X5 Delivery ETA

[Shumdit]

Originally Posted by X5WannaBe

That was my original intent too (as well as to buy a space gray model with tobacco interior until my wife spoke up). I think if one hasn't been a user of a built-in nav system previously (you and I?), then the portable version would be acceptable. If like my wife you are used to having a permanent nav system onboard, then it's a kind of a "must" to have the built-in model. And I agree with MD11F that the built-in screen being larger than the standard non-nav version can make a big difference in looks and visibility!

However I don't think that either the park distance control or what i gather is a poorly done rear camera are worth it. Maybe just get the nav alone?

The Park Distance Control is good, no real issues with it, other than I would like to know visually where the sensor is detecting an obstuction (and this can be done if you turn off the camera, and is very nice with the color changes to signify distance, as well as the audio clues. The problem is that I would like to see both the camera and this PDC screen able to be displayed at the same time. The camera is fine during the day, but as others here have mentioned, is terrible at night.

[rh71]

Unless they really improve on the backup camera for MY2008, I'd buy the NAV separately/alone. The real-time traffic info that comes with it sounds great.

[MD11F]

Originally Posted by rh71

Unless they really improve on the backup camera for MY2008, I'd buy the NAV separately/alone. The real-time traffic info that comes with it sounds great.

I really don't see a big problem with it now. I agree at night it leaves something to be desired, but I wouldn't go as far as call it "worthless" and during the day it's priceless.

[rh71]

^ only because I don't feel like paying for a product that only works half the time (and everyone knows it). Actually on a $60k car, I won't be paying for it if it doesn't work 100% of the time (or at least will when replaced when it malfunctions). Frankly, I've seen quite a few people just shrug it off. Not my thing.

[Shumdit]

I have to say I have owned a Honda with a great backup camera, and as much as I think the daytime performance is very acceptable on the E70, the nighttime performance of the camera is terrible (the word I used earlier, not "worthless", although I think BMW should at least revise the software so that the PDC is used automatically at night instead of the camera, since it truly sucks a big one under low light conditions.