OEM Nav on Sport Edition?
 

Hey guys, first post here. I just bought a new 8 and am picking it up later today (CANT WAIT). My question is that can I request the dealer to install the OEM nav on the car? Is it possible to install the navigation (which i guess comes only on the GT) on the sport model?

Absolutely. However, it may be cheaper to explore an aftermarket unit. I'd compare the cost associated with each option.

It can cost up to $2k to get a dealer installed Nav. You can buy many high quality 4" Garmin, etc. devices for that price, not to mention much more frequent map updates.

Initially I wanted a built-in Nav (was not an '05 Shinka option) but my Garmin has proven to be more than adequate, including hands free bluetooth cellphone.

Yea thats what I was hoping for, to get a price on it dealer installed, but when I called my dealership they said that mazda doesn't offer the oem navigation and that instead i would need to get one of the tomtom's ....

thanks for the quick reply by the way.

Thanks for the reply, mind referring me to the unit that you have just so i can compare?

The OEM nav was optional regardless of trim. But it is $2,000. You can get consumer ones that offer WAY more features and functionality for $400, or ones built into phones for even cheaper.

I wouldn't recommend it.

Thanks, yea i have a droid which has spectacular nav ... i guess i was just trying to make sure i wasn't "missing out" on some special integrated features with the touch screen nav...

I'm still using a 3.5" Garmin Streetpilot c550, but there are better 4" diag./thin devices now.

Most of the time it stays in "stealth mode" within my console, plugged into the aux switched power port. Even with the cover closed I can hear the turn-by-turn directions which is generally all I need. I just use the included glass-suction holder for heads up display (low left non-vision obstructing windshield), but there are vent clip-on's available.

Actually, my iPhone 3GS nav is pretty good as well.

Good deal, thanks all for the tips, looks like i should be fine with my droid navi, and now time to instead do some performance research and spend the money there. Thanks all

/close

There are vent clip-on's for the Droid. One stop shopping (most of which you already own).

Save the money for a CobbAP tuner/custom tune, BHR Ignition and AFE short shifter. ;)

ooo BHR ignition sounds tempting, I will have to do some research....im coming from a EM2 D17 (02 civic ex) so im stuck in an apples vs oranges tuning mindset haha

i don't think you can get the oem nav installed at the dealer if you didn't order it from the factory or if the car didn't already come w/ it. i'm sure you can order the parts and put it in but it'll likely be more expensive than the original option. there would be whatever dealer-installed nav but i doubt it's identical to the factory one. it's way cheaper to just buy a portable unit; i've used a couple of them and they pretty much work just as well and you can take them with you

The BHR ignition is one of those things that should have come stock from the factory. They don't advertise MPG or HP improvements, only stabilizing the spark and ignition system more, increasing the longevity to lifetime instead of 20k-35k miles. But, people are also seeing mileage and power gains over their existing ignition which was not running at peak, which happens alot.

The only thing you would be missing by not having the OEM nav would be the OEM-look to the pop up display, which is in very high demand by people installing CarPCs that want to use the OEM nav hood with a replacement touch screen display hooked up to the PC. So it really isn't even the nav, but the casing around the nav :)

You aren't missing anything.

If I read correctly that you are getting a brand new 8, so 2009 or 2010, series 2, then most of the other quick and easy recommended upgrades aren't really available for you unfortunately, including the AP. The BHR ignition should still work, though you might want to check with them.

If you have a Series 1 (2004 through 2008), then there is also the REmedy water pump and thermostat, the oil pressure pellet upgrade that are highly recommended.

Wow thanks for the post, yea i saw a ton of posts regarding custom fabbing a pop up display, i assume that was only for the S1 as the S2 is integrated right where the OEM stereo is, nonetheless, like you said im not missing anything so that is good to know.

I will holler at the folks over at BHR just to confirm that their kit fits, the car is a S2 (2010 model), only has 16 miles on it so im sure i can hold out for a bit.