Hopping into the BMW X3 is like putting on a well-worn pair of shoes: it’s extremely comfortable and familiar. However, much like breaking in a new pair of loafers, the X3 was first met with discomfort and skepticism. People simply dismissed it as a “3 Series with poorer dynamics and not much additional room”. Yet, the same critics soon embraced it and the X3 transformed into one of BMW’s steady sellers. I was there—learning and enjoying my X3 shoes; and each time I handed it back to the BMW handlers, always yearned for the next time. And that time came, and lucky for me, it lightning struck twice.
The best reason to take a BMW for a spin is to experience its technology. After all, that’s the reason you’re buying one anyway. So, it’s no surprise that BMW engineers are always keen to deliver a perfect product, constantly upgrading the specifications in order to incorporate the latest and most advanced stuff. The biggest leap happened about two years ago when BMW gave the X3 a much more cosmopolitan profile by adding softer contours to the bumpers outside and of course, a much needed boost in engine performance. But you’ve probably read that before so it’s not news to you. So, let me fast forward a bit and introduce you to the latest X3 that incorporates BMW Navigation technology.
The first experience I’ve had with any sort of navigation system was with the X3’s system in Germany. Being in a foreign land that only understood a fair amount of English, it was imperative that I get to Berlin from Munich (via BMW’s Leipzig plant) in around five hours or I wasn’t going to make it to a press event. My brother did warn me that he wasn’t fond of Audi’s navigation system (it’s dumb he says), I too was initially apprehensive about BMW’s system. As I set off though, I was beginning to change my mind about it. This is one excellent navigation system.
For other markets such as Germany, the X3, like most other BMW models can be ordered with a built-in navigation system. It replaces the dashboard bin on the standard issue X3, but doesn’t use an iDrive controller, like the newer models do. Instead, you input your destination via knobs and buttons incorporated on the audio system. The interface is less graphical than the iDrive system requiring some adjustment, but after that, it’s easy to master. It worked like a charm, and you can even input your own desired avoidances and preferred roads to take. It even warns you of road construction and traffic jams enabling you to set an alternative route on the go.
As for the X3’s performance, I was extremely happy with it, thank you very much. There’s a saying that a BMW isn’t a BMW without an inline-6 and a manual transmission. And the same is true with the X3. The right engine transforms this already potent car into a beast. With 3.0-liters of displacement, it pushes out 260 horsepower and 305 Nm of torque. Impressive these figures maybe, but on the speed limitless German Autobahn—these feel just right, especially given the X3’s brick-like profile. The 6-speed manual’s also slick and engages with precision. The clutch is less grabby than those found in BMW diesels which make for an extremely enjoyable long-distance drive.
After such a wonderful time in BMW’s homeland, it was time for me to head home and once again say goodbye to the X3 3.0si. This wasn’t the last time I’ll see this particular car and navigation system though, as BMW Philippines soon introduced their own navigation system in the X3.
With no proprietary map available for the car’s built-in navigation system, BMW had to come up with something much more original to gift their owners with a decent GPS system. Wrapped in a spiffy box labeled ‘BMW Navigation’ new owners of 1 Series, 3 Series and X3 (in other words, those without iDrive) are given a Garmin nüvi GPS navigation system (the model of which depends on the car you’re getting). You can opt to have it installed or not, but if you do, it slot into the center console bin replacing the storage box. The overall look’s similar as if you had a factory pre-installed BMW navigation system, only this one doesn’t pop out.
The learning curve of the BMW Navigation system depends on whether you’re familiar with the Garmin system. Having a Garmin nüvi myself, I knew exactly how to operate, customize and fiddle with it; so adjusting to the X3’s system took no time at all. Still, for Garmin newbies out there, the system’s intuitive and easy to understand. Whether you’re using the 1 Series’ nüvi 360 (similar to the one I own) or the nüvi 770 (which is installed on the X3), the operation is remarkably the same. Entering your destination can be done through one of three ways: by address (assuming you know exactly where you’re going), via category (assuming you just want to look for an eatery or something near the area you’re going) or via an advanced search (assuming you just know the building or street you’re going to). The results are pretty accurate and complete—displaying most street addresses and buildings. A bit of a warning though: the system doesn’t allow street name shortcuts or misspellings so ‘General Roxas Avenue’ and ‘Gen Roxas Avenue’ are different. In addition, it doesn’t take into account one way streets (a pain in Makati) and it doesn’t distinguish between private village roads and public ones. In short, be sure to still have a traditional road map with you, as this provides the only foolproof way to get around Manila streets. I recommend Accumap’s Citiatlas for that one (sold at Fully Booked for around P 330.00).
However, what I find most disappointing is that BMW is trying to pass its GPS map as something exclusive to BMW Navigation owners, when anyone can download the very same map for free on the Internet. The map is made by a group of enterprising Garmin owners led by JKL Corp. (download the map here). Perhaps the only thing exclusive with the BMW Navigation System are custom waypoints (destinations), and even these are limited to upper class areas potentially frequented by owners such as Serendra. Show something more middle-class such as the Ortigas Home Depot, and the BMW Navigation System will be clueless. Perhaps the only good thing with the BMW system compared to an off the shelf Garmin is that BMW tucked all wires and connectors behind the dashboard, keeping the cabin looking neat and tidy.
Despite ripping the map off someone else, you still have to commend BMW Philippines, at least, for being enterprising. Trying to sell GPS navigation technology is no easy matter, but at least this company is taking the first strides. The technology is clearly limited and even the source material scarce, but who knows? Maybe one day, BMW can bring in a much more sophisticated navigation system with real-time traffic data and road routing. In the mean time, you don’t have to pay extra for the navigation package—a good fact or else I would have complained. For the rest of us though, it’s good to know that you can enjoy the same BMW GPS map whatever brand you drive.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang
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