Why did you buy Nav. or Active Steer?

gstopyra · 07-29-2009, 02:58 PM

I'm looking to buy a 135 here shortly and have almost all options figured out, except it's a toss up between the NAV (iDrive) and the Active steering. I really don't want to get both as it's a significant price increase (yeah, I know, in the long run no).

I'd like to get feedback from those of you out there that have either or both options.

What were your reasons behind selecting Navigation?

What were your reasons behind selecting Active Steering?

Addtionally, what additional functions does iDrive provdie vs. non-iDrive equipped car. Will I really miss out?

I could also go with neither and get the BMW performance suspension / SSK.

Thanks again...can't wait to buy!

-GS

infinitekidM2C · 07-29-2009, 03:42 PM

Neither...save the money and buy KWv2 and Procede or JB3..navigation...lol...they sell tons of aftermarket navigation things for like $200...if ur phone doesnt already do that..navigation is so 90's in cars

KingOfJericho · 07-29-2009, 03:42 PM

I didn't considered ordering active steering for even a fraction of a second. I've been driving cars without it for 12 years and never once complained that the car really lacked electronic intervention. Hell, my old Exige had unassisted rack and pinion and it was the most tactile car I've ever driven. When it comes to the actual driving, the less electronic intervention, the better the feel. I have, however, been lost a few times and wished I had navigation. I ordered my car on Monday with Nav.

gadget12345 · 07-29-2009, 04:14 PM

Do neither - The nav is too much for too little (IMHO), get a nuvi. Active Steering BAD - I can turn my own wheel at all speeds thanks.

Get the perf suspension - I've had mine on for a week now and it really makes the car so much better.

My135 · 07-29-2009, 04:30 PM

Do not get the active steering, BMW charged $150-300 more to do a front/end alignement with car equipped with active steering; besides this is one of the worthless gimmick.

amdmaxx · 07-29-2009, 05:03 PM

Active steering is useless, paying $2000 for a NAV that's gonna be outdated in a year or two is up to the owner...
I prefer $250 Garmin with free/cheap updates and free lifetime traffic updates (on some models, like 765, 1390t, etc)

KingOfJericho · 07-29-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdmaxx

Active steering is useless, paying $2000 for a NAV that's gonna be outdated in a year or two is up to the owner...
I prefer $250 Garmin with free/cheap updates and free lifetime traffic updates (on some models, like 765, 1390t, etc)

I hear this same argument all over this site but there is much more to the Navi than just navigation. I am getting it for the voice command, phonebook integration, and nearly complete ipod control. The hard drive is also a great feature as you won't even need to bring music with you. It was a $25 difference in monthly payment which is what I spend on lunch in 3 days plus I really like techie stuff. It's not just a navi that can be replaced by a Garmin or similar.

eightcount · 07-29-2009, 05:39 PM

I picked up iDrive because I'm a gadget geek and have coveted it since it was first introduced. The initial and update costs are obviously downsides but I haven't found any others. Once I started playing with it I discovered BMW has integrated it extremely well with the car so that it takes very little attention away from your driving. The controls are intuitive and at least for me were learned quickly.

Other tools can provide Nav. I've used both a phone and Garmin in cars but neither is as easy or I feel as safe to use in a car. Of course it isn't only Nav. Radio, MP3, car settings, info and other features complete the package nicely for me.

I also considered that this is my first and who knows maybe only bmw and I don't believe any other manufacturer has a system like this. All in all, if I had to do it over, I'd do it again.

Cuz5150 · 07-29-2009, 06:34 PM

I got the Navi, but not so much for the Navi, but all the other stuff thats connected to it....

