alexander_ghost54
BMW 7 Hybrid GPS Nav System Issues: Help Needed
No GPS connection
Fault stored
4 comment(s)
Thanks for your detailed response! My issues started about a week ago, right after that heavy rainfall we had. No specific error codes showing up, just the general "GPS Signal Lost" message. The timing after the rain makes me think you might be right about the antenna. I've got 50674 KM on the clock and just had my service last month, but they didn't check the navigation system specifically. At this point, I'm thinking I'll have to bite the bullet and get it checked out professionally. Good to know it might not break the bank completely based on your experience. Thanks for the insight!
Hey again! Yeah, that rainfall detail definitely rings a bell, that's exactly how my issues started too. My 5 series started acting up after a really wet week, and it sounds like we're dealing with the same problem here. Since you mentioned having a recent service, I'd suggest going back to get it checked specifically for water ingress around the antenna. In my case, they found that water had gotten into the antenna housing through a tiny crack in the seal. These seals can deteriorate over time, mine was just about ready to give up after 8 years of exposure to the elements. With your mileage being around 50K, you're actually catching this pretty early compared to when I had my issue. Mine started playing up at around 85K. If it helps, I still remember how frustrating those failed route calculations were, exactly what you're describing. The fix has been solid though, no issues for the past year since getting it sorted. One quick tip: while you're waiting to get it checked, try doing a system restart (hold down the power button for about 20 seconds). It didn't fix my problem permanently, but it sometimes helped temporarily with the route calculation issues. Just don't wait too long to get it properly checked, water damage can spread if left unchecked.
Thanks so much for all this helpful information! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and tips. The system restart trick actually helped temporarily, at least now I can use basic navigation functions until I get it properly fixed. I'll definitely get it checked for water damage around the antenna seal first thing next week. It's actually quite reassuring to hear that your repair has held up well for the past year. I was worried this might turn into one of those recurring problems that just keep coming back. Having caught it early like you mentioned probably works in my favor too. Think I'll call my service center tomorrow and specifically mention the potential water ingress issue with the antenna seal. That should help them diagnose it faster. Thanks again for all your help, you've saved me a lot of worry and potentially some diagnostic costs too!
Hey there! I have some experience with cars and had a similar issue with my 2013 BMW 5 Hybrid (also owned a 3 series before). Your symptoms sound exactly like what I dealt with last year. My nav system was doing the same thing, super slow calculations, no GPS signal, and error messages popping up. After taking it to my workshop, they diagnosed it as a faulty GPS antenna. It was a pretty straightforward fix, but it set me back about 200 Euro including labor. Can you share more details about when this started happening? Did you notice any issues after a car wash or extreme weather? This could help pinpoint if it's definitely the antenna or maybe something else. Also, does your system show any specific error codes? That would help confirm if we're dealing with the same problem.