Now that you have it, is something that get's used a lot, or do you think it's one of the extras that you could of done without?
For owners with the sat nav option
- Thread starter no fit state
- Start date
Let's put it this way. I did not have it on my 2004 3.0, and when I bought my X5 with the comms pack, I really regretted not having it in the Z. I had a portable SatNav for the Z, and it was always in the boot. Taking it in and out of the car was not fun, neither was the small screen.
So when I retrofitted the OEM SatNav in the Z, I was very pleased with the result. It provided more board computer functions, it integrated fully with the phone system (SMS / Address book etc), it worked great with the iPod showing artist / playlists etc on the screen and the satnav was so much nicer then a TomTom. Much bigger, much quicker to search a route etc etc. Obviously, it is not the most advanced satnav but it is BIG and very clear. Also, you can see the screen with your sunglasses on which you can not with a TomTom.
When I ordered the M, I ordered the SatNav with it this time as I would never want to be without it now. Great toy value as well.
So when I retrofitted the OEM SatNav in the Z, I was very pleased with the result. It provided more board computer functions, it integrated fully with the phone system (SMS / Address book etc), it worked great with the iPod showing artist / playlists etc on the screen and the satnav was so much nicer then a TomTom. Much bigger, much quicker to search a route etc etc. Obviously, it is not the most advanced satnav but it is BIG and very clear. Also, you can see the screen with your sunglasses on which you can not with a TomTom.
When I ordered the M, I ordered the SatNav with it this time as I would never want to be without it now. Great toy value as well.
I used to have the same system in my M3 and decided I am never buying a car without it again, so the Z4M has it too. I use it several times a day sometimes, gets me to a meeting door to door without taking any wrong turns or referring to maps...I even have it on all the time anyway as a virtual map to spot short cuts and new routes when traffic is bad. AND it will do the same thing across Europe too.
Never going without it now ...
Never going without it now ...
It's a nifty thing to have in the Z4 and looks better to have it pre-installed on the dash in lieu of having wires all over the place or having it stick out like a sore thumb. I would recommend getting the nav option.
Only downside: Doesn't play dvds for your passengers when you're on long trips. But big whoop.
Only downside: Doesn't play dvds for your passengers when you're on long trips. But big whoop.
I can see how it would come in handy if you do quite a bit of driving to unfamiliar places.
Not sure if it's something I really need, as I work in the same place every day and only very rarely (once a year maybe) go somewhere I don't know how to get too.
Infact I've only ever needed Sat Nav once, when driving round France........Would be nice to have it all the same.
Not sure if it's something I really need, as I work in the same place every day and only very rarely (once a year maybe) go somewhere I don't know how to get too.
Infact I've only ever needed Sat Nav once, when driving round France........Would be nice to have it all the same.
no fit state said:
I take it you have seen a car you like without it??
For me personally i find it really usefull, not only is it sat nave, it also displays computer trips, miles etc, when I get my ipod fitted it will show tracks etc, mine also has TV (now that is a waste of time!!) but was already fitted.
If you dont need it, but once a year, you will easily do without it,, and just use a portable one maybe.
no fit state, I don't have one either and like you, don't do many unfamiliar trips. I have done a few however, and it really sucked not having some sort of nav. assistance.
I just talking to my dad a few minutes ago and we're going shopping at Sam's on Sunday to find me one. I think I would do more extended drives if I had one and would like to branch out more. Maps are a real PITA and never up to date as sat nav is. Not to mention an attention diverter while driving - def. not safe unless you pull over, another PITA :roll: .
I just talking to my dad a few minutes ago and we're going shopping at Sam's on Sunday to find me one. I think I would do more extended drives if I had one and would like to branch out more. Maps are a real PITA and never up to date as sat nav is. Not to mention an attention diverter while driving - def. not safe unless you pull over, another PITA :roll: .
RustyZ4 said:
Yes, this one http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/302967.htm Seems to be quite high spec apart from no Sat Nav
I like the idea of the Sat Nav showing up the ipod info, as that's all I use now when out in a car.
What to do, what to do???
I have it in both my Bimmers and would not be without it. It's clear and as pvr noted well integrated with the other systems on the cars, plus it's on the right level to see without squibnting at some small aftermarket design on a sucker or down on the console. Sure people can point to other systems that may have better updated maps, etc. but the OEM system is on the dash and always available with loads of useful data avaialble.
Indeed I've even been known to use it in smallest scale mode to get a feel for the road ahead to know there is a set of bends and sit back, or straight coming up....
Indeed I've even been known to use it in smallest scale mode to get a feel for the road ahead to know there is a set of bends and sit back, or straight coming up....
pvr said:Come on ... retrofit an OEM one - I dare youTook me 6 hours to do mine in my old car :wink:
That must of been some job? How much did it cost and what did it involve? Cutting a hole in the dashboard? :dizzy:
I did a "cj10jeeper" on it
Total cost was £430-ish, of which £300 was the dvd computer. The cable loom from BMW was surprisingly only £50, the new radio was $10 (yes, 10 dollars from ebay ...) and the screen was £70.
The whole job of cabling and dismantling the car was about 2 hours, the cutting of the hole in the dash was 4 hours as there was only a tolerance of 1 mm around the screen.
FInal result :
Total cost was £430-ish, of which £300 was the dvd computer. The cable loom from BMW was surprisingly only £50, the new radio was $10 (yes, 10 dollars from ebay ...) and the screen was £70.
The whole job of cabling and dismantling the car was about 2 hours, the cutting of the hole in the dash was 4 hours as there was only a tolerance of 1 mm around the screen.
FInal result :
that looks great pvr! I will going with the sucker-thing as I've not the time nor inclination for a DIY. My dad has one and I like it because you can move it wherever it's convenient and it swivels too. It's at least as large as pvr's screen, no small one for him - he's getting old and needs all the help he can get reading 
ldman: . And with the swivel option, he can move it around to exactly where it's comfortable for him 
.
I'm kind of excited now
ldman: . And with the swivel option, he can move it around to exactly where it's comfortable for him .I'm kind of excited now
pvr said:I did a "cj10jeeper" on it
Total cost was £430-ish, of which £300 was the dvd computer. The cable loom from BMW was surprisingly only £50, the new radio was $10 (yes, 10 dollars from ebay ...) and the screen was £70.
The whole job of cabling and dismantling the car was about 2 hours, the cutting of the hole in the dash was 4 hours as there was only a tolerance of 1 mm around the screen.
FInal result :
I'll take that as a compliment from pvr.
As far as people saying they cannot tackle certain jobs I generally disagree. Aside those that require specialist equipment that you cannot make, hire or borrow, or are potentially dangerous, then a well researched amateur can achieve anything a professional can do. It often takes a lot longer as you are on a learning curve but the payback is using free labour, probably cheaper parts and the satisfaction of 'I did that'
Agreed. Also, the dealer wants £3000 + VAT to fit it as well + £2500 + VAT for the parts ...
+ I made sure I did not damage anything by using towels all over the place and was very, very careful and masked the cutting areas very well in case of knife slippage.
I have seen a Alpina dash edge around the vent area been butchered by a dealer, so dealers don't do it always better anyway.
+ I made sure I did not damage anything by using towels all over the place and was very, very careful and masked the cutting areas very well in case of knife slippage.
I have seen a Alpina dash edge around the vent area been butchered by a dealer, so dealers don't do it always better anyway.
