Facelift E53 nav screen functions

[davidJZU]

Hi

Looking to buy an E53 X5 very soon and I'm wondering whether I should care about NAV or not.

Reading here, the navigation functionality isn't very modern anyway but I'm wondering whether having the screen has a useful purpose other than nav.

So, apart from navigation, does the screen provide any useful functions that the non-NAV OBC can't provide ?

cheers
Dave

[pezho405]

I personally think the Nav is pretty good, i like the know turning and it eliminating not possible letters. Also there are nav DVDs you can buy with the latest maps.

[X5SND]

Personally I'd skip it. Archaic rotary dials for entry/menu navigation, and old school dvd based navigation. You can always go to an aftermarket in dash unit later on while retaining almost all the factory functionality (in addition to a ton more that units of today have to offer). Things like range, outside temp., avg speed, and fuel economy are available regardless of if you have nav or not.

[romeokc10]

Just don't buy one with the DSP sound system if you plan on going aftermarket, it's not compatible with aftermarket stuff.

[Qsilver7]

If factory navigation isn't a priority...as the others already mentioned...the MID (multi-informational display) controls all the AUDIO/DSP/CLOCK/TIMER/OBC/PHONE functions just like the navigation screen.

The biggest difference is...the Nav screen has a built-in cassette tape player behind it...with the possibility of an optional 6 disc CD changer in the back. If you get a face lift e53 with the MID (in North America)...it will have an in-dash single CD player with the possibility of an optional 6 disc CD changer in the back.

If you have a smart phone with a data plan...you already have a navigation system with you that is probably much easier to use and is probably more up-to date as far as streets & POI (points of interest).

_

[Sweep_the_Leg]

I'll echo what others have said and say that I certainly wouldn't worry about the factory NAV. Any modern aftermarket NAV is going to be vastly superior to the antiquated (in electronics terms) BMW system. The only downside (to some) is dashboard aesthetics. Personally, even though the factory system certainly does look "factory", I think it also looks (and definitely functions) as "old".

I wouldn't pass up a good car just because it did or did not have NAV. Most NAV systems (maybe all?) are also DSP systems, which does complicate an aftermarket head unit install. If it does have DSP, then you'll have to buy an aftermarket five-channel amp (and some crossovers) to get the new head unit's sound to the factory speakers. A little added expense to keep in mind.

[frozenwaffles]

I think you should try one out. I personally disagree with most comments here.
The BMW nav is simple to use, doesn't distract you and 'just works'. I have had the 4:3 and now I'm on the 16:9 with MK4. I have owned Pioneer units (many and my last was the AVIC940), Sony units, and others.... They all have their failings!!!
It might be old, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work well

[bcredliner]

Never know when you might need navigation. I would bet you can purchase a comparable X5 with navigation for the same price of one without. You may have to purchase the latest discs that come out annually to have updated maps. It is a little cumbersome entering an address but it works fine and is turn by turn loud and clear through the radio.

If you want to bring the nav more current, depending on the year of the X5, you can purchase the MX4 version for some other features. And if you want to add sat radio, bluetooth or connect your cell phone you can do that with a media bridge add on for far less than an aftermarket unit.

[JDM-20L]

Originally Posted by frozenwaffles

I think you should try one out. I personally disagree with most comments here.
The BMW nav is simple to use, doesn't distract you and 'just works'. I have had the 4:3 and now I'm on the 16:9 with MK4. I have owned Pioneer units (many and my last was the AVIC940), Sony units, and others.... They all have their failings!!!
It might be old, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work well

Yeah I'm with you on this one mate. ^

I don't think its bad at all, once the destination is entered its all smooth sailing... my one even works in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, must have a really strong signal cos no other nav I've used through there does that.

Another thing I really like is leaving the map on when I am driving, sometimes I am not familiar with an area or I am in traffic and I can plot my way or shortcut just by looking at the map! Works a treat I would recommend it if the price point on the cars your looking at isn't much different.

Its probably not worth much of a mention but resale/desirability will be a bit better with Nav too... although I think E53 values are down in the dumps now and probably will hit another low shortly once the F15 is released!

[davidJZU]

Many thanks to everyone.

I'm new to this site and and am very impressed with the enthusiasm and knowledge of the posters here. I don't own a car yet but I've learned a ton just reading.

So, as a current X5 shopper in the US I can confirm what others here have said

1) E53 X5's with NAV almost always also have DSP ... I've seen a couple of exceptions but they're unusual.

(P.S. I saw an 4.8is with no NAV the other day which I thought was very unusual)

2) The price of E53 X5's with NAV doesn't seem any different from those without .. the model, year, miles and condition seem to be more important factor.

Really appreciate the advice.

cheers
Dave