wi

https://imgur.com/KjEpK3F