GPS/Navigation
 

Hey guys, I don't have a nav unit on my x5 nor do I intend to replace the stock unit. Anywho, any model suggestions on a good portable navigation unit (magellan, garmin etc)? Budget is $500-800. Any feedback on those who know about or have used a portable navigation unit before would be greatly appreciated. The simpler and the more user friendly the better. Well, the more bang for the buck the better. Thanks. :thumbup:

My son has the Garmin 2620 in his Volvo, and he has no complaints. It is touch screen, and though smaller screen size than the X5's OEM Nav, it is easier to use than the X's.

I have and love the Garmin 2610. The diff between 2610 and 2620 is that the 2620 has a hard drive with all the maps already built-in. The 2610 uses flash memory. At the time I bought it, the price difference was very significant ($600 vs. $1000+), so I bought a 1G flash card for another $100. All other specs are the same.

As said above, its touchscreen and portable. I can take it to whichever car I want as well as on business trips and vacations. I put it on the dash and comes with a beanbag mount that its very sturdy.

Like you I do not have the nav in my X5 and like you I have been thinking about which GPS unit to use. I am hesitating between the Garmin c330 and the Garmin Quest 2. The advantage I can see with the Quest is that it is small enough to be also used on a bicycle (I do a lot of road cycling). As far as using it in the X5 I am pretty sure I could fit it in the hash tray compartment assuming I use an external antenna. The Garmin c330 is really nice too. It has a bigger screen than the Quest and it is easier to use but its integration in the X5 would not be as neat as with the Quest in my opinion.

Garmin C330 in my X5
 

I now have the Garmin C330 and have been absolutely amazed at how accurate it is as well as how easy it is to use. I had an older version of the Garmin that was a nightmare to load different maps from a CD, at least for me. This one is eons ahead. I live in Lafayette LA and have been dodging hurricaines all Summer. Four of my siblings have houses under water. My brother lost his M3. He is a pilot and couldn't get back to New Orleans to save it. I gave my Garmin to my Dad who is 83 years old when he evacuated. He and Mom used it to find gas, food and lodging as well as alternate routes as they made their way to Morristown Tenn. from New Orleans. It was literally a lifesaver. Dad didn't want to give it back. Of course I let him keep it. I definetely will get another one. The only caveat is to have a copilot to input new waypoints when enroute. :2thumbs:

doesn't the garmin model come in new c340 as seen in the website?

http://www.garmin.com/products/sp340/

any difference? I can't tell. I'm getting all mixed up.

How come nobody has mentioned tomtom. I have 3 tomtom go 300's in different vehicles other than the X5 and I think they are the best. I also added the speed camera databases to warn where speed cameras are. Try tomtom.com or ebay.

A map is easier to use than the X navigation system... :rofl:

My Dad has the New TomTom 700. Phenomenal.

navman icn 510, got it last xmas, very user friendly and VERY budget friendly...