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Installation was corrected, better options exist. (archive)
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Posted by Merrick on August 28, 2000 at 11:02:11:

In Reply to: Sounds like you DO like it but cheaped out on the posted by install. on August 28, 2000 at 10:35:49:

The installation was corrected to match the BMW installation, but as I mentioned, the system is too slow. The newer systems are quite a bit faster. I tend to enter directions as I'm driving (I know, not too safe,) and by the time the system calculates the directions, I've already passed the turn the system wants me to make. The system then recalculates, but by the time it finished recalculating, the next turn has passed. This continues on almost endlessly until I stop. I'm also not thrilled with the monitor sitting on top of the dash, as it could be a target for theives when the car is parked with the top down. The indash units with the fold out screens also have the ability to be used as a television, which would be a nice feature (for the passenger, of course.) The BMW system isn't horrible, but I think you could put together a considerably better system for the same or a little more money.

-Merrick

I also have the system, and if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I wouldn't install it. The install is a real pain. The dealer wanted $400 to install, I took it to an aftermarket place for $250. BIG mistake, they did a horrible initially. The system is also rather slow to respond. You can punch in a street address, and the system will give you directions. The system also has a very large database of "Points of Interest" including shopping centers, museums, restaurants, BMW dealers, gas stations, etc. What I really like about the points of interest, is that phone numbers are also included with each listing, so you can actually call a restaurant listed to find out if they are open. Given the opportunity to redo everthing, I'd like to try putting the BMW single DIN navigation/radio unit from the Z8 into the car for a cleaner, stock appearance. The system is 900 for the unit itself, and a $500 core charge, though I'm not sure what that is. I'm not sure if it would work in the Z3 though. I'd also consider one of the single DIN navigation/radio/tv systems with the flip out 5" LCD screen. A number of companies make them, starting around $1500 for a complete system. The Alpine DVD system, $3000 is considered to be the top of the line.

Hope this helps,

Merrick


Does anybody have any experience with the BMW accessory navigation system for the Z-3 and M roadster? How does it compare to other systems (e.g., Hertz Never-Lost)?

I drove a rental car a few weeks ago with the Never-Lost system and was very impressed with the advanced state of today's technology. Had I not tried it, I would never have believed it could be so handy and addictive. Sure made it easy to navigate around New York City without a map!

All comments will be greatly appreciated.

Razor





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