GT-E Package question

[nomsha]

I'm pretty certain I'm going to upgrade to a new 2010 M3 GT. I'm sold on the leather package, and am seriously considering the GT-E package.

As far as I know, this additional package contains the navigation system, upgraded sound system, keyless entry and start, and 'adaptive' headlights. This package costs about $2000 cdn.

What I am curious to know is two things:
1) Is the BOSE sound system a significant improvement from the base sound system?

2) Is the navigation system worthwhile? How hard is it to upgrade the maps? What are some of its features? Is there any documentation on how the nav system works?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[CFX]

What I am curious to know is two things:
1) Is the BOSE sound system a significant improvement from the base sound system?

2) Is the navigation system worthwhile? How hard is it to upgrade the maps? What are some of its features? Is there any documentation on how the nav system works?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

The BOSE system is definitely an improvement if you compare it to the stock system. I currently have a 2005 Mazda6 Sport GT with the BOSE system, and I love it! Unfortunately, my lease is up and I'm switching/down-sizing to the 2010 Mazda3 Sport GT without the GT-E Pkg.

As for the NAV, I personally don't believe it's worth it because the screen is ridiculously small and only the driver can operate it.

The Mazda3 Sport GT in the United States comes with leather and you have the option between the Moonroof/6CD/Bose Pkg. or the Technology Pkg, which includes the NAV, push button start, Sirius, perimeter alarm...

 

[Mazda3]

There is great value in the GT-E pkg if it is features that are attractive to you. The BOSE sound system is a 10 speaker system with about 3 times the power output of the regular system. You also get the Satellite radio with this pkg as well, which is $550 installed on the lower models.

I find the NAV screen is fine and for the most part you listen to the verbal commands anyway. Keep in mind that the bigger touchscreen NAV's are $3000 on the 6, CX-7, and CX-9. You are getting the NAV mixed in with a bunch of other great features for only $1900.

I have a 2010 GT-E Sport on order for late summer.

 

[nomsha]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not too concerned about the navigation system, because I have a handheld GPS that I could use. I guess I'm not hot on purchasing a nav system that might be mediocre.

I'm really interested in the upgraded sound system, but it would be nice if it didn't come packaged with everything else. The headlights and keyless system are nice but I don't think they're worth $2k.

 

[CFX]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not too concerned about the navigation system, because I have a handheld GPS that I could use. I guess I'm not hot on purchasing a nav system that might be mediocre.

I'm really interested in the upgraded sound system, but it would be nice if it didn't come packaged with everything else. The headlights and keyless system are nice but I don't think they're worth $2k.

I couldn't agree more.
I just wish we had the same available options like the US.

 

[sjdmp5]

As for the NAV, I personally don't believe it's worth it because the screen is ridiculously small and only the driver can operate it.

It's about the size of an aftermarket unit, how is that ridiculously small? I use it all the time in my 2010 and find it quite intuitive. So much so I was able to start using it without even looking in the manual.

As for upgrading, it uses an SD card.