BMW navigation system

bmwm34me

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#1
I have always loved BMW's, had a 1999 M3 but family got to large for 2 doors. I am shopping for a new sedan and have looked at Acura TL. I really like the Navigation systems and the Blue tooth technology that they have seemlesly intigrated into the car. The navigation system is important for me in my business so I am wondering how user friendly others have found it to be.
 

AMCBimmer

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#3
My dad has a 2003 TL type S with Navigation and it's great. BMW is not a touch screen like Acura. I think Acura's is better for that reason alone. I know the 2004 Acura TL has a different Nav which I am sure is better than ours.
 

bmwrocks

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#4
I have the BMW nav and it is not as user friendly as the Acura unit, so I am told. There are too many features to go into here. However, it works fine for me and has never let me down as far as directions are concerned. My wife is terrible with directions and the unit has saved her many times. Any time I am in an area foreign to me, it is invaluable. The interface is a little cumbersome in that it uses the knobs for data entry (turn to scroll, press to select). Either way, touchscreen or knobs, you have to take your eyes off the road to enter information. The new 5 series has an optional head-up display that solves this problem, but it isn't in the current 3-series. It auto saves your last 20 destinations and has a separate address book (20 locations as well I think).

The maps are very accurate and the info database is extensive to say the least. If you have any specific questions, please ask.

I don't have the bluetooth module/software, but some on here who have it describe it as awesome. It is integrated into the display and controls.
 
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#5
i have one problem with touch screens: you aklways have those ugly finger prints all over it. not that i ever saw a touch screen nav up close, but isn´t that something i will surely see? for that reason i love the knob for input.
 
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#6
Wadula said:
i have one problem with touch screens: you aklways have those ugly finger prints all over it. not that i ever saw a touch screen nav up close, but isn´t that something i will surely see? for that reason i love the knob for input.
I agree with Wadula -- I don't have Navi, but that would be my concern with touch screens, too. I hate the smudge marks/prints that show up on the CD display -- 7"-8" monitor with smudges would drive me nuts -- Knobs are the way to go --
 
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#8
I love the look of my NAV system, and find the controls to be pretty intuitive. But it is definitely a major driving distraction and would love a heads-up display. In terms of giving directions, it will get you there eventually, but hardly ever on a direct route. That I can't understand since every street is on the software. I love that it has all of the restaurants, hotels, etc. built right in.
 

Tom

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#9
Both Nav systems perform very similar. The only major difference is that you get voice activation with the Acura.
 

Marquis

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#11
The navigation screen on an acura is made of a material that doesnt show smudges easily. It has lots of features the bmw nav system does not, and the touchscreen is way faster and more intuitive. Really, the only nice thing about a BMW nav system is that it's in a BMW.
 
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#12
For technology, go with the Acura or even the Honda Accord. They both have the voice activation Navi, easier (safer) to use...Push a button on the steering wheel and say "Show ATM's" and there you have it. Never used the BT in the BMW. Also, the sound system is killer (DVD Audio).

The BMW Navi is not that great and the display is a little low for my taste. I have trouble getting accurate directions at times. Sometimes, the directions will take me a few miles out of my way??? However, IF you set up the address book before you get rolling-it is safe.
 


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