Jap Import Z4 Sat Nav

acer54 · Post by **acer54** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:30 pm

I have just bought a newly imported Z4 from Japan, I've managed to get the flip up sat nav screen changed to English and the world radio frequencies switched to Europe without any issues.
I thought the sat nav would be just a case of using a European dvd to the replace the Japanese dvd - I was wrong!!!
When I look for the dvd drive I find that a HDD PC Card system is fitted (see attached photo's)
What are my options to get a working European mapping system to replace the Japanese mapping?

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 3:16 pm

Jap system is completely different to normal for some reason, I think the antenna and wiring is also different I'm afraid. I'd just use Waze on my phone, as I can't see this being a quick or cheap fix.

Mike

hopz121 · Post by **hopz121** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 3:18 pm

Try and hook up a DVD rom drive in the space of the card?

acer54 · Post by **acer54** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 9:50 pm

Was hoping I could do something with this, if I have to fit a DVD drive will the wiring be compatible?

markplant · Post by **markplant** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 9:58 pm

Have a look for nav drives for sale an see if the plug looks anything like
Found one

: 65906983312_lector_navegador_professional_mk4_bmw_e38_e39_e46_x3_e83_x5_e53_z4_e85_e86_b.JPG (105.72 KiB) Viewed 1465 times

markplant · Post by **markplant** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 10:00 pm

Would you post up pics of head unit an screen just so can see what it came with

enzed4 · Post by **enzed4** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 6:37 am

You could be looking at mission impossible. The Satnav system in japan uses ground based satnav relays due to the highly built up areas (no satellite coverage between high rises), so the antennas/receiver are different. 95% of imports here are from Japan so usually the whole stereo is taken out (radio frequencies are also wrong without a band expander) and replaced with something that will work in our market (same as UK). The hard drive based systems (e.g. E89) can be retrofitted with a compatible system but it's hellish expensive so most people just flag it and use cellphone maps or a Garmin/Navman etc Satnav. Shame the Z4's don't come with Apple Car Play or Android Auto - at least you'd be able to get your phone onto the screen and use the phone's Google/Apple maps

As you mentioned, the Z4 allows you to change the language and radio freqs, so at least that's good.
Good luck though, I hope you find something that works.

acer54 · Post by **acer54** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 8:41 am

See attached pictures of my head unit and radio.

acer54 · Post by **acer54** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 8:44 am

Looks like I will have to use my TomTom, pity as I really wanted to get this working in the UK..................

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 8:54 am

I'd be more worried about removing the 112mph speed limiter

Mike

acer54 · Post by **acer54** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 10:20 am

Not bothered about the speed limiter, it's an auto gearbox and it can have issues if the limiter is removed - 112 mph is plenty fast enough for me lol

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 7:39 pm

This any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-BMW-Z ... SwImRYk~aa

Mike

GuidoK · Post by **GuidoK** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 7:56 pm

Maybe first post the last 7 digits of your vin to establish what kind of car you have exactly?

Ducklakeview wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2017 7:39 pm This any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-BMW-Z ... SwImRYk~aa

Mike

Thats TV tuner, not a satnav unit.

He needs a mk4 unit, provided there is some way to change the wiring loom.

(but how cool would it be if somehow the maps would be transferrable to this unit

)

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:05 pm

GuidoK wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2017 7:56 pm Maybe first post the last 7 digits of your vin to establish what kind of car you have exactly?

Ducklakeview wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2017 7:39 pm This any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-BMW-Z ... SwImRYk~aa

Mike
Thats TV tuner, not a satnav unit.

He needs a mk4 unit, provided there is some way to change the wiring loom.

(but how cool would it be if somehow the maps would be transferrable to this unit )

Well the listing states "GENUINE BMW Z4 E85 03-05 TV VIDEO TUNER SAT NAV MODULE UNIT 6936096" lol..

Mike

GuidoK · Post by **GuidoK** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:15 pm

Yes, never trust the description, it is written by an average human...

BMW describes it in their ETK as 'Video-module, high, uncoded'

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com