I was wondering if anyone may have a like to a review of the 2007/2008 navigation system. I've searched the net and can't seem to come up with a link!! I'm not a huge fan of the non-nav radio (currently have it in my 330i which the mini is replacing). Was wondering if it makes navigating the radio (with Sirius) and BT phone (iphone) easier... with more info. I don't have it in my order currently and i'm quickly approaching the point of no return so wanted to get some feedback from the experts here!!!

thanks!!!!

 

I highly recommend the NAV system, but not necessarily for the NAV. Don't get me wrong, the NAV is nice to have and looks better than the large speedometer; however, it can be a bit cumbersome to use. If I can, I try to get the address of my destination beforehand so that I can punch that in rather than looking through the endless categories.

The nice part about the NAV system is that it incorporates much more than navigation. It allows one to check several systems on the vehicle, use their phone and phone book very easily, navigate their iPod (if you have the connection), change system settings, and visually view the PDC.

If you can afford it, get it.

 

I think the Nav is pretty bad. That said, I bought it because it looks a ton better than the dash without Nav and I didn't want to run wires all over to have navigation.

 

you can say that again!

 

I like the Nav. Some aspects of its interface are archaic. It uses a joystick and nested menus, rather than touch screen. However, the navigation functions well. I've use it and a Garmin in the same areas and I prefer the MINI NAV. The traffic monitoring has guided me around rush-hour congestion in both San Jose and Los Angeles. I have not used the NAV in a Yellow Pages mode. I haven't searched for businesses. I come to it with the address I want to go to and enter it before starting out.

When using an mp3 or standard audio CD (AIFF), the NAV displays the song titles and allows you to navigate through them. I like the large type. If you have the iPod Integration or the Bluetooth USB port, you can also navigate an iPod on the NAV screen. The raido also uses the NAV screen. The trebble/bass and right/left -- front/rear balance settings have nice on screen graphics.

The Park Distance Control system uses a graphic on the NAV screen to display where objects are and how close they are to the rear of the car when in reverse. I highly recommend PDC. Without the NAV, all you have are beeps from the rear speakers.

The Bluetooth option also uses the NAV screen for your address book, dialing, etc. I rarely use this. Phone converstions that require your attention affect your driving almost as much as driving drunk.

The NAV screen also is used to set a number of car options. They are much easier to set this way than without the NAV, and there are some that are not available without the NAV.

I much prefer the look of the NAV screen with circumnavigating speedo over the standard speedo. To me it is the difference between Star Trek or Mickey Mouse.

 

Thanks for your responses so far! Really appreciate it!!!! Robin, if I may, do you have examples of some of the settings you gain by getting the nav? I know in the 330i you gain more control over the HVAC for instance. I'm not so concerned about the cost so much as whether it actually improves functionality of the non-nav. For instance, in my current car (which has the same radio as the non-nav mini) when viewing info on sirius stations, you have to scroll and move forward/back to/from categories... and to return to the category you need to push different buttons. I find it really does take your eyes off the road a lot. One thing I DON'T want to do by getting the nav is force me to take my eyes off the road even more.

 

All you need to know about the BROKEN navigation system they are still trying to sell:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=119125