Aftermarket Navigation - recommendations?

[NextGen]

racelance - the fact that you mentioned navigation cleary indicates that it is important to you. Others here say to get the X that you want and ignore that nav "gadget". I totally disagree. Earlier this year I was in the market for an X and wanted navigation. I couldn't find one that had the right combination of color and features. I ended up getting an incredible deal on one without nav. Within two months I was kicking myself for not holding out for it.

So I went the aftermarket route and got a Z1. A Z1 is overkill if you just want navigation. You can get cheaper navigation. The Z1 is the top of line media controller from Pioneer. Besides navigation it can control an iPod (I love this feature), XM and\or Sirius radio, XM nav traffic (which is new and not quite ready for primetime just yet) and has zone control (if you have monitors in the back it can display a DVD on them while the driver listens to another audio source). It can also be attached to a rearview camera and can display the video when reversing or when driving forward. Finally, there is a bluetooth module that allows you to talk hands free (the Z1 comes with a microphone) through a bluetooth phone.

If you are going to pay someone else to install the radio then you mainly care about the price and quality of the install. If you plan on doing it yourself then be prepared for a detailed (not complicated) install. Hint - this should not be your first car stereo install if you are doing it yourself.

Having the Z1 in my car makes me feel like I have one of the most advanced systems out there (because it is). It is soooo much better than the MID. The MID did nothing for me. I never used any of the built-in computer features. The only one that I use is "Range" and I display that on the instrument cluster.

You will want navigation, don't kid yourself. It is really a question of factory or aftermarket. By the way, BMW nav is not touch screen while almost all aftermarket is. Don't even think about trying to retrofit BMW nav. IMO it is not worth the price nor the extensive modifications you have to do to your X. The retrofit is reserved for those that just have to have BMW nav at whatever the price.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by NextGen

Having the Z1 in my car makes me feel like I have one of the most advanced systems out there (because it is). It is soooo much better than the MID. The MID did nothing for me. I never used any of the built-in computer features. The only one that I use is "Range" and I display that on the instrument cluster.

I agree, Z1 is the best, I love high resolution 7" screen, compare it with 6 years old BMW 6.5" screen... Also if you love to spend time with your X, install it yourself not complicated but a lot of details.

[racelance]

Originally Posted by NextGen

racelance - the fact that you mentioned navigation cleary indicates that it is important to you. Others here say to get the X that you want and ignore that nav "gadget". I totally disagree. Earlier this year I was in the market for an X and wanted navigation. I couldn't find one that had the right combination of color and features. I ended up getting an incredible deal on one without nav. Within two months I was kicking myself for not holding out for it.

So I went the aftermarket route and got a Z1. A Z1 is overkill if you just want navigation. You can get cheaper navigation. The Z1 is the top of line media controller from Pioneer. Besides navigation it can control an iPod (I love this feature), XM and\or Sirius radio, XM nav traffic (which is new and not quite ready for primetime just yet) and has zone control (if you have monitors in the back it can display a DVD on them while the driver listens to another audio source). It can also be attached to a rearview camera and can display the video when reversing or when driving forward. Finally, there is a bluetooth module that allows you to talk hands free (the Z1 comes with a microphone) through a bluetooth phone.

If you are going to pay someone else to install the radio then you mainly care about the price and quality of the install. If you plan on doing it yourself then be prepared for a detailed (not complicated) install. Hint - this should not be your first car stereo install if you are doing it yourself.

Having the Z1 in my car makes me feel like I have one of the most advanced systems out there (because it is). It is soooo much better than the MID. The MID did nothing for me. I never used any of the built-in computer features. The only one that I use is "Range" and I display that on the instrument cluster.

You will want navigation, don't kid yourself. It is really a question of factory or aftermarket. By the way, BMW nav is not touch screen while almost all aftermarket is. Don't even think about trying to retrofit BMW nav. IMO it is not worth the price nor the extensive modifications you have to do to your X. The retrofit is reserved for those that just have to have BMW nav at whatever the price.

Got ya... I appreciate your honest answer. I did purchase the X5 today, I'm going to use it as a test pilot car. If I fall in love with it as is, then I'll purchase an external nav. If I love the X5 & think I can find another one around the same price, then I might sell this one & buy another. I'm not to worried, I purchased this one right

Lance

[bimmerFanatic]

Just get a portable GPS device.

[rbensmithX3]

Took this picture last night of yesterday's described NUVI install. . .sorry, didn't get home until after dark.

Any other questions, let me know.

Enjoy the new X. . .

[racelance]

Originally Posted by runningaround

windshield mounts are not legal in Cali. they also make the units hard to reach since they're so far. The nuvi's antenna sticks out the back and fits right into the vent. Snug and doesn't move. Never lost a signal. Clean looking and snap to put in the center console when not in use.

Runningaround-

I love the look of your unit, I'm going to go with it unless you feel I should go a different route (say the machine you use isn't up to par). Let me know and I'll go from there. The 350 seems to be perfect for what I'm looking for... nav & nav only.

Thanks,

Lance

[Aimster]

To the two guys who posted pics of their navigations

how big of a screen are they? they look like 3.5?

[bimmerFanatic]

I guess I'll get a nuvi too soon.

[eyedoc]

I'm likely going to purchase a Garmin Nuvi 660 and use the ProClip mount. For those with any model Garmin Nuvi, have you been able to hardwire the unit to get rid of the cigarette adapter? If not, what have you done to hide the cords? I'd like to have as clean of a look as possible with an aftermarket nav, so I'm wondering what the options are with the Garmin Nuvi.

[bimmerFanatic]

yeah the 660 looks nice.