Wish I could remember where I read this, but the issue was in design / manufacturing.

The Garmin Nav series function via pressure on the display (vs electrostatic on smart phones) and one or more of the layers within the display are too close together. Thus, a change in environmental factors causes the ghosting.

 

It's definitely worse in high humidity. Out in AZ and NV I never had any issues. Mine started acting up in the rainy, humid midwest. Bottom line is it's not reliable no matter where it sleeps at night.

 

It's funny that the Nav 5 is fine but the 6 has issues, why not go back to the setup like the 5 has? I've had mine for 8 years and not one problem.
I know some folks like the updated stuff on the 6 but I was more referring to Garmin going back to the screen setup that the 5 has.

 

I've had between 5 and 6 refurbished NAV VI units and they've all failed in various temperature conditions so I don't believe the problem is related to weather be it cold, hot or wet. There's a design flaw in the unit that for whatever reason Garmin is unable to fix permanently so they have a revolving door of NAV VI's coming in and going out that are destined to fail at some point.

 

Garmin zumo repair | Garmin Display repair: As long as it does not show ghosting, these guys have a permanent fix among other modifications. Had mine done this month.

 

Garmin zumo repair | Garmin Display repair: As long as it does not show ghosting, these guys have a permanent fix among other modifications. Had mine done this month.

Nice. Is there an equivant repair facility in the US?

 

Hi, Thought I'd share my experience with this painful ghosting issue. Of course my navigator failed after 3 years and one month. Guess how long the warranty was for!!! For those who don't know, ghosting is when the display keeps updating as if a ghost is randomly pushing buttons. When it happened, it was the beginning of Autumn when the leaves were falling and it starts raining lots, and I thought a small leaf had was caught and touching the display causing it to think a button was pressed. When I read the forums people were saying the issue occurs more often as the temperatures drop. Then there are plenty of videos of people swapping out their screens - but there are at least two types, so first you need to dismantle, then check the screen type then order the correct type before replacing it. To fix mine, here's what I did. First I ran my finger nail around the very edge of the display. There is a very small gap and I had wondered if a small amount of dirt was caught and causing the display to register a finger press - this in itself didn't fix the issue. Next I brought it inside out of the cold and wet. I noticed that although the display wasn't working, the USB interface was just fine. So I updated the SW whilst I was there again this didn't fix the problem, but can't hurt. I tried SW reset and HW reset (taking the battery out for a day) and still didn't work - as others have reported as well. What did work was time!!. One week inside in a warm dry environment with the battery out. After that it's now working, with no ghosting issue. And no HW change needed. So here's my theory. It is related to the change in seasons. Specifically related to the fall in temperature and increased rain. It's possible some debris made their way around the edge of the display, so cleaning should help. But I think in my case, it was water ingress. After drying it out inside for a week and removing the battery to reset it, it's now working. Now I ride my bike all year round, but I only go touring in the warmer months. So my long term solution is to leave the satnav inside during winter and put it back on the bike ready for the spring weather. For such an expensive bike and satnav system, this really isn't good enough. But it is a fix to the problem. Hope this helps others.

I bring my NAV VI in for the winter and have not had to replace mine.

 

I also leave mine in a safe place at home and have not had to replace it ... I can't find it.

Tom

 

Now I no longer have the Navigator VI but I had solved the problem with a screen protector that I made myself with a plastic sheet that I had thermomolded.
The problem is related to the screen, the dirt that accumulates between the frame and the screen, so I opened it, put the plate in the sun one afternoon, removed the rubber gasket and moisturized it with Vaseline and put it back together.
Then I put my protector on and it never stopped working as long as I had it.
This protector does not touch the screen, when you press with your finger it comes back out, it is always separated and protects the screen frame from dirt, water or moisture, It is precisely on that edge (frame-screen) where the problem is

(In the photo above it is not perfectly fitted, a slight pressure and it sits like a glove)

 

Looks like a great Christmas present you can manufacture and give as gifts for all of us who need a fix for our ghosting NAV VI's.

 

I’ve just thrown mine away. Fourth one replaced under warranty, I now use an old iPhone max mounted on the handlebars running waze and TomTom. Best few dollars I never spent

 

I have just received an email to replace mine for the latest update that supposedly fixes the ghosting issue. When they replaced the last one, they didn't ask for proof of purchase.

 

I just got angry in the shop with the BMW service chap. This is the second one to fail and I'm not happy. He said that BMW would not replace it until he'd reported the issue with a video of it not working. Of course it's working fine while it's in his hand. I lost my **** a little bit and he said ok, fine. we'll replace it. I know I'm waisting my time though. Until all the 800 faulty units at BMW Germany have been used up, they won't start issuing the working units. When I go touring now I always pack my spare Zumo 660. What a JIB!!

 

I'm hesitant to post this, but...

My Nav VI was starting to ghost on me so I plugged it into my PC to try updates. It flashed everything including the SW. Once done I noticed it went from version 5.? to 10. Since then (couple of weeks) it has not ghosted once. Now I'm not claiming a SW update fixed it - I need more time and testing. but it is interesting. Maybe they dialed down the sensitivity of the touch screen? Seems like it works the same.

Anyone else tried updating their ghosting unit with the Garmin Express software?

 

My latest Nav6 started ghosting today. I brought in and gave it a few hours to warm up. Still ghosting. I then applied the latest software and map updates. Still ghosting after the update. This current Nav6 is one of the rev 2 versions with the black screen and was brand new when shipped to me (not refurbished). It lasted ~1 year. I've lost count how many times I've had to warranty swap the Nav6. If it weren't for the bike info screen, I'd have dumpsters the Nav6 ages ago.