Hind · 07-29-2009, 07:18 PM

Dont buy either. Nav isnt much of a must have anymore, many phones (like my iphone) have maps (that are always up to date). Active steering? Naahh, how often you gonna be turning like crazy at 120mph? Save your money and buy more useful mods. IMO

timhatimay · 07-29-2009, 07:23 PM

I wanted the Nav mainly for the improved use of bluetooth function and Ipod functions. Now that I have it not only is it great for these two things, but I enjoy the Nav as well. The navigation directions are good and have also picked excellent routes with minimal mess-ups in NYC, which is much more than I can say for the portable units I had before. The entertainment seems very easy to navigate and use on the screen, and is quite intuitive. Once you are used to the system it is also easy to do when you are driving, although you must still be careful. In short I'm also a gadget guy, and I love the nav and do not regret this option one bit...I was not at all interested in active steering however, and I am quite happy with the stock steering feel of the 135.

dick w · 07-29-2009, 07:30 PM

I didn't order the nav since I think it really looks like a scab on the car with the way it sits up so high on the dash and relocates a cup holder and so on. (I have factory nav in a Honda CR-V and an Acura TL, so I'm not ignorant of the notion.) BMW's is also pricier. I did get a Nuvi 1350 and will probably buy the lifetime map updates for it and still I'll be out less than 1/4 of what the factory 1 series nav runs before buying even one map update. Granted iDrive does add some flash-and-trash integration with the vehicle.

I ordered AS because the notion of progressively changing the steering ratio as a function of speed makes a LOT of sense to me. And I've been driving cars for 35 years without it. (AS does not generally "assist" steering--though in limited circumstances it does add yaw compensation--but so does DSC. AS is not some kind of glorified power steering scheme. There seems to be lots of confusion over what it does and how it does it.) I ordered it after reading multiple threads here where people who don't have it dislike it intensely but people who do have it seem generally more positive in all regards except for the cost of alignment. Unfortunately, I never found an AS car on the lot to demo before ordering. Ask me again in a month or two and I'll probably either rave about it or confess my stupidity for having spent the money. The car is transiting the Panama Canal more or less as I write this. I should have it in about three weeks.

dick w · 07-29-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hind

how often you gonna be turning like crazy at 120mph?

Acive steering, as documented, has zip to do with turning at 120 mph. It's designed to provide more responsive--less turning of the wheel--steering response AT LOW SPEEDS which are precisely the speeds where one typically makes small radius turns that involve lots of turning of the wheel. Its purpose is to enable you to go through the chicanes at 20 with less turning of the wheel proportionally than you make for turning the speedway oval at 100.

KingOfJericho · 07-29-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dick w

I ordered it after reading multiple threads here where people who don't have it dislike it intensely but people who do have it seem generally more positive in all regards except for the cost of alignment. Unfortunately, I never found an AS car on the lot to demo before ordering. Ask me again in a month or two and I'll probably either rave about it or confess my stupidity for having spent the money. The car is transiting the Panama Canal more or less as I write this. I should have it in about three weeks.

This is the same situation as Navi. Those who don't have it shit all over it and those who have it say they love it. It's hard to publicly admit that you've wasted $2,100 on something you don't like or that you regret not manning up and getting it. The big hangup seems to be that they label it a "navigation system" when in fact it's more of a CENTCOM for the whole car. Sure, for a navigation system it's overpriced, but that's not really what it is.

jibaholic101 · 07-29-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I hear this same argument all over this site but there is much more to the Navi than just navigation. I am getting it for the voice command, phonebook integration, and nearly complete ipod control. The hard drive is also a great feature as you won't even need to bring music with you. It was a $25 difference in monthly payment which is what I spend on lunch in 3 days plus I really like techie stuff. It's not just a navi that can be replaced by a Garmin or similar.

forget the active steer, its useless. get the idrive, i am absolutely in love with my new idrive system. not only are the directions accurate and efficient, but you get up to date traffic info and warnings that help you plan a better route. the interface with the car through settings, vehicle info, and music is unbeatable.

