OEM Navigation Portable Plus / Pro - Anyone seen it?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...01&hg=65&fg=95


Saw that while browsing the parts DB. Anyone ever seen a picture of this installed?







The GPS install kit is $65, and could be great for an aftermarket GPS installation.

65900445996

Looks like Garmin makes the unit:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=27555

I just ordered the plastic piece. Want to see what this thing looks like in person. According to the Garmin owner's manual, it looks like the display on the Garmin that the case is made for is 4.79" x 2.96" x 4.3" diagonal.

I'm wondering if I can modify the unit to fit my Street Pilot 7200, which is 6" x 3.5".
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=367070

If anyone has any pictures of this actual unit, let me know.

thx!


Found this pic of it online too...
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/acc...oup=Navigation

Interesting. So what is the benefit of this? So you can use voice commands on the unit? How is it better than just a stand alone unit? Just wondering as a GPS is in the future here.

Originally Posted by ducx3

Interesting. So what is the benefit of this? So you can use voice commands on the unit? How is it better than just a stand alone unit? Just wondering as a GPS is in the future here.

I don't believe that it has voice recognition... It also looks like it might only be available in Europe...

I'm talking about using just the bracket that came with it (can be ordered separately) to mount your GPS unit...

Take a look at this GPS from Sanyo! I wonder if there is a way to install this in the X3 AND also still have access to the Computer/settings screen.

http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news...-dash+GPS.html

Originally Posted by sna77

I don't believe that it has voice recognition... It also looks like it might only be available in Europe...

The unit is also listed on the BMW Canada site, so I would assume it would be available throughout North America.

Originally Posted by ducx3

Interesting. So what is the benefit of this? So you can use voice commands on the unit? How is it better than just a stand alone unit?

I was also under the impression that the units are not controlled by a BMW voice command system, but the Pro system does come with a button that you press while speaking voice commands directly to the unit like higher end Garmin models.

The benefit I really want that these systems offer is the audio integration (i.e. muting your music and broadcasting the navigation instructions over the vehicle's sound system, like the factory installed navigation systems). I finally broke down and bought a nuvi 750 because I was told by my dealer's parts counter that these two systems were not available for the X3. It would be worthwhile to figure out if these components (mainly the wiring to integrate the audio feature) can somehow work with my nuvi, I think. I understand that the cradle interface will be different than on my nuvi, which makes sense.

This is the first photo of one of these systems installled in an X3 that I have seen. It looks almost as nice as your custom job, sna77!! Very impressive, by the way.

Originally Posted by fluke52

I was also under the impression that the units are not controlled by a BMW voice command system, but the Pro system does come with a button that you press while speaking voice commands directly to the unit like higher end Garmin models.

The benefit I really want that these systems offer is the audio integration (i.e. muting your music and broadcasting the navigation instructions over the vehicle's sound system, like the factory installed navigation systems). I finally broke down and bought a nuvi 750 because I was told by my dealer's parts counter that these two systems were not available for the X3. It would be worthwhile to figure out if these components (mainly the wiring to integrate the audio feature) can somehow work with my nuvi, I think. I understand that the cradle interface will be different than on my nuvi, which makes sense.

This is the first photo of one of these systems installled in an X3 that I have seen. It looks almost as nice as your custom job, sna77!! Very impressive, by the way.

ha, thanks... I ordered the bracket too (its $50). I want to see if it can be modified to fit the SP 7200... More once it comes in...

Interesting I was just thinking about something like this after this past weekend's road trip.

According to this article, the nav pro unit is simply a Nuvi 760/880. If someone ordered this bracket and check it out and see if the 760 mounts in this sucker, im in for $50 + the cost of a Nuvi 760 since it mounts/powers the nuvi no problem

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...MW-nuvi-Style/

Man, just looked at the price of the units, $450 and $640 from Circle BMW. Thats quite a mark up from the Garmin models! The installation kit is only $64.00.

Originally Posted by skitime

Man, just looked at the price of the units, $450 and $640 from Circle BMW. Thats quite a mark up from the Garmin models! The installation kit is only $64.00.

I will post detailed pics of the install kit when it arrives...

Amazon carries both units:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-760-Wid...3452788&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-4-3-Inc.../dp/B0012BI26K

$200 and $500, respectively.

