[kalch]

Thinking I might go with an after market GPS with Bluetooth instead for 1000, instead of the $2500 + $1100, it's small enough to be mounted on the far side of the dash.

whaddya think?

[Crea]

Garmin is good... but i rather have iDrive, it looks so much better with the dash

[aspiring335]

I'd be tempted to go with Assist / Bluetooth from the factory, and the aftermarket nav system. The BMW bluetooth system is really nicely integrated and extremely easy to set up and use.

I personally dislike the iDrive system and wouldn't select it until BMW sets aside their arrogance gets some people who actually understand UI design to overhaul it. It doesn't help that anyone who criticizes iDrive here is automatically branded 'stupid' for finding it unnecessarily complex. I do agree, however, that it looks good and I hate the aftermarket nav adhered to the windshield with a suction cup.

Also, when it comes to resale time my gut feeling is that today's nav systems will seem painfully archaic, more so than the other options on the list. For one, they won't be using DVD media to store maps and it will be a snap to get map updates automatically.

[kalch]

agreed, but the garmin stuff is so darn small now, like a deck of cards, wires can be hidden too. Plus, the bluetooth can be streamed through the speakers, and it is the 670, not 680 with the FM transmitter.

I never thought about the actual technology for the nav system being out of date, but that's a good point, although, I am leasing the car.

Even still, 2500 for nav, and 1100 for bluetooth, vs. 800 for the garmin installed seems a bit of a no brainer, although, that is why I posted this question. Keep 'em coming.

[aspiring335]

Interesting article on the rapid depreciation of integrated nav option:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...ale-usat_N.htm

[DrewKo]

I did not like the second hump that nav creates on the dash, so I opted instead for a Garmin Nuvi, which is an incredible device and is tiny. I plug it in or charge it and use no cable. It sits behind the gear shift (mine is an automatic) in that little pocket compartment, picks up signal fine there, is in good visual range (though you really drive by the verbal directions) and is just really wonderful. I used to have Magellan, but it was such a POS compared to the Garmin, I got rid of it. Anyhow, no mount is needed, but mounting is not a bad idea either. I attached a photo showing the Garmin. It cost $500.

[DrewKo]

PS, I purchased the option for upgraded leather, and that comes with Bluetooth, so my car is Bluetooth enabled even without Nav.

[aspiring335]

Originally Posted by DrewKo

PS, I purchased the option for upgraded leather, and that comes with Bluetooth, so my car is Bluetooth enabled even without Nav.

I think you mean the premium package, which in the US includes leather and Bluetooth. In Canada the premium package does not include Bluetooth.

Also, the nav option on its own does not include Bluetooth. You still have to purchase Bluetooth, either separately, or in the US by buying the premium package.

In my experience Assist / Bluetooth is pretty much the rarest option on E9x models in Canadian dealer inventory. Crazy given what a great option it is.