AS AN ADDED BONUS WITH IDRIVE YOU GET THE REST FUNCTION THAT KEEPS THE AIR CONDITIONING ON FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THAT YOU SET WHILE THE CAR IS OFF, PARKED, AND LOCKED! NON IDRIVE CARS DO NOT HAVE THIS FEATURE! AND IT REALLY PAYS OFF WHEN IT IS HOT AND YOU ARE DUCKING IN SOMEWHERE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME

shodanusmc · 07-29-2009, 08:50 PM

Forget the Active steering. Get the Navi....easy to use, and the I_drive is a snap now.

128iCLE · 07-29-2009, 08:58 PM

The navigation is a must on this car, but not for the reasons you would think. The most important reason to get the navigation is that the radio info displays on the big screen. Remember that if you are wearing polarized sunglasses, it is impossible to read the non-navigation radio. Also the other idrive features are great. This is the best 2 grand you will spend.

Vaaaan · 07-29-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dick w

Acive steering, as documented, has zip to do with turning at 120 mph. It's designed to provide more responsive--less turning of the wheel--steering response AT LOW SPEEDS which are precisely the speeds where one typically makes small radius turns that involve lots of turning of the wheel. Its purpose is to enable you to go through the chicanes at 20 with less turning of the wheel proportionally than you make for turning the speedway oval at 100.

Could you please point out where that's been documented? I saw one spec sheet that said active steering has a ratio of about 10-18 and non-active steering had a ratio of 16 or 16.5, which would mean that the ratio is actually slightly higher at high speeds on an AS car. I'd really like to know about this because there seems to be a lot of AS disinfo out there.

DVDA · 07-29-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuz5150

I got the Navi, but not so much for the Navi, but all the other stuff thats connected to it....

Good point, the IDrive is great, I wish I had it but its not worth $2000

cage · 07-29-2009, 09:13 PM

Well, I'm only a week in, but the iDrive is awesome .. I think I would really regret it if I had passed on this feature!! Pretty much for all the same reasons above ... it integrates everything in so well - iPod, Phone, Radio, etc. as well as the Nav.

My understanding is the maps are auto-update for life, so that shouldn't be an issue.

The best way to really understand it though is go to the dealership and have them walk you through the two different systems. If you are into just hardcore driving and not really interested in the other stuff (maps, phones, iPods, etc.) then it may not be worth your while. For me, since this is also my DD, those features were also useful luxury items!

DVDA · 07-29-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cage

My understanding is the maps are auto-update for life, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Really? I thought you had to buy a update CD?

cage · 07-29-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVDA

Really? I thought you had to buy a update CD?

You may be right. I just poked around on the BMW NA website and its talking about buying CDs. I asked no less than three different people at the dealerships about this, and they all gave me the same answer ... no longer required. Guess they were all full of it.

Oh well, still worth it! I'll have to give my CA a call tomorrow and see if I can guilt him into a free update or two for BS'ing me.

