Not sure if this is the right forum but I wanted to get your opinion on Mini-Connect W/NAV.

I just placed an order for an MC '12 with Mini-Connect but I left out the NAV. My reason for not adding this feature was because one of my previous vehicles (Volvo XC-90) I did order with NAV and it has truly not been entirely worth it. Not to mention updates are with discs that are sold separately.

My MA dealer did DEMO a CM with Mini-Connect with NAV and it was very, very, nice. He mentioned that the updates do not require discs that the updates are satellite driven and automatic. I'm a bit skeptical of that info and I have not been successful in finding an answer on the internet.

Now i'm back on the fence on adding the $750 NAV feature to the mini-connect. I have a 2 wks to add it to my purchase.

Did you order the mini-connect with or without NAV and why? What are your thoughts...?

 

IMHO, not worth it. $750 for a nav system that uses the built-in display? Buy yourself a separate GPS ($150) and spend the other $600 on your girlfriend, wife, or three hookers.

Not sure about the Minis, but built-in NAV systems are big theft targets in other vehicles. Add the alarm system and get the center armrest instead (if you want it).

In addition, consider how much you will really use it for travelling. $750 is a lot of money.

 

[QUOTE=Eriamjh;3318308]Buy yourself a separate GPS ($150) and spend the other $600 on your girlfriend, wife, or three hookers.[QUOTE]

Agreed.

 

That's a tough one, because you've already got the MINI Connected, so it's not like you're deabting over losing the big center speedometer. Eriamjh said that the built in nav systems make your vehicle a target for theft, but honestly, the MINI Connected screen will make it appear that you have nav anyway, so that's a non-issue. Also, working in insurance, we see more break-ins due to people stealing window-mounted gps units than thefts due to built-in gps units.

Back to the original question, I didn't get the built in nav system as it was $2000 that I wasn't willing to part with and got leather seats instead. My gps has some great little features, but I do find myself wishing I had the built-in unit for features like dead-reckoning (i.e. the GPS' ability to figure out where you are heading even when there is no signal, like when traveling in a tunnel). If this was a $2000 option, I'd say no. But at $750, that would be worth it to me.

 

Someone at my MINI dealer told me the updates for the nav would be free also. I didn't really believe them but since you seem to be getting the same story maybe there is something to it.

I got the nav, mostly because MINI connected without nav orders were being put on hold at the time due to supply shortage. But I have to say I am now looking forward to it.

 

If anything, I'd reconsider the mini connected option. What does it really get you over the standard radio other than pandora, etc. streaming? A more complicated radio interface? $1250 is a lot to pay for the fancy display.

Otherwise, whatever decision you make, you will love your mini.

 

MINI Connected has several features each of which will be either "cool" or "useless" according to an individual's tastes.

It's important to realize that MINI Connected is a moving target. While MINI Connected may currently have only limited appeal for some, it is being updated with new and improved features.

Here's a quick rundown on the current set of features (other than Pandora):

• Dynamic Music - For me: Meh. Fun to try the different themes but I can't see using this much at all.
• Twitter/Facebook integration - Rarely use it but I can see where those more into social networking would find it useful.
• MINIMALISM Analyser - This is to me one of the more interesting 'apps'. Tied in with mission control you can get positive reinforcement and good feedback on how to drive frugally (consume the least amount of fuel). Scores from your best "trips" are added together and compared with other drivers using the MINIMALISM app.
• Mission Control - I get a kick out of this although it can be a bit repetitive. I like the random MINI factoids when on long journeys.
• Google Local Search - Haven't used this much but given how outdated the POIs are currently in the MINI Nav data I suspect it will be useful.
• Google Send to Car - This turns out to be very handy and not very well documented IMHO. You *start* on your laptop or desktop computer by doing a search in Google maps. When you get a hit you use the Send button in Google maps (still on your PC here) and use "To Car", select "MINI" and enter your MINI Connected Id. Then, when you're in your car you can just pull up the addresses / contact info you sent to your car by using Connected Google Send to Car. This is great for planning road trips and what not.

 

I whole heartedly agree with you there. It truly would do the MINI engineers some good to study Apple's UI design philosophy. With over 4K miles I still get confused about which way to push or twist that stupid control stick.

If you have a long list of contacts and want to call/navigate with one of them you can spend a lot of time just spinning that stupid stick. A way to jump down 10% to 15% of the list would be appreciated.

 

Thanks to all for the advice and opinions. I spoke to my wife and she said stick with the Nav and forget the girlfriend & hookers (just kiddin'). I finally gave in so i was not "what if'ing myself". I hope I'm not disappointed. I plan on keeping this car for a while so I'll let you guys know if it was worth it!

 

Moat people regret NOT getting something. You will enjoy it.

 

I have it, only cause it was the car I had built without the Nav & it came with the car. I also got it for free so not complaining.

I think its pretty cool & useful.

 

Any know if the Nav can be added later on if the Connected option is selected? I'm guessing it would be more than $750 if it involves vehicle speed sensor tie-in, gyro, etc.?