05-20-2015, 10:34 PM | #1 |
Bimmer Candidate
93
Rep 308
Posts |
Technology package?
Hi all,
Finalizing a configuration and really on the fence about the tech pkg. Is the navigation really worth it when I have a smartphone and am getting the enhanced Bluetooth option? What is this "instrument cluster with extended contents" really about? Are there any other goodies tech pkg gives you that aren't listed on the website? |
05-20-2015, 10:45 PM | #2 |
Captain
150
Rep 604
Posts |
it is my opinion the bmw nav system is one of the best in the business, the extended contents gives a larger digital display integrated in the instrument cluster so that you can better customize the contents and give a better representation of navigation instructions. You can experience both at your dealership even if they dont have a m235i because it is the same as any 2 or 3 series, (though the M235i logo does appear in the extended instrument cluster at startup as well if you are into that kind of thing
__________________
07 E83 X3 BSM Sport-->10 E90 335i xDrive BSM M-Sport-->13 F30 335i xDrive EB M-Sport-->16 MKVII LB Golf R --> 19 F22 M240i xDrive MG
|
Appreciate
1
|
05-20-2015, 10:59 PM | #3 |
First Lieutenant
93
Rep 334
Posts
Drives: 228i
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Los Angeles, CA
|
i use my phone tbh; smartphone software just gets updated faster than embedded auto platforms. I suppose if you go that route, figure out a way to make the phone sit on top of the little ledge on the screen or get one of those Ram X grip holders.
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-20-2015, 11:08 PM | #5 |
First Lieutenant
93
Rep 334
Posts
Drives: 228i
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Los Angeles, CA
|
true there is that. What does the whole ConnectedDrive thing do - can you do all sorts of little tricks from the iPhone app?
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-20-2015, 11:09 PM | #6 |
Enlisted Member
5
Rep 42
Posts |
I went both ways and originally passed on it. But added it to my order just in time for production. I use navigation a lot for work and an integrated nav system is just a lot more convenient than a phone especially with a MT...and truth be told my short distance vision isn't what it use to be. You also get on board hard drive storage which is pretty slick.
However, if you are getting the auto tranny and/or can install a good mount for your phone you might be able save a couple grand. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-20-2015, 11:18 PM | #7 | |
Major General
1412
Rep 5,262
Posts |
Quote:
Do your research or you might regret it latter |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-20-2015, 11:24 PM | #8 | |
Major General
1412
Rep 5,262
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-20-2015, 11:41 PM | #9 |
Captain
89
Rep 886
Posts |
If you're on the fence, get it. You can only regret it if you didn't get it, since you can't retrofit it. Better to spend a little more money than regretting it later on.
__________________
Current: 2014 F22 M235i Mineral Grey
Previous: 2011 E82 DCT 135i Space Grey Build thread: http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1149793 |
Appreciate
0
|
05-20-2015, 11:42 PM | #10 |
Captain
428
Rep 980
Posts |
I'm glad I got this package because the nav is really high quality and so well integrated with iDrive but do not expect too much from ConnectedDrive yet if you have an iPhone. BMW ConnectedDrive works much better with Android right now although I am told that updates to iDrive will improve Apple integration. The apps are ok but text and email integration is not optimal and remember that your phone must be connected to the USB port to take advantage of any of this and that means either stashing it where you can't see it in the center console, putting it where you can see it but with a cable leading into the console, or buying a $250 snap-in adapter. Think about how you want to play music, too, if that is important to you (it is to me); the integrated hard drive is useful for this as you do not want to rely on Bluetooth for a music data connection as the output quality is awful. So, go for the tech package if the nav is an issue (it's a very good nav) and if you want options for music.
Last edited by BarryJI; 05-20-2015 at 11:47 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 09:28 AM | #11 | |
Colonel
1756
Rep 2,942
Posts |
Quote:
The Tech Package is worth it with the 4G radio. The hard drive included is for on-board music and works really well, and the Extended Contents display includes everything from Nav destination directions (REALLY helpful) to expanded multimedia control. You also get a second Bluetooth mic in the headliner and, if you have an iPhone, the ability to use Siri using the phone controls on the steering wheel ... ... all that said, it may partially be moot if you wait for a 2016: Nav is rumored to be standard equipment. The question is what level of Nav will come standard; it'll likely be a "stripper" version of what's in the Tech Package, which is Nav Professional.
__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.-- <<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>> |
|
Appreciate
1
|
05-21-2015, 09:31 AM | #12 |
What goes here?
456
Rep 1,356
Posts
Drives: 2019 G30 M550i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Florida Space Coast
iTrader: (4)
Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [0.00]
2021 BMW M3 Competi ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00] |
The bigger screen and the native navigation are worth it enough to me.
__________________
2019 G30 M550i
GBNF: 2021 G80 M3, 2019 F90 M5 Competition, 2016 F80 M3, 2014 F22 M235i |
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 10:34 AM | #13 | ||
Second Lieutenant
76
Rep 288
Posts |
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 11:00 AM | #14 | ||
Second Lieutenant
76
Rep 288
Posts |
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 11:08 AM | #15 |
Enlisted Member
4
Rep 45
Posts |
I'm on the other side. I would rather keep the $2k in my wallet and use my phone. The amount of benefit I feel that I'm giving up is minimal compared to what is a very expensive option.
I also don't know what the benefits of extended Bluetooth are. It seems to be able to do just about anything I want in the standard configuration. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 11:12 AM | #16 |
Colonel
1756
Rep 2,942
Posts |
Haven't had a chance to call yet; busy season at work. May have to wait until early next week (grumble) ...
__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.-- <<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>> |
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 11:29 AM | #17 |
Second Lieutenant
59
Rep 272
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 11:55 AM | #18 |
Colonel
1756
Rep 2,942
Posts |
Hmmm. Could be a semantics thing, or BMW made that capability standard with a software update since the start of the 2015 model year. Good to know, for all.
__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.-- <<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>> |
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 12:00 PM | #19 |
Captain
106
Rep 855
Posts |
The real time traffic is very nice and has saved me numerous hours from being in traffic jams. The new models get free map updates over 4G (unluckly I have 2014). Personally I think the Premium and Tech packages are a must on a luxury DD car.
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 12:16 PM | #20 |
Second Lieutenant
40
Rep 280
Posts |
I've had nav in my previous two cars. In 3+ years of having it in my car I've used it maybe 3 times. Maybe.
So for my m235 it wasnt worth the extra 2000 grand for the nicer screens. I'd like them, but not 2 grand much. But I also made the choice to limit my options to get the m235 vs a really loaded 228i. |
Appreciate
1
|
05-21-2015, 12:24 PM | #21 | |
Private First Class
44
Rep 119
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-21-2015, 12:29 PM | #22 | |
Lieutenant
170
Rep 533
Posts |
Quote:
My car isn't in production yet (even though ED delivery is less than 5 weeks away), so I could still add the tech package. But I'm not going to. I can count on one hand the number of times I've used nav... and have fingers to spare. I'm a native of my current city, and >99.9% of my trips are to places where I already know the area. For you guys that like and use nav and the other bells and whistle of the package, it's probably worth it. I just wouldn't get my money's worth out of the package. For me, the only thing I'll miss having is the bigger LCD. I agree 100% that the bigger screen is nicer and looks much better in the car. But what would that be worth to me? A couple hundred bucks? Maybe three hundred? Certainly not two grand. |
|
Appreciate
1
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|