M3 Satnav volume

[bindit]

on the occasion when i can't use the wifes Tom Tom, i have to use the Satnav in my 2003 E46 M3. Troubling thing is the nav volume will not stay set. I can use the steering wheel or volume controls on the facia, which is fine, until the next nav command, then she's shouting at me again! So yes, before you say, i read the manual and change the nav volume in the settings. this makes no difference, other than if i turn the knob clockwise ahe shouts 'louder', or anit-clockwise she shouts 'quieter', but the actual volume level stays the same!

Any ideas please?

Edited by bindit on Thursday 10th August 14:30

[rassi]

Had the same problem in my 530d (E39), where it would be deafening loud if I had the music off. As under warranty, the dealer replaced, IIRC, the amplifier, but the details are a bit sketchy. However, it is not a software glitch, unfortunately a hardware one. Don't know how much money is involved...

[DeadEye]

Its your GAL setting!

Its the speed related volume nonsense.

Mine used to work perfectly until I changed mine to 1 (no speed related volume crap)

Turn your radio on

Within 10 seconds press the info button.

Then press and HOLD the SEL button until a secret menu appears (on some version you have to press and hold the left hand twiddly knob instead)

Use the < and > buttons to scroll through the secret menu until you see GAL.

Use the numeric pad to select a new GAL (1-6)

Yours is probably on 1 or two - mine was set to 3 from the factory.

Have fun!

[bindit]

DeadEye said:

Its your GAL setting!

Its the speed related volume nonsense.

Mine used to work perfectly until I changed mine to 1 (no speed related volume crap)

Turn your radio on

Within 10 seconds press the info button.

Then press and HOLD the SEL button until a secret menu appears (on some version you have to press and hold the left hand twiddly knob instead)

Use the < and > buttons to scroll through the secret menu until you see GAL.

Use the numeric pad to select a new GAL (1-6)

Yours is probably on 1 or two - mine was set to 3 from the factory.

Have fun!

Thanks DeadEye, but i don't have a GAL option in my 'secret' menu, so she's still shouting at me!

[Kev G]

I have the same problem.

Car goes in on Tuesday, will let you know what happens.

[bindit]

Kev G said:

I have the same problem.

Car goes in on Tuesday, will let you know what happens.

That would be great thanks. Although if this is the only problem i have this year i'll be happy!

[Marki]

Why use a tomtom when you have a built in system

[bindit]

Marki said:

Why use a tomtom when you have a built in system

Well... i can probably except the fact that the Tom Tom is a far superior product (user interface is better, post code entry and other useful features) and still use the BMW system, but having the fixed and mobile camera database on the Tom Tom is most useful on longer journeys.

[onetone]

Try this - may work.

When in nav mode, press the right twiddle button to bring up the sub-menu, scroll down to 'instruction' - should see a speaker symbol adjacent. Push in right twiddle button and hold for a few seconds - a line will appear through the speaker symbol. This will mute the noisy b*tch completely. Action has to be repeated each time you re-start the car - no permanent setting.

Good luck

[Robertb]

I always turn her off, as it were. I don't see the point in having her booming at you when you've got the split screen mode with the map and directions on, plus the distance count-down on the dash.

Do you have the DVD based nav system? If so, worth checking if you've the latest operating system (easily upgraded in a few minutes by the dealer) and then getting the latest nav disc. Together, you will get 3d views and a basic postcode searching facility, plus neater graphics etc.

[onetone]

Totally agree with Robertb - if not muted, she usually has something to shout about just as you are about to hear that all-important 'whatever' that you've been waiting half an hour for - honestly, her ability to interupt just at the wrong moment is worrying realistic.

[Kev G]

Had the os software reloaded, all cured.

Sub £50 at an independent!!:-)

[bindit]

Kev G said:

Had the os software reloaded, all cured.

Sub £50 at an independent!!:-)

Thanks Kev, i guess i'll get the dealer to do mine under warranty.

How did they reload the software? Did they connect a laptop somewhere? Did you have any other problems to warrant a sofware re-install?

Cheers

Rob

[Robertb]

The software upgrade involves putting a CD in the drive, and that's about it. 10 mins tops. It should be free. You can do it yourself if you can get hold of a disc. That said, I had a prob doing mine, but quickly resolved.