Google Maps Navigation vs BMW NBT

strongdeo · 12-01-2016, 11:15 AM

Good day all,

Sorry for multiple post

After taking a three year break from BMW (had a dreadful VW Passat) I am now coming back to BMW.

In the old days I had really bad experience with BMW navigation on the E46 and E60 but it seems the newer NBT systems is pretty good with RTTI.

I have gotten used to Google Maps traffic info and just wanted to ask you guys - is the BMW system as good as Google or not quiet. I am most interested in re-directing you when road conditions change.

Thank you

SB

strongdeo · 12-01-2016, 11:19 AM

Hi guys

I am coming back to BMW - thank goodness!

Years of Golf and Passat finally behind me. Being a bit older now the ride quality is more important (just) than handling!

Toying with the idea of used 535d vs 740d. In MSport the 740d comes as standard with adaptive drive, dynamic dampers, rear air suspension and a longer wheelbase. In theory this should make for a better ride quality.

What do you reckon?

Will the 740d handle like a boat?

Cheers

SB

Fox530 · 12-01-2016, 12:00 PM

I've found them to be as good as each other - ie, sometimes both bad, sometimes both good, often at different times.

Google Maps once told me the A42 was absolutely fine, BMW RTTi said it was shut. It was shut.

Google maps once told me the M5 was shut, BMW RTTi said it was fine. It was shut.

IanS100 · 12-01-2016, 10:52 PM

I use BMW RTTI almost every day but always run TomTom GO Android (on my phone) at the same time, and where there's a conflict I'll defer to the TomTom and follow that.

On a route that I use 3 or 4 times a week, there has been extensive road realignment with overnight road closures which was completed some weeks ago resulting in much improved journey times. BMW RTTI however thinks that the roadworks / closures are still in force and routes me around them, whereas TomTom HD Traffic was updated almost immediately with the latest info. I get a similar result with daily traffic warnings with RTTI giving me warnings of traffic holdups that TomTom advises me are now clear, and I find the TomTom much more accurate and reliable.

Both NBT Pro Nav / RTTI and TomTom have the benefit of the very latest maps, and considering the cost of the BMW system and that it's much easier to use in the car, I'd love to be able to junk TomTom GO, but having used both systems side by side for 18 months, RTTI simply isn't reliable or accurate enough to be able to do so.

I'm afraid that it doesn't really answer your question about Google maps but what I am saying is that whilst RTTI may be better than a poke in the eye, it's nowhere near good enough to rely on, in my opinion!

Fox530 · 12-02-2016, 02:03 AM

One thing that drives me up the wall is how badly updated the original TMC system - which it still overlays onto the map - often is. For a WEEK now there has been an 'accident' on a certain road. It isn't there. It hasn't been there for a week.

xenon · 12-02-2016, 02:13 AM

That's not the fault of the BMW system though, that's because TMC is utter shite.

shiner · 12-02-2016, 02:31 AM

I take the RTTI with a pinch of salt. Indeed, oftentimes I find the SatNav suggestions are bonkers. Like doing a 180 in the middle of the A1.

JOHNBMWM5 · 12-02-2016, 02:42 AM

2017-1 map update has been very accurate for me so far,. and RTTI good.

Pottsy · 12-03-2016, 12:35 PM

Like Ian, I use Tomtom+Live Traffic all the time. RTTI/NBT is just rubbish in comparison. The real issue is that RTTI only knows about major roads, so if there's a blockage it routes you down smaller roads, which it thinks are completely clear (but are of course blocked).

RTTI also is hopeless at re-route decisions regardless of what it knows about smaller roads:

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Name: rtti_useless.jpg
Views: 2623
Size: 298.1 KB

JOHNBMWM5 · 12-03-2016, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Like Ian, I use Tomtom+Live Traffic all the time. RTTI/NBT is just rubbish in comparison. The real issue is that RTTI only knows about major roads, so if there's a blockage it routes you down smaller roads, which it thinks are completely clear (but are of course blocked).

RTTI also is hopeless at re-route decisions regardless of what it knows about smaller roads:

Attachment 1536241

You have the 2017-1 map then, er no, because mine would re-route on much less delays than that.

Fox530 · 12-04-2016, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

You have the 2017-1 map then, er no, because mine would re-route on much less delays than that.

RTTI routing isn't really based on map version, it's based on the live data feed which is the same irrespective of map version. It only covers main routes and unless somebody built a new A road of significant length in the last few months then 2017-1 is going to make almost nil difference to the effectiveness of RTTI.

