[jmg]

I'm considering the X3 xDrive30i for my wife and family vacation hauler. AWD is a must, and so is NAV for when we are out in the wilderness outside of Cell range. However, on the build site, NAV only comes in the $6k Premium Tier which comes with a HUD. WTH. That can't be right. Tell me that can't be right. I don't need a HUD.

[KevinAC]

Originally Posted by jmg

I'm considering the X3 xDrive30i for my wife and family vacation hauler. AWD is a must, and so is NAV for when we are out in the wilderness outside of Cell range. However, on the build site, NAV only comes in the $6k Premium Tier which comes with a HUD. WTH. That can't be right. Tell me that can't be right. I don't need a HUD.

You may not realize it, but you do need HUD. I didn't want it either, but now it really bothers me driving my wife's car without it. The Nav directions in the HUD help a lot with keeping your eyes on the road.

Either way, if you go without the Premium Tier, you can still add Nav as an option for $1700.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by KevinAC

You may not realize it, but you do need HUD. I didn't want it either, but now it really bothers me driving my wife's car without it. The Nav directions in the HUD help a lot with keeping your eyes on the road.

I've had the hud in my 340i and I went without it in my F80, and I don't really miss it that much.

Originally Posted by KevinAC

Either way, if you go without the Premium Tier, you can still add Nav as an option for $1700.

Ok good to know, thanks.

[WallyF]

I tried built a vehicle. The NAV option is available by itself for $1700.

Try it yourself. I started with the X line and added the Convenience pkg and leather.

Wallyf

[Wanna3]

Another consideration with the HUD is that it's basically rendered useless by some polarized sunglasses (e.g., Maui Jim). I can see the HUD faintly if I tilt my head to the side, but otherwise it's effectively invisible when I'm wearing my Maui's.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by WallyF

I tried built a vehicle. The NAV option is available by itself for $1700.

Try it yourself. I started with the X line and added the Convenience pkg and leather.

Wallyf

Yup I see it now. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Wanna3

Another consideration with the HUD is that it's basically rendered useless by some polarized sunglasses (e.g., Maui Jim). I can see the HUD faintly if I tilt my head to the side, but otherwise it's effectively invisible when I'm wearing my Maui's.

That's partially the reason why I didn't go for it in my F80. I only used it at night.

[sor]

Originally Posted by Wanna3

Another consideration with the HUD is that it's basically rendered useless by some polarized sunglasses (e.g., Maui Jim). I can see the HUD faintly if I tilt my head to the side, but otherwise it's effectively invisible when I'm wearing my Maui's.

I actually picked up some good non polarized lenses just for this reason. I've been a sunglasses snob who only wears polarized for years, but I'm glad this forced the issue because I quite like the new ones. There are some good contrast enhancing, glare reducing options out there made specifically for driving.

[sinbad4]

Bite the bullet. Get the HUD. It's great to have the various instructions come up in the HUD when driving. As you get close to change-up - you'll be presented with lane or turn information - or even mini-map. It's awesome!

[Boosh99]

Originally Posted by sor

I actually picked up some good non polarized lenses just for this reason. I've been a sunglasses snob who only wears polarized for years, but I'm glad this forced the issue because I quite like the new ones. There are some good contrast enhancing, glare reducing options out there made specifically for driving.

What brands of sunglasses are people moving to that are non-polarised. Need new sunnies for both wife and I and both are sworn polarised users but both have(or about to have) cars with HUD.

[sor]

Originally Posted by Boosh99

What brands of sunglasses are people moving to that are non-polarised. Need new sunnies for both wife and I and both are sworn polarised users but both have(or about to have) cars with HUD.

Just my opinion, but both Smith and Oakley have excellent lines of road-oriented lenses (Chromapop road and Prizm road). I settled on some glasses with Prizm road lenses. Maui Jim has a "Maui Rose" that's high contrast as well, though I slightly prefer their HCL bronze.

Recently I was talking with a guy who pointed out to me that it is rare to find sport eyewear that is polarized, outside of some specific sports like fishing or shooting. It actually makes it more difficult to see details on surfaces, reduces contrast. You need some reflection to see depth and texture. Additionally polarized lenses are not consistent if you're moving your head around a lot as varying angles.

There are some very select roads at very specific times of day and direction of travel where you may experience increased "shine" coming off the road by going away from polarized. However, I think in general you see more detail without, particularly in winter. It's hard to find a snow goggle that's polarized, or winter sport athletes using them.

[Boosh99]

Originally Posted by sor

Just my opinion, but both Smith and Oakley have excellent lines of road-oriented lenses (Chromapop road and Prizm road). I settled on some glasses with Prizm road lenses. Maui Jim has a "Maui Rose" that's high contrast as well, though I slightly prefer their HCL bronze.

Recently I was talking with a guy who pointed out to me that it is rare to find sport eyewear that is polarized, outside of some specific sports like fishing or shooting. It actually makes it more difficult to see details on surfaces, reduces contrast. You need some reflection to see depth and texture. Additionally polarized lenses are not consistent if you're moving your head around a lot as varying angles.

There are some very select roads at very specific times of day and direction of travel where you may experience increased "shine" coming off the road by going away from polarized. However, I think in general you see more detail without, particularly in winter. It's hard to find a snow goggle that's polarized, or winter sport athletes using them.

Thanks I'll check these out. We don't get any snow around here, so that won't be an issue, but I think here in Australia we have a lot of glare - not sure if related to lack of Ozone and related high UV... or it could just be that when I've visited other parts of the world it was at the right time of year to not experience so much glare. Cheers!

[sor]

Originally Posted by Boosh99

Thanks I'll check these out. We don't get any snow around here, so that won't be an issue, but I think here in Australia we have a lot of glare - not sure if related to lack of Ozone and related high UV... or it could just be that when I've visited other parts of the world it was at the right time of year to not experience so much glare. Cheers!

That's a good point. I've never been to Australia. I'd bet non polarized would be better for off-roading or trail cycling, but I don't imagine you'll be flogging your X3 down a trail. Everyone's needs are different, hopefully you find a pair that you like.

[Sea-Tac]

Originally Posted by jmg

I'm considering the X3 xDrive30i for my wife and family vacation hauler. AWD is a must, and so is NAV for when we are out in the wilderness outside of Cell range. However, on the build site, NAV only comes in the $6k Premium Tier which comes with a HUD. WTH. That can't be right. Tell me that can't be right. I don't need a HUD.

I purchased the luxury line, executive tier 2018 X3 xDrive30i. The navigation system is listed in the premium package as an included option along with HUD at $3300.00. I'm reading that straight off the Monroney sticker. You can get Nav as a stand alone option like others have said. I do understand personal preferences, especially in cars -- just my opinion you can't go wrong with the HUD either -- it makes the Nav so much better especially, when following guidance directions from point A to point B and any intermediate waypoints along the way.