BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

I've just purchased a 2015 RT and have been researching navigation systems. While I really like the idea of a new, fully integrated Nav VI unit, the complaints I've read have me really concerned. The unit is very expensive at $1,050 plus tax here in Canada, and while I might consider it even at that price, I really don't want to have problems with it. Can anyone tell me if the latest versions of the Nav VI are any better or if I should just consider something else?

Zumo XT all the way for me

You can't use the wonderwheel but this is no biggie to me

Plus there is adaptors out there to mount it in the correct position too

I also changed to a zumo XT. I went for the self help option though and just bought 4 x 4mm 40mm bolts and 4 x 30mm spacers and just mounted the xt mount in front of the Nav one.

I have the Nav VI on my 2019 R1250 and have had no issues with it at all although I've seen many threads posting about problems with it. As you've noted they're very expensive here so if I were in your position, I would do as others have suggested and go with the Zumo XT.

I've a 2021 RT after selling my 2015 RT so I'm on my 3rd RT.

The nav system on the 21 is awful. Cell phone driven so if you lose cell service you lose nav. Ducky. It's also really miserable when it comes to mapping and it's not possible to switch to Google Maps as in the car via BMW Auto.

When ordered the new one, I ordered it with GS bars and not the standard RT unit. I'm at the point where I need to choose a system that will work.

The nav VI can be installed on the 21 with the GS bars, but it's integration into the full system is up for grabs as the dealer isn't certain (how nice) and it will only cost about $1900 to do the job. That's right, $1 9 0 0. 0 0. Insane

So I'm now focusing on the Zumo XT and figuring out a way to wire it up. Suggestion? I've also found that Tourmaster has a cradle for the XT that has a complete locking system. So the whole set up is about $700 vs the dealer lunacy.

Suggestions and comments appreciated.

Thanks

@donmarco if the 21 RT is like the rest then you should have an accessory plug somewhere up front under the dash

You can buy a connector to plug in to it and wire it to the zumo XT

Thanks folks. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Zumo and I'd like to mount it in front of the Nav VI cover plate as well. Any pictures of such an install would be great!

I used 4 x 40mm x4mm bolts with 4 x 30mm spacers. I bought the fly lead with the correct plug on, to connect to the same plug the Nav VI was powered from. I also had a spare Nav cover, which I drilled to mount over the original nav mount, so it covers it and acts as a backing to the zumo mount.

Thanks Casbar. That's kind of what I was thinking of doing, using the Nav VI mounting plate. Can you give me any more details about the "fly lead" and the "correct plug" for the power?

This is the lead I used, think you can also buy direct from BMW https://www.motorworks.co.uk/wiring-rep ... 585-1.html

Thanks.....J

I purchase my Nav V new with my R1200RT years ago and it has always worked fine, now on a 2020 1250RT.

Yes BMW nav units are too expensive for the extra they offer of the base Garmin units they are based on, but I could not live with a satnav that was "almost" as good as the OEM built in one (e.g no wonder-wheel integration).

I think the Nav VI is a slight upgraded on the Nav V but not enough to make me invest. The new 2021 (onward) 1250RTs do not use a dedicated "bolt on" satnav and the alternative offered by BMW seems to be a bit flaky.

I have no hesitation in recommending a Nav V or Nav VI. If cost is an issue get a second hand Nav V, which is a very good unit indeed and much better value than a Nav VI.

The Nav V and VI are old tech now. The XT has a much faster processor and a lot more internal memory. As for not being able to live without the wonder wheel integration, all it does is allow you to zoom. In 6 years of Nav V and VI ownership on my RT, I never used the wonder wheel, so when my second Nav VI failed due to the ghosting issue, it was a no brainer to go the XT route. Very satisfied. But some people just love old tech

The wonder wheel can also be used to scroll up down through sub menus i.e phone,music, routes ect. personally use zoom in and out a lot so do like the intergration.