BMW has unveiled the first specially configured mobile navigation system retrofittable for the 1 and 3 Series. The BMW Navigation Portable differs from other devices available on the market in its brand-compatible design, the BMW logo on the casing, the illuminated BMW logo when switched on and a wide range of useful functions . The new BMW Navigation Portable was developed in collaboration with renowned navigation system manufacturer Garmin and is based on the Garmin 360.

The mobile navigation unit is equipped with a secure cockpit mounting specially developed for the BMW 1 and 3 Series. Unlike conventional products, which are fixed to the windscreen by means of asuction cup, this device is mounted directly above the interior trim on the instrument panel. Here the 3.5 inch touchscreen can be read without vibration and operated with ease. Retrofitting can be carried out with minimum effort by BMW service partners.

The special bracket for the navigation device has no dangling cables because the power supply from the BMW onboard network ensures that the integrated accumulator battery is charged while you drive. The equipment also includes a Bluetooth hands-free device with integrated speakers and microphone, MP3 and audio book player, a currency converter and a photo viewer function. In addition, the BMW navigation device can also be used outside the car for four to six hours as a portable city map.

For precise navigation, the maps can be displayed in either two or three dimensions. The voice data includes street names. As well as maps for the whole of Europe, a directory of BMW dealers is also preinstalled in the navigation unit. The portable BMW navigation device comes with a price tag of Euro 476 (including VAT).