Based on Edmunds TMV, the optional factory navigation system on a 2002 BMW M3 commands an average of $524 for a private-party deal. Based on my time with our long-termer, I'd tell prospective buyers to make sure to find an M3 without the factory nav.
Technology has definitely advanced in the last six years. The nav's dial-based interface is clunky and the screen is low resolution. Take your $524 and buy a quality aftermarket system. Our last portable navigation system round-up review article can be found here.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 62,868 miles
joefrompa says:
02:16 PM, 10/ 6/08
I've looked into alot of BMWs in the 2002/2003 year range (and 2004/2005 for the e46 perf. package sedan).
The navi system turns me off. I actually steer away from them.
$524? Are you kidding? I bought my Garmin Nuvi 200W for less than $200 and it it lightyears ahead of that system.
Joe
jriz says:
02:19 PM, 10/ 6/08
Brent is being kind, but I second his conclusion. The thing is just pure crap.
m_thrizzle says:
04:16 PM, 10/ 6/08
I prefer portable Nav over built-in for the simple reason of I need it most when I am on travel and I don't have my own car!
Plus, throw in that built-in GPS is around $2000 in new cars, technology moves quickly and map updates are expensive and you have a trifecta of reasons why built-in GPS is lame.
Edmunds, you can buy or download updated BMW maps that include firmware though, so maybe you can eek out a little extra functionality out of that old unit.
bimmerjay says:
04:58 PM, 10/ 6/08
I agree that the portables are a better value and easier to upgrade as a standalone nav system. However I'd counter that as in-car tech gets more advanced (particularly in premium cars), the navigation part comprises only 25% or so of that $2000 option. For the 2009 MY, the $2100 iDrive option on the 3-Series is going to get you hard-disk music storage, a quite sophisticated 3D nav system with buildings and topography and the ability to preview upcoming intersections, numerous customizable vehicle functions, a 1000% better audio interface that organizes HD radio, sat, USB, iPod, CD/DVD, HDD, and conventional radio formats, plus enhanced communication abilities with BMW Assist, the Bluetooth/smartphone integration, and ConnectedDrive (download Google maps to your car).
All-in-all, MMI, COMAND, iDrive, etc now offer a complete suite of in-car functionality for the same $2000 you used to pay for a relatively basic integrated navigation system. A Garmin or a Tom-Tom is still just a navigation system with a few trite add-ons (like BT or mp3 capability).
Times are changin'.
roadburner says:
05:55 PM, 10/ 6/08
Wow- who would have imagined that a six year old OEM nav system would be inferior to the latest portable units?
Must be a slow day at Edmunds...
brian60 says:
07:04 PM, 10/ 6/08
OEM Nav also makes it harder to do iPod integration on these cars.
dragonflight says:
08:48 PM, 10/ 6/08
@roadburner some old GPSs are at least tolerable- I used to own an Odyssey MY00 from '99 that had a GPS that is still decent (if not as up-to-date as those from 2008). The BMW first-gen GPSs were crap, even when they were new.
sgude says:
04:08 AM, 10/ 7/08
Fortunately, maps never go out of style.
tryan says:
07:48 AM, 10/ 7/08
This is exactly why it makes absolutely no sense to buy a built-in Nav System in any car. Manufacturers actually realize this and build in extra features to the system or attach ancillary options that require the purchase of the Nav system (read: Nissan's ubiquitous "Tech" package, for example).
For much less than $1500, I was able to buy a quality Aviation GPS that also functions on land (for a car or walking) and water.
blueguydotcom says:
08:23 AM, 10/ 7/08
Built in GPS systems are grossly overpriced. The tech and engineering behind them costs dollars at this point. Navi should be a 300-500 option, not 2k.
bimmerjay says:
08:36 AM, 10/ 7/08
"This is exactly why it makes absolutely no sense to buy a built-in Nav System in any car. Manufacturers actually realize this and build in extra features to the system or attach ancillary options that require the purchase of the Nav system (read: Nissan's ubiquitous "Tech" package, for example)."
lol no. Bundling is usually done to lower build complexity and cost.
redliner says:
03:58 PM, 10/ 7/08
Toyota has a very cool nav system available on the special edition 4Runner. It features a detachable nav system that can be used either as a built in unite or as a portable one.
here the link: http://www.clubtomtom.com/general/tomtom-and-toyota-team-up/