Aftermarket In-dash Navigation for 328i

[AmyLP]

Hi--I am new to the forum and could really use some guidance. I am about to buy a new car and have narrowed down my choices to a 2008 BMW 328i or Acura TL. Now I know this is a BMW forum, so you will say to go with the 328 which is what I really want, BUT I also really want a navigation system, iPod hookup, and backup camera. I have heard a lot of negative things about BMW's navigation systems, and have also found that it is very difficult to find a 3-series with navigation anyway. So my question is in regards to aftermarket in-dash navigation systems. Any good reccommendations for systems that are compatible with the 2008 328i and won't cost more than about $1,700 at most for the system and installation? I would prefer touch screen and voice recognition. Also, how difficult are these systems to steal? I live in Charlotte, NC, which has some seedy areas so that is also a significant concern. Thanks!

[boss2k]

Hi--I am new to the forum and could really use some guidance. I am about to buy a new car and have narrowed down my choices to a 2008 BMW 328i or Acura TL. Now I know this is a BMW forum, so you will say to go with the 328 which is what I really want, BUT I also really want a navigation system, iPod hookup, and backup camera. I have heard a lot of negative things about BMW's navigation systems, and have also found that it is very difficult to find a 3-series with navigation anyway. So my question is in regards to aftermarket in-dash navigation systems. Any good reccommendations for systems that are compatible with the 2008 328i and won't cost more than about $1,700 at most for the system and installation? I would prefer touch screen and voice recognition. Also, how difficult are these systems to steal? I live in Charlotte, NC, which has some seedy areas so that is also a significant concern. Thanks!

If you are just asking about inbuilt Navi i would say it sucks because of the below reasons

1) does not mention road names
2) Is not very accurate in giving proper directions, searched for restaurants and it gave me names of places which dont even exist
3) If you miss a turn it tries to go back by asking you to make a "u-turn" instead of giving new directions which it does after sometime
4) Not very user friendly

[omelet1978]

Hi--I am new to the forum and could really use some guidance. I am about to buy a new car and have narrowed down my choices to a 2008 BMW 328i or Acura TL. Now I know this is a BMW forum, so you will say to go with the 328 which is what I really want, BUT I also really want a navigation system, iPod hookup, and backup camera. I have heard a lot of negative things about BMW's navigation systems, and have also found that it is very difficult to find a 3-series with navigation anyway. So my question is in regards to aftermarket in-dash navigation systems. Any good reccommendations for systems that are compatible with the 2008 328i and won't cost more than about $1,700 at most for the system and installation? I would prefer touch screen and voice recognition. Also, how difficult are these systems to steal? I live in Charlotte, NC, which has some seedy areas so that is also a significant concern. Thanks!

I've owned both a 2005 TL and just bought a used 06 330i, so I'll try to help you out.

If you are going to buy a TL get the type-s. The regular TL is underpowered and handles about the same as SUV...it's basically a pimped out honda accord. That being said it's a looker, very comfortable, and you can drive it into the ground. The Type-S's bigger engine makes a big difference. Also, since you want nav/backup camera, etc...it will have all that. The nav system is "ok" but it's main advantage is that nothing locks out while driving...very very convenient.

The bmw is going to be a lot more fun to drive. You can find one with nav, but it's going to cost a lot. On top of that I test drove one with nav and the little wheel that controls everything seemed really annoying. It seemed like it would just be a pain in the ass to do simple things like changing radio stations. I honestly would just get a regular bmw and get a garmin nav unit. I got the garmin 255wt which has traffic info.

I would not go with one that flips up to be honest. It's a smaller car on the inside and that would block the vents. Also, just my opinion but they are a little ghetto looking. I just put my garmin on the window and it works fine.