Erm, Satan, he's clearly talking about messing with the electrics. Read the post again.

And i fully agree, the bmw satnav is rubbish compared to tomtom. But your personal opinion is just that. The truth is in the general market resale values. Satnav is NOT an option. Should be considered in the same way as leather and automatic.

Sorry yes, I would certainly not go down the route of linking in to the iDrive, if you want an inbuilt unit then it would have to be the BMW unit. I disagree about satnav affecting market resale values, it is a well known fact that in the UK, options add much less value to the resale value of a car than the purchase price of those options. You should spec a car for what you want, not what the person who gets it after you might want!! :)

Every car I've sold that had navigation (four) has sold quickly. People specifically stated they wanted navigation. Perhaps the higher-end vehicles have a different consumer base, which does demand navigation and other electronic "helpers."

Joel

Perhaps, but here's another view:
Car Buying Tips: The Truth About Factory-Fitted Satellite Navigation Systems


By Megan Benoit
June 4, 2007

Thanks to the Original Equipment Manufacturers'' (OEMs') slow tech turnaround, by the time a customer comes to sell a car equipped with a factory-fitted sat nav system, the clever route guidance gizmo is not worth the silicon it’s printed on. Or, if you prefer, somewhere around $500.
That’s the average used car sat nav premium, and that’s not good. Not when you consider that an average built-in sat nav package costs the new car buyer a whopping $2k+ (not including tax). Of course, that’s the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP); the invoice cost is about $400 to $500 less.
:sw:

I have to say that I'm not swayed by articles when weighed against my own experience. In that particular case, they're not worth the paper (or silicon) they're printed on.

Further, of course one isn't going to get the full price of the navigation back when selling a vehicle. One doesn't get the full price of the vehicle back when selling a vehicle.

I had an Acura MDX. I listed it for sale. My friend had the identical model, sans Navigation. Mine sold in four days at the price I advertised. He only had two calls for his (which had lower mileage than mine)...and one of the two calls asked if it had navigation. Hardly empirical data, but it certainly was an indication.

The inherent benefits of a built-in navigation system are important to me. Steering wheel controls, voice recognition integrated into the device, integration with the vehicle's audio, reception optimization, etc. are things I see as a benefit. There are points, however, where the built-in units are not impressive. BMW's user interface is un-intuitive, Lexus locks out the ability to do almost anything unless the vehicle is stopped, Acura's joystick is annoying, etc. I also have a Garmin Nuvi 660 that I use when I travel. It is a very good unit. I'd like to see the functionality of that built into the X5. But, it is a pain to have to remove the window mount, power cord, and unit when I leave the vehicle. (Theft deterrent.)

As someone mentioned earlier, it really is a matter of choice. To reiterate my point, however, I'm not going to base my decision on a magazine (or webazine) article that isn't in alignment with my own experiences.

Joel

OK Guys - finally got the new X5 E70 and I want to fit an OEM satnav to it

I am unsure if I can add the MKIV to this car - or I have to have the newer unit. Looking at a few threads - I see some software still coming out in March2007 - but am unsure for what model its for

I guess I am after some help with this.

I did install a MKIV in an E53 years ago (2003) - but am unsure what my new car should now require for satnav.

Reason for not purchasing it in the first place was the dealer told us another 8 week wait - with No 4 child now here - we timed arrival of new car by 2 days - lucky

Now to install a satnav into a e70 X5 is my task and I prefer to use the original monitor and just get the required parts (part numbers) if possible

ANy help would be appreciated

O

From my point of view, if a person pays $85 000 for a vehicle, why wouldn't they spend another $10 000 for the tech package, which comes with alot more than just nav... plus you get the clean factory look. Doesn't it void the warranty if you tap into the system with aftermarket components?

I would think the new technology with the current model would be a huge resale upgrade. BMW's ConnectedDrive with BMWOnline. It's the only integrated system that will allow you to connect to the internet on the road and send google maps to your car. Nobody else has that :thumbup:

Apparently the retrofit kit for dealers to fit this to cars was to be available
We could not order it with the car because of timing and our 4th child has now arrived.

Without a 7 seater - we would need 2 cars to get about.
The car is now only 2 weeks old - I waited 3 months for it

I was not prepared to wait 5 months.

The dealer retrofit kit is still not available in Australia - but I am told it is overseas - so I am looking for any info on people that have installed it - part numbers etc

I would surely like to stick it up them for all the stuffing about they have recently given me over this and other options I could not get at the time of ordering

ANy positive info would be appreciated

cheers
O

i replaced the wheel/tires/stereo day after i drove it home from the dealer