I don't care about the voice control so the 760 will do fine.

Now I'm waiting for sna77's report on the kit.

BTW, from where did you order it and with what part number(s)?

Originally Posted by Klamalama

Now I'm waiting for sna77's report on the kit.

BTW, from where did you order it and with what part number(s)?

Check the first post. Part # is listed there. I bought it at Tischer BMW www.getbmwparts.com

but you lose the tray cover right? So you'd have to pull it out of the dash so no one would break in to steal it?

Originally Posted by codog2

but you lose the tray cover right? So you'd have to pull it out of the dash so no one would break in to steal it?

thats what it looks like... we won't know exactly what it is until it comes in... I'm not so worried about theft... i dont know anyone that doesnt have a GPS of sorts anymore... the more permanent your install, the less likely it is to be stolen IMO

Certainly interested in the pics when you get the mounting system. Looks like what I have been looking for to mount my HP iPAQ that has the TomTom Navigator installed.

Cheers

Originally Posted by X3 Skier

Certainly interested in the pics when you get the mounting system. Looks like what I have been looking for to mount my HP iPAQ that has the TomTom Navigator installed.

Cheers

Just tracked it:

Scheduled Delivery: 06/01/2009

Will have pics up Monday when it arrives... I have a Garmin Nuvi 650 btw... I'll prop it up in there for reference...

These are indeed Garmin units with the following differences:

• The plastic case is labled BMW, no roundel but just the block letters BMW.
• Splash screen comes up BMW.
• Doesn't come with any accessories (Cigarette Lighter Adaptor, suction cup mount etc.) but the standard Garmin accessories will work. So if you want to move it to another car, you have to buy a suction cup mount and cigarette lighter adaptor from Garmin.
• The BMW versions contain the BMW dealer directory on a special button to access the list showing you the closest dealer to your location
• These devices come with an extended warranty to match the vehicle warranty (up to 4 years).
• When mounted on the BMW mount, there is no cigarette lighter cable or traffic receiver cable to clutter the car. No suction cup mount to fall off the windshield.
• Some installations (depending upon radio) provide navigation sounds, MP3 content and Bluetooth audio through the in-car speakers

system. Music or other programming mutes and navigation command chimes in.

The difference between the 760T (Plus) and the 860T (Pro) is primarily the Advanced Speech Recognition on the Pro. A button which you clip to the steering wheel or hand brake wakes up the unit and you can speak screen commands and addresses.

Garmin has since come out with the 765T (includes junction view, 3D buildings and turn assist and something called ecoRoute). They also sell the 885T which includes the junction view, turn assist and ecoRoute, but not 3D buildings. Not sure if we'll see an upgrade from BMW to these new systems.

I just did a DIY install of the Portable Plus in my 2007 328i Coupe and killed my car. It took me 5 hours to complete the installation. I'm not sure what I did but when I buttoned it up, the car was completely dead. I should have let the dealer do the job. Penny wise and Pound foolish; an expensive and sobering lesson.

Flyboy

^ great info & post. Thanks!

Here's a tiny pic of the X3 bracket I just discovered on ebay... More to come tomorrow.

Part just came. Sorry for the crummy pics, forgot my camera at home and had to use the cell phone. Will replace later tonight with sharper pics.

did instructions come with it? Really looking forward to your install, and to see if that works with other models....Thanks!

Originally Posted by skitime

did instructions come with it? Really looking forward to your install, and to see if that works with other models....Thanks!

Didn't come with any instructions, I'll see if I can get them from my dealer.

I don't plan to use the wiring... I'm just going to use the bracket... Won't be for another month or so until I have a chance to head back to the Cape to grab my mother's X3...

Originally Posted by skitime

did instructions come with it?

Here they are: http://www.bigpatsfans.com/X3PortableNav.pdf


It looks like a bracket that holds the Garmin into the kit is probably included with the Garmin, as it was not in this kit.

Hi sna77,

I have a Nuvi 650 and recently purchased an 07 X3 so I'm interested in the Nav retro kit too. What is that round protrusion at the back of the tray cover? It looks like the standard Nuvi mounting bracket would clip on to it but it is difficult for me to tell for certain.