Pottsy · 12-04-2016, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

You have the 2017-1 map then, er no, because mine would re-route on much less delays than that.

I do have the 2017-1 map, and the same hardware as you, and as Fox says - RTTI re-routing is not related to the map, it's related to the crapness of RTTI!

I could post loads of examples if I could be bothered to take photos. Every fortnight I have to drive past Newark on a Friday night, and every time RTTI tells me to avoid the 15 minutes delay on the bypass by going through town (which Tomtom tells me is a 1 hour extra detour)...

On the plus side, the RTTI information on main roads is timely and accurate. You just have to use something better for re-routes. Tomtom is the best (£35 for 3 years), Google maps is not too bad (free) and RTTI (£1,290 for pro nav then £120 a year after 3 years) needs ignoring.

makkan00 · 12-04-2016, 10:05 AM

I have compared most of them and found Waze better and superior to all of these.

strongdeo · 12-05-2016, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottsy

On the plus side, the RTTI information on main roads is timely and accurate. You just have to use something better for re-routes. Tomtom is the best (£35 for 3 years), Google maps is not too bad (free) and RTTI (£1,290 for pro nav then £120 a year after 3 years) needs ignoring.

Thank you. I will have Pro Nav but RTTI has expired. With TomTom will I need to buy the unit or can Ib download TomTom with live traffic on my smartphone?

Cheers.

Pottsy · 12-05-2016, 04:23 PM

I use the app on my phone. Mount the phone on a decent quality air vent mount on the vent to the right of the steering wheel, so it doesn't obstruct my vision. Sound is connected to the car by BT.

JOHNBMWM5 · 12-06-2016, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Sound is connected to the car by BT.

How does it do that?.

I have the M9 HTC.

Pottsy · 12-06-2016, 07:00 AM

You just pair the the phone with the car (like I'm sure you have done to use the phone hands free). If you haven't the instructions are in the owner's manual. Incidentally, you can get a custom owner's manual on your phone - install this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...iversguide.row

Then to hear whatever sound the phone is playing (Podcasts, music, navigation etc) then simply set the car sound to play Media, External devices and choose your phone.

JOHNBMWM5 · 12-06-2016, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottsy

You just pair the the phone with the car (like I'm sure you have done to use the phone hands free). If you haven't the instructions are in the owner's manual. Incidentally, you can get a custom owner's manual on your phone - install this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...iversguide.row

Then to hear whatever sound the phone is playing (Podcasts, music, navigation etc) then simply set the car sound to play Media, External devices and choose your phone.

Great Thanks.

