<E-39> Nav System, BMW cell phone(s) and CBC questions

["Sawwa, Christopher" <CSawwa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	Mike,

Thanks for the thorough analisys of the Insurance legalise babble. I
agree with your very cautious approach. You never know what these people
use for definitions, and when it comes down to it it's usually too late.
But, that's not the subject of this post and not why I am writing it.

I noticed you list in the footer of your message "'97 528i 5 speed, with
every option known to man". I am about to buy a '99 528i and I am
seriously thinking (actually, drooling to do it, sounds a lot closer to
the way I think about it) to equip it in like manner ;P. Since you
appear to have all the options I am considering (barring anything not
available in '97) I have a few questions. Particularly, on the subject
of the Nav System, BMW cell phone(s) and the CBC.

	All,

1. From your real life experience, how would you describe the Nave
System's performance? Is it worth the ~$2k compared to say Alpine or
others? I am not sure if the CD changer comes as part of a package with
the Nav System for the ~$2k, but if it does, than the Nav System really
costs "only" ~$1300,- assuming $686,- for a changer installed at the
dealer.

2. Do you have one of the BMW cell phones in your car? If so, does the
speach recognition really work, and any other comments you might have. I
am thinking about the non-removeable phone, to save money, and since I
plan to continue using my current hand held CDMA Quallcom with Caller
ID. One thing I would definitely be missing for example, is the fact
that the BMW phone is not digital CDMA and does not have the Caller ID.
I still have to double check with my local Bell Atlantic Mobile people
if they would even connect a second phone set to my already functioning
phone number, or if I would have to get another line.

3. How does the CBC work out for you? Given the dismal traction in the
winter (without the snow tires) it seems to me that the more traction
assisting machinery we get the better. Especially that it can be turned
off the rest of the year.

In my opinion the Nav System and the phones are overpriced compared to
the aftermarket competition (particularly the phone), but are very
nicely integrated into the interior. The thing I don't know is, what
kind of experiences have you had with any of those gizmos and do they
perform on a par with the amount of $$$ they cost, or at least if they
work adequately. 

Would appreciate any views and opinions, no matter how biased and
unobjective.

TIA,

Chris,

'96 328is Montreal Blue, Sport Pack, 5 Speed
BMWCCA National Capital Chapter

- -----Original Message-----
From: Mike Capaldo [mailto:madsman@domain.elided]
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 1999 10:16 AM
To: Sawwa, Christopher; bmw
Cc: DKoelmemM3
Subject: Insurance contract language(almost as l


>Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 20:01:26 EST
>From: DKoelmelM3@domain.elided
>Subject: STATE FARM INS./ POLICY CHANGE WITH LATEST PREM. NOTICE
>
>I just received by semiannual prem. notice for my M-3 (which actually
went
>down) but with the typical insert with notice to certain policy changes
such
>as '' THERE IS NO COVERAGE WHILE  VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN, ENGAGED IN
PRACTICE
>FOR, OR IS BEING PREPARED FOR ANY RACING OR SPEED CONTEST. THIS APPLIES
WHILE
>THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED OFF PUBLIC ROADS ''  *This sounds like drivers
>schools. I have done several schools and planned on a few this year but
can't
>take the financial chance if this new policy change could be used
against me
>in a legal confrontation. Hope for some opinions from some lawyers or
>insurance Exec. on our list.
>
>

Okay, firstly, for the obligatory disclaimers - I do not represent the
company mentioned in the above captioned e-mail- 

In order to ascertain just what it is they're saying when you're reading
an
insurance policy, it's imperative to check the policy definitions page,
which is usually at the beginning of the policy. This is where th co
explains what words like "vehicle", "insured," etc mean...and perhaps
even
"practice or being prepared for". When there's an amendment to the
policy,
there may not be a change in definitions, or it may be on another
separate
sheet of paper ( all of which are headed " This changes your policy -
keep
this with your policy", or words to that effect ).

Driving schools are , by definition, not racing or speed contests...
but,
what does "Practice or being prepard for" mean? Qualifying? Testing, or
dialing in the car prior to a speed contest? Changing to auto-x tires in
a
parking lot?

 If anything, at a driving school, the driver is being prepared, not the
vehicle...and if driving schools are the only activity the car and
driver
participate in, I don't think the exclusion would apply. The way this
works, however, is that if the co thinks it DOES apply, they'll disclaim

( deny coverage).  I think that the co would probably disclaim for a
driving school , but might find it difficult to defend their actions,
especially if there wasn't a clear definition that included driving
schools
as a proscribed activity.

There is no doubt in my mind that this means no coverage for auto-x,
however, and while the co's intent may not have been to achieve this
end,
it would seem to be the effect.

Here's what you should do to clear this mystery up - send a copy of the
endorsement to your agent, and request a written clarification of the
question.In your letter, you should point out that you would like to
participate in driving schools, and are concerned that you might not
have
coverage, based upon your reading of the amendment. He ( or she) should
contact the claims dept to obtain their interpretation. Save whatever he
sends you as a reply.

Also bear in mind that if I'm correct about the effect on auto-x, there
would be no liability coverage either...so if you clip a pedestrian in
the
prep area, or some other tragedy were to occur, the co could disclaim.
Mike Capaldo
CCA # 114323
'97 528i 5 speed, with every option known to man
'96 454 Suburban ( 390 ft lbs of torque - same as the new M5!); looking
for
something to tow
'98 Chrysler Sebring Convert - STILL waiting for them to send me my
three
pointed star, now that the merger's reality
'92 Golden Retriever - the Sedan de Ville of dogs 


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Subject: Insurance contract language(almost as long as the policy!)
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