[pi]

I ordered a 328xi coupe, and I'm debating whether I should get the nav option. So far I can't justify the 3k expense - I would either not use it very much, or would just buy an aftermarket...

For those that didn't get the nav, what is put in the place where the nav screen would have been?

TIA

[BK]

for info on iDrive for the pros and cons of the BMW nav system. Look in the "AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + I-Drive/Electronics/Alarm/Software" forum.

If you get nav, you get iDrive and its extra hump on the dash. If you don't get nav, there's no iDrive and no hump. It doesn't look like anything is "missing."

[RiXst3r]

I regret not getting it, but only because of the "toy" factor... I dont really use NAV very often... so I couldnt justify it. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten it, because everyone that sees my car always asks about iDrive... then i have to explain that its an option, and I didnt get it... then people say you spent x amount of $ on this car and didnt get the cools toys? i know, weird reason, but it kinda feels like I skimped out by not getting it.

[pi]

Thanks for the info!

[edgarj]

If you work in a field that requires you to go to obscure new locations often, like pizza delivery or real estate, then yes. I got it because of the many added features of the iDrive and uprgaded computer, but the actual Nav is really poor when compared to say, Tom Tom. If I needed nav, I'd probably get a TT and forsake the OEM nav, but I love iDrive in all other respects. The DVD drive is great for MP3's too.

[Hunter399]

ya

[MBrown1003]

This week I realized another difference compared to the portables. The screen on the largest portables is still smaller than the screen on the built-in system. It's easier for me to see the larger screen, especially when wearing my progressive-lens (instead of bifocal) glasses. For those of you not yet introduced to the joys (!) of middle-age, you'll understand eventually.

[antidentite]

If you're buying a brand new BMW, I doubt you're main occupation is going to be delivering pizza's. Possible; but not probable.

Back on topic - iDrive is one of my favorite options and I rarely use the Nav function (although when I do, it's extremely handy). I say go for it.

[viobruin]

I personally opted to forego the built-in nav and instead got a Garmin Nuvi 350. I don't regret my decision at all. What really put me off about the BMW nav was that you can't find a location by name (i.e., Starbucks) ... unacceptable imho. Of course, it also didn't hurt that the Garmin Nuvi 350 was considerably cheaper than the factory-installed nav.

[Daya]

I am a software consultant in the field so I definitely need a GPS for all the places I travel. In my current car (A4), I have a standalone Tom Tom GPS. I do not like to keep it mounted or in the open so I always stow it away in the storage compartment below the seat. I also need to take the portable with me when I fly to the west coast for work.

Aside from necessity for work, this is why I chose to order it in my 335:

I hate wires in the car, when the battery would get low, I would have to plug into cigarette lighter and clutter up the dash. you never have to worry about low battery with integrated NAV.

pulling out the portable GPS and putting it away every time I drive gets cumbersome

sometimes it would take up to 5 minutes for my GPS to triangulate its position, many people have claimed the integrated GPS systems have instant triangulation

NAV has RTTI

You can customize car features within iDrive (i.e. auto-lock)

screen is much bigger and easier to read because of the hood (little to no glare during the day)

everyone is different but it was worth it to me

good luck with the decision

[flush01]

i didnt get it because 3k is too much for something i will never use... plus you will have more bottons on the center dash

[astra]

one word... YES

[magamaga]

I love mine. Too bad 2 functions are the only ones useful: Navigation and Entertainment. Communications I don't get because I didn't get BT nor BMW Assist ( got a cellphone to call emergency and the cops and LoJack if the car disappears ) and ....Climate which I very rarely use. Climate should be like a Vehicle setting instead of an option in the main screen.

Navigation is cool when playing mp3s from cds or DVDs and the GPS with location is awesome. Giving instructions to the navigation system about where to go sucks. I always enter the info by hand.

[pi]

All good points. Thanks to you guys I'm going to be out another 3k because I want to get the iDrive/Nav now.

[NaViT]

hell yea get it! the loooks so much nicer with the Nav than with the plain top of the dash... =)

[typeszh]

No if you have to ask.

[M.G.M]

I originally did not order NAV, but changed my mind later on. I'm glad I did get NAV, you will use it once you do have it. It does change the appearance of the vehicle from inside, it looks more advanced/high tech in a way. I would recommend that you do get it!

[zamboni]

WTH it's only 3K to spend do it.

[Shäferhunde]

IMO, not getting IDrive would be a "dumkoph move".

[LEDZEP]

Shaferhunde - is that your dog in your profile? Beautiful animal!!

[poiney]

I suspect the aftermarket Navis are/will come with RTTI, btw.

I hope that BMW recognizes that a simple software upgrade (e.g, POI) to capture common complaints, will increase their sales and make everyone benefit.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Shaferhunde - is that your dog in your profile? Beautiful animal!!

Would you like to buy a vowel, or an umlaut?