07-29-2009, 02:58 PM	#1
gstopyra Private 9 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 135i coupe Join Date: May 2009 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (0)	Why did you buy Nav. or Active Steer? I'm looking to buy a 135 here shortly and have almost all options figured out, except it's a toss up between the NAV (iDrive) and the Active steering. I really don't want to get both as it's a significant price increase (yeah, I know, in the long run no). I'd like to get feedback from those of you out there that have either or both options. What were your reasons behind selecting Navigation? What were your reasons behind selecting Active Steering? Addtionally, what additional functions does iDrive provdie vs. non-iDrive equipped car. Will I really miss out? I could also go with neither and get the BMW performance suspension / SSK. Thanks again...can't wait to buy! -GS
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07-29-2009, 03:42 PM	#2
infinitekidM2C Major General 4207 Rep 5,728 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 M2 COMPETITION [9.50] 2008 135i (my old car) [7.39]	Neither...save the money and buy KWv2 and Procede or JB3..navigation...lol...they sell tons of aftermarket navigation things for like $200...if ur phone doesnt already do that..navigation is so 90's in cars
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07-29-2009, 03:42 PM	#3
KingOfJericho Major General 2452 Rep 7,341 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [5.26]	I didn't considered ordering active steering for even a fraction of a second. I've been driving cars without it for 12 years and never once complained that the car really lacked electronic intervention. Hell, my old Exige had unassisted rack and pinion and it was the most tactile car I've ever driven. When it comes to the actual driving, the less electronic intervention, the better the feel. I have, however, been lost a few times and wished I had navigation. I ordered my car on Monday with Nav.
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07-29-2009, 04:14 PM	#4
gadget12345 Private First Class 5 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Do neither - The nav is too much for too little (IMHO), get a nuvi. Active Steering BAD - I can turn my own wheel at all speeds thanks. Get the perf suspension - I've had mine on for a week now and it really makes the car so much better. __________________ Yr1 E82 CSM - 6MT, Premium Package, Sport Package BMW - SSK, Perf Exhaust, Perf Suspension, Shadow Grills Inners, Mudflaps, Alarm, Cargo Liner, Grocery Gripper, Aluminum Pedals, Front + Rear Perf Rotors, MSD80 PowerKit, E93 Sway Bar Misc -Euro Headlight Switch, Warning Triangle, iBrights, LoJack, Wheel Roundels, Tint, Escort 9500i, Hyper Black ARC8's, Pilot Super Sports
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07-29-2009, 04:30 PM	#5
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Do not get the active steering, BMW charged $150-300 more to do a front/end alignement with car equipped with active steering; besides this is one of the worthless gimmick. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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07-29-2009, 05:03 PM	#6
amdmaxx My gift Registry: M2 119 Rep 1,432 Posts Drives: Future Mowner of Monster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Active steering is useless, paying $2000 for a NAV that's gonna be outdated in a year or two is up to the owner... I prefer $250 Garmin with free/cheap updates and free lifetime traffic updates (on some models, like 765, 1390t, etc)
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07-29-2009, 05:39 PM	#8
eightcount Enlisted Member 5 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Oceanside, CA iTrader: (0)	I picked up iDrive because I'm a gadget geek and have coveted it since it was first introduced. The initial and update costs are obviously downsides but I haven't found any others. Once I started playing with it I discovered BMW has integrated it extremely well with the car so that it takes very little attention away from your driving. The controls are intuitive and at least for me were learned quickly. Other tools can provide Nav. I've used both a phone and Garmin in cars but neither is as easy or I feel as safe to use in a car. Of course it isn't only Nav. Radio, MP3, car settings, info and other features complete the package nicely for me. I also considered that this is my first and who knows maybe only bmw and I don't believe any other manufacturer has a system like this. All in all, if I had to do it over, I'd do it again. __________________ '09 135i/SGM/CR/6MT/Sport/CW/Nav/PDC/HiFi/iPod
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07-29-2009, 06:34 PM	#9
Cuz5150 Major 215 Rep 1,489 Posts Drives: 06-M3ZHP/04-M3 Vert/02Duc998 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I got the Navi, but not so much for the Navi, but all the other stuff thats connected to it.... __________________ -Diplomacy is saying, "nice doggie while trying to find a rock"- 07-Z4 coupe-Black/Black/6MT/sport/premium/X 04-M3 vert-Black/Imolla/6MT/Cold/Xenon/HK/ 06-M3 Coupe-Mystic/Black/6MT/ZCP/Xenon/HK/ 09-135i- AW/Bk-Lette/6MT/M-pac/Nav/Hi-Fi/Usb-Ipod/SOLD
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07-29-2009, 07:18 PM	#10
