UV Reflect Windscreen And Sat Nav

[Killwilly]

I want to purchase a portable sat nav, but have read an article which states that vehicles with UV reflect windscreens will require an external aerial.

Are there any BMW owners who could offer advice on which would be the best to buy to eliminate the need for the external aerial?

Alan.

[AB]

I've used Sat Nav on cars with both the UV Screen and Fords with heating elements in them and never had a problem with either my TomTom, Garmin or HTC with built in Sat Nav. My advice would be to find someone with one and test it.

[Shelsleyf2]

I drove a Toyota once that had after market film applied to all windows including screen. The film was to reduce solar gain, not black out. My sat nav would not work inside the car, except on the rear parcel shelf which wasn't filmed.So I am sure some films stop the signal getting through.
Jimmy

[Slurms]

There are various accounts of this being a problem in Audi and Merc cars depending on spec.

If you do find your affected then you need to either get an additional aerial for your sat-nav and locate it inside the car in an area that isn't covered by the protective coating. Sometimes there is a gap in the coating behind the rear view mirror (so that toll road tags on the continent can be used) or try placing the aerial on the rear parcel shelf and running a cable to the front of the car.

The other option is to have an external ariel fitted and a cable run to the dash.

[Killwilly]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I think I shall borrow one from a friend before I buy.

Alan

[raharley]

External ariels are such a pain. My previous (old, old) Sat Nav needed one in a new windscreen. New TomTom doesn't need one.

[blaineuk]

my sat nav works in my 3 series but not my camaera detector.

[stevesuk]

I have a 320 Ci (2002 build) and use TomTom running on an HTC Diamond mobile phone. Works absolutely fine, and its sat in a cradle attached to the centre airvents, so not even directly in front of the windscreen.

Cheers,

Steve.

[Killwilly]

Update.

I decided to contact BMW regarding my concern. They replied saying the lady who purchased my car from new didn't choose the ‘Climate Comfort Windscreen’, therefore I should have no problems using a sat nav. Ordered a Tom Tom 730 from Amazon this morning.

Thanks to everyone for your help.

Alan