Murano NAVIGATIONAL GPS system

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I would like to know if the Murano NAVI system could be programmed while driving. Also, can you search for an address by entering in a phone number??

[**DONOTDELETE**]

.. and I would like to know if the Navi includes all the functions of the "info center" ... i.e. are you missing out on anything by adding the $2K Navi system ???

[squid]

(1)You can't search using phone numbers, sorry.
(2)You don't lose anything when you get the navigation system. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif

[memnoch]

i don't know where jdw got his info but there IS an option to search by phone number, as well as address, intersection, and point-of-interest.
i'm not sure what exactly you wish to do with the nav while driving, but while driving, i can set destination (via address book) or scroll/zoom the map. i haven't tried everything though.
one of the neat things with having the nav is that you get a better display for the info center. without the nav, the text on the display is orange and the fonts look similar to that from a digital watch. with the nav, the fonts are sharp Arial-like. So the trip meters, MPG, maintenance, tire pressure, A/C status, clock, outside temp, driver/passenger temps, and radio display all look bigger, sharper, and cooler! can't wait to see artist/title info from satellite radio!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

That's great! I'm glad to hear that I don't miss out on info and also that the text quality is better, an unstated concern!! Thanks!!

[squid]

Hmmm, perhaps I haven't played with it enough yet. I don't recall seeing that feature, but we rarely have one here either. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif

[ChicagoT5]

Well, after 4 fun filled days with our new Murano, the only issue we have is the stupid "I Agree" prompt that we are forced to respond to each time we start the car. Otherise, this car is awesome.

The dealer says that it is normal for this prompt to come up each time (vs agreeing only once), but I do not agree. Does anyone know of a way to get this stupid prompt to go away for good?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

While I am not interested in paying $2000 for a nav. I wanted to know if you think it has been worth it so far??? I mean you really only need to use the nav when you go on road trips to areas you never been before but would you bother using it in a area you already know? Besides not getting lost, is there any other benefits of having the Nav system at all?

[gregep]

I've been reading posts for about 3 months now and am taking the plunge. Before ordering my new Murano, however, I'd still like a little more information about the Navigation system to see if that's an option I really want. Your questions, zangerzone, are pretty much the same as mine, but it appears you've received no response. Maybe someone'll respond now that they're being asked again. Hope so.

Also, I was wondering if anyone knows the geographic area covered by the DVD. On the NissanUSA website, it only mentions the US. Living near Canada (here in Western Washington), I'd like to know if I could take a day-trip to Vancouver and use the Nav system. Is Canada included?

In addition, how much are the DVDs (supplements if not covering a whole geographic area and updates for later times). Anyone know? Thanks.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I believe the Nissan Murano has DVD nav system so should be the same that Infiniti uses. Here is link below.

http://www.zenrin.com/ezBasket/pr_dvd.asp?make=infiniti

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Populated urban areas are covered in Canada the same as in the US. Rural areas are not covered in either country. I've used the NAV system in Vancouver and it works well.

[ownersite]

Zenrin is the website that is referenced in the Murano's Nav user manual, but the website does not have any information on the Nissan DVD version. Oh, and according to their website:</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
* Notice to all DVD Navigation Customers : Effective March 1, 2003, the price for Navigation DVD's will increase five dollars to a total of $185.00.

[/QUOTE]As far as programming while you are driving...

As stated, if you are not at a complete stop, you cannot "find" addresses, but you can select from your stored addresses as destinations.

I've found pretty immediate benefit from it, finding several routes already that cut down driving distances from 35 to 18 miles that only take a few minutes more time. It has not directed me incorrectly so far. Considering the number of new roads and roads that suddenly change name for no good reason around here (North Atlanta), I think that speaks volumes.

