OEM Navigation: Yay or Nay

[All In]

I'm looking at used BMW M roadsters. Since I haven't used the Nav much, I'm undecided if that should factor into the options I'm looking for.

For those who have, do you feel it is just a nice to have, or that it is useless?

For those that don't, does the third party nav look tacky? Third party NAV unit would have to be locked up when not in use.

Thanks for the feedback.

*edit: Mods please move to General Z4, posted in wrong forum.

 

[mmm-five]

I use them both, but if I'm going somewhere new then I'll make sure I've got the TomTom with the latest mapshare updates and speed camera database (from PocketGPSWorld).

If it's a regular run and I've got the address in the BMW one, then I'll probably use that to avoid carrying the TomTom around - however I've used TomToms for 7 years and have ALWAYS removed them from the car and have a cloth in the car for cleaning the windscreen.

I don't think there's much inherently wrong with the BMW system apart from not being able to update it with your own POIs or sounds without hacking it.

I wouldn't have specified it on a new car, but as it was already on this when I bought it I can't really complain - however, there's no way on earth that the system is worth anything more than a TomTom system. If they offered it as a £250 option then great, but £1500 is ridiculous and it's most definitely not 5 times better than a high-level TomTom, nor is it 15 times better than an entry level TomTom.

 

[mikedav]

Never had an issue with OEM. It works from the moment you turn the key (no searching), the maps look fine as long as the software is up to date, it takes me where I want to go, and it shows me nearby petrol stations, car parks, etc. It also does all that without an ugly suction cup on the windscreen which falls off every now and then, leaves tell tale marks, and is difficult to read compared to the big screen of the OEM set up...not sure what anyone could want above that really?

Obviously newer cars have systems that do more but I would rather have built in than portable - car is much tidier that way. Also pretty important for swift resale I would say. Even if you don't want it, most buyers do; dealers I have spoken to always suggest on a car like this (and the M3) people just expect it. On a 330/325/320 it's just a nice bonus. On a new car though it is a horrendous rip off

 

[MarkW]

Wasn't really bothered about having it, and I bought a new tomtom 2 weeks before I bought my Z4MC But now i've got it I quite like it. Especially with the 3D perspective, speed cameras and voice alerts.
Also makes a better display for the radio etc.....

 

[cj10jeeper]

OEM, full integration, steering wheel control, voice activated. A must for me
Makes resale that much easier too

 

[chetalien]

As i much i hate bmw sat nav, its better than tomtom or any suction mounted nav sys. I had a few probs with my Z4 when i was using tom tom, it fell off a few timeds driving in the motorway. quite distracting. Scared me off couple of times. I made sure I had an in-built nav when I bought my M. Most of the times I dont use nav but when i need it I know its safe and in built. Most of the places i dont use until I get into the city.I prefer the OEM. Go for it. Its always worth having it, atleast when u sell it. better value. With used cars they are cheaper anyway. Good luck with ur buy

 

[DannyBoy]

If I was buying a new car then probably not no matter how cool it looks on the basis that there will be a 3rd party better variant for 1/8th of the price, however, on a used car then theres no reason why I wouldnt want OEM and thus find a car with it fitted.

Moral of the story is it looks good but costs a stupid amount and 3rd party variants are better on all counts.

 

[srhutch]

If you find a car you line without Nav and your not to worried get it, you can always Retrofit later for £500

 

[Andy]

Yet again a big yes from me. Combine it with Bluetooth & big audio display and if you fancy one, a tv .. and it's the nuts.

 

[Zedster]

OEM every time for me. Three reasons.

1) The integrated Nav reduces the local crims from deciding to break in and steal it. There is a real problem with portable Nav's being taken from cars in the UK.
2) If you have OEM the resale value of the car will be better than a car without OEM Nav
3) I think its a nice piece of kit, does what i want it to do, no problems so far.

 

[talaris]

I have just bought my first Z4 and initially wanted as a minimum spec OEM nav. It does though command a premium in AUC used cars though or so it seems - in the region of around £2 - £3k. I bough one without as it seemed hard to justify the additiaonl £'s. Obviously though pay more now get more back later I guess.

I have to vsay that the TomTom taht I have is far far better )as a nav unit as opposed to visually as integrated) but just remember to take it with you

 

[pvr]

Would not want to be without it. It works in fine in London where the TomTom kept loosing reception due to the high buildings and nothing is more frustrating then driving in a city and not knowing where to go.

The OEM also provides additional board computer functions, phone visibility on the screen, iPod details on the screen etc. A must in my book.

 

[jamiez]

OEM, full integration, steering wheel control, voice activated. A must for me
Makes resale that much easier too

Sorry - in keeping on topic - Is the voice activation bit a standard feature on the BMW NAV is you have the bluetooth kit - or is a separate module?

 

[pvr]

Bluetooth and capable phone required AFAIK.

Does not work very well with my accent though I am always going Hooome ... Home ... Hooooommmee trying to get it to work

 

[cj10jeeper]

Just need the bluetooth 'ULF' module fitting. It utilises the cowling mike to pick up. Phone itself is not required, although you'd never consider bluetooth for the nav alon.

Bit of a gimmick really and a pain to make it work correctly. I key in what I need.

 

[spokey]

I have both TT and OEM. The only thing I find TT vastly superior is for the itinerary planning. For the rest, the OEM one is pretty good.

 

[Mr Whippy]

I use a TomTom XL jobby. I rarely need it though, probably use it two or three times a year. I find road signs are good enough to get to most places, with a quick look at the map before I set off. I guess it depends how much totally new journey driving you do.

I never stick it to the screen.

It either talks to me when I do get stuck, I use it as a digital map book when I stop at junctions or lights etc, to reference, or my partner/passenger navigates using it as a tool.
It sits on the passenger seat or on the floor. I honestly don't think it needs to be always on always in your face, and personally I think the Pro Nav ruins the smooth elegant dash of the Z4 (and the steering wheel controls too imho).

Tis a sports car not KITT

 

[Sticks]

I've got an old Tom Tom and a Roadangel and the OEM is the best for navigation imo. I've updated the maps to show safety cameras now but the others are better in this respect in that they give an aural warning.

If you live in a rural area you might find the map lacks detail, er, because there isn't any, but it's sometimes hard to figure where exactly you are.

I went back to using my old phone as the Bluetooth syncs the address book, which the new one didn't.

 

[srhutch]

I use a TomTom XL jobby. I rarely need it though, probably use it two or three times a year. I find road signs are good enough to get to most places, with a quick look at the map before I set off. I guess it depends how much totally new journey driving you do.

I never stick it to the screen.

It either talks to me when I do get stuck, I use it as a digital map book when I stop at junctions or lights etc, to reference, or my partner/passenger navigates using it as a tool.
It sits on the passenger seat or on the floor. I honestly don't think it needs to be always on always in your face, and personally I think the Pro Nav ruins the smooth elegant dash of the Z4 (and the steering wheel controls too imho).

Tis a sports car not KITT

OEM Nav doesnt use the stteering wheel controls

 

[bigshurv]

I have the old business nav with the small screen. It does a decent turn by turn job. But, I have a Becker stick on jobbie which I use in my daily driver and I prefer the way it maps. My last company car had a built in full screen nav, and I did'nt like the way the software worked so I use my Becker. I'd have been really pissed off to have paid £ 1500 for a built in nav only to find i couldn't get on with it. I had a Garmin on my BMW GS bike, and I sold it after 3 months as the sorfware was shocking to use. Each to their own I guess.