BMW Navigation

Bayerische Motoren-Werke · 01-12-2011, 02:21 PM

For the owners of 07 and 08 models what's your opinion on the navigation system as for as accuracy and ease of use? I'm in the market for a 335i sedan preferably equipped with the navigation option. They are very few used IDrive models available and if I do find one, it's not equipped with the sports package.

Just some feedback on BMW navi would be great as I'm foreign to these cars.

Thanks.

quality_sound · 01-12-2011, 02:38 PM

The pre-09 (in North America) iDrive sucks ass. Get an 09 or newer with the new iDrive. It's worlds better.

Tom K. · 01-12-2011, 02:42 PM

It's OK - not great, but serviceable.

However if you only want the navi, you'll probably do just as well to buy a car without it and add a Garmin or other unit.

Tom

hipnotic · 01-12-2011, 02:43 PM

get the newer one

sal5289 · 01-12-2011, 03:22 PM

ive experienced both.... i currently own a 09 335i with navi and its a world of difference. 10 times better then the pre 09 one.

B3AST · 01-12-2011, 04:04 PM

The opinions you find on this topic will be very subjective. I have an 07 with iDrive and I have no complaints whatsoever, I'm really not sure what everybody is complaining about. What else is it supposed to do that it doesn't already do? I'll agree that the newer iDrive is very nice, the interface is great, the fact that is runs off a HD is also fantastic, but I find it very un-navicable. I'm quite the tech nerd, so before you start calling me a retard know that I work in IT and build OS's quite a bit. With that said I would still probably rather have the newer iDrive, but see nothing wrong with the old iDrive.....

Spitfirocks · 01-12-2011, 04:06 PM

my pre lci idrive is amazing. It does its job. Navigate you. Done. I dont expect it to feed me and help me take shits, like some members do. Its great:0

Kruz · 01-12-2011, 04:17 PM

The search by category sucks terribly in my 07. You have to know which category as it's not smart enough to point you to the correct one even after typing in the store name for example.

Everything else... maps, routing (better have an address), music, phone contacts, hvac, settings, reminders works great.

persian54 · 01-12-2011, 04:19 PM

not worth it

AWD Addict · 01-12-2011, 04:21 PM

While I agree the new one is better (when are new things worse?), I think it's great. Good search features, and NAV is accurate and easy to use.

MidwestGolfBum · 01-12-2011, 04:26 PM

Only thing I don't like about it is the search which isn't always the best, though with my phone I can generally find an address for what I am looking for. System has never let me down.

jrsniper12453 · 01-12-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kruz

The search by category sucks terribly in my 07. You have to know which category as it's not smart enough to point you to the correct one even after typing in the store name for example.

Everything else... maps, routing (better have an address), music, phone contacts, hvac, settings, reminders works great.

+1 Why can't we just freaken search by name in all categories. The physical appearance of the map is also just not as aesthetically pleasing if thats important to you. I think. Haven't seen the new one but I presume they'd update that.

jz520 · 01-12-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B3AST

The opinions you find on this topic will be very subjective. I have an 07 with iDrive and I have no complaints whatsoever, I'm really not sure what everybody is complaining about. What else is it supposed to do that it doesn't already do? I'll agree that the newer iDrive is very nice, the interface is great, the fact that is runs off a HD is also fantastic, but I find it very un-navicable. I'm quite the tech nerd, so before you start calling me a retard know that I work in IT and build OS's quite a bit. With that said I would still probably rather have the newer iDrive, but see nothing wrong with the old iDrive.....

+1
ive owned an 06 e90 and now drives an E92 both equipped

with Idrive and and never had any issues with it..

STC · 01-12-2011, 06:32 PM

I have an 08 335i w/ iDrive. The Nav sucks balls. My old 04 Acura TSX's Nav is leaps and bounds over iDrive's Nav.

tofu- · 01-12-2011, 06:45 PM

my 08 nav sucks, but it's worlds better than not having it.

dash looks better with it (IMO), helps resale value, and the ease and visuals in choosing media to listen to or browsing your phonebook for calls make it 100% worth it.

coh4777 · 01-12-2011, 06:58 PM

My 07 navi gets the job done and is pretty easy to use IMO, although in reality I hardly ever actually use the navi. I do love the iDrive system overall. However, if you had to pick between iDrive and sport pack, i would otp for sport pack. Surprising tho that you cannot find both...

