Pro Sat Nav vs Garmin Nuvi 255W

[amk2912]

For all those considering Pro Sat Nav......

I have just bought a Garmin Nuvi 255W ($369) purely for it speedo function and I have to admit it runs absolute rings around the ProSat Nav in the navigation department!

Compared to the Garmin (and I guess most other sat navs) I find the BMW system cumbersome and time consuming with its knob twiddling and clicking. Setting waypoints is a cinch with the Garmin and its touchscreen - its also a bit wierd when the Garmin reads out street names and destinations verbatim!

I shoulda spent the $3000 or so on something else!

[oldman]

I got iDrive, Nav Pro etc because I did not want another "pimple on your face" style Nav systems stuck to the windscreen detracting from the look of the inside of the car, let alone the possibility of someone knocking it off.

I have seen a recent news item that Nav systems are the most stolen item currently out of cars currently and sticking it in the glove compartment is no help because they look for the tell tale signs of the suction bracket on the windscreen and will then take the gamble of breaking into you car just to see if you are dumb enough leave it in the glove box.

And yes, it may not be the ants pants Nav systems and certainly not cheap, but it does what I want as part of the overall iDrive system which I love.

Whould I go the same route again...Yes

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by oldman

I got iDrive, Nav Pro etc because I did not want another "pimple on your face" style Nav systems stuck to the windscreen detracting from the look of the inside of the car, let alone the possibility of someone knocking it off.

And yes, it may not be the ants pants Nav systems and certainly not cheap, but it does what I want as part of the overall iDrive system which I love.

Whould I go the same route again...Yes

+1..

We have had this discussion before on the forum last year, where besides the possibility of theft and the extra distracting gadgetry, is that when and if you decide to sell your car privately (and not to a dealer) that the used car buyer always wants the most for their money and will always tend to go towards the car with the most factory options,especially Sat Nav.

[amk2912]

My point is that for what it cost to put the Pro Sat Nav in we could at least expect the functionality and user-friendliness of a $300-$400 Harvey Norman special. I have the 08 iDrive system and have not evaluated the 09 version.

I accept the arguments regarding theft and integrated asthetics and you have no argument from me.

[Sprey]

Interesting views in this topic. Personally, I got iDrive, not just SatNav. I seldom use the SatNav apart from having it follow me on the map. But I always use all it's other features and they are terrific.

[oldman]

That's fair enough "amk2912" and my car has the 09 iDrive so I'm not in a position to comment on the 08 iDrive. But I do know that I was sold based on this document outlining the features of the new iDrive with Nav Pro.

I'm sure there are many dedicated Nav systems that are better than what came with the 09 iDrive, but lets face it. That's all they do... Nav Systems, so one would expect them to be better, but the iDrive is much more than just the Navigation System.

As I said previously, it does what I need and where some extra bells and whistles would possibly be nice, they are not there so I have to live with it the way it is.

[takahashi]

I just read the UK BMW car magazine and someone said he was pretty disappointed in the SatNav part of the iDrive.

Man but the audio part is run man...

Hmmm only if it can double up as a Carputer :wink:

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by takahashi

Hmmm only if it can double up as a Carputer :wink:

Wouldn't it be awesome if the system had wireless connectivity, it's own IP address and you could alter your iDrive settings from your laptop, as well as upload music to the HDD via iTunes or similar?

In addition, I think it would be great if Google Earth provided mapping so you had the option of a "real" overlay.

I'm allowed to dream...............

[takahashi]

I am sure if you ask you get .

It is not that hard now - wireless internet is so common - even I have one! LOL.

I agree - if it is a carputer and cost $8000... I will get it in a heart beat. Watching TV while driving - priceless (if that is illegal I apologise NOT.... hehe)

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by takahashi

I am sure if you ask you get .

It is not that hard now - wireless internet is so common - even I have one! LOL.

I agree - if it is a carputer and cost $8000... I will get it in a heart beat. Watching TV while driving - priceless (if that is illegal I apologise NOT.... hehe)

I don't think I know anyone who hasn't got wireless internet or a wireless router. If I scan for networks around me I can pick up about 4 - all protected though - obviously my neighbours.

It just bothers me that we pay so much for "cutting edge" engine technology and "sheer driving pleasure" but we're let down on the other things.

Whilst on the wish list..I'd like to see the iDrive controller replaced with a touch pad similar to a mouse touch pad on a laptop - tap to click and drag - how simple.

