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BMW Navigator repair

544 Views 15 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  trogdor1138
I don't think I've seen this service mentioned or discussed so I want to give a shout out to GPS Station.

A lot of people report problems with "ghosting" on their Nav VI units, and I experienced this myself. Garmin is pretty good about replacing the units without charge, but some people are on their third or fourth units after the replacements developed the same problem. Before repair my GPS was unusable; the screen was constantly registering touches and essentially soft-locked the unit.

Rather than get a new unit I decided to try a repair service for a permanent fix. After a lot of research I found and decided on GPS Station. It's a German business, so there's overseas shipping and wait times, but it seemed like the most comprehensive offering. Here's what my unit looks like after repair:

Netbook Rectangle Bumper Communication Device Gadget
Automotive lighting Hood Communication Device Gesture Bumper
Automotive lighting Gadget Electric blue Metal Font
Car alarm Bumper Finger Gadget Motor vehicle


The following repairs were performed:
  • Replacement of the touch screen
  • Sealing of the seam between the display and the case
  • Polishing and re-sealing of the contacts on the back of the unit
  • Replacement of the USB port with a USB Micro port, and additional reinforcement of the port
  • General cleaning and polishing
I originally only requested the screen and cleaning, but when Adrian (it appears to be a one-man shop) took it apart he let me know the USB port was looking sketchy.

The unit worked perfectly on receipt, but I wanted to wait a bit to see how it gets on. It's been about 4 months now and my Nav VI continues to function without issue. I know it can take a while before ghosting recurs, but I do ride daily and it's always on my bike.

Adrian thinks there are two issues leading to ghosting. First, the screen edge is not sealed from the factory. This makes it possible for dust and other things to work their way into the screen. Second, like almost any material, the screen is sensitive to UV radiation. This is obviously a device that's intended to be used outdoors, but avoiding direct sunlight is preferrable to the extent possible. My bike is garaged at home, but I have no idea how it was stored by the previous owner. I'm also working on a 3D-printed cover made from TPS to use when parked.

Adrian also packs in a few goodies:

Font Service Rectangle Plastic Box


The USB cable is nice and sturdy, is braided, and has an illuminated tip to confirm that it has power. The Tic-Tacs and business cards are just nice throw-ins that lend a more professional image. My turn-around time, including shipping from the USA to Germany and vice-versa, was about a month.

I'm very happy with the results and consider this a positive review; I would recommend this to anyone looking for a permanent solution to the issues plaguing the Nav VI units. I'm not associated with the business in any way, no promo codes, affiliate links, etc., just throwing something out there for consideration that I haven't seen mentioned.
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What did the Nav VI have before?
My Nav V has a Mico USB.
Since they replaced the port and provided a new cable I wonder why they did not install a USB C port and cable.
Thanks for the thread. People who had to replace their Nav VI several times will be in interested in this thread.
My last repair was because the Navigator VI slipped off the desk while plugged in. The tug on the connected USB cable damaged the port. Thankfully, Garmin just sent another one. I find it VERY annoying that these devices aren’t made to be safely accessible when plugged in. I can’t do stuff with it being face down.
I cleaned the connector pins and contacts with the only fluid I had, spit! Also scraped out a lot of white stuff from between the male pins (?!)
I'm not sure why, but that sounds dirty.... :sneaky:
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