Speaking of Street names on 2008 I-Drive

When we picked up our 2008 335i w/I-drive in October, the nav system did not say the names of the streets. After getting the latest Progman update to fix the "turbo-lag" issue (my car was a 1/2008 build), the nav system was speaking the upcoming street names (not just "turn left in a quarter of a mile") for exactly one day, then it somehow shut off. Is there a menu control or something that enables the speaking of the exact street names? Thanks.

Mine only says names of interstates. For named streets, it just says "turn left in a quarter of a mile." Then again, mine is an 06, so we might not be comparing apples to apples.

I do have another related question... I prefer the 3D view. But I hardly ever use this view on the iDrive because it doesn't display the street names. Is this normal? How to I display the street names in the 3D view?

Originally Posted by Spagolli94

Mine only says names of interstates. For named streets, it just says "turn left in a quarter of a mile." Then again, mine is an 06, so we might not be comparing apples to apples.

I do have another related question... I prefer the 3D view. But I hardly ever use this view on the iDrive because it doesn't display the street names. Is this normal? How to I display the street names in the 3D view?

you're right on with both your points. I have an 08 iDrive and it also only announces interstates such as 'in 300ft, exit on to I95'. That is as much as the idrive lady will say as she does not announce street names.

I also like the 3-D view. It looks the prettiest with those lil clouds & the sky backround. However as you pointed out, this view will not display street names even if zoomed in. The most you'll get is major interstate icons.

I would pay $2000 if I could only upgrade to an 09 iDrive. My Navi is the absolute worst feature on my car. I still can't understand how some people actually like this unit.

Originally Posted by GinoDotCom

My Navi is the absolute worst feature on my car. I still can't understand how some people actually like this unit.

Agree. My old $200 Garmin blew it away. Ease of use, features, display, you name it.

I think the nav in my Infiniti was a little better although talked way too much. I'm not thrilled with the routing of my BMW nav. I'm looking forward to the 09 I'll be getting in 15 days! I'm looking forward to a lot of improvements. I wish it had the name of the upcoming street maybe on the top of the screen and the street you're currently on somewhere maybe at the bottom. Those would both be useful additions that I've seen on other units.

The system in my 05 Acura was still superior to this '09 system. Can't believe it doesn't tell you the name of the street you are currently on. And it doesn't give you exit numbers or street names of exits either. Just how many feet before you should turn.

Originally Posted by MattieB

Can't believe it doesn't tell you the name of the street you are currently on.

If you put "current location" (or something like that) on the right side window it tells you the street you are on.

yeah BMW's NAV is not it's strongest point.

Originally Posted by MattieB

The system in my 05 Acura was still superior to this '09 system. Can't believe it doesn't tell you the name of the street you are currently on. And it doesn't give you exit numbers or street names of exits either. Just how many feet before you should turn.

I had a 2004 Acura TSX. It didn't have Text to speech either (the feature the OP is discussing).

To get this information, just select "arrow" in the small window. That pops up an arrow, telling you the exact name of the street you have to turn on.

And, the BMW system does give you the specific exit numbers. In fact, it pops up a niffty 3D picture of the exit with a reproduction of the sign.

Originally Posted by SunshineSail17

If you put "current location" (or something like that) on the right side window it tells you the street you are on.

That's a little too cumbersome for me though. I want it to be at the bottom of the map. Or at least on the map.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

I had a 2004 Acura TSX. It didn't have Text to speech either (the feature the OP is discussing).

To get this information, just select "arrow" in the small window. That pops up an arrow, telling you the exact name of the street you have to turn on.

And, the BMW system does give you the specific exit numbers. In fact, it pops up a niffty 3D picture of the exit with a reproduction of the sign.

Oh? Have to try that. I always have entertainment info in the right window.