[dcbrown1]

Just picked up our new x3 3.5 with premium package, sport activity package, winter package, premium sat sound, etc, and there's no compass in the mirror. That seems cheap and odd. I have the compass/mirror thing in my 135i sans nav. Thoughts?

[Nahoa]

Well, sounds like you made an assumption . . .

I despise the compass display in the mirror and am glad it's not there. Sorry if you're missing it!

[LEDZEP]

I didn't think to notice that when I test drove the X3. That does seem odd, but if you have Navi there is always a compass there. Admit though, that it is useful in the mirror.

[Brutus1]

I think they sell them at Walmart.

[tuco44]

Big deal....never miss it...I've had cars with it, and many without it...doesn't matter.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Never had one and cannot see the point for it

You can set sat nav direction to north travel and work the rest out on your own

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

I despise the compass display in the mirror and am glad it's not there. Sorry if you're missing it!

On both of my old mercedes there was a button on the rear mirror that lets you toggle the compass on and off, in off mode it's just shiny like a normal mirror surface, no black square where the display would otherwise be.

It does seem sort of strange that the car doesn't have a digital compass on the mirrior, even my grandma's 8 year old camry has one.

[Alanintx]

I had one on my last BMW, a 328 convert., and I got used to it. Did not notice it was omitted on the X3, but the Nav more than makes up for it. I probably would have been PO'ed if I did not have the NAV.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by Beyu

On both of my old mercedes there was a button on the rear mirror that lets you toggle the compass on and off, in off mode it's just shiny like a normal mirror surface, no black square where the display would otherwise be.

It does seem sort of strange that the car doesn't have a digital compass on the mirrior, even my grandma's 8 year old camry has one.

That would be a great set-up so those who want it can use it. I found it distracting and never found a need to know my heading. I use the nav all the time, but in this area I haven't found the direction handy (direction and road rarely if ever match).

[marc x]

I totally agree, my non-nav model does not have compass and it is annoying. I use my phone but Its a pain having to use your phone and try and find what direction you are facing or need to turn.
I find myself making u-turns.
BMW stupid to omit compass on non-nav vehicles. I hope they get it together, starting to look at other car brands for my next buy.
Also the cheap plastic through out the vehicle. Not much luxury in this model!!!

[honeybadgerch]

The split screen function can display music/comms/settings + compass. When you have split screen enabled, click the dial right, and you'll get options for the split screen right side. Among these options is the compass/nav/xdrive status/...

Alternatively, you can also enable it on the dash. That's two compass options to choose from!

[marc x]

Originally Posted by honeybadgerch

The split screen function can display music/comms/settings + compass. When you have split screen enabled, click the dial right, and you'll get options for the split screen right side. Among these options is the compass/nav/xdrive status/...

Alternatively, you can also enable it on the dash. That's two compass options to choose from!

yes, I don't have the split screen! Just the base model screen.

[honeybadgerch]

Originally Posted by marc x

yes, I don't have the split screen! Just the base model screen.

Wasn't aware of that limitation. Perhaps OP has the option, seeing as he optioned up his x3, in which case he'd be able to get the compass in split screen mode.

May I ask why you opted for the base + no nav? It's becoming increasingly rare to see new models without the pro nav.

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by honeybadgerch

Wasn't aware of that limitation. Perhaps OP has the option, seeing as he optioned up his x3, in which case he'd be able to get the compass in split screen mode.

May I ask why you opted for the base + no nav? It's becoming increasingly rare to see new models without the pro nav.

I wish you were right but there are plenty of expensive BMWs without Pro-Nav on showrooms.

BMW's equipment levels are increasingly complicated and confusing. Even the sales men don't know whether a car will have the small details that matter as spec can be different depending on the model, model year and even region of the world.

One should never make assumptions based on showroom floor car. When I buy my next BMW I will ask about every little detail to make sure the car I take home matches my expectations.

[nyalpine90]

check the instrument cluster, mine shows up there. I have the tech package.