Auto GPS that works

[Emmrbee]

Can anyone recommend a GPS that works in an E85 Z4?
My Garmin Nuvi 1490 has never worked in my 3.0si or my M roadster. No matter where it is placed in the vehicle the unit can not acquire the satellite signal. I have an older Magellan Roadmate that works like a charm but the map database is from 2007 and is no longer supported.
Google maps, Waze and MapsMe work on my IPhone but would prefer an automotive GPS.

What GPS with lifetime maps works in E5 Z4s?

[ShakyDog]

Odd each of my 3 Garmins all work fine. I put them on the driver side just above the vent on the wind shield.

Steve

[Emmrbee]

Originally Posted by ShakyDog

Odd each of my 3 Garmins all work fine. I put them on the driver side just above the vent on the wind shield.

Steve

What Garmin models do you have?

[3002 tii]

Maybe your 1490 is just busted? Does it work in other cars? For track day I’ve used numerous gps devices (phone, external phone gps accessories) and I never had a problem as long as it had a clear view of the sky (i.e. windshield or hatch of trunk).

[Huz-Z]

My old Garmin 1350 works fine and even matches the black interior with brushed aluminum trim. Here’s to not getting lost and being coordinated at the same time.

[Emmrbee]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Maybe your 1490 is just busted? Does it work in other cars? For track day I've used numerous gps devices (phone, external phone gps accessories) and I never had a problem as long as it had a clear view of the sky (i.e. windshield or hatch of trunk).

The 1490 works well in any of our vehicles other than the Z4. As soon as it is near the Z4, even outside of the vehicle it looses the satellite signal. Plug it into our truck or VW it immediately acquires the satellite signal and works again.

Very strange

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Emmrbee

The 1490 works well in any of our vehicles other than the Z4. As soon as it is near the Z4, even outside of the vehicle it looses the satellite signal. Plug it into our truck or VW it immediately acquires the satellite signal and works again.

Very strange

Is your Z4 tinted? Is the cig lighter definitely working?

[Emmrbee]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Is your Z4 tinted? Is the cig lighter definitely working?

The si was tinted and M is as well. As for the cig lighter are asking if it works as a power source?
I don't loose power to the GPS, I can't acquire a sat signal with the Garmin. The Magellan with old maps database works fine.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Emmrbee

The si was tinted and M is as well. As for the cig lighter are asking if it works as a power source?
I don't loose power to the GPS, I can't acquire a sat signal with the Garmin. The Magellan with old maps database works fine.

Can you get signal with top down? Maybe it’s the tints?

[Emmrbee]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Can you get signal with top down? Maybe it’s the tints?

Garmin 1490 does not work at all in any position, location or configuration.
Can you recommend a GPS unit that works?

[pungo]

Just get a cheap Android cell phone. I picked up a old Samsung S5 for $45. Just download google maps for your area and then use them offline. No phone plan needed. As a bonus you can use a wireless OBDII adapter to monitor vehicle sensors as well as read and clear error codes. Use the aux jack to play music. With the advancement of smart phones, I didn't even know people still used Garmin devices.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by pungo

Just get a cheap Android cell phone. I picked up a old Samsung S5 for $45. Just download google maps for your area and then use them offline. No phone plan needed. As a bonus you can use a wireless OBDII adapter to monitor vehicle sensors as well as read and clear error codes. Use the aux jack to play music. With the advancement of smart phones, I didn't even know people still used Garmin devices.

Brilliant idea!

[Emmrbee]

Originally Posted by pungo

Just get a cheap Android cell phone. I picked up a old Samsung S5 for $45. Just download google maps for your area and then use them offline. No phone plan needed. As a bonus you can use a wireless OBDII adapter to monitor vehicle sensors as well as read and clear error codes. Use the aux jack to play music. With the advancement of smart phones, I didn't even know people still used Garmin devices.

I use Google maps and Waze in my own area. I use MapsMe when no cell signal is available or when data roaming charges are prohibitive. I have an OBD2 hand held unit already.
I am looking for a GPS that will function in an E85 Z4. Best for long road trips like around Lake Superior or down east.

[wdb]

If you already use Google Maps, check out the offline map feature. Depending on the available storage on your phone you can pull down some really large maps.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by pungo

Just get a cheap Android cell phone. I picked up a old Samsung S5 for $45. Just download google maps for your area and then use them offline. No phone plan needed. As a bonus you can use a wireless OBDII adapter to monitor vehicle sensors as well as read and clear error codes. Use the aux jack to play music. With the advancement of smart phones, I didn't even know people still used Garmin devices.

Originally Posted by Emmrbee

I use Google maps and Waze in my own area. I use MapsMe when no cell signal is available or when data roaming charges are prohibitive. I have an OBD2 hand held unit already.
I am looking for a GPS that will function in an E85 Z4. Best for long road trips like around Lake Superior or down east.

I assumed you didn't have a smart phone with built in GPS. I don't understand the need for a separate GPS mapping device when as I mentioned, google maps allows you to download many maps of different areas, several hundred miles in size, then used them offline without a cell signal. Not sure why that won't work for you.

But if you insist on a separate Garmin like GPS, don't many of them have an external antenna port so you can connect a GPS antenna to increase signal strength?