Full Disclaimer: I'm a "gadget freak", which makes me biased toward the tech goodies the A4 has to offer... Having said that, I would be very interested in hearing firsthand feedback from B8 owners that opted for the OEM Nav. and have put it through its paces.

--How functional and intuitive is it?
--Does it map accurately an re-route quickly?
--Is real time traffic included or a pay service?
--Can you enter an address while car is moving or do you get "locked out" with only option being "voice" commands (that's how my current Lexus is, and I hate it)?
--Are there any differences between MMI '09 and '10?
--Any regrets with choosing it as an option (ie, shoulda gone with Garmin)?

Any other experiences would be appreciated. Thanks much

 

Let me qualify my comments with my GPS experience with limited to portable Garmins and the one I ordered with my 08 mini (which was atrocious).

--How functional and intuitive is it?
All the input is done via a rotating wheel, which makes it kinda painful (though I dunno what I'd be expecting besides a touchscreen)
--Does it map accurately an re-route quickly?
I haven't been able to find a few addresses, but overall i find it reroutes more quickly and accurately than my garmin nuvi.
--Is real time traffic included or a pay service?
My sales guy said it was part of the satellite radio.
--Can you enter an address while car is moving or do you get "locked out" with only option being "voice" commands (that's how my current Lexus is, and I hate it)?
Yes, it gives you a warning but you can continue.
--Are there any differences between MMI '09 and '10?
Mine is an 10, so I can't comment.
--Any regrets with choosing it as an option (ie, shoulda gone with Garmin)?
I like it alot more than my portable units or the one from the mini, plus it has the backup camera :-)

 

Yes, significant differences. MY'09 cars have the 2G MMI, whereas MY'10 got the 3G. I don't have 3G, so I can't list the differences, but 3G is a significant upgrade over 2G (faster, better graphics, more options, etc).

 

I went from an 06 with 2G NAV to a 2010 with a 3G nav and it is super cool...

--How functional and intuitive is it?

I love it, I set my route by voice normally.

--Does it map accurately an re-route quickly?

In my limited use yes.

--Is real time traffic included or a pay service?

Associated with having an active Sirius account with traffic. Boo. No traffic by me so I won't re-up.

--Can you enter an address while car is moving or do you get "locked out" with only option being "voice" commands (that's how my current Lexus is, and I hate it)?

You can enter via dial, or voice when moving.

--Are there any differences between MMI '09 and '10?

A ton. I suggest you checkout: http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/o...y_defined.html

--Any regrets with choosing it as an option (ie, shoulda gone with Garmin)?

No regrets (although I did need to reboot it this morning)

 

I have had two recent Audis, both with 2G. I borrowed a new Q5 with the newer MMI and Nav and the differences are not subtle. I also test drove an Acura and an Infiniti with their current nav offerings.

2GMMI is but a pale shadow of what the Japanese LPS's offer. 3GMMI is, overall, a huge step forward but Audi's newest is about where Acura or Inifniti was in 2005.

Now, having said that, I find the 2GMMI nav accurate and fast -- the voice commands work about 98% of the time, but to really get the best out of the system, you really have to PREPROGRAM the nav, and then call up the directory or "previous destinations."

The Audi systems seem to be solid -- intuitive, for the most part, accurate and when telling you where to go, as good as anyone else's.

It is all of the surrounding functionality that the Japanese offer, for instance, that makes the Audi system merely a "C+" -- and it gets this simply becuase it is pretty well integrated into the entire "avionics" of the car (and that much is true for both the 2G and 3G versions.)

My primary issue is that the Audi systems (and I would not have one of these cars without it) cost about double what they ought to cost considering Moore's Law. Hell, they probably cost triple what they ought to cost, even with the back up camera integration.

3GMMI is a hell of a lot better than 2GMMI -- but if you have been driving an Acura or Infiniti (for instance), you may find the Audi (and BMW, too) versions are, er, a little "rinky," especially for the price.

You will need the Sirius subscription for real time traffic, BTW.

After all my complaints, I still wouldn't want a car, today, without FACTORY nav -- so I just roll up my arm and bend over.

Thank you sir, I have another!

 

I went from 6 months of 2G to having 3G for the last 2 months.

It's a big improvement as the screen is a little larger, the resolution is better, you have slide out windows for things like temp and seat heat instead of the whole screen changing, it's full voice control, you had the 10Gb jukebox, SD card slots, DVD playback, easier map navigation (due to cursor) etc etc

however .....

the 3G voice is much mor erobotic than the 2G. It's definately a step backward. Also it often has issues when approaching roundabouts. We have a lot in the UK and you guys don't have so many so it'll affect you less. Basically the timing is out so it'll say "take the second exit" once you've passed one meaning you need to take the first exit.

This is a know issue and Audi are supposedly working on it. Many people in the UK are hopeing for a software upgrade but so far it's still an issue.

Having pointed out these two big issues, I wouldn't go back to 2G.

 

Thanks for the responses--really helpful . Unfortunate for 2009 owners that 2010 introduced a not so insignificant upgrade to the MMI. I have used the Acura NAV and would agree that it is probably the trendsetter. Having used the Toyota/Lexus NAV for the past 2.5 years, however, the Audi Nav 3G MMI appears to be a definite step up.

One more reason that the A4 remains at/near the top of my list for future acquisition

 

I like gadgets a lot too. The Audi line has it's fair share of tech-goodies. I definitely recommend getting the 3G MMI if only for the fact that you get 'Full MMI' and better sound. You can research that here: http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/articles/a4a5realmmi.html
IMO, not very. You have to turn the wheel anti-clockwise, where it seems it would be better if it was clockwise.
yepp
already answered above
already answered above
Here's a great interview w/ the man himself regarding 3G:
http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_4301.shtml
No regrets here. I have a fairly easy commute, as I go against most traffic in the DC Metro area and also use back roads.
I have had opportunities for the Nav to recalculate mid-route due to traffic issues, and I really like that!