Either way, I was planning on having a nav system in this vehicle. After the vehicle discounting, I figure the nav system cost me about $1600. Looking at high-end aftermarket alternatives (like a PocketPC w/Bluetooth, Nav software, antenna, the Garmin Streetpilot or the upcoming Navman (http://www.navmanusa.com/land/icn630/index.html)) the cost would have been around $1000. I like the integrated system with the larger display for the extra money. Others, of course, will not. To each his own. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm still investigating my Murano NAV system, but I did notice that the database does not include a realignment of a local highway that was completed about 9 months ago. The system shows me traveling off-road when I'm on this highway. I wonder when the database was created .. and .. what updates will cost...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I openned my system up today and ejected the DVD. The version that shipped with my M-O was 6.1 dated 2002, and is the latest version shown on the web site. I know for a fact that it doesn't include several new roads built in late 2002, so I'd guess it's fairly accurate up until April or May of 2002.

[gregep]

I appreciate all the assistance I've been getting. And I've been trying to follow threads on some other forums.

I did check out the website for the DVD supplier (zenrin and called the Nissan Navigation Help Desk it lists (1-888-661-9995) to confirm that the DVDs shown on the website (under an Infiniti heading) are also the ones for the Murano system. They also confirmed that the DVDs will be $185.00 as of 3/2001 for *any* purchaser (even current users who simply want a new one as an update). I'm a little surprised that it's not handled in a subscriber sort of fashion with updated versions costing only incrementally more (e.g., I buy the first DVD, and updates, even though they're standalone versions, cost less than to me as a previous purchaser than the original).

Nissan's website says to speak to the dealerships for more information. I tried local dealerships, but it seemed my questions stumped them or they were not too interested in finding answers. In any case, I wanted to know if the Nav system would assist me on a road trip, say, in more isolated areas. The (zenrin) DVD website lists those areas covered in detail (most major metropolitan areas), but it states of other areas that they are "covered without detailed coverage." I wonder what that means. For example, if I'm on the road in rural Nevada or Wyoming, I might like to have an onscreen map display that can tell me where the next service station is. Do they provide such maps (even without ATM, restaurant, gas-station sites, etc.)?

Just as an interesting sideline, even though the "detailed coverage" of major metropolitan areas seems pretty complete, there are some sizable omissions (e.g., El Paso, TX, with a metropolitan population of almost 700,000 is not included, but Bryan/College Station, TX, with a metropolitan population of about 150,000 is).

I'll probably spring for the Navigation system, but I do have to admit that given the lack of knowledge from the dealership(s) with whom I've spoken and the piecemeal information I've gotten from Nissan and Zenrin's websites, it'll be a purchase based more on faith than fact (except for the great factual assistance I've seen here from all you good folks).

Thanks again.

[manx54]

Well, I'm both a map freak and a gadget freak, so there was no question that my next car was going to have a nav system, especially having used it quite a bit in Japan when I was there recently.

Can't really advise you about rural area coverage too much since I haven't ventured too far out of my metro DC area stomping grounds. But I can offer some impressions:

Generally it's been very useful having the map in front of you AND knowing exactly where you are on the map. Knowing how far ahead the turnoff is, and that you haven't missed it, is quite useful.

I haven't tried the destination guidance too much yet, but I can tell you a couple of anecdotes.
1) I went out to a restaurant the other day. I knew roughly where it was, but not exactly. I punched in the address and turned the guidance on. It made it so much easier to find it.
2) I also found the guidance system to be useful in finding out ahead of time whether the interstate on-ramp is from the right lane or the left lane.

I go birding a bit, and it's been very useful in the semi-rural agricultural area surrounding DC, for finding backroads that can circle back, or not missing small minor roads that are not well marked but known among birders as hot spots. I'm sure it will be great for cross-country birding trips.

SE AWD Midnight Blue/Cafe Latte

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You have to hit "I Agree" every time you start the car. There is no way out of it. Blame the lawyers.

While driving, you can select the "Quick Stop" menu from the ROUTE button and locate ATMs, Hospitals, Fast Food Restaurants, Gas Stations, and 1 more category of your choice (eg Hotel). It will then find the nearest 5 locations for that category. I repeat, WHILE you are driving.

[Printerman]

Hi All:

I have been reading all of the responses and kind of think that I might want to get a NAV system.

I have been looking at the new Navman ICN-630 it seems to have most of the features of the built in unit.

I was wondering if anyone has looked at it and thought it would be a good substitute.

I saw the 630 on sale for $700.00 it is easy to update it has a clear display and does voice commands .

