Is nav worth it?

[JasonCSU]

For an extra $2100, do you think the nav system is worth it? I know the iDrive system incorporates many other features, but I can't seem to justify the price. Living in Colorado, I don't really need navigation, though it is a fun toy. It would definitely be handy when I drive across Europe when I pick the car up via ED. The nav system becomes more appealing to me if it is possible to incorporate mods with the LCD screen. For example, the ability to display different gauge readings like boost or EGT on the screen would be really nice. Does anybody know if something like this is available? Also, how often does BMW update the iDrive firmware, and does that cost extra?

[Jewpac]

Due to the fact it comes with iDrive I would not get it. iDrive is a terrible system and I wouldn't it in my car. You can get a Garmin portable unit for a lot less that has the same functions.

[vivid]

I would not pay for nav... I usually know where I am and where I'm going... If I were going on a long road trip to unknown areas I would get a portable nav system for $400-$600 from Best Buy or Circuit City.

[EINSER M]

NAV now is 2100$ and is it the best bang for your buck, obviously NOT. however the NAV is something EVERYONE in the after market world wants on your car, they will not even consider your car if you don't have NAV in it, so its something to consider yourself when you configure the car.

I've had NAV in every car i've had, its only 30-40/month to own so no big deal really, but i can certainly see how 2100$ seems expensive but worth it imho.

[bmwzimmer]

It's just added weight? Forget it.

[curtdragon]

i have my Blackberry with Sprint Navigation for when I get lost

[confusion]

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

however the NAV is something EVERYONE in the after market world wants on your car, they will not even consider your car if you don't have NAV in it, so its something to consider yourself when you configure the car.

i couldn't disagree more w/ this statement. although some people might want nav, _most_ do not want idrive. the obvious (and way cheaper) solution is to get aftermarket nav. peruse the forums and you'll also see there's a general preference for 1ers w/o idrive/nav because of how it's integrated into the dash. i suspect bmw would sell more units despite the price if it was actually designed like the 3er rather than popping up. even though the software itself can be updated over the years, the hardware won't be. don't kid yourself into thinking that your $2100 investment is gonna be worth a penny 5 years from now when the new screens are touch screens w/ 10x the resolution and functionality. if you gotta have nav, aftermarket is the way to go.

[drand]

I got Nav both to us while on ED and because of the other non-Navigation functions it offers, such as Ipod integration. If it wasn't for these functions, I would have gotten a portable unit for ED.

[rainman128]

Nav...if i had an extra $2100 i had to get rid of and b/c it has the neat screen that pops up when u push the idrive button/turn on the car...
hmm i have seen a mod site...but i dont know exaclty what the mod is....here: http://www.tvandnav2go.com/bmw-tv-navigation.html says stuff about tv...im sure u could hook up an xbox/boost gauge somehow

[E82tt6]

Originally Posted by angkor

I got Nav both to us while on ED and because of the other non-Navigation functions it offers, such as Ipod integration. If it wasn't for these functions, I would have gotten a portable unit for ED.

Agreed 110%. And really, I like iDrive!

[TrojanBMW]

Originally Posted by E82TT6

Agreed 110%. And really, I like iDrive!

+1

I'm doing ED in May, and the iDrive/nav is really helpful, and I like having nav back in the States without having to suction-cup something to my windshield.

Plus I find the iDrive system (on my 330) to be very easy to use, especially after you get the steering wheel buttons configured and the voice command's figured out. You can almost go without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

On top of that, I got a 328i loaner not that long ago, and I found the non-iDrive radio to be more confusing than iDrive, not to mention the fact that the display disappeared with my sunglasses on.

[imported_Dodgy]

Saw the unit today.

Looks cheap unfortunately. Also, I think the screen will be very difficult to read in bright sunlight. I might be wrong, but it's on the dash and has no "hood" to shield it.

One advantage of the position is that you glance across to it, not down. It's essentially at eye level, so should be more "ergonomic".

The key for me (though not worth the money), is the display. Everything sets out nicely, and I don't like the 2 line red LED thingy without the screen.

Also, if MP3 integration is important to you, the better display and integration will be an absolute joy.

[spudw]

Dodgy raises some good points: ergonomics and good display for stereo and iPod. Bit it's a MASSIVE waste of $$ IMO. A top-end Garmin will cost $1,500 less and you can move it from car to car, and store it in the trunk when you don't need it - which is most of the time for most people.

Personally I would use Nav 2-3 times per year. Save the weight and the $$. And there are much better alternatives if you need a Nav system. And hearing that it looks cheap just underlines that it's not a good deal.

Also, the dash lines are really nice without the interuption, and you have access to two cupholders without the iDrive knob behind the shifter. With the iDrive knob they give you that tacky removable cupholder that cuts in on the passengers knee space...

[ChrisK]

Say what you want about idrive and the price, but the integration and boost to resale makes it worth it IMO.

:smile:

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by spudwest

Dodgy raises some good points: ergonomics and good display for stereo and iPod. Bit it's a MASSIVE waste of $$ IMO. A top-end Garmin will cost $1,500 less and you can move it from car to car, and store it in the trunk when you don't need it - which is most of the time for most people.

Personally I would use Nav 2-3 times per year. Save the weight and the $$. And there are much better alternatives if you need a Nav system. And hearing that it looks cheap just underlines that it's not a good deal.

Also, the dash lines are really nice without the interuption, and you have access to two cupholders without the iDrive knob behind the shifter. With the iDrive knob they give you that tacky removable cupholder that cuts in on the passengers knee space...

It is a waste IMO. My parents have them in the Caddy and Merc. They NEVER use them enough to justify the price. The only reason they got them was b/c the dealership was uber-aggressive with the pricing.

[jeremyc74]

I use Nav on a daily basis, and there's no way I'd pay that much for it. I use a Garmin unit, which I can move from car to car and take on a plane with me. On top of that the DVD based system is just pointless. It's added hardware for no good reason.

I won't buy a used car with a NAV system either. Technology is advancing so quickly for this kind of stuff that a 3 year old OEM system is already way behind a current aftermarket system that's a fraction of it's cost.

[vivid]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

I use Nav on a daily basis, and there's no way I'd pay that much for it. I use a Garmin unit, which I can move from car to car and take on a plane with me. On top of that the DVD based system is just pointless. It's added hardware for no good reason.

I won't buy a used car with a NAV system either. Technology is advancing so quickly for this kind of stuff that a 3 year old OEM system is already way behind a current aftermarket system that's a fraction of it's cost.

very good point...

[Rotorhead]

So true, technology advances so fast most products are outdated by the time you get them home. Save the 2100 dollars get a portable, when its outdated in 2-3 years upgrade to a new one and your still saving money. Meanwhile the built in one is stuck there with the screen cracked and it no longer can slide up or down do to wear and tear.

[ORIGIN M.]

Ahhh No!

[Justin(OKC)]

I'm considering it, but not for the NAV. It is for all the other functions it gives you. At least on the 3-series it gives you the ability to change how the doors lock, turn on/off you DRLs, adjust independent A/C fan speed. I haven't decided for sure, but I'm leaning towards it.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by #1

Ahhh No!

+1

[0002s]

For me no. There are a few reasons.

1. overpriced old technology from the day you get it
2. Don't really like the looks of the pop up display
3. iDrive is a bit of a PIA

The only real advantage would be iPod controls and Phone controls. But this is not worth 2K to me.

Aftermarket TOMTOM/Garmen/etc. is much better is all you really want is GPS.


jm2c