Talking to 866-ASK-MINI about software updates, I learned three things: Navigation data are updated about four times per year, and updating is done automatically over-the-air; Major updates (changing revisions of software) need to be done by the dealer (allegedly); Minor updates can be done by the owner. There are two websites to check for updates, MINI Connectivity and BMW Software Update. The SE info system recommends the MINI site, 866-ASK-MINI told me about the BMW site.
A link from @insightman about over-the-air software updates: BMW & MINI To Begin Using Over The Air Updates For Software
