M5 navigation vs. LexusSC430 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

steveB · 3rd May 2001, 03:41

My father just purchased a Lexus SC430 and I drove it today. The navigation system is fantastic--large touch screen, good clarity and graphics and is intuitive and easy to use. It's embarrasses the navigation system we have in our beasts. BMW really should improve the nav system. I do not know about other M5 owners, but I do not use my nav. system because it's a pain to use.

BTW the build quality of the SC 430 is outstanding. not my cup of tea, but nonetheless a fine cruiser.

MJ · 3rd May 2001, 04:06

The Japanese tend to lead in the gizmo department as we all know. But, did we buy the beast for the GPS?

MJ
'01 Anthracite/Black Lux

jmunguia · 3rd May 2001, 15:07

We also have an MDX and its Nav is considered the best one out there, even better than Lexus'. As a matter of habit, when I drive the MDX I have the Nav on even if I know where I'm going and its not directing me. It's just cool to see what's around you and have the map rotate as you turn.

The BMW navs are primitive by comparison. I hardly ever use mine but of course it is not the selling point of the M5.

-Juan

young-nyc · 3rd May 2001, 16:00

u know it's a pity that
BMW makes one of the best cars in the world and they have yet to improve on the Navigation and the stereo system

I mean yeah the car drives and feels (and in the words of "Tony the tiger) GGRrrreat...but it would be great to have all the amenities as well

Anyone agree?

-y

blue max · 3rd May 2001, 16:27

A word from A relentless BMW fan.

True the NAV from Accura & Lexus are excellent. Guess what? they just happen to have a better supplier than BMW. Remember none of these carmakers build these things in-house. (Bosch, Alpine, Visteon, Delphi are some of the players)

When you look at the total package, a NAV system is nice but driving is what the M5 is all about. It's not a sofa on wheels.

Just wait 'til you all experience the new 7 series...

I'm not teasing here, I experienced I-Drive at the NY Auto Show & I like it!

leebro1 · 3rd May 2001, 16:46

isn't the nav system in the MDX and the new SC430 DVD based unlike our CD based system in the beast or am i mistaken? i have the whole alpine DVD nav system in my X5 and the thing is sickly fast compared to my M5...not to mention my nav system in the beast crapped out and i've been waiting forever for the parts to arrive (month and 1/2 and counting

)

Stallion M5 · 3rd May 2001, 17:18

This is something that I have been wanted to talk about. I can't believe that the European technology can't keep up with the Japanese as far as providing us with the DVD Navigation system insted of CD. OR.... is this one of their selling strategy where they will make more money selling those individual Map CD for different zones?

Whatever it is that BMW of North America try to accomplish, this system will become inconvenience for us. Unless we don't travel that much with it.

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Adrian
01 M5 LeMans Blue - Silverstone/Extended Nappa Point/Heritage - Titanium Trim

Serge · 3rd May 2001, 17:24

Would it be possible to buy an after market DVD system to replace the cd system in the trunk and keep the stock monitor and look up front? Would it work and have anyone tried this?

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Serge
00 Titanium M5

young-nyc · 3rd May 2001, 17:51

serge,
i was thinking the same thing..but unfortunately i don't think it'll work..
i believe the monitor and the gps system is one unit...hence all the functions are connected to each other.

I really hate the idea that our Nav is cd based =(
and who knows..it might be a marketing scheme..
But i know when i get my next BMW...
i am definitely getting a DVD based Nav system.
our system is just too plain.
but hey the OBC still rocks =P

LC · 3rd May 2001, 18:49

I have seen both. Lexus system is far superior (and, by the way, a 5K option as well vs 2K on the 5-series).

I live in LA and a good nav system is a practical frill.

I also would like it if BMW put in an improved sound system. The new Mark Levinson system in the Lexus cabs is truly outstanding. BTW, why does BMW still install a cassette player...better to make it an option, no?

There has been talk that they may be adding an updated XM radio in 2002. Also some form of basic Internet access--anyone else heard these rumors?

blue max · 3rd May 2001, 18:59

[quote]Originally posted by Serge:
[b]Would it be possible to buy an after market DVD system to replace the cd system in the trunk and keep the stock monitor and look up front? Would it work and have anyone tried this?
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With enough cash & testicular fortitude, anything is possible...

Fred Courtot's upgrade:

FamilyM5 · 3rd May 2001, 21:17

We have the aftermarket Alpine DVD system in our 330i, which is fundamentally the same as the one in our MDX, and they are both great (The Acura's touchscreen giving it the edge) They make the M5 system seem useless. There should be a way to interface a 2001 stock screen with the aftermarket Alpine unit, as that would certainly be the hot setup.