I would like to hear what others think….

Thanks for your help….


http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif


2003 Murano AWD SL Sheer Silver/Charcoal All options except VDC and NAV

[johnnieliu]

Is it possible to replace the stock Bose CD/Radio/Cassette head unit with an 3rd party(Pioneer/Alpine/etc.) DVD Navigation head unit? The aftermarket NAV systems all have "fold-out" screens, which sometimes would cover up variuos dashboard controls, or vents, but the Mureno's stock head unit is so large that you could put in a 1 DIN DVD NAV head unit and the deployed screen would cover up any buttons or vents. Biggest bennefit with 3rd party DVD NAV is software support. Comments?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Hi, I am looking to get a Murano for my wife over the next couple of months and am seriously considering the NAV system. I have one in my CL500 and love it. I find it useful even in Montreal where I live. It allows me to give my wife an exact time of when I will be home http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

I would like to know if anyone can give me some answers on the Nav system's functionality. In my car there are some limitations and I am hoping these are not in the Murano.

1. Can you easily zoom in and out of views? Where is the control for this? On the steering on the console?

2. Does the system automatically zoom in as you approach your destination?

3. When you search for a location by POINT OF INTEREST, does the list come back sorted by proximity to your current location and does it give an indication of which direction the place is? If I am driving in one direction I don't need to be shown gas stations behind me, for example.

4. What is the input method like? Is it user friendly? Can you input streets and points of interest by skipping to the first letter and then the system eliminates choices as you input more letters?

5. I've also heard that Nissan's Nav system is quite cool in that it has a view that shows the streets from a type of "bird's eye perspective". Can you confirm this?

6. Lastly, when they say major met. regions are covered I assume that these are the main cities and small rural towns are not but are the interconnecting interstates and highways covered?

Thanks for your help on this.

Also, if anyone has any information about the real availability of a rear entertainment system or the possibility to watch DVDs on the front NAV screen I would appreciate it.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Nissan seems to want quite a bit for their NAV system. Are the dealers willing to apply the same discount to the system as the might for the Murano itself or do they consider it a type of accessory that they need to make a higher markup on?

Thanks.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You mentioned being from Montreal... I've heard feedback from other Canadian Infiniti/Nissan owners that the map coverage isn't as good as in the U.S., particularly the Point of Interest feature.


1. Can you easily zoom in and out of views? Where is the control for this? On the steering on the console?



Yes, there is zoom control. The switch is conveniently located below the screen, on the very top of the radio console.



2. Does the system automatically zoom in as you approach your destination?



No, but the manual zoom works relatively quickly.



3. When you search for a location by POINT OF INTEREST, does the list come back sorted by proximity to your current location and does it give an indication of which direction the place is? If I am driving in one direction I don't need to be shown gas stations behind me, for example.



I haven't used this feature yet to look for the nearest gas station, restaurant, etc. while driving. I have used the POI system to find unfamiliar locations which I don't have the address for -- works great.



4. What is the input method like? Is it user friendly? Can you input streets and points of interest by skipping to the first letter and then the system eliminates choices as you input more letters?



I feel it's user-friendly enough for a system that's not a touch screen. I was able to figure it out within 10 minutes without reading the manual. You can input the first few letters and then have the Nav System give you a list of destinations (street names, towns, POIs, etc) that begin with those letters.



5. I've also heard that Nissan's Nav system is quite cool in that it has a view that shows the streets from a type of "bird's eye perspective". Can you confirm this?



Yes, the "bird's eye view" is very cool 3D-like perspective. I usually leave the system in this mode.



6. Lastly, when they say major met. regions are covered I assume that these are the main cities and small rural towns are not but are the interconnecting interstates and highways covered?



I've found that the Nav system works in urban and rural areas. For example I used it to find a bed &amp; breakfast in a tiny rural town 2 hours outside of Washington DC. Works great with interstate highways as well.



... availability of a rear entertainment system or the possibility to watch DVDs on the front NAV screen I would appreciate it.



If you have the DVD entertainment system, the Nav screen cannot be used to watch movies with. Nissan's probably afraid of being sued if someone were to be distracted by it resulting in an accident.