Fisch · 01-12-2011, 07:06 PM

I think it does the job fine. It is however sometimes a little slow when looking up a POI or city/street. This is probably due to it reading everything off the DVD drive.

Kolyan2k · 01-12-2011, 08:05 PM

Navigation on 07-08 is fine, MUCH better then ANY portable crap. 08 has feature where you can send destination points from google maps. POI is big SHIT though.....not because its slow, but because you cant search ALL, you must choose category....very stupid.

I got mine for looks only, I find google maps/navigation on android phones very nice. my next car will probably come without navi...

sunnydshine · 01-12-2011, 08:39 PM

i have a 08 and the navigation is great! the only downside i know if is it is really slow

JulieDriving · 01-12-2011, 08:57 PM

There was a lot of bad publicity about the pre-2009 iDrive system, so maybe that's why many people didn't opt for it. I also hardly see an pre-LCI models with one. If you're getting 07-08 model, my advice is not to get iDrive for the nav alone, but because you want the iDrive system. Compare with the new iDrive system if you have a chance. Many have said it's sigificantly better.

VTECaddict · 01-12-2011, 10:36 PM

It works fine as far as navigation goes. The search does indeed suck, so a lot of times it's easier to find the address another way and just plug it into the iDrive. The UI isn't the best, but it doesn't take long to learn how to use it. Any built in navi is going to be superior to a portable GPS because built in navis can still track you when there is weak or no GPS signal.

I would say get it even if you rarely need navi. The iDrive system completely transforms the way you interact with menus and settings, etc. It's just nice to have a big LCD screen for other functions. Plus the navi comes in handy for the odd occasions you do need it.

Bayerische Motoren-Werke · 01-13-2011, 08:52 AM

Thanks for the feedback, your information has been great so far. The biggest complaint seems to be the search on the 07 and 08 models, and I can probably live with that. I'm pretty sure the exhilarating feeling of driving the 335i will make the iDrive hiccups minor.

