[John 070]

I notice the newest Garmin nuvi 680 has location based services through MSN direct. Does the factory navigation offer that, or is it something that's relatively new?

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by John 070

I notice the newest Garmin nuvi 680 has location based services through MSN direct. Does the factory navigation offer that, or is it something that's relatively new?

The BMW navi does not offer that type of service

[John 070]

Perfect...I wanted to find some benefit to the aftermarket besides the fact that it costs less and can be used in more than one vehicle...the MSN direct thing maybe not so useful with movie theater times and gas stations and prices, but I really like the idea of the real-time traffic (I think iDrive can do that) and the weather reports....putting this Nuvi 680 on my wish list now...

[bavarian19]

Keep in mind idrive gives you so much more than just navigation. You have MUCH more features and control over car functions through idrive than you do without it.

I got the idrive system on my E92 mostly for the other features, but I will certainly put the navigation to good use...

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by John 070

I notice the newest Garmin nuvi 680 has location based services through MSN direct. Does the factory navigation offer that, or is it something that's relatively new?

Although BMW doesn't refer to it as LBS, the BMW satnav will display (in addition to real time traffic) ice, high winds, strong precipitation, ice, etc. based on your location.

In addition, something other units cannot do: you can have the BMW Assist people download a destination to your car (so you don't have to key it in).