2005 Navigation-Buy or not?
03-17-2005, 06:58 PM
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2005 Navigation-Buy or not?
I just got my first MB, a 2005 ML350 for a great price due to te model year closeout.
I have used built-in navigation for several years and use it frequently for my work. So here are my questions...
The cost to add OEM nav is $1200 installed.
-Is the MB system very good?
-Does it have dead reckoning (can be out of satellite view for a short period and still give guidance)
-Should I just get a Garmin or other automotive unit (even though I hate the aesthetics of it plopped on the dash)?
The cost isn't the main issue, just getting a good unit that blends in well with the interior.
What is the consensus...is the OEM MB unit worth the extra money?
Thanks in advance for any/all thoughts.
Jace
I have used built-in navigation for several years and use it frequently for my work. So here are my questions...
The cost to add OEM nav is $1200 installed.
-Is the MB system very good?
-Does it have dead reckoning (can be out of satellite view for a short period and still give guidance)
-Should I just get a Garmin or other automotive unit (even though I hate the aesthetics of it plopped on the dash)?
The cost isn't the main issue, just getting a good unit that blends in well with the interior.
What is the consensus...is the OEM MB unit worth the extra money?
Thanks in advance for any/all thoughts.
Jace
03-17-2005, 11:30 PM
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School bus
Originally Posted by JaceBeck
I just got my first MB, a 2005 ML350 for a great price due to te model year closeout.
I have used built-in navigation for several years and use it frequently for my work. So here are my questions...
The cost to add OEM nav is $1200 installed.
-Is the MB system very good?
-Does it have dead reckoning (can be out of satellite view for a short period and still give guidance)
-Should I just get a Garmin or other automotive unit (even though I hate the aesthetics of it plopped on the dash)?
The cost isn't the main issue, just getting a good unit that blends in well with the interior.
What is the consensus...is the OEM MB unit worth the extra money?
Thanks in advance for any/all thoughts.
Jace
I have used built-in navigation for several years and use it frequently for my work. So here are my questions...
The cost to add OEM nav is $1200 installed.
-Is the MB system very good?
-Does it have dead reckoning (can be out of satellite view for a short period and still give guidance)
-Should I just get a Garmin or other automotive unit (even though I hate the aesthetics of it plopped on the dash)?
The cost isn't the main issue, just getting a good unit that blends in well with the interior.
What is the consensus...is the OEM MB unit worth the extra money?
Thanks in advance for any/all thoughts.
Jace
Curiously, may I ask what kinds of discounts are dealers giving out for the 05' ML's?
03-18-2005, 08:46 AM
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Deal was $35k for '05 Special Edition with heated seats, entertainment and sunroof pkgs. Roughly $9k off sticker.
Back to the nav...does anyone know if it has dead reckoning? That is my biggest question. Dealerships aren't sure...
Back to the nav...does anyone know if it has dead reckoning? That is my biggest question. Dealerships aren't sure...
03-18-2005, 10:20 AM
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
both vehicles I have with nav seem to DR when necessary, like going thru a tunnel or driving in an area that is obstructed from viewing the sats.
03-18-2005, 01:27 PM
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2005 SL55 AMG
JaceBeck,
Yes the nav has dead reckoning. When I go under a tunnel or in a parking lot, the nav can still direct you, including tracking your speed etc. to update your arrival times.
I don't think there is a current generation GPS navigation system that doesn't have dead reckoning, come to think of it!
Riz
Yes the nav has dead reckoning. When I go under a tunnel or in a parking lot, the nav can still direct you, including tracking your speed etc. to update your arrival times.
I don't think there is a current generation GPS navigation system that doesn't have dead reckoning, come to think of it!
Riz
03-18-2005, 02:44 PM
#7
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My 2000 ML320 has Dead Reckoning..
More precisely, I read somewhere that there are sensors in the wheels (I believe, the front ones) that feed the nav with the the wheel's rpm and steer. The DR software uses that to compensate when satellite reception is lost.
I have personally experienced the DR effect several times in the course of driving it under tunnels or downtown streets, around/under trees etc.....
I have personally experienced the DR effect several times in the course of driving it under tunnels or downtown streets, around/under trees etc.....
Go with the OEM and enjoy 
