As my 2nd drive of the Countryman, I am sure that I made the correct decision.. As the world was my oyster, I bought what was right for me, and thats that!

Anyway, here's my take on the whole MINI connected option. It, really looks sharp, I love that the speedo is only on the outside of the dial, looks super huge.. And I LIKE IT! Well, since I'm an overachiever, I of course already had the app on my iphone... My advisor assumed that I would.. lol.. Anyway, he said open er up, plugged in and instantly it was "connected" using the internet connection available, we were suddenly able to search google for the closest Chipotle, then sent it to the nav. that quick.. Really cool, my connected app currently shows how much gas the vehicle had, it's range, total distance, and last update.. 1/3/11.. it also seems to have unlocked some functionality that I need to explore more on my phone. I really liked the ability to search google, and internet radio stations easily, and that my cd artwork showed on the hi def screen. Which was remarkably clear in the direct sunlight... There's a ton more to talk about, but I'm sure this is going to be a long post as it is...

All-in-all, I think it is something that will make driving that much more fun, and as long as bmw and mini both keep upgrading the applications available to the connected device, it will more than likely do very well... Can't remember what bmw's version is called right now, but they seem to push it on their videos as a mobile office of sorts.. lol.. Mini is going for the fun aspect, which I appreciate...

It did end up costing me $750 for the demo and test drive however...LOL!! As expected, I added the nav after all.... It just didn't make sense to have one without the other. They are like peas and carrots.

My test drive was wonderful.. Although my MA had to sneak it out of the dealership, as I was the official first customer test drive at the dealership of their Countryman... I really got to feel it out, glad I bought the stick and not the auto.. And really happy I got the sport suspension.. The regular one, although firm, felt a little squishy when cranking the steering wheel. Visibility is perfect, and seats were comfy.. With my coworker in the back I didn't have one complaint about legroom room (As she usually does).. she happily sat there and enjoyed the ride. As did I! It's going to be a long hard road over the next few months waiting for the new "child" but it'll be worth it.

Hope this helps some of you out there on the fence..

 

As soon as we got the Connected/Navi demo we were sold also. The fact that it can be updated as cool new things happen really pushed us over the top.

 

I love your enthusiastic review...this is the first one I've read that has made me psyched about this option (even though I previously wrote it off). It's back on my maybe list again

 

I didn't order the Connected... (here in europe is possible to order just the visual boost) i think i'll wait for some real update in the connected app, before buying it (if u have visual boost or the navi is possible to add connected as an upgrade/update, i think it will be just a software upgrade so no "hand work" )

But is nice to finally read some real opinion and not just those articles released by BMW/MINI

 

I think it's a crying shame, that likely for reasons of protecting incremental revenue, one cannot display app screens on the connected screen. I'd rather just have google maps on my display. It shows traffic for even minor side roads when possible and has fantastic detail and the ability to search for darn well anything. But heaven's forbid that someone in marketing doesn't get their $750 extra for that nav module. Hmpf.

I sure hope they change their mind. I'm sure there will be other apps that make sense to show full-screen rather than just feeding data between phone and the connected system. You listening BMW/MINI? Create a mirror display mode! (pretty please?)

 

That's the thing I'm most excited about, the potential to "upgrade" the software, etc.

Anyone know if it's possible to watch video from your iphone while the car is in park?

 

Yes you can watch video while in park, and the audio continues to play once moving

Connect really is cool and everyone should get it!!!!

 

Sweet! I wonder which type of video it can play, i.e. if it's a specific format only, etc.? Would be cool as heck if I could watch live tv on the screen via the slingbox app on my wife's Iphone 4!

 

Can you still connect in the armrest if you have a case on your iPhone?

 

I got a Canadian Model of Mini Connected without Nav. Does anyone know if I can play Video from my iPhone on the Connected screen with Apple White cable?

 

You're right..... i hope that there will be some "hack" to the system