Rumors have been swirling that BMW, Audi, and Daimler's Mercedes-Benz are looking to acquire Nokia's mapping technology to help power their future self-driving cars, and now word has it that it's almost a done deal.

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday reported that the German auto makers have agreed to pay "slightly more than" €2.5 billion ($2.71 billion) for the digital mapping service, beating out other "Silicon Valley bidders." The Journal notes that the deal is not finalized just yet, but Nokia has been "holding exclusive talks" with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz since early July.

"Talks have been bogged down in details, from how much Nokia Here is actually worth to patents on intellectual property," according to the report. "But people familiar with the situation say the two sides are close to finalizing a deal."

If it does go through, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz plan to invite other auto makers — like Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, and General Motors — to invest in Here.

"The goal has always been to run the service as an open platform for everyone," an unnamed source told the Journal. "The final signing could take place in the next few days."

App-based car service Uber was also reportedly interested in the mapping service, and willing to pay up to $3 billion for the Nokia division. The Journal, however, says that Uber dropped out of the bidding last month.

The battle for the mapping unit comes after Nokia in April said that it was reviewing its options "including a potential divestment, for its Here business."

In 2013, Nokia teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to develop smart maps intended to spur the development of self-driving cars. That could include the sleek concept that Mercedes showed off at this year's CES, though BMW and Audi have also made great strides on that front.