Hind ///Mmmm 78 Rep 796 Posts Drives: '09 BMW 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i LCI [0.00]	Dont buy either. Nav isnt much of a must have anymore, many phones (like my iphone) have maps (that are always up to date). Active steering? Naahh, how often you gonna be turning like crazy at 120mph? Save your money and buy more useful mods. IMO __________________ Current: E90 LCI 335i JetBlack - BMS OCC, JB4 w/ E85, ETS Charge Pipe, Vishnu Catted DP Retired:///E82 135i LeMans - 12.710 @ 108 MPH Riss Racing OCC, Shadowline Grills, Magnaflow Axle-Back, JB4, ETS FMIC, BMS DCI, BMW Perf Sideskirts, BMS 12/10 Spacers, E93 Front Sway PDC Flickr YouTube
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07-29-2009, 07:23 PM	#11
timhatimay Lieutenant 129 Rep 559 Posts Drives: ///M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00] 2009 135i [0.00]	I wanted the Nav mainly for the improved use of bluetooth function and Ipod functions. Now that I have it not only is it great for these two things, but I enjoy the Nav as well. The navigation directions are good and have also picked excellent routes with minimal mess-ups in NYC, which is much more than I can say for the portable units I had before. The entertainment seems very easy to navigate and use on the screen, and is quite intuitive. Once you are used to the system it is also easy to do when you are driving, although you must still be careful. In short I'm also a gadget guy, and I love the nav and do not regret this option one bit...I was not at all interested in active steering however, and I am quite happy with the stock steering feel of the 135. __________________ M3 6MT SmTo/CS ZCP 135i MT JB/CR ///MSport - Gone
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07-29-2009, 07:30 PM	#12
dick w Private 1 Rep 79 Posts Drives: '09 135i coupe TiAg/Coral Join Date: May 2009 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	I didn't order the nav since I think it really looks like a scab on the car with the way it sits up so high on the dash and relocates a cup holder and so on. (I have factory nav in a Honda CR-V and an Acura TL, so I'm not ignorant of the notion.) BMW's is also pricier. I did get a Nuvi 1350 and will probably buy the lifetime map updates for it and still I'll be out less than 1/4 of what the factory 1 series nav runs before buying even one map update. Granted iDrive does add some flash-and-trash integration with the vehicle. I ordered AS because the notion of progressively changing the steering ratio as a function of speed makes a LOT of sense to me. And I've been driving cars for 35 years without it. (AS does not generally "assist" steering--though in limited circumstances it does add yaw compensation--but so does DSC. AS is not some kind of glorified power steering scheme. There seems to be lots of confusion over what it does and how it does it.) I ordered it after reading multiple threads here where people who don't have it dislike it intensely but people who do have it seem generally more positive in all regards except for the cost of alignment. Unfortunately, I never found an AS car on the lot to demo before ordering. Ask me again in a month or two and I'll probably either rave about it or confess my stupidity for having spent the money. The car is transiting the Panama Canal more or less as I write this. I should have it in about three weeks.
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07-29-2009, 08:50 PM	#16
shodanusmc Captain 21 Rep 774 Posts Drives: 09 135 Vert Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago burb iTrader: (0)	Forget the Active steering. Get the Navi....easy to use, and the I_drive is a snap now.
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07-29-2009, 08:58 PM	#17
128iCLE New Member 1 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 128i Conv Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cleveland, Ohio iTrader: (1)	Navigation with out a doubt The navigation is a must on this car, but not for the reasons you would think. The most important reason to get the navigation is that the radio info displays on the big screen. Remember that if you are wearing polarized sunglasses, it is impossible to read the non-navigation radio. Also the other idrive features are great. This is the best 2 grand you will spend.
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07-29-2009, 09:13 PM	#20
cage New Member 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: '09 135i, Montego, 6MT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Well, I'm only a week in, but the iDrive is awesome .. I think I would really regret it if I had passed on this feature!! Pretty much for all the same reasons above ... it integrates everything in so well - iPod, Phone, Radio, etc. as well as the Nav. My understanding is the maps are auto-update for life, so that shouldn't be an issue. The best way to really understand it though is go to the dealership and have them walk you through the two different systems. If you are into just hardcore driving and not really interested in the other stuff (maps, phones, iPods, etc.) then it may not be worth your while. For me, since this is also my DD, those features were also useful luxury items!
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