I have always been of the opinion that factory nav systems are overpriced, whether they are from BMW or Ford. The OEM systems while offering greater convenience, provided little functional value over aftermarket, portable systems.

When I saw the $2430 cost of the nav option I dismissed it as validation of my prior opinion. However, after doing more research I feel that this system is worth a second look. The integration of premium sound system, DVD playback, backup camera display, 10GB jukebox, Sync, Sirius Travel link & GPS navigation makes for a rather impressive package. A seamless system that provides voice controlled navigation, real time traffic conditions, fuel prices, large storage for MP3s & premium sound is definitely adding value over portable nav systems, although at a hefty price.

All nav systems, portable or OEM are only as good as the base map & points of interest (POI) databases which they are based upon. As the databases age, the value of the system erodes. Traditionally, OEM systems have been very expensive to update with current databases. Now finally to the question: Has anyone heard what the cost is to upgrade the maps & POIs on this system?

 

Also don't forget about the climate control capability. I love having everything so integrated into a "central nervous system" of sorts for the truck. The rich visual displays and GUIs are great.

I'm not sure about the cost of updating maps, etc. I checked syncmyride.com and the manual, but to no avail. I'd imagine it's on par with Garmin, Tom-Tom, and the rest (which aren't cheap). I found this, if u want to call and get some additional info (from page 108 of the Nav Manual):

 

I would take a guess they would be in the two hundred range. Hence the reason some BMW owners "share" the DVD.

 

ibcop - EXACTLY or they can be found (for BMW) on E-Bay for $19.99

The main reason I'd go factory is the integration vs. a dash mounted aftermarket unit. Would be great if all you wanted to do was navigate - but I use my BMW system for I-Pod integration, phone address book, and to change about every setting on the car (climate control, lighting, and Many other options) that you can't even access without the nav screen. Many of these settings must be set by going into the dealer if you don't have the Nav option. Well worth it IMO!

 

Don't forget resale value!!! Having the factor NAV will definitely benefit you down the road when you are looking to trade in or sell. The $250 Garmin? Not so much.

 

I see a woman the other day and she had so many dam thing in her windscreen it was unreal. From what i could make out she had a

Nav unit on a window sucker thing
Sirius radio on a dash mounted stand
xm radio next to Sirius on similar stand
Iphone/Ipod next to the head unit
Phone holder on top of the dash
Notepad cradle by the drivers door above the vent
From what i could make out it was either a crap TV or a reverse camera right above the head unit lol. It looked like such a mess it was unreal the cables were all hanging and resting all over the dash. The crazy thing was it was a brand new Toyota. She could have prob got most of them options in the one head unit.

 

Thanks for the number spydyrwyr. I gave them a call and was told that they plan on offering updates on an annual basis. Since the 09 has been out such a short time the updates are not availble yet so the pricing has not been determined. He estimated it to be between $150 & $200.

Good point about the climate control. I had forgotten that it was voice controlled. Is that a function of the Nav unit or just Sync? In other words would you still have voice controlled climate with Sync but without nav?

 

Anyone update their system yet? I am getting tired of having to enter all the information (artist, album name etc...) on every new cd I buy!!

It would also be nice to get some updated maps ;-)

Johnie

 

I thought it already done that for you. It has CDDB and album art on the system already dont it. Sure i read that somewhere.

Just tried it with 3 cd's i have here and they all come up with track name and cd cover after i downloaded them onto the hardrive. I also tried a cd i had lieing around that was a downloaded copy and it didnt list the track names or cd art.

 

ONLY for older cd's... if you buy something new that just came out (example the new “Alice In Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue” CD) then it doesn't recognize it.

 

I have been a long time user of aftermarket stereo sysytem, most recently using a Pioneer f90bt DVD/Nav unit with Alpine amps, speakers and JL Audio 10" subs. I just went through this delema as I ordered a 2010 Harley Davidson and almost choaked on the $2,400 price tag. Innitially I decided to order it without the Nav and use my own system but after much research I decided to order it with the Nav. There are sooooo many things that are controlled through the Nav besides navigation, phone, iPod & DVD that make it worth the price. I am now trying to come up with a way to change the speakers & sub with aftermarket components with amps and most importantly 2 JL Audio subs! Having a problem trying to figure out an amp because I want to keep the center channel and cant seem to find am amp that will allow 5 full range channels.

 

My 08 Edge had all the bells and whistles. I found that although the cool factor was way up there, I just didnt use any of that stuff. Most of my driving is trips less than 10 miles one way, rarely trips over 70 miles one way, so I just dont spend that much time in the car. For me the added expense just didnt have any real value. I did get a nice chunk of change at trade in time. High options do pay off at resale, but my 09XL was 19k OTD, cant beat that for cost per mile of ownership vs what I would have paid for an XLT or FX4.