Hi fellows,

I have R60, 12' with Nav. Everything works ok and I just wonder if there is any update for the Mini Connect?!
Thanks

 

The system is so out of date, I have a '16 with Nav and just put the Andream module in to enable CarPlay and AndroidAuto... its a PITA to put in but it makes the system light years better

Andream module on Factory display running Waze inside AndroidAuto (Wireless)

The only thing that mildly sucks is the circular cutoff from Mini Bezel around the Speedo, you can push in the edges on display to compensate.

 

Thanks for the input. I did not know there is a module working with the original screen. I like this, as it looks more stock, but at the same time is up to date. I saw the CN offered complete unit with the huge display and did not like them. Price is also around 500. What is the exact model and any idea if this would work with an earlier 12' model Countryman?

 

Here is the one that I bought:
https://www.android-car-dvd.com/coll...ew-bmcp-nbt01a

Should fit all the Mini Countrymans, $279. Putting it in is a half day unless you have a shop that is familiar with Minis. In addition it supports putting in a Backup camera that auto switches when you put it into reverse and it works with the existing backup sensors if your car has them.
There is a whole thread on it in the Countryman section under Audio/Visual I believe

 

Thanks. Where does the smart box fit? Under the head unit? How do you come along with the ***** controls, as this is not a touchscreen?
I am just not sure if I want to keep throwing money into this... Unless I drive it forever.

 

It fits directly below the Head Unit (the device with the CD Player) there is actually quite a bit of room behind the HVAC controls. Here is the tread to read through:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4608159
I will re-iterate that this is a plug and play mod and you also should add a backup cam at the same time but it is a bit scary since you need to take apart quite a bit to get to the head unit on this thing. I'm pretty competent and have all the tools but it took me longer to take it apart and put it back together. Like most things on the MINI, doing them the first time can be tedious then not bad if you ever have to do them again.

 

Also, if you want to drive a mini forever, learn how to do as much maintenance on it as possible by yourself. I call my service writer "2k Tim". Every time it goes in for an oil change, he comes up with $2k of maintenance that they recommend. I always leave with just the oil change and go home and do it myself.

 

Just one caution, I noticed the link goes to the NBT version of the interface. You want the CIC version.

''I have the same unit, works great!

 

Thanks guys, you almost made me to go for the upgrade - I will see if I find some extra cash and will to do it. Yea, I do all the repairs myself - just changed the water pump and serpentine belt; upcoming oil filter housing seals. Went to mini for diagnostic and they hit me with 4.4K of recommended repairs, but replaced the HPFP under warranty (indeed, did not fix the problem).
I noted about the cic version to be the correct one, thanks for bringing it up.

 

You don't change your own oil?

 

I do everything myself....

 

Oddly enough I have done everything myself on this car but the oil (Brakes, Belts, Wiring, In tank Fuel Pump etc...) Not sure why, just don't feel like doing oil changes...

 

Interesting... The oil on this vehicle (at least mine with no turbo) is one of the easiest things on it... I use that opportunity to check out all the rest. I've done the trans fluid and filter (dropped the pan) and an axle boot and the plugs/coils, all the brakes, and I hope I don't have to get into the timing, pumps, etc ever.

 

I did about the same, incl. oil change. ATF is the most boring. If you have done that, the engine oil is just piece of cake. I do it myself for two reasons:#1. Oil shops don't have the oil this one needs and hate to wait....

 

what oil you need? Isn’t it just Castro?

 

For the motor I only use the Castrol 5w30 A3/B4 variation; ATF Castrol.

 

I use the Mobil 1 high mileage version since the vehicle has over 80K miles now. Pretty much use this in all my vehicles.

 

I used to think the oil was easy to do on these cars.....until the plastic T on the coolant line to the turbo snapped when moving the expansion tank out of the way to get at the oil filter.
And no, I didn't force it or anything, they just get brittle as any plastic that expands and contracts over 12 years would. $150 fix as you can't buy just the T, it's a molded piece all the way from the thermostat to the turbo.

Now I take the air box and air duct hoses off to get at the oil filter. Wouldn't trust an oil change place to do that.

Note this is on the S (N18). The non-turbo is much easier.

I use Pennzoil Euro L for what it's worth, but nothing against the others.

 

When this happens, it is a pain. Whatever needs to be done on this vehicle, first you have to move something out of the way, and so the half engine bay is on the floor, than the work can begin. Even an oil change cannot be done straight forward... All motor oils should be ok when they are full synthetic. Mobil 1 and Pennzoil are most popular and easy to get hands on, the rest you might need to order...