Kiwi

I take your points. However, in my opinion, the main use of a Nav system is to get you to your required target. Yes all the above is a nicety too.

But if you cannot get to your target, well, it makes the system pretty useless in my opinion.

I love the features, the looks, the integration, the speed. However, the maps are shocking in my experience. Not something I expected for a hefty premium.

Posted after above but written before....if you see what I mean

Well said Jochen,

A few more.

You can also (as does the TT),

Create your own POIs
Create your own Splash Screens
Create and/or modify your own Colour Schemes (sp?)
Create your own Pointers
Create your own Sky
Modify your own Menu text
Set speed reminders (gong)
Modify for different languages, both spoken and read.
You can save your current (or any) location for quick address lookup.

This the TT can't do:

Use it to connect Aux devices, DVD players, Carputer, Play station, Xbox etc and have the sound play through the sound system.

Dimms the display when it gets dark.
Use the MFSW to control the sound.
Use Preloaded POI's stored on the Nav disc.
Use Preloaded Information about hotels etc (ratings , telephone numbers etc).
Find the closest BMW Dealer/Sevice centre.

Now yes I agree, the BMW system has its flaws, but so has the TT, you put up with the flaws of the TT becuse its cheap, and you don't put up with the flaws of the BMW system because its expensive, its as simple as that.

I put up with the BMW system flaws because of the flaws in aftremarket systems are too great (for me).

I like the BMW system, it looks good, it works well (IMO) and it is well intergrated into the car.

I don't like TT type systems because, they invite theives, they look ugly stuck to the screen, they have fiddly trailing leads all over the dash or console, no intergration into the sound system, and if (god forbid) you have an accident the TT is going to be bouncing around inside the car like a brick (fancy that thing hitting your child in the head in a 70 mph crash).

Like I said in my previous post, the system is not perfect (nothing ever is), but IMO it is better than the aftermarket systems out there, albeit with the caveat that all systems have flaws.

At the end of the day, any system (which ever) is an aid, a device to help you get to your destination, it is not an autopilot, you the driver make the desicions, you don't drive into a river just because the satnav tells you do you?

Having the satnav does not remove the thought process of finding your destination, its an aid thats all, its like having a mate in the passenger seat that thinks he knows the way.

I Always get a full address and look it up first, on either the web or a plain old map or an A to Z, it takes five minutes.

Just my 2 pence worth.

__________________
Sept 03, M3, Silver Grey. Retro-fits: Modded Mk4 DVD Drive, OEM Bluetooth, VR Control, Rainbow Speaker Upgrade, Sony SOT Amp, HK Sub, CCFL, Intravee II, NightMode.

If the cost of the BMW system is an issue I'd recommend looking at Becker's Cascade 7944 - latest version of the TrafficPro - as an alternative.

This doesn't have a map display but does show graphical representations of junctions on the radio display. In every other respect this is a very good alternative to the BMW system, matching each feature apart from the large screen. I recently retrofitted one to a Boxster and am very impressed with it's performance.

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/acat...avigation.html

http://www.becker.de/beckerCC21/www_...sp?language=En

BMW factory fit:
Prof Sat Nav £1800
Bluetooth £500
IPOD £150
DSP £???
Voice Rec £250


Cascade:
7944 £550 (imported from Germany)
Becker IPOD kit £60

includes Sat Nav, BT, DSP, Dymamic TMC, MP3, Euro "maps", VR, option for audible warning of cameras, perfect integration with Radio and CD, POI + external custom POI. Cascade has much better language support and will speak out TMC messages as they are received.

"Map data" is held on a dedicated CF card.

thats pretty cool...

__________________
Sept 03, M3, Silver Grey. Retro-fits: Modded Mk4 DVD Drive, OEM Bluetooth, VR Control, Rainbow Speaker Upgrade, Sony SOT Amp, HK Sub, CCFL, Intravee II, NightMode.

Yes, they are. I have a Becker Radio/Nav in my E39 and the MKIV in my E38. Now if only that Becker had a map display... perfect!

The things I like better about the Becker radio/nav are:
1. More natural voices than the MKIV, which sounds very robotic in comparison.
2. It gives you a lot of verbal information when it receives a TMC update and re-routes you.

What is better about the MKIV:
1. Visual map display gives you better chances to orientate yourself in relation to your location.
2. More POI information than the Becker, which is quite restricted.

Both are easy to install and integrate with the BMW sound system, CD player, other AUX devices, steering controls, etc.

But not oficially, and not in an 'easy' way a Mr Joe Average user could do easily. Personally, I would LOVE to be able to memorise a position as a POI whilst on the move (even if its just for updating the Speed Camera Database), but as a user you cannot OFFICIALLY do anything with POI's - and IMVHO that is a serious flaw in a £2000+ bit of kit. Even my 1996 Skymap II aviation GPS can do that (not the speed camera bit though )

And just try going into a BMW dealer with a problem if you have anything other than a GENUINE official map disk ...

Most of the enhancements have been through the hard work of a couple of individuals poking, prodding and reverse-engineering the OS and the Map disks.

The one good thing I have found in its defence is the dynamic routing option available with the latest BM54 tuner ... that is a nice feature.

Agreed trapdoor, for 2K it could and should be better, and as you say it can be modded to give better results, but it is limited.

Try going to a $tealer with anything out of the ordinary never mind the SatNav.

The Becker looks like it does most thing but it still has limitations.

In my ideal world the SatNav would be :- (the bmw system has some of these)

Single unit design, with ISO connections
Standard double din size.
Touch screen
Programmable POI and instant (now) programming with alert sounds
Programmable voice direction (with downloadable voice changes)
Custom colour selection
Speed sensitive volume
Full postcode search (downloadable for updates)
Full map terrain mapping (lets see them hills)
Full up to date OS maps (downloadable)
Full TMC, I'd like to be told ("traffic jams ahead") if there is a jam ahead (even when not being routed).

I'd also like:-
Programmable screen layout (put things where I want)
Full Bluetooth compliant (and a2dp as well) (all phone and palms etc)
Palm/blackberry sync
Full telephone address book and sms integration
Phono in/out (plus a SUB out)
Video phone capable?
Built in Dvd/cd player, with aux (front (with cover) and rear) input
Built in DSP, with several surround/Dolby Digital modes.
Built in TV (analogue and DVB)
Built in DAB (plus normal)
Built in PDC integration,
Built in Rear view integration
Full Built in Ipod integration, with no lag
Full mp3 support, (ID tags etc)
USB-2 port (for mem stick with mp3s or mpgs/avis on)
MFSW and Voice activation (all functions)
Built in (free) GPS/GSM tracker, so you can phone or monitor your car when its at the $tealers.
Full system (ODB2 and IBUS) programming interface
WIFI integration, (possible X10 home interface) (with full encryption)
Web brower integration
Programable proximity detect (from phone or key)
Remote start or immobilisation from your phone
biometric (thumb print) security model, for system activation

The list goes on....

__________________
Sept 03, M3, Silver Grey. Retro-fits: Modded Mk4 DVD Drive, OEM Bluetooth, VR Control, Rainbow Speaker Upgrade, Sony SOT Amp, HK Sub, CCFL, Intravee II, NightMode.

Good shout!

I see the CarX software can do a lot of what you ask

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