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[Scott C]

I'd like to know just how useful the Nav system is on the BMW's - I read
it's not that good - others have touch screen, easy to enter names - some
via Bluetooth phones.. and I'm thinking I'd like to use this Nav system a
lot.. but won't if it's not user friendly.. so, any comments from owners of
the BMW.. I'm looking at the 545,but 330 may do, or any Nav system in the
BMW's

Thanks

Scott

[Jim Levie]

On Thu, 02 Dec 2004 00:25:52 +0000, Scott C wrote:

[Paul Martin]

All Nav systems have there pros & cons...

The BMW system works well and like other in-car solutions, is much more
accurate than 'handheld' versions. The reason for this is that the built-in
system has other sensors to input information other than just the satellite
data, for example:
- Gyros (to tell if the car is turning and the rate of turn)
- Wheel speed sensors (for a very accurate speed calculation - just like
your speedo)
- Reverse sensor (to tell if the car is in reverse gear)

As with other systems in aslo includes a whole host of extra information
like restaurants, petrol stations etc which integrates with both the
navigation and the phone (if they phone number data)

The following are my opinions on advantages/disadvantages, with my reasoning
(this is on a 2004 E46 I might add):

Advantages
- Excellent integration with the rest of the car
- Audio volume decreases when receiving a nav instruction
- Arrival time & distance integrates with the onboard computer
nicely
- Distance countdown is also displayed underneath the speedometer in
the dash.
- Everything is on the one screen (radio, computer, navigation, telephone,
TV)
- The latest version of the operating system software (v24) has
improvements:
- Improved interface for inputting destination using the map
- A 'route magnet' function, similar to a waypoint.
- If you're in the US or Europe, ALL the data is on a single DVD disc
accessible at ALL times
- It suits the car, with no extra rubbish floating around on your dashboard
- Integrated TMC (traffic message channel data) if your country supports it


Disadvantages
- User input system
- I think it is fairly simple but others would disagree. A simple
rotate knob & push - not hard...
- On newer cars it uses the iDrive.... and it is NOT that hard to
use. Like everything, it takes a little practice...
- I don't think touchscreens are a good idea - have you seen how
filthy the screen gets after a day?
- Cost, it can be expensive if retrofitting (all depends on your cars age,
etc)
- It is part of the car... so you can't walk around with it or use it in
another car

If you're getting a brand new 545 then retrofitting is not an option, you
either get it or you don't in BMWs new cars. If you're going to get the
navigation make sure you get the 'Pro' not 'Business' as the Business won't
allow you to see a map at all...

If you don't get it you may regret it as there is no going back, but if you
do get it and regret it, you can just not use it! :)

This site www.x5world.net has some excellent stuff on the navigation - a
good place to start - including user manuals.

Hope this helps,

Paul
Australia

"Jim Levie" <jim@entrophy-free.net> wrote in message
news:pan.2004.12.02.05.44.00.881757@entrophy-free.net...