BMW Z4 GPS Dead: Navigation System Failure Solutions

Hey there! I faced a very similar problem with my 2021 BMW M4. I have some experience working on cars, but GPS systems aren't my strong suit. My navigation was acting up just like yours, super slow route calculations and no GPS signal. Took it to my regular workshop last month, and they diagnosed a faulty GPS antenna. Cost me around 200 Euro to fix, including labor, but now it works perfectly. Can you tell me if you're seeing any specific error messages on the display? Also, when did this issue start? This info would help confirm if it's the same problem I had. The M4 and Z4 share quite a few electronics, so I might be able to provide more specific details about the repair process.

Thanks for sharing your M4 experience! My Z4 (144714 KM) started showing these issues right after my last service two weeks ago. I'm getting error code "GPS Signal Lost" on the display. Really helpful to know about the antenna fix working for you, kinda suspected it might be something similar. Good point about the shared electronics between our models. Maybe I should bite the bullet and get it checked at the workshop. Just wanted to explore some other owners' experiences before booking it in. Would you recommend any specific checks before taking it to the shop?

Hey again! Yeah, that "GPS Signal Lost" error is exactly what I saw on my M4 too. Since you mentioned it started after your service, I'd actually recommend checking if anything got disconnected during the maintenance. When I had my issue, I first looked under the shark fin antenna on the roof (just visually) to see if there was any obvious damage, didn't see anything myself, but turns out the connector underneath had worked itself loose over time. Given your mileage is similar to what mine was when I had the problem (I was around 150,000 km), it's probably worth getting it checked professionally. Before you take it in though, you could try resetting the navigation system, just hold down the power button for about 30 seconds. I tried this first, but it didn't solve my problem. Still, it's worth a shot before spending money at the workshop. Also, just thinking, does your system occasionally work and then drop out, or is it completely dead? Mine would sometimes catch a signal for a few minutes before failing again, which was apparently typical of a failing antenna. If you're seeing similar behavior, I'd bet money it's the same issue I had. The repair was pretty straightforward once they identified the problem, took them about an hour and a half total.

Thanks so much for that detailed info! Really helpful to compare notes about these GPS issues. The behavior in my Z4 is exactly like you described, occasionally catching signal for a few minutes before dropping out again. I just tried the reset you suggested by holding down the power button, but no luck unfortunately. Given how similar our problems sound, I'm pretty convinced it's the antenna issue now. I checked under the shark fin antenna like you mentioned, but couldn't spot anything obviously wrong. Though knowing your connector had worked loose gives me a better idea of what the workshop should look at. I'll definitely mention your M4 case when I take it in, might help them diagnose it faster. Think I'll book it in for next week. With all this information, at least I won't be going in blind, and I can budget for around 200 plus labor costs. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and suggesting those pre-workshop checks. It's always good to get real-world feedback from another BMW owner who's dealt with the same problem!