Compared to the Japanese Nav systems and even BMW's, MB's Navigation is really far behind in terms of functionality. The graphics and interface are cool, but it's really difficult to input addresses or find things through it's "directory."

Some pitfalls:

1. Cannot enter address while driving (does the DVD-in-motion mod fix this?)
2. Directory is VERY limited (it seems like they took the 1995 yellow pages and inputted places - hopefully new 2009 or 2010 DVD is a little more updated)
3. Actual direction-making "system" or "AI" is really crappy. It directs me off freeways like 10 miles before I should - again, really inferior compared to other Nav's I've had in the past).
4. Can't figure out a way to get rid of the split screen while driving on highways (where it shows the upcoming exists, totally unnecessary to have that permanently on display!)

Anyway, this is just me venting. I'm hoping that people post tips or tricks that I don't know about to help learn the system - I haven't had it for long, but so far it's been disappointing.

-the shoe

I hate the fact that it can not take more than one filter, meaning it does not correlate data. I can look for a POI by name, but it gives me all of the entries, I cant tell it to search by name and withing my current position + 30 miles. So when i look for something by POI name, i get listings in other states!!! WTF

That's EXACTLY what happened to me today that led me to write this post. I was on my way to the Irvine Post Office when I decided to Nav it since I wasn't exactly sure where it was.

I typed in Post Office and it lists PO's from EVERYWHERE in the nation in alphabetical order... so annoying.

i know what your sayin... as far as your pitfalls, i can only help you with #4. the split screen on the highway is easily fixed. select the navi option at the top of the screen and just uncheck the box where it says "display highway information" and problem solved

That definitely helps. Can't wait to drive home from work, lol

for this case, input city and state first.
after entering above info, navi only populates POIs within the city.

Thanks for the tip.

Regarding this point...the Japanese cars all have this restriction as well.

The Mercedes however, has a far superior voice control system and you can use voice control to enter a destination while you are driving.

When I enquired about the point of interest problem where things come up in other states if you search by name is something I was told they know about and are working to fix.

Acura's have full functionality while driving. And a simple code entered into Lexus' Nav system enables full input while driving.

I couldn't even begin to agree more. It's terrible, I often use my iPhone to search for phone numbers instead. Doesn't help that I live in Indiana, therefore MB assumes we all are a bunch of farmers here and couldn't care less about using the Nav. Half the addresses I try to input don't show up.



My TL didn't.


I was talking to my MB dealer and she was saying that in Germany, (and the rest of Europe I assume) there are no limitations on what you can and can't do while driving. Even watching DVDs is enabled while driving. Awesome.

so nobody knows a way to enable the address-entry-while-driving?

Just move to Europe! I test drove a Blueefficiency today with Audio 50 Navi and entering addresses while driving was not a problem. I only tried at slow speed though.