Hi everyone i have a parent that is about to buy an 05' X3 and i just wanted to know if the navigation was worth buying. its about $1800 and my mom wants it.I also wanted to know if it was hard to install? I have an E39 so i am not familiar with the X3. Also if there are any common problems with the X3 please state them. The car only has 25k miles so im sure it will be fine. Thank you in advance.

www.x5world.com (http://www.x5world.com) more info than you would ever want to know.

I don't think the Navigation is that great, I have never used it, but from the reviews I have read, it's not the best. I would say get one of those Garmin GPS systems, and your mom would be much happier.

The user interface on the OEM nav is not very good. The portable units are much better in that regard.

The cost to update the maps is expensive. New releases cost $200. Portable units are much less expensive to obtain updates.

The OEM integration is really the only positive aspect.

The user interface on the OEM nav is not very good. The portable units are much better in that regard.

The cost to update the maps is expensive. New releases cost $200. Portable units are much less expensive to obtain updates.

The OEM integration is really the only positive aspect.

What do you mean portable units?Like aftermarket?

What do you mean portable units?Like aftermarket?

Portable = windshield mounted or sits on dash.

Aftermarket units are usually double din and I am not sure how that would look on an X3.

It is the old DVD driven system and not the new I-drive. Like most other BMWs, it definitely isn't top of the class in performance or ease of use. I would spend $200-$300 on a good garmin or tom-tom and put the other 1,500 in the bank, IMO.