[SteveP]

Most of the time while driving, I leave the screen showing the OBC (which also shows radio station). When I do use the NAV system, I am required to enter a destination, and then it will draw a route map. If you're looking at the route map, you can press MENU button to change stereo, view OBC, etc... and if you go back to GPS NAV, it shows the route map again immediately.

I would prefer to just have the NAV system show me where I am. In order to do this, you have to press and turn the knob at least ten times to have it show a map displaying vehicle location. This should be only a couple of button pushes from the main menu.

Also, if you press the MENU button while showing your present location (without previously entering a destination), and go over to view OBC or DSP settings, when you go back into GPS NAV, it doesn't default to bringing back your location map. You are forced to re-push and turn the knob ten more times.

Also, I'd like to enter "waypoints" and "routes" similar to how I use my hand-held Garmin GPS, so I can plot a route, and find my way back.

 

[healeyg]

there is one trick you should know
once you have set the nav on "street map" (or any setting for that matter), you can toggle back and forth to the GPS using the button just to the right of the volume knob (has a graphic that looks like a casette tape)
enjoy!

 

[daniel]

The only consolation for being forced to get the crappy NAV system in the US is the free all-leather option.

 

[ROBBYD23]

How does everyone feel about contacting BMW and getting a petition going asking/telling them to change their nav system supplier which i understand is located here in the US. There are a few luxury car companies which supply their cars with touch-screen nav systems. I know for a fact that ALPINE and CLARION have pretty good systems. What if BMW signed a contract with them to make the systems available in bimmers?

 

[sam]

I'm with you - the nav system is embarrassing! Even though most people think it's cool, it's only because they have not seen the competition or ANY nav system for that matter.

The interface is a horror and the speed reminds me of the 486 procs and 2x CD-ROM days.

On the topic of other electronic annoyances, after well over-paying for the StarTAC phone, here is a list:
1. A frigin' mute button in hands free mode.
2. Voice-activation (WHEN?!?!?!?)
3. Web interface on-screen.
4. Caller ID on-screen.
5. Call-waiting "flash" button on steering wheel.
6. The nav map should have a phone directory which is accessible from the hands-free phone interface (i.e. nearest golf course also has a listed number which can be dialed with a push of the button)

The department at BMW responsible for this **** system should hide their faces in their hands - to tarnish such a fine machine with crap technology.

On the other side, with three distinct software systems (in the US alone), anyone in the business understands how difficult it would be to interface all of them seamlessly - hey maybe I'll start a new company - any VC $$$ for me?

Apoligies for the language, but this is a sore spot.

-Sam
'00 E39 Silverstone/Black Exclusive