[liquid]

Well I am set to pick up my 328 on Novemebr 1st in Munich. Today while driving to a client's house while holding a mapquest print out in one hand I got an idea. Should I get Nav if its not to late, now I have a few questions.

Is there a monthly fee?

I hear about update disk what is the cost?

Any downsides to it expect the lump in the dash?

My coworker just got a TL with Nav, how does it compare?

Thanks,

James

[whippersnapper]

The only additional downside would appear to be the i-drive system you would inherit as a result

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by liquid

Well I am set to pick up my 328 on Novemebr 1st in Munich. Today while driving to a client's house while holding a mapquest print out in one hand I got an idea. Should I get Nav if its not to late, now I have a few questions.

Is there a monthly fee?

I hear about update disk what is the cost?

Any downsides to it expect the lump in the dash?

My coworker just got a TL with Nav, how does it compare?

Thanks,

James

The satnav is very useful but if you are picking up a car on 1.11, it has probably been built as cars are usually built 30 days prior to delivery. The update disk is ca. $150 but it´s not something you will need unless the roads you frequent change very 6 months. And the satnav comes with RTTI so that adds to the utility you can derive from it. If you can add it, you should! Even if you use it only a few times a month, it´s worthwhile. Besides, you´ll benefit from it in Europe.

[BK]

No monthly fee.

You don't need to update the maps for years unless there is a ton of new road construction in your area. If you do, it's a couple hundred bucks.

No downsides unless you don't like iDrive.

TL nav is a much better interface, with a touch screen and an excellent search function. BMW nav map screen looks better IMO but the search functions are several steps below that of the TL. In BMW, you can't search by POI name, and that is a tremendous disadvantage. Not having a touch screen is a slight disadvantage. Both are equally good at routing and giving clear, timely voice prompts.

I'm a big fan of nav systems in general, and I have used lots of them. The BMW has one of the best-looking map screens out there. But the interface, from the way you search to the way you enter address information, is second rate. Still, I would much rather have nav than no nav, and I would much rather have the built-in nav than an aftermarket nav. The ability to use dead reckoning when the nav can't see the sats makes a big difference.

I'd get it.

[Gripster]

Get it. You will always find it useful (e.g. finding a store in unfamiliar places) or finding phone numbers of a restaurant you're going to, or reasonably accurately predicting your ETA.

If you're doing any driving during your ED, rent an EU Nav DVD from bimmerfest.com. Takes the stress out of getting around EU and let's you enjoy the scenery without worry of getting lost all the time.

I have Nav in the E90 and a tomtom unit in my WRX. The tomtom is superior except for not being integrated. Consequently it's a pain to put away every time I park somewhere unfamilar.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Gripster

I have Nav in the E90 and a tomtom unit in my WRX. The tomtom is superior except for not being integrated. Consequently it's a pain to put away every time I park somewhere unfamilar.

Just heard on the radio that portable satnav units were the number one item being stolen from cars and the number one reason for break-ins.

[Phila]

i'm still waiting for something a little bit better than what's currently offered from any auto maker or portable GPS company. Maybe on my next car.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by JSpira

Just heard on the radio that portable satnav units were the number one item being stolen from cars and the number one reason for break-ins.

Gotta believe that. My Garmin Nuvi 350 costs about $600. BTW, it is excellent and so small and portable that it's nothing to slip in your pocket when you leave the car so those damned thieves don't get it. (I use it in my work car and my non-nav X5.) I think it's better than the nav in my E90 330.

I don't even like to leave the suction cup mount on the windshield when I park or else it's an advertisement to thievin' scumbags.

[poldim]

The time I save from not using and printing out directions is worth it to me.
The improvement in the look of the interior with the 8 inch screen in it.
Much more control over the audio expecially mp3 playnback.
iDrive is a good system, I fail to see how so many people have difficulty with it. If you can use a mouse/joystick, it should be second nature.

[liquid]

well i called my dealer and he said its to late. ill hope in a few years it will b standard on hpones like the tero.

james