Suggestions on how to mount a GPS

[BMW665]

I don't have Navigation but do have a nice Garmin GPS I would like add.

How and where did you mount it?

Did you enable the Bluetooth system? if so how does it work

[BMW665]

wow not much in reply. I guess if you want a gps its best to buy it at the time of purchase

[hiltonfa]

If you go onto the Z4 Forum.com there's a great write up with photo's on mounting an aftermarket GPS.

[Howard_AZ]

I use a Garmin mount that clips onto the AC vent. It is easy to see the GPS and off the dash so it does not block your view of the road.

[BMW665]

thanks for the reply. I've been looking at the AC mount clip. Any chance of them damaging the AC vent?

[BMW665]

this is one I found that could do the trick


http://www.amazon.com/BUYBITS-Ultima...min+clip+mount

[mbetoni]

I had a Garmin portable GPS in both my first and second 'E85, until it was replaced in my second with a SpecDock and iPhone running Navigon's software. When I had it, I opted for a model that held a good charge (8+ hours of continuous use), which typically didn't require plugging it in while in use, but rather charging overnight. I HATE wires all over the place in the car, so did my best to always eliminate that.

I found that the best mounting place, using the windshield mount, is directly to the left of the instrument cluster, between the cluster and the A-Pillar, as low as possible (the bottom of the GPS used to nearly touch the dashboard when mounted). This put it at about the same exact eye level as the instrument cluster, and was nearly completely out of the way in terms of windshield visibility. Was my fav spot for a unit like that.

[BMW665]

mbetoni, how did you route the audio through the speakers if you did not use wires? power is one thing but you need the audio to tell you the up coming turns and exits

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by BMW665

how did you route the audio through the speakers

The audio is a reason why I use my iphone + google maps instead of Garmin, since the phone will play the directions through the bluetooth.

If you wanted, the phone can be mounted on the vents, and you can use the 12V under the glovexbox to power.

Right now, I just use the USB in the center column for power and audio connection (for pandora, etc) and keep the phone in the center console then glance down at the screen as needed

Also, you are right on with "if you want a gps its best to buy it at the time of purchase"

With the benefit of hindsight, I would have gotten the iDrive in order to have access to BMW Apps (enables you to send destinations to your car via phone, and integrates music streaming apps, such as Pandora) and to modernize the interior of the car.

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by BMW665

mbetoni, how did you route the audio through the speakers if you did not use wires? power is one thing but you need the audio to tell you the up coming turns and exits

Great Q, and simple answer - I didn't. In the E85s I simply turned the volume all the way up on the GPS and used that. However, being directly line-of-sight, you do just fine without the audio prompts (vs being in a place where in needs to be looked at away from the road ahead).

When I switched to the iPhone + SpecDock, then the audio came out of the speakers, and that negated the need to see it as often.

Now, as others have noted, my E89 has the nav/iDrive/etc.