idrive alternative: nav product built into air vent

[icedragon]

Hey guys, I'm not a fan of BMW's idrive but I would like a nav system that can be easily integrated into the interior . I came across this European website which sells a nav system that replaces a center air vent with a nav product built into the vent space.

The product is the VDO-Dayton for BMW 1-Series (Article # 11000395)

Here's the website: http://www.kolumbus24.com/default.as...1&IT=266&CT=55

Here's the picture:



The screen is a reasonable size, 3.5", that's about the size of a large screen on a digital camera.

I like how the system is easily integrated into the interior. Since it simply takes the place of an air vent, it doesn't alter the interior design. Furthermore, all the wires are hidden to reduce clutter. To use the nav system, I believe users can access information via the touchscreen or the remote.

Since the 1-series (E87) has been available in Europe for several years now, and this built-in solution has been available for a year or two as well, I was hoping someone has used this system and can provide additional insights? Thank you.

[Severious]

Wow, that's and interesting solution. I guess if you really want nav without idrive...

[DTNJNQ]

Here's another integrated solution. Not sure if I like the look.

http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtop...avigation+dash

[Ragenikon]

WOW...i don't know if i have the guts to take a small jigsaw to the most noticeable part of my new interior haha

[MadMan77]

That has to be the worst thing I have ever seen anyone do to a car. I cannot believe it.

I don't see a problem with just using a sandbag mount or a suction cup. Anything is better than cutting a large hole in your dash.

[icedragon]

Originally Posted by DTNJNQ

Here's another integrated solution. Not sure if I like the look.

http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtop...avigation+dash

Originally Posted by Ragenikon

WOW...i don't know if i have the guts to take a small jigsaw to the most noticeable part of my new interior haha

Originally Posted by MadMan77

That has to be the worst thing I have ever seen anyone do to a car. I cannot believe it.

Sorry, I think I'd rather have my easy-to-install nav product that simply replaces a center air vent than cutting a hole on my dash for a cheesy aftermarket nav.

To make matters worse, that owner didn't do a good job cutting the hole in his dash. The hole is not centered and doesn't match up with the centre console.

[Russo]

Originally Posted by DTNJNQ

Here's another integrated solution. Not sure if I like the look.

http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtop...avigation+dash

def has balls that i don't have...

[EspressoBoy]

That gps unit looks soooo cheap too. I mean if it was a TV or better an Apple Notebook... Or just an amazing screen I could see that... Ouch.

Yoda agrees with me too. That was way over to the dark side.

EspressoBoy

[dclee1]

Not a fan of that GPS system either - but at least it's a good DIY on taking out the factory trim & radio.

[InsaneSkippy]

How could you even read it? It looks to be about the size of my palm...

[Mad Dragon]

I'll stick with my 100% BMW-approved portable nav mount.

[joelk]

i prefer the i-Drive even though it might not be as fancy as the latest aftermarket alternatives. that being said, i love the way that the OP's unit integrates with the car. no ugly mounting necessary. slick. i like it.

[Qube]

The hackjob isn't THAT bad The facia looks like crap though.

The vent one looks like my Garmin C330 shoehorned in there. If they come with North American maps, then it can be considered!

[changed]

i got the storage compartment option, so i already have the 'hatch' on my dash, i was thinking about trying to integrate my tom tom into that some way.

i like the air vent idea but 879 euro! and you loose a vent in the process

[mistermojorizin]

Originally Posted by changed

i got the storage compartment option, so i already have the 'hatch' on my dash, i was thinking about trying to integrate my tom tom into that some way.

i like the air vent idea but 879 euro! and you loose a vent in the process

can i see a pic of the storage compartment? that's one thing this car is missing, not enough storage space. my previous g35 didn't come with the slide up nav, so i automatically got a storage bin in the center that looked good and was really useful.

[jeremyc74]

No way am I giving up one of the center A/C vents for a GPS that I can just stick on the dash.

[ichiban]

I was thinking of doing this, cause of the portability, the utility.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=r2h

Wutcha all think?

[WhiteOne]

The English storage compartment would be a great place to keep your Garmin when not in use. You would have to cut that big hole though...
The airvent GPS uses maps different from Garmins. So it is not a Garmin. MIO?

[DTNJNQ]

Someone's installed it in the storage compartment.

http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtop...hilit=+storage

[CAMike]

I wish we could have ordered the storage package in the US...I really don't understand the option differences between the rest of the world and North America...

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by ichiban

I was thinking of doing this, cause of the portability, the utility.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=r2h

Wutcha all think?

I'd love to have a carputer, but I just don't think I can deal with the screen being in the way all the time. Maybe one day.

[changed]

Originally Posted by DTNJNQ

Someone's installed it in the storage compartment.

http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtop...hilit=+storage

aha.. that was exactly what i was thinking about..

there also is the picture of the UK storage box option.. i believe its the same 'hole' as the idrive. Only thing is if i did this,, is where to put my shades!