Don't know about watching TV.....I have a hard enough time playing with the iDrive and keeping my eyes on the road. On that issue, why isn't HUD an option on the 1 series??

[takahashi]

HUD - head up display?

Yeah!

Hey a sat nav with HUD - cool!

[d3syd]

It is interesting that BMW uses rebadged Garmin units for their portable nav systems. No doubt at a substantial price premium over the original branded product.

Agree that portable Nav systems runs rings around idrive in terms of user friendliness and functionality. Also agree that it is much better to have a neat integrated system though.

[takahashi]

It is only good when it is given free! :

[sparoz]

I've ordered the Professional Navigation in both cars - that's 10k worth. It's all about integration, not just for the Nav, but for the other things as well, such as Audio and phone. I had a play with it on a 335i vert, and it is so much better than the old iDrive. It is just like using an ipod. I always wish they would have an ipod type control on the blue and white propeller on the steering wheel, but I am not sure if that will ever happen.

The only thing is Aus cars not getting the smartphone integration yet, so I can't just dock my iphone .

I also had previous problems with tomtoms with picking up signal quickly, so I am hoping an integrated NAV would pick up signals a lot better since it is using the external antenna.

Is it worth $5000 if you did the comparison that way? Probably not, but we don't usually make our decisions that way. It is usually with the price-utility curve. . It is the only option for integration.

[oldman]

Wondering with two cars on order, why you did'nt order one of the cars as a vert especially living where you live.

Also, I have 09 Nav Pro and I'm surprised where it seems to be able to operate. I have a large metal farm shed on my property which also is fully insulated with bat style matting.

It houses my 135i and the Nav Pro operates inside the shed without any problems at all, in fact it fires up at the same speed in the shed as outside the shed which is pretty impressive considering my hands free phones connected to the house stop working as soon as you are a couple of meters inside. My old Navman has no hope of working in there.

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by oldman

Wondering with two cars on order, why you did'nt order one of the cars as a vert especially living where you live.

I have no hair - so it would be too much sun for me . Verts doesn't do much for me - unless it's a California . Why would you cut the roof out of a performance car? I was seriously not going to get the sunroof for that reason - I don't use it anyway (see above), but a BMW has to have a Sunroof for it to look proper.

I have asked my wife many many times if she wants a vert, and she said she only wants a hard top vert. Looks like she has decided on her next car - the new Z4, even before this one's arrived.

[takahashi]

Originally Posted by sparoz

I have asked my wife many many times if she wants a vert, and she said she only wants a hard top vert. Looks like she has decided on her next car - the new Z4, even before this one's arrived.

I will order a 135 with hardtop convertible in a heart beat.

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by oldman

Also, I have 09 Nav Pro and I'm surprised where it seems to be able to operate. I have a large metal farm shed on my property which also is fully insulated with bat style matting.

It houses my 135i and the Nav Pro operates inside the shed without any problems at all, in fact it fires up at the same speed in the shed..

I am surprised as well Oldman with the 08 Sat nav reception..

In our basement of our appartment carpark the Tom Tom never ever had reception but the Sat nav can be programmed with no probs at all..

[TimMc]

I see a "Garmin Nuvi 260W" on sale for $349 at Super Cheap Auto. Is this an upgraded 255W?

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by TimMc

I see a "Garmin Nuvi 260W" on sale for $349 at Super Cheap Auto. Is this an upgraded 255W?

I've just had a look in the 2008 Garmin brochure and it doesn't list the 260W. it lists a 265W which is a 255W with bluetooth.

The 260W was reviewed on cnet.com.au in Sept 2008 so it may well be a superseded model - hence why it's cheap!

[CT135]

Originally Posted by amk2912

In addition, I think it would be great if Google Earth provided mapping so you had the option of a "real" overlay.

you mean like this? http://www.automotoportal.com/articl...igation_system

[TimMc]

Originally Posted by amk2912

I've just had a look in the 2008 Garmin brochure and it doesn't list the 260W. it lists a 265W which is a 255W with bluetooth.

The 260W was reviewed on cnet.com.au in Sept 2008 so it may well be a superseded model - hence why it's cheap!

Doing some research online it looks like the 255W replaces the 260W and is faster. Apparently some later 260W's run the 255W software though the processors may be different.

I guess there's no need for a bluetooth unit with the 1 coupes running standard bluetooth on the HiFi anyway.