01-12-2011, 02:21 PM	#1
Bayerische Motoren-Werke New Member 1 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2008 550i Sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	BMW Navigation For the owners of 07 and 08 models what's your opinion on the navigation system as for as accuracy and ease of use? I'm in the market for a 335i sedan preferably equipped with the navigation option. They are very few used IDrive models available and if I do find one, it's not equipped with the sports package. Just some feedback on BMW navi would be great as I'm foreign to these cars. Thanks.
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01-12-2011, 02:38 PM	#2
quality_sound 8 tracks of madness 62 Rep 2,735 Posts Drives: Slowly Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: At home iTrader: (1)	The pre-09 (in North America) iDrive sucks ass. Get an 09 or newer with the new iDrive. It's worlds better.
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01-12-2011, 02:42 PM	#3
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	It's OK - not great, but serviceable. However if you only want the navi, you'll probably do just as well to buy a car without it and add a Garmin or other unit. Tom
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01-12-2011, 02:43 PM	#4
hipnotic Major General 149 Rep 6,604 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 335i coupe [7.00]	get the newer one
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01-12-2011, 03:22 PM	#5
sal5289 Private 4 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Crimson Red Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	ive experienced both.... i currently own a 09 335i with navi and its a world of difference. 10 times better then the pre 09 one.
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01-12-2011, 04:04 PM	#6
B3AST Captain 21 Rep 634 Posts Drives: with a huge grin (E90) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	The opinions you find on this topic will be very subjective. I have an 07 with iDrive and I have no complaints whatsoever, I'm really not sure what everybody is complaining about. What else is it supposed to do that it doesn't already do? I'll agree that the newer iDrive is very nice, the interface is great, the fact that is runs off a HD is also fantastic, but I find it very un-navicable. I'm quite the tech nerd, so before you start calling me a retard know that I work in IT and build OS's quite a bit. With that said I would still probably rather have the newer iDrive, but see nothing wrong with the old iDrive..... __________________ "All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns." -Bruce Lee
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01-12-2011, 04:06 PM	#7
Spitfirocks Lieutenant 40 Rep 565 Posts Drives: 335i 07 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (5)	my pre lci idrive is amazing. It does its job. Navigate you. Done. I dont expect it to feed me and help me take shits, like some members do. Its great:0
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01-12-2011, 04:17 PM	#8
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	The search by category sucks terribly in my 07. You have to know which category as it's not smart enough to point you to the correct one even after typing in the store name for example. Everything else... maps, routing (better have an address), music, phone contacts, hvac, settings, reminders works great. __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
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01-12-2011, 04:19 PM	#9
persian54 Lieutenant General 922 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: M760/G83M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal iTrader: (298)	not worth it __________________ From E93 335i to E89 Z4 to E93 M3/E89 Z4 to E350/SL550
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01-12-2011, 04:21 PM	#10
AWD Addict Chief Executive 300 Rep 2,886 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	While I agree the new one is better (when are new things worse?), I think it's great. Good search features, and NAV is accurate and easy to use.
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01-12-2011, 04:26 PM	#11
MidwestGolfBum Knower of all Things Useless 29 Rep 254 Posts Drives: Space Grey E92s Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: No Coast iTrader: (0)	Only thing I don't like about it is the search which isn't always the best, though with my phone I can generally find an address for what I am looking for. System has never let me down.
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01-12-2011, 06:32 PM	#14
STC First Lieutenant 40 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I have an 08 335i w/ iDrive. The Nav sucks balls. My old 04 Acura TSX's Nav is leaps and bounds over iDrive's Nav.
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01-12-2011, 06:45 PM	#15
tofu- Banned 86 Rep 2,854 Posts Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc iTrader: (4)	my 08 nav sucks, but it's worlds better than not having it. dash looks better with it (IMO), helps resale value, and the ease and visuals in choosing media to listen to or browsing your phonebook for calls make it 100% worth it.
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01-12-2011, 06:58 PM	#16
coh4777 Lieutenant 29 Rep 533 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Vegas iTrader: (0)	My 07 navi gets the job done and is pretty easy to use IMO, although in reality I hardly ever actually use the navi. I do love the iDrive system overall. However, if you had to pick between iDrive and sport pack, i would otp for sport pack. Surprising tho that you cannot find both... __________________ COH4777 2007 335i Coupe - Jet Black / Coral Red / Aluminum Trim / 6MT / Sport / Premium / CA / Navi / iPod + USB
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01-12-2011, 07:06 PM	#17
Fisch Private 4 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: St. Louis iTrader: (0)	I think it does the job fine. It is however sometimes a little slow when looking up a POI or city/street. This is probably due to it reading everything off the DVD drive.
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01-12-2011, 08:05 PM	#18
Kolyan2k Major General 920 Rep 5,538 Posts Drives: 2006 S2000 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (1)	Navigation on 07-08 is fine, MUCH better then ANY portable crap. 08 has feature where you can send destination points from google maps. POI is big SHIT though.....not because its slow, but because you cant search ALL, you must choose category....very stupid. I got mine for looks only, I find google maps/navigation on android phones very nice. my next car will probably come without navi... Last edited by Kolyan2k; 01-12-2011 at 08:44 PM..
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01-12-2011, 08:39 PM	#19
sunnydshine Private First Class 4 Rep 135 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Auto Sedan Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Berkeley California iTrader: (3)	i have a 08 and the navigation is great! the only downside i know if is it is really slow
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01-12-2011, 08:57 PM	#20
JulieDriving Female driving enthusiast :P 76 Rep 2,308 Posts Drives: Bimmer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [10.00]	There was a lot of bad publicity about the pre-2009 iDrive system, so maybe that's why many people didn't opt for it. I also hardly see an pre-LCI models with one. If you're getting 07-08 model, my advice is not to get iDrive for the nav alone, but because you want the iDrive system. Compare with the new iDrive system if you have a chance. Many have said it's sigificantly better. __________________ 2013 M3 coupe (Azurite Black, Black, Piano Black) + miata nut (2 miatas) + Mk6 GTI 5-door hatch (our mini-SUV )
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01-12-2011, 10:36 PM	#21
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 479 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	It works fine as far as navigation goes. The search does indeed suck, so a lot of times it's easier to find the address another way and just plug it into the iDrive. The UI isn't the best, but it doesn't take long to learn how to use it. Any built in navi is going to be superior to a portable GPS because built in navis can still track you when there is weak or no GPS signal. I would say get it even if you rarely need navi. The iDrive system completely transforms the way you interact with menus and settings, etc. It's just nice to have a big LCD screen for other functions. Plus the navi comes in handy for the odd occasions you do need it. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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01-13-2011, 08:52 AM	#22
Bayerische Motoren-Werke New Member 1 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2008 550i Sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback, your information has been great so far. The biggest complaint seems to be the search on the 07 and 08 models, and I can probably live with that. I'm pretty sure the exhilarating feeling of driving the 335i will make the iDrive hiccups minor.
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