Navigation Upgrade

[tmetcalf52]

I've had Bimmers for 30 years, my other vehicles had DVD (my first one had 6 Cds to cover the USA) Nav systems with a new DVD upgrade costing $199. With my 2010 X5M the upgrade requires service at BMW and they want $465 to install it. I think I'll buy a Garmin. Anyone know a source at BMW USA to complain to? What a rip-off.

[JSH3]

Buy a Garmin akin to the BMW unit (which is Garmin built), and buy the $60 install kit from BMW. Altho' the unit is overpriced, the install kit has a nice integrated look with pre-wiring for use of power and bluetooth.

[Slalom]

I use a Tom Tom - much more up to date then the BMW and it includes European and American maps which make travel easier. That said, the price you were quoted seems high. In upstate NY it is $304 - map and install. In my case a 90 minute drive and a good excuse to go to Syracuse.

[D.B.S]

It's disappointing that my HTC EVO's nav system is better than my BMW's nav system. I paid $199 for my evo, and paid $60K+ for my BMW and the Nav system sucks...

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by tmetcalf52

I've had Bimmers for 30 years, my other vehicles had DVD (my first one had 6 Cds to cover the USA) Nav systems with a new DVD upgrade costing $199. With my 2010 X5M the upgrade requires service at BMW and they want $465 to install it. I think I'll buy a Garmin. Anyone know a source at BMW USA to complain to? What a rip-off.

Go to another dealer. The map update for the CIC based nav system ... Hard drive based should still be about 10 bucks for the media ... A DVD ... And 199 bucks for the fsc enabling code.

Customers can even upgrade the map data themselves, although most dealers insist on doing it for the customer.

That said, the fact your car is a 2010, sure 2011 maps are now available ... But do you think much has changed in your area on the 2011 map update ?

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by Army335xi

It's disappointing that my HTC EVO's nav system is better than my BMW's nav system. I paid $199 for my evo, and paid $60K+ for my BMW and the Nav system sucks...

Navigation is one feature of idrive. There's much more to idrive than just navigation. If idrive wasn't in the car you would have a million silly little buttons everywhere with limited functionality.

[Kloogy]

I really doubt you need an update so soon. That being said, I personally think it looks tacky when I see a luxury vehicle with a Garmin/ TomTom etc , plastered on the windshield.

[MissFortune]

Originally Posted by Kloogy

I really doubt you need an update so soon. That being said, I personally think it looks tacky when I see a luxury vehicle with a Garmin/ TomTom etc , plastered on the windshield.

THIS.

[Slalom]

Originally Posted by Kloogy

I really doubt you need an update so soon. That being said, I personally think it looks tacky when I see a luxury vehicle with a Garmin/ TomTom etc , plastered on the windshield.

At a hotel in Geneva I saw a Bentley Continental GT with a portable GPS in the window. Not being shy I asked the driver why, since the car had a rather nice looking integrated nav system. He replied that only the portable unit could be uploaded with all the traffic cameras.

Sure enough in my rental BMW there was no traffic camera info (apparently this is illegal in Switzerland) My TomTom had them, and there are a lot of traffic cameras in cities and on highways. Result - no tickets and fun driving.