[Bimmer335i07]

My opinion is that you should get the Nav, not only for the navigation but all the other features you can use in the idrive.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Originally Posted by l4wr3nc3

I find this advice very hard to take, specially coming from a guy that can't type out "because" or "know" or even just a simple "you".

Another 18 year old probably.

[pacman]

I have nav and really love it....even if you dont use the nav, I-drive alone is worth getting it... i feel completely lost (with all the settings) whenever i sit in a loaner car without idrive..

[Gig103]

Do I need Nav? Maybe once a month.

But do I need iDrive? Yes, because I use my phone and iPod just about every day, love having a good trip computer, know it can't get stolen, love tinkering with settings, and I like the way the radio is integrated into the screen instead of a standard headunit.

[attorneyscott]

Apparently a lot of fans of I-Drive on this thread...

Personally, I didn't get nav for the simple reason that in order to have it, I had to get I-Drive. Having come out of a 545i with I-Drive, which I didn't have much difficulty figuring out by the way (easier to use than Benz E-class COMAND), I decided to go with a system that doesn't require going through a series of menus (while driving) to make basic adjustments to the radio and climate control systems (on my 545 simple climate control adjustments necessitated a multi-step I-Drive maneuver). Also I think the car's interior looks much cleaner and more integrated without the screen and the ensuing "wart" atop the dash.

Although I agree that BMW navigation worked great, I almost never had to use it.

[Cookiemonster]

Originally Posted by attorneyscott

Apparently a lot of fans of I-Drive on this thread...

Personally, I didn't get nav for the simple reason that in order to have it, I had to get I-Drive. Having come out of a 545i with I-Drive, which I didn't have much difficulty figuring out by the way (easier to use than Benz E-class COMAND), I decided to go with a system that doesn't require going through a series of menus (while driving) to make basic adjustments to the radio and climate control systems (on my 545 simple climate control adjustments necessitated a multi-step I-Drive maneuver). Also I think the car's interior looks much cleaner and more integrated without the screen and the ensuing "wart" atop the dash.

Although I agree that BMW navigation worked great, I almost never had to use it.

So true. I had a non-nav I-drive 2008 528ix for one month and the basic adjustments to climate and radio was so annoying.

[krnshinsa]

i have a garmin navi and I only pull it out when i need it. Its portable so thats a plus. I mostly use it Going are Ucla/Usc LA area.

[BMW///Motorsport]

Originally Posted by Kitz

for me, the navigation offered by BMW is a complete waste..2k for navigation?no thanks..I could get better one for $500+it's PORTABLE..

Yeah and it looks really sexy having a Nav unit on your dash in your $45k+ car right? You arent paying $2k for just a nav, its the integration of iDrive and the functionality, not to mention the asthetic appeal of iDrive versus say a Garmin... LOL

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by attorneyscott

I decided to go with a system that doesn't require going through a series of menus (while driving) to make basic adjustments to the radio and climate control systems (on my 545 simple climate control adjustments necessitated a multi-step I-Drive maneuver).

I always find this to be a perplexing point. It's one of the most logical arguments against iDrive, but it's the one that seems to affect me least. I agree that it is theoretically annoying to have to go through so many menus to make minor adjustments to various settings, but I virtually never change those settings anyway. I've realized that basically all I need is a volume control of some sort, a temperature dial, a couple of radio presets, and a seek/scan button. I used iDrive to configure things like clocks, audio settings, fan settings, lights, etc, when I first picked it up, but the only things I really use iDrive for on a daily basis are nav and occasionally the phone. Even then, the voice commands are so convenient, I usually just use them.

[yellowg555]

I don't get why people complain about iDrive. Once you figure out where things are the first time, it's easy as hell to use. If you really are that lazy, use the voice commands? If you are too lazy to learn those, then I guess it's on you. While the learning curve is slightly steep, it makes no sense to bash iDrive based on the initial impression. I didn't really care for it at first, but now I kind of like it. And as so many people have said before, try getting to options and settings without it...it's a pain in the ass. With iDrive, it's a LOT easier to get to.

As for navi, I love that I have it and don't regret spending the 2k to get it.

[garyhgaryh]

iDrive is easy. I didn't even have to read the manual. But it's those that are clueless that will complain the loudest. It's like setting a digital clock... Once you figure it out, it's not difficult to do.

The key is the ((menu)) button. That takes you to the top so if you get lost, hit it. Use the knob to select the section or area of the screen and rotate it to select items in that "area".

First night I was confused (normal since it's new). After that it's simple. I just sat their with the "cause and effect" mentality and started leaning by pressing and pushing those buttons. If you're confused, I'm not sure how it can get any simpler. The basic inputs are: Lt, Rt, Up, Down, Push knob, rotate knob, press menu. If that's too difficult, use the voice commands. I assume that's what they are there for. Another level for those who don't get it... jk

[hudaman]

I really like having the Idrive screen, mostly for things like bluetooth. If you're looking strictly at the nav feature, don't get it. The nav blows. It can't even read out the street names.

The real-time traffic sucks too. It's not accurate and keeps suggesting multiple useless detours. It is beyond annoying. I still prefer using mapquest and a piece of paper.

[DasBlitz]

Originally Posted by JamieA

iDrive is now standard here on the 6 cylinder BMWs, I think that it really adds to the vehicle beyond navigation in that it is integrated with all the other systems in the car. So for that reason, I think it is better than the stand alone navis.

A BMW that does not have 6 cylinders just seems not normal.

[xpillzboyx]

i honestly got the navi for the looks. makes my car look alot better

[gtrokin330]

i really dont...i know almost everywhere on LI and most parts of queens.

The car wouldnt look complete inside without the hump

[zzinco79]

It is just a trend. most of the cool cars now having the navigation systems or at least a screen on the dash board to make it look more luxurious. nothing wrong with you don't have one. and like many members says, there are tons of portable navigations on the market for much much cheaper price. It is obviously good to have one if you can afford it, but not necessarily. To be honest with you, it is so cool and I was deadly want one before. But right now, I'm totally happy with what I have and also happy with the portable one that I bought from the best buy for $250. I would take ZSP or ZPP over the navigation system if you have to give up one. I would enjoy cool looking steering wheel, sports suspension, and better leather seats rather than the screen with door knob right next to you. just my thoughts...

[NaTuReB0Y]

How do yo get lost?

[The Accountant]

When I was ordering I was contemplating not getting.

Finally I decided to get (along with every other option almost).

Once you accept giving away the money (USD 5,000 here), then you start to appreciate that you made the right decision (at least in my case).

If you don't get 6FL/bluetooth/PDC then I would agree, don't get the navigation (no maps for Poland are even available, I paid the money just for the phone, Ipod and PDC integration).

[jooology]

Just buy it. Better resale value. No chance of getting it stolen like a portable GPS system.

[Boost Gomez]

I wish I could take out the navigation DVD, still use the iDrive and convert the disc drive to be movie and 360 compatible..

[Mikewarlover]

Originally Posted by imolazhp_ci

dude. i am EXCELLENT with directions, and i rarely use it, but seriously... it is sooo unbelievably convenient for the few times you need it.... and BMW nav works flawlessly.

agree

[Neema]

yes.