Aftermarket Navigation - recommendations?

[lbear]

Originally Posted by xnsf

Here are the pics I promised:

Hope this helps

Thank you so much! 7" screen is very attractive to me. One question about 7200/7500: Is the navigation software of 7200 the same as 660? It looks as larger sized 660 in terms of navigation function?

[lbear]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

7” Pioneer AVIC-Z1 is the best one.

It's now available in Costco. $1999 installation included plus tax.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...p=C&ec=&topnav=

Don't know the quality of their installation job. Does anybody have experience about it?

[xnsf]

Originally Posted by lbear

Thank you so much! 7" screen is very attractive to me. One question about 7200/7500: Is the navigation software of 7200 the same as 660? It looks as larger sized 660 in terms of navigation function?

The interface and graphics are the same if not similar. The software should be the same because Garmin uses it's same proprietary software for the StreetPilot and Nuvi line. It basically is a larger sized 660 . The interface is probably better because there is more screen to work with; 7" is a HUGE difference from the 4.3". It's XM ready for stock, weather, traffic, and music; it comes with dedicated interfaces for it. If you have an auxilary input on your X, you can use the audio out on the unit so you don't need to use the FM modulator.

I love it...it is one of the better investments I've ever made.

[asawadude]

I went with the Proclip mounts for my Nuvi installation. The rubber suction cup mount has very limited longevity. Hot sun can turn the rubber into gum; extreme cold turns it brittle.

The Proclip mounts come in two differnt styles - a high dash mount over the HVAC vents or a low dash mount over the radio/HVAC controls. The high dash mounts places the nav unit directly over the HVAC duct which is closer to the driver's field of vision, but it also blocks the airflow from the vents, as well as exposing the nav unit to temperature extremes. I chose the low dash mounts for a less obtrusive install. Since the Nuvi features turn by turn audio announcements, not seeing the Nuvi in my line of sight was not a show stopper.

The Proclips are virtually indestructible and take minutes to install (or uninstall). And of course, I bought them from Tom G. at EAS.

Here are pictures of my Nuvi 350 installation in my X5 and E46 328i using Proclip mounts.

[X rated]

Originally Posted by lbear

It's now available in Costco. $1999 installation included plus tax.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...p=C&ec=&topnav=

Don't know the quality of their installation job. Does anybody have experience about it?

I've priced it on line best pricing was between $1,500 to $1,600, of course installation would be extra. I don't know that I would want costco to mount my tires let alone this.

[xnsf]

Originally Posted by X rated

I don't know that I would want costco to mount my tires let alone this.

[racelance]

Originally Posted by Aimster

can u post pics of the 660 in your car?
pleasee

Here's the picture of the Nuvi 660 you requested, I recently purchased it and absolutely love it:

[utdeveloper]

Originally Posted by X rated

I've priced it on line best pricing was between $1,500 to $1,600, of course installation would be extra. I don't know that I would want costco to mount my tires let alone this.

I have a guy here in Houston who will install it for around $300 and it will only take a couple of hours. He has installed about 4 in the past month and is someone I trust because of his past work. If anyone wants his info, I will be more than happy to send his info you way.

[lbear]

Originally Posted by utdeveloper

I have a guy here in Houston who will install it for around $300 and it will only take a couple of hours. He has installed about 4 in the past month and is someone I trust because of his past work. If anyone wants his info, I will be more than happy to send his info you way.

I hasitate getting an AVIC-Z1 because of installation. I live in SF bay area and don't know a quality auto audio shop which has experience working on X5. I am also thinking of getting 660 or 7200/7500 because of easy mounting.

Question for those who has AVIC-Z1 installed: How do you get FM radio and CD after installation of AVIC-Z1? Obviously business CD and radio have to be removed during installation. Dose AVIC have FM radio reciever? Does anyone install rear view camera for AVIC?

[Scottie]

Honestly I wouldn't give the dealers money for the over priced pice of crap Navigation.

I would buy a portable one that you can take from car to car.

Tom Tom Navman or whatever not to sure what you guys get over there.

These are better bits of kits.

I mean it's stupid how can BMW and others get away with the cost of speccing their navigation when the likes of Tom Tom can offer a better navigation tool at a fraction of the cost.