oh really...like that on-star thing for older drivers...interesting...

On-Star wont download the POI data to a GPS.

I agree that the NAV could be better by incorporating POI searching, but understand that it now comes with RTTI standard. I now use NAV every time I go somewhere b/c I can visually see where traffic backups are and can easily avoid them. I know that some Garmins give traffic data too but not sure what they use for their data source. As a long time user of various NAV systems, this is a major breakthru IMO.

Not being able to easily input POIs is a PITA if you don't know the city, but l'm able to get past it most times. It'd be nice if that capability would be available in the future as a software patch.

IMO the lack of this feature is stupid...this is a basic concept.
I have used Garmins since the first models, and have owned over 15 various Garmin models and this has been available for many many years.

BTW= I think Garmin uses the same RTTI as BMW:
http://www.realtimetraffic.net/

Unfortunatly, RTTI is not available in my area.

Is there any way to display traffic with out using system guidence?

I think the new E70 is FlexRay based. The first BMW to use this new bus - said to be 10 times faster than MOST.

I thought FlexRay was only for the adaptive suspension....


My buddy had a new TSX rental a few weeks ago (with navi) and I tried out the system, and it was excellent! I don't see the need for a "seperate" screen and iDrive, but the drving experience more than makes up for it! :)

:rtfm: Uh, am I missing something here. I have a 2005 E53 X5 and I have search capability.

If I remember correctly... go to "Information->Travel Information->On Location choose your POI then type in the search phrase, search radius and blam. Phone numbers and all.

Yes, this is exactly what I use most of the time and why its of DAILY use. Just pull up the NAV screen and use something like 1 mile or higher perspective and you'll be able to see traffic tie ups. Its rare that I actually put something in guidance unless I'm in a strange area, so being able to visually see what to expect is absolutely helpful. Eventually people will see that they'll use it a lot and don't realize its capabilities until after they have it.

cool!
Thanks