[mitwehrli]

So I'm looking at a super low milage Msport. Has everything I want minus the Nav/Idrive interface. I don't want that to be a deal breaker. I've talked with people who they'd much rather have it with the nav and then I've spoken with others who say they prefer them without it because the interface can be sort of quirky/finicky. Just looking for your guys' opinions on this

thanks!

[other_evolved]

No nav = less things to break, in my opinion. It can be nice, but when I was shopping for my 135i and 335d, sport packages were deal breakers, nav was not.

[C1Boston]

I purchased without iDrive and have not been bothered by it. It wasnt really a deal breaker for me though having the screen makes the dash look a bit better imo. I'm sure the up to date software is pretty stable for the most part and its a lot easier to navigate your settings via the iDrive.

[trohde78]

I think it looks better, but it's not needed unless you travel a lot. I just use my phone for that one time a month when I go somewhere that I need a map. The sport package and comfort access are required though. I don't think I will ever be able to own another car where I have to take the key out of my pocket. :-)

[aaddam2]

idrive was a must for me when shopping, to make the interior look a bit more modern. also the idrive is high res, so it doesnt look like an original tom tom. also the screen does serve a good phone holder for google maps on your phone or waze (or watching videos lol). the things that bug me are the warnings. when my wear sensor got frayed (wire rubbed on wheel) and triggered the warning, i had to hit an okay every time i started it up because a warning would pop up before i could do anything. but it is nice to know which sensor has been triggered with a description for easier fix. just wish the e90's idrive had tire pressure values like the F30's, not just colored tires.

[Persian Whisperjet]

As an info screen it is helpful but Waze has it beat for actual navigation.

[SouthDiesel190]

Definitely not worth the nav in my opinion. I tried finding an msport without it because Google maps and Waze are way better for traffic and reroutes

[WreckerX5d]

I like the Nav and also the additional hard drive space for music as well. Vehicle status helps a little bit as well although that can be viewed through the dash.

[mitwehrli]

Thanks for all the replies! The other question I had a bout the nav screen was what exactly idrive was besides just navigation but it seems a lot of you already answered it. It basically shows different warnings when things go wrong/bad and you can adjust different settings through it.. ?

[335dlci]

Its cheaper to have a phone that is constantly updated with maps versus the 500$ updates from bmw.

[lnxguy]

Originally Posted by 335dlci

Its cheaper to have a phone that is constantly updated with maps versus the 500$ updates from bmw.

If you're paying $500 for map updates you're crazy.

NAV was a must have for me.

[mitwehrli]

Originally Posted by lnxguy

If you're paying $500 for map updates you're crazy.

NAV was a must have for me.

What does an update cost and how often do they usually need to get done?

[ASBSECU E93]

Buy a Bluetooth adapter and you'll never miss the Idrive.

Just my .02 - don't miss out on a great car over lack of iDrive.

[lnxguy]

Originally Posted by mitwehrli

What does an update cost and how often do they usually need to get done?

A $5 enet cable is all that you need to grab a FSC code in order to install new maps.

[atwal187]

Nav is a must in my opinion for a German car, the interface is really handy , whether it's music or navigation. Even if you're not using it to get somewhere specific it still helps u know where you are

[aaddam2]

i actually like to keep the map on most of the time just to see what the next streets are especially if it is a new location or one im trying to navigate by memory it helps me gauge when i should be turning or how close i am. but also there is a traffic feature that isnt as accurate as Gmaps/Waze but decent enough, and will recommend a new route.

[geko29]

Mine came without nav, so I mounted an iPod mini to the dash. I use it for maps, Pandora, podcasts, etc.

[Built4Sin]

Nav has so many features that come in handy. Its not a deal breaker but would be a lot harder to retrofit than say buying a regular 335d and retrofitting sport suspension.

[Frediesel]

It is nice to have the nav in unexpected situations where my phone is in my pocket and I need to reference a map on the spot. I remember seeing a post where you could purchase maps from someone for around $100. You provide your vin# so that they can identify the FSC code for your vehicle and then you simply download the updated software. The nav also comes in handy for the parking sensors.

[Mrdeezy]

I bought my M-sport without Nav intentionally. Just from seeing how previous generations of it have aged rather poorly. If it were a lease I would want Nav for sure. Or some gasser kia hyundai thing I barely want to have 3 years, yes I want all the tech.

I think in a diesel it is a bit different. Diesels obviously are kept much longer and can go much further so at some point the nav is going to be somewhat useless and undesirable . Go sit in an e46 or e39 with nav. You will know what I mean.

[rulonger]

Originally Posted by Frediesel

It is nice to have the nav in unexpected situations where my phone is in my pocket and I need to reference a map on the spot. I remember seeing a post where you could purchase maps from someone for around $100. You provide your vin# so that they can identify the FSC code for your vehicle and then you simply download the updated software. The nav also comes in handy for the parking sensors.

I paid $50 to update mine last year

[lnxguy]

Originally Posted by Frediesel

It is nice to have the nav in unexpected situations where my phone is in my pocket and I need to reference a map on the spot. I remember seeing a post where you could purchase maps from someone for around $100. You provide your vin# so that they can identify the FSC code for your vehicle and then you simply download the updated software. The nav also comes in handy for the parking sensors.

You can buy a FSC code off ebay for $20 if you don't want to do it yourself. Maps you can download for free.