I live in Princeton NJ and have both the map 7 and 8 for my 2000 2.7T. I have a few comments and questions. First the question.

1. I understand that only navtech is the dealer for updated cd's. However, their web site lists all the car except Audi. Can someone clarify this. Are there other vendors I can go with.

2. I live in Princeton NJ which seems to be the divide for map 7 and 8 cd. This is extremly annoying. Can I get one cd for NY/NJ/Pa. area?

3. The gps data does not show any satellites in the gps screen. Any suggestions?

Comments: so far the verdict is not too favorable for this nav system. first that it's not a graphichical system like acura etc which gives you the "big picture" of one location. second the cumbersome controls.

Thanks in advance

 

I can tell you that I much prefer the Audi system. The Audi nav can access data faster and updates continuously, unlike the other system which sometimes causes you to miss a turn while updating info mid-trip. I missed the center dash display with upcoming turn distance and street name clearly indicated. The other system required you look down to check your progress. Being able to see surrounding streets was nice, but not necessary - and most certainly unsafe if you were doing anything other than just glancing at it.

You can get more CDs from the dealership parts dept. They do not keep an inventory as the CDs are constantly being updated, but rather fax a request for the latest version upon your sale/request. Some faolks here may have an alternate source. The system is very close to what is used in the BMW, but without the map. The Acura system costs approx 2K, while the Audi system is $1300. The nav plus system used in Europe ( I have driven one adapted to a US car ) would be in the range of 3 to 4K and includes TV capability, but is slower in reading info and does not offer much in the way of an advantage when just trying to get from point A to B. When I was toodling around, it was nice to pull over and consult it in taking an alternate route based on the map - but for that I could just haul out a Thomas guide and use it with the same effectiveness.

 

found the system to be very useable. I've otherwise only used the BMW system, and while it's fun to have a large screen, I see no practical use for it for navigation, and in fact find the large screen a huge distraction from the road. Audi's receding bar showing the distance to the next upcoming event is really well done, I think. The central display (right where it should be!) shows total distance, distance to next event, road names and directional arrows (maybe more, that's from memory) - all that's needed in a navigation system.

My [BMW] friend reports to me that he much prefers the way the Audi system often announces upcoming changes by name ("turn South on State Route 42") rather than just "take the next right" etc. He also knows about computer voicing systems and tells me that the Audi system is pretty sophisticated and good.

The routes it uses have actually helped me find shortcuts even in familiar neighborhoods - the map data is good!

Last, I think the controls are simple, easy, and to the point. It's relatively slow to start up, but once going data input is straight-forward. The Audi nav system is a good tool, but not so great a "gadget."

Two complaints:
- It has told me in the past "turn onto Route 87" when the 87 exit in fact had both a East and West option at that particular offramp. Someone reported that this has been improved with the latest disc release.
- It's too talky. I'd like the ability to tell it to shut up sometimes. You only need to hear "bear left ahead" once or twice!

I think if you can get the disc issues straightened out and can spend some time actually using the system that you will find it useful and like it more. If you have a strong desire for the large screens and "graphical" interface that comes with them, you might never like the Audi system.

Good luck with yours, hope the car is great otherwise.

 

Hi there
I live in Switzerland and my Nav Plus is really the best combination: it has the color LCD in the console where I can see an overview street map (important for complicated highway crossings) and the info display in the dash which gives you the most important instructions for the short distance... TV is a nice gadget - but it's only working during standstill while waiting for somebody...

A6 4.2 '00, sports package, Nav Plus, black/vanilla, 45'000 mi

 

Welcome Homeboy.
One of them was for exactly your symtoms, the othe had a soft drink spilled in there. Its not an issue for me because Audi waranty service changed them no questions. The last one took only the time to have a cup of coffee and be on my way.

 

Thank you. I will take it to the dealership to have diags done on the system, especially since the car is still under warranty. Also, I'll look into getting the updated cd's.

Is there anyone else besides Navtech or Audi Dealership I can buy the cd's from?

PS. I am new to this forum and am quite pleased with the professionalism of the members. As far as my 2.7T is concerned, I love this car. I also have a BMW 528. Differert rides but none the less fun to drive.

 

OK fine- I'll bite. =8^)

Was this an AOA car with the NavPlus or was it done by a highly creative enthusiast? And did they get a new map DVD or did they compress all regional maps into a single DVD? Though I thought someone posted an exchange that our CD don't contain the 'visual/graphical' aspects of the map topography.

I love the way the current Nav is set up. I use it even when I know the way, because I like the mileage and ETA features. But as you mentioned, there have been a couple of times where I could have looked for an alternate route via the LCD screen versus trying to 'force' the nav to redirect me.

An example would be when in San Francisco, on the west side of the city, when I choose "Home" as my destination (San Ramon/East Bay) it takes me up the Golden Gate, across the Richmond, down 80 and then it hooks me up right where the bay bridge is, instead of directing me to the bay bridge on the first shot.

And since I've rambled already- just in case AOA is reading this, the next gen nav- do the best of both worlds for us- center view point, but project it on the windshield (a la Heads Up Display) like the Cadillac STS does with their night vision/FLIR system.

Feliz Sunday-
Ernesto

 

Of course it went out at the tricky part of a 300 mile trip, but no hassle on the replacement. I appreciate the small screen. You need to get used to the distance remaining notations and time remaining, and learn to trust Heidi the Nave lady. In defense of the small screen, it does not dominate the interior design like other versions, which I also like.

 

I finally got the NAV system fixed by taking it at the dealer. The replaced the antenna and reset the system to default. Apparantly, it was stuck in a demo mode.

NAV system is working fine. Thanks again.