ViSH7o2

Hey fellaz im new here... I just got my '05 BMW 330i ZHP totalled by a drunk driver and ive decided that im going to move to the wonderful world of j-spec tuning. I decided that i would like to make that leap to the 350 BUT im getting jerked around on my deal.

for some reason im getting a much lower price on the vehicle without navi, according to the dealer they arent pushing many vehicles out with navi. Anyone know the reason for this?

Lastly if i do chose to go with the car without navi, does anyone know of a way to retrofit a aftermarket navi because i did notice the AC controls almost looked impossible for any type of fabrication...

So basically i was wondering if any of you could shed some light on me before i go and make that big purchase... thnx in advance

pita2go

i saw someone on another forum retrofit it on their TL... i am sure you can do it.. but you have to find all the parts yourself and take it to someone who knows how to do it... imho it's not worth it.. i would just get it with it... i think it will save you money and time in the long run..

ViSH7o2

yeah i was thinking the same thing.. but theyre yanking me aroudn telling me that they are gonna have to order it and it can take up to 6 weeks.. i aint got that kinda time.. neways aftermarket navs are always more fun...

Thanx!

encore888

Well if you want bluetooth and that sweet touchscreen, NAVI is a must. But if you can live without it...

...sorry to hear about your BMW, hope insurance covered it.

pita2go

yeah voice recognition and touch screen with an interface that connects everything will be better... with factory nav...

emissivity

I ordered the ML with DVD nav. In my opinion its worth it in terms of resale value and convienence. Be patient because an extra months of waiting doesn't compare to owning the car for years.

jeffyee123

I got it without navi and am perfectly happy. I think it just depends on how much you'd use the navi and bluetooth stuff. I have a loaner right now with navi, and don't use it at all since the interface isn't pefect yet, and the database is out of date. Also the whole not being able to change while you drive is annoying. I know there's ways around that but it's annoying to do that everytime you enter the car.

Cypren

I love my nav system and wouldn't give it up for anything. Having all of your panel functions integrated with voice commands is the height of convenience, and the nav database in the IS (at least for the areas I've tried -- Cleveland, Dallas and LA/Orange County) is extremely complete and full featured, with details on almost any kind of destination you might want to find.

I agree fully with the previous poster that the safety system is annoying as hell, though. I've gotten pretty fast at disabling it any time I think I'm going to be in the car for any length of time, and I can do it without looking now if I need to use the nav system mid-trip. Unfortunately, disabling the nav-lock only affects the actual navigation functions. You still can't manually dial your phone, access your phone book or pop in DVD movies (for your passenger! passenger!) while driving. (Though it's worth noting that you can control the phone features using voice commands, so it's not a major inconvenience.)

ViSH7o2

hmm had no idea that the bluetooth was hoked through the navi..

a whole new light is shone on me... haha

brewkp4

Can anyone point me in the direction to where I can find the info on disabling the safety system? Or post the recipe here?

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Aesthetically and functionally, a nav system is necessary. However, as for cost and value, it's better not to get one. Resale value is poor for nav systems.

If you are planning to get an after-market navi install, just get the stock nav system. Why spend $2k for an aftermarket system that seems out of place, when for about $500 more you get the system that is integrated with everything else such as climate control and back-up camera? If you really want a nav system, get the stock one. And get the ML system if you can.

Rockville

and improved version that Lexus offers. The new ES350 and RX350's should get it in the Spring. I say get it or regret it. Nav equipped Lexus are very popular on the Pre Owned lot too. Bluetooth Phone features are expanded in Gen. 5 and the back up camera is sharper on the new VGA screen.

Rock

encore888

http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000997068874/

brewkp4

Thanks for the link, but I was trying to learn how to disable the navigation safety feature. I probably will never need to actually do it but I would like to know how to if it ever becomes necessary.