 

I recently received an email that they have fixed the ghosting problem and are sending me a new unit.

 

Is it a newly manufactured unit, or refurbished unit with a permanent fix?

 

I was told by the dealer that the new navigator has been out for about 6 weeks. I assumed from the conversation that this one had all the bugs fixed. I'm waiting for a replacement but it won't be one of the new ones. I'm thinking of taking the legal route and applying my consumer rights. ie, I've been sold a known defective product and can legally expect a full refund after they have had the chance to replace it. Which they have, twice, with also faulty units. I\ want my money back and have the law on my side.

 

Nope, mine ghosted worse than ever on a trip today so SW update did not fix it. It was cold this morning and when it warmed up and I restarted after lunch it worked fine. If I only trusted it...

 

It sounds like I will be receiving details in the next day or two on how to receive the updated "fixed" Nav6 that Garmin support says will start shipping in the coming days (before this year is out). Like others, I've heard the fixed version is coming "later this year" for several years now. It sounds like it is really happening.

 

I'm not a betting man and my limits a $1.00 but I’d bet that buck it never ever happens !😎

 

I just decided never to darken Garmin's door again. Their customer service is random, one call they fix, another call they want money to fix. It's clearly a design fault and they won't admit it. I agree a change in weather seems to stop it working, for me the whole thing is just not automotive grade. Garmin is run by MBAs nowadays and not engineers with a passion to get things right. I think BMW is going the same way when you have basic errors like the radio reception on the K.

 

Me thinks the fixed Nav6 is actually a Nav7 that is now being offered for sale.

BMW Motorcycles Navigator VI GPS by Garmin - Version 7

BMW Motorcycles Navigator VI GPS by Garmin - Version 7 It is not just touring enthusiasts who will find all they need in the Navigator VI. The system turns route planning into child's play and offers a number of additional functions that make every tour an experience. The five-inch touchscreen...

www.shopbmwmotorcycle.com

 

That's still a Navigator VI with new improved "version" marketing ... otherwise Garmin would call it a Navigator VII. There were no version 1-6 Navigator VI's marketed.

Tom

 

That part number has been around for a while. In my German part catalog it is the well known problematic updated NAV6 with the newer firmware that was released in 2022 i believe

 

Well darn. Sorry for the false hope. It's one of these newer black background units that started ghosting on me. Three days later and I'm still waiting on Garmin to reach back out to me regarding the "fixed" version they claim to be ready to ship in the coming days.

 

Please let us know the details of the new NAV like software version, start screen etc.

 

Will do

 

Garmin HQ is in my backyard. I go in with Nav units and they just take it and send me a new one. But one of the techs at the service counter actually claimed to have worked on the units and was instrumental in resolving the ghosting issue. I was so hopeful and discussed it on the forum because I believed him. Right up to the point where the replacement unit failed. SMH.

 

Maybe the new "Version 7" is finally the real deal. It's hard to believe they'd make a big deal of this new release unless they finally (successfully) re-engineered the thing. At this point I don't understand why they're coming out with a new VI version. It costs twice as much as a Zumo XT, which does pretty much the same thing.

Maybe I'm missing something...

 

I just got off the phone with Garmin Support for an unrelated issue. While on the call, I went into the whole Nav6 thing, and asked what's going to happen when my 5-year warranty finally expires in March. The replacement Nav6 I have is currently working, but I have no confidence it will have a long life before ghosting/freezing. Probably in April.

H said a fresh new "finally fixed" version is definitely coming out. He hadn't heard it referred to as version 7. It's not available yet but will be during the first part of 2024. We'll see......

 

I have moved on from my Nav VI. I still use the VI but only for engine monitoring.

My Zumo and Carpuride are my GPS's now.

 

Can you comment any further on the Carpuride? I was just looking at them as I was thinking all I really need is a good Android Auto screen.

 

Mine failed a couple weeks ago and I raised a chat with them on their website. They got my SN and said, "We'll send a replacement out and put you on a list for the revised model when it comes out".
All good, but I've not gotten any other correspondence and they just ended the chat with that.. should I be watching for a shipping notification in my email or something?

 

As part of my conversation today, they took my SN and put me on the "list" too. They said they'd notify me when a new unit is available to be shipped. Almost sounds too good to be true.

 

I received the Garmin "survey", which they are sending out to those on the list for the fixed Nav6, or whatever they might the fixed unit. Supposed to hear the next step within the next 7-14 days. With care, they could drag this out for months... 😉

 

It's almost too good to be true -- if it's true. I'm using 3DAM XT adapter, which utilizes the Nav6 cradle, on my '18 GTL. I just bought the 3DAM XT adapter for the Nav6 cradle on my new 850GS. I tested it for the first time this morning -- success! The way the 850GS cradle is designed allows for easily going back-and-forth between a Nav6 and an XT.

Worst case, I'm set up for the Zumo XT on both bikes. If a bullet proof Nav6 falls into my lap over the next few months, that's icing on the cake.

BTW, what are they asking for in the survey?

 

@rhbike yea, i miss all the bike info the Nav6 presents. I just couldn’t live with the unreliability of the unit anymore. HW Reliability for navigation is #1 and everything else is a nice to have. So the XT has worked well.

I use Basecamp to create routes and the direct integration for transferring routes to the XT is a must. Everything is a tradeoff.

IF the new Nav6 works as advertised, I might remove the 3DAM Adapters on my 2 bikes. But it will be awhile before I have that level of trust.