12-01-2016, 11:15 AM	#1
strongdeo Private 21 Rep 85 Posts Drives: F30 330d MSPORT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham, UK iTrader: (0)	Google Maps Navigation vs BMW NBT Good day all, Sorry for multiple post After taking a three year break from BMW (had a dreadful VW Passat) I am now coming back to BMW. In the old days I had really bad experience with BMW navigation on the E46 and E60 but it seems the newer NBT systems is pretty good with RTTI. I have gotten used to Google Maps traffic info and just wanted to ask you guys - is the BMW system as good as Google or not quiet. I am most interested in re-directing you when road conditions change. Thank you SB __________________ F10 330d MSPORT
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12-01-2016, 11:19 AM	#2
strongdeo Private 21 Rep 85 Posts Drives: F30 330d MSPORT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham, UK iTrader: (0)	Ride quality 535d vs 740d Hi guys I am coming back to BMW - thank goodness! Years of Golf and Passat finally behind me. Being a bit older now the ride quality is more important (just) than handling! Toying with the idea of used 535d vs 740d. In MSport the 740d comes as standard with adaptive drive, dynamic dampers, rear air suspension and a longer wheelbase. In theory this should make for a better ride quality. What do you reckon? Will the 740d handle like a boat? Cheers SB __________________ F10 330d MSPORT
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12-01-2016, 12:00 PM	#3
Fox530 Lieutenant 38 Rep 581 Posts Drives: M340i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	I've found them to be as good as each other - ie, sometimes both bad, sometimes both good, often at different times. Google Maps once told me the A42 was absolutely fine, BMW RTTi said it was shut. It was shut. Google maps once told me the M5 was shut, BMW RTTi said it was fine. It was shut. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive, 2001 530i Sport Previous: 2015 530d M Sport, 2010 530d SE, 2008 335i M Sport
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12-01-2016, 10:52 PM	#4
IanS100 Major General 136 Rep 5,050 Posts Drives: 520d F10 LCI M Sport Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Southport UK iTrader: (0)	I use BMW RTTI almost every day but always run TomTom GO Android (on my phone) at the same time, and where there's a conflict I'll defer to the TomTom and follow that. On a route that I use 3 or 4 times a week, there has been extensive road realignment with overnight road closures which was completed some weeks ago resulting in much improved journey times. BMW RTTI however thinks that the roadworks / closures are still in force and routes me around them, whereas TomTom HD Traffic was updated almost immediately with the latest info. I get a similar result with daily traffic warnings with RTTI giving me warnings of traffic holdups that TomTom advises me are now clear, and I find the TomTom much more accurate and reliable. Both NBT Pro Nav / RTTI and TomTom have the benefit of the very latest maps, and considering the cost of the BMW system and that it's much easier to use in the car, I'd love to be able to junk TomTom GO, but having used both systems side by side for 18 months, RTTI simply isn't reliable or accurate enough to be able to do so. I'm afraid that it doesn't really answer your question about Google maps but what I am saying is that whilst RTTI may be better than a poke in the eye, it's nowhere near good enough to rely on, in my opinion!
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12-02-2016, 02:03 AM	#5
Fox530 Lieutenant 38 Rep 581 Posts Drives: M340i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	One thing that drives me up the wall is how badly updated the original TMC system - which it still overlays onto the map - often is. For a WEEK now there has been an 'accident' on a certain road. It isn't there. It hasn't been there for a week. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive, 2001 530i Sport Previous: 2015 530d M Sport, 2010 530d SE, 2008 335i M Sport
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12-02-2016, 02:13 AM	#6
xenon Major General 1394 Rep 8,081 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	That's not the fault of the BMW system though, that's because TMC is utter shite. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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12-02-2016, 02:31 AM	#7
shiner First Lieutenant 44 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 535D MSport Touring Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	I take the RTTI with a pinch of salt. Indeed, oftentimes I find the SatNav suggestions are bonkers. Like doing a 180 in the middle of the A1. __________________ 2015 F11 535D M Sport Touring, Space Grey, VDC, HUD, Comfort Seats, Sport Auto, Pro Media. GONE 2013 Z4 35is + tons of options. CURRENT
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12-02-2016, 02:42 AM	#8
JOHNBMWM5 Live for today tomorrow never comes 1989 Rep 9,498 Posts Drives: 2022 LCI Marina Bay Blue/ Smok Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	2017-1 map update has been very accurate for me so far,. and RTTI good. __________________ Live for now, life is too short. 2021 LCI M5 Marina Bay Blue/ Smoked White Leather
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12-03-2016, 12:35 PM	#9
Pottsy Private First Class 18 Rep 158 Posts Drives: F10 535d MSport Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Like Ian, I use Tomtom+Live Traffic all the time. RTTI/NBT is just rubbish in comparison. The real issue is that RTTI only knows about major roads, so if there's a blockage it routes you down smaller roads, which it thinks are completely clear (but are of course blocked). RTTI also is hopeless at re-route decisions regardless of what it knows about smaller roads:
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12-04-2016, 10:05 AM	#13
makkan00 Major General 886 Rep 9,097 Posts Drives: F83 and F36 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Essex iTrader: (56)	I have compared most of them and found Waze better and superior to all of these. __________________ F36 Xdrive for her - HUD, park assist, heated steering wheel, rear camera, Apple car play F36 RWD for him - HK, M sports pack, GTS tail light, Apple car play
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12-05-2016, 04:23 PM	#15
Pottsy Private First Class 18 Rep 158 Posts Drives: F10 535d MSport Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	I use the app on my phone. Mount the phone on a decent quality air vent mount on the vent to the right of the steering wheel, so it doesn't obstruct my vision. Sound is connected to the car by BT.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-06-2016, 07:00 AM	#17
Pottsy Private First Class 18 Rep 158 Posts Drives: F10 535d MSport Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	You just pair the the phone with the car (like I'm sure you have done to use the phone hands free). If you haven't the instructions are in the owner's manual. Incidentally, you can get a custom owner's manual on your phone - install this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...iversguide.row Then to hear whatever sound the phone is playing (Podcasts, music, navigation etc) then simply set the car sound to play Media, External devices and choose your phone.
	Appreciate 0 Quote