mkatz

Some nav systems are better than others. I'm about to order a 2009 ML 320 diesel for my wife and am considering nav system. I have a few questions:

1. does the MB Nav system announce street names? (or rather does it simply tell the driver to "turn left now..."?
2. does the system tell the driver which side of the highway the next exit is to be taken?
3. is the control of any significant value?
4. is the routing offered accurate and efficient?
5. would I be wiser to consider an after-market unit?

all advice appreciated!

dgiturbo

It works. But that's where the frills stop. Your basic aftermarket unit will outperform the factory one, will probably be touch screen and you can update those via the internet.
The factory unit for 09 I think is a hard drive, and if so is a little better. Still no touch screen, and updates are about $200 or so.

As for your inquiry,
1) It does say "Prepare to turn right on to I 290 in a half mile." but no announcement on local roads.
2) Yes. "Prepare to exit freeway on the left in a half mile."
3) Not sure what you refer to as "control".
4) Very. I have noticed it even calculates route to avoid rush hour areas at certain times of day.
5) Factory installed is always the neatest and cleanest. An aftermarket mounted with a suction cup and cigarette lighter cord may pose a hazard in a collision.

Overall, I bought mine for the very fuel efficient and remarkable diesel engine, the 4Matic drive train and the versatile cargo bay. I have 2 high school teenagers with Poms gear to chauffeur , a bird dog and winter roads...

DUTCH

The Garmin units are far better than the factory unit, but not enough so to overcome the convenience of an in-dash system. My biggest gripe on the factory unit is that far too often I'll get a message that my destination is located in an area where I cannot get turn by turn instructions.

Never happens with the Garmin; and they both use NavTeq databases.

Goletiani

I'm wondering if the US navigation will work in Europe? I mean the unit itself? My dealer in the UK told me the US navigation devise doesn't work in Europe since the navigation DVD doesn't work with it

m1kefries

I think there are a number of good reasons that you would go with either system. Personally I popped for the in dash navigation and got so frustrated with the limitations and difficulty of use I've since purchased a $200.00 Garmin Nuvi. I am much happier with the Garmin and at 1/6 of the cost I've got to ask myself why I didn't just get the Nuvi in the first place and save the cash.... I guess you live and you learn.

acr2001

Some of these posts are misleading in reference to your question because you will be getting a 2009. As I understand it the software within the new unit for 2009 is completely revamped. I believe it is very similar to the nav system in the W204 C class. You may want to read about their nav unit to get answers to your questions.

I have the older navigation unit (pre 2009) because I have a W203. On a scale of 1 - 10 where a 5 is average I would rate it a 5. It's OK. Nothing great. Having a TomTom though, I definitely prefer the factory nav over it because it's integrated and just easier to jump in and use. Definitly a lot more accurate too because it uses it uses the vehicle speed sensors and has gyros.

DUTCH

One thing to keep in mind, if you have the IR Blocking Windshield, is the fact the the aftermarket receivers can have a rough time receiving through that windshield. It blocks some of the transmissions from the satellites.

My older StreetPilot would not work at all on the dash of my ML, whereas the newer NUVI does, but not as well as it does behind a windshield that is not IR Blocking.