458 Navigation - Worthwhile? / Can it be added later?

Someone in Ferrariads had a retro kit for it. I think it was a cable and some software I believe but I don't know how difficult it is to retro fit. My feeling is the dealer could do a retro but it would cost more than buying it standard -- or no one would order it from the factory.

I did not order it but actually, I will on the next one. I use my cell phone but it's not as safe as having it integrated.

 

It is worth it IMHO to order the car with Navigation.

 

The nav system really isn't bad. iMO, it is better designed than on the Cali.

 

You don't need the Navigational option. Use your mobile phone or mobile device instead.

I got the upgraded stereo system and believe that was a waste of money. You mostly want to hear the symphony coming out of the exhaust than listening to your tunes and distract you from your driving.

The dealers always want to upsell these options saying that it has a resale value. I do not believe this to be true.

 

I suspect the nav uses the music systems hard drive as it is supposed to be 30gb but mine only had 20gb free when delivered. The entertainment systems computer would do the job so a gps aerial would probably be the only new hardware needed and that's probably fitted y default as it would cost more to omit Crome some on the production line than to fit it to all- like quite a few modern options (telephone wiring, auto wipers etc on mercs).

Maybe to retro fit it just needs the database, software and activated. As mentioned it would have to be more expensive to retro or nobody would order it.

At £2100 it's an expEnsive option for a system that does not have full uk post ode and is awkward to use with the little knob etc. does have real time traffic here though. A Tom Tom would fit nicely where the left hand screen is! I was advised to get it for resale but have found it poor and you and you can only really set it up when parked.

What space was free on hard drives in cars with no nav?

 

I got it and used it yesterday to find the nearest petrol station! I am pleased with it and glad I got it.

 

with only a 5 digit postcode try finding somewhere out in the country in the uk, not great.

Did you just get your car on the road on the 1st? I am off this weekend for a spin.

 

I use my car a lot and find the satnav is very useful. It's just not a very good example of its type. It depends on your needs.

The sound system otoh is never used.

 

In all my other cars I bypass the lousy in dash nav and use my iPhone

However it's a bit annoying to have it flying all over the cabin!

The 458 nav is very good and I use it over the iPhone

 

Thought about it, but then came to my senses and bought the latest Garmin with ultra slim case and high resolution screen. Mounts discretely in all my cars, and has great features. It can be used cordless for hours, and is far superior to the factory supplied item.

Also, costs a just a wee bit less

I'll tell you in the next few weeks whether I'm happy with my choice...

 

I considered it when ordering my 458 but passed on it in the end. Don't miss it but then never use it in any of my cars. I use the iPhone.

 

My voice activated Garmin is mounted with a suction cup on the windshield. No flopping. But you can put it in other cars and carry with you in "pedestrian" mode. Handy for walking around town...especially in unfamiliar territory.

 

I have several iPhones and iPads and use navigation in-car on them all using industrial strength mounts from http://www.ram-mount.com/ both suction cup and permanent types.

On a trip to Maranello last year, while a tad overwhelming, I even found room to put iPad in Fiat 500 for my driving around and screen size is brilliant to say the least but you must put well out of line of sight.

I typically use an iPhone near instruments for best results and have several apps I have used with Europe and US coverage with great results and would continue to use this over any insanely priced factory system..

I can also understand the huge convenience of integrated but portability to me is everything being a software developer in that area.

 

My main issue in the uk is the fact that you cannot enter full postcodes/zip codes and so it can only get you to within 5 miles in remote areas of the uk. Maybe the us or European versions take full codes but not uk. It's also awkward to use when parked nevermind when moving. Another thing is when you enter a route with multiple stops it only shows directions on the map to the next destination so no overall view is available.

Plus side is the live traffic updates in the uk and re routing as well as showing live congestion when looking at the map, useful on many trips in the Cali. I am not too keen on mounts and cables with iPhones etc either plus my iPhone is usually connected in the glovebox for music (on the rare occasion i listen to it) there's no room to store an independent sat nav, cables mounts in the glovebox anyway!

Overall it's expensive, you lose 10gb of disc space (if that matters) but in my opinion integrated is better/ tider and I think helps re sale in the uk at least. Not too overpriced in the scheme of things, there has been many discussions on options prices - £2k for a reversing camera that is available as a near £100 option on some small cars here. when I specced my Cali I refused the carbon wheel as I had just bought a lovely fiat coupe that cost less than that option - got it on the 458 though! I heard it mentioned that all parking aids on an ff cost $24k, not sure if true (driving the ff next week so I will ask).

My girlfriend is no good at map reading and won't drive on the "wrong side" in mainland Europe so sat nav revolutionised the harmony in the cabin on European tours - try driving in Paris or Rome on you own with no local knowledge, it can add weeks to the trip.

Did you know the 458 plays DVD movies? Found out by accident the other week.

 

The price is one issue, but updating a built-in unit is another. Sure, they all offer it one way or another (CD-based, DVD-based, memory stick, etc.) but the nicest thing about using one of the iPhone apps is that there when there is an update, it's a simple 10-second download over wi fi or maybe 1 minute over broadband.

I've got an iPhone app that speaks directions, is very unobtrusive and very accurate. No need to mount it anywhere or even keep it in sight, just need to turn the stereo down so I can hear it.

Not nearly as clean or as cool as an in-dash unit, but it does get the job done and is easily transferred from car to car, rental car, etc.

 

Anyone here with a good revieuw of this Harman/Becker system by now ?

Where in the car is the bay for DVD located ? Seems to be a huge system ...

How do you update it ?
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Surprisingly useful and accurate system in the 458, I actually use it, esp on my epic drive WA, OR, CA states trip.

But, I wouldnt spec it if buying new...ipad and a mount is just so easy and cheap.

 

It is now standard on 458 and Speciale.

 

I use a Kenu Airframe to mount my phone to the driver facing air vent in my 458 and use Waze. I have the nav but don't use it. http://www.kenu.com/products/airframe

 

Thread closed^^ lol

 

My experience is that the car has to be parked to enter a new destination.