I know what the on-board computer displays, but what if you don't have a on-board computer. What does it display then? Is this on-board computer necessary or just a luxury? Is it just something to have for an extra $200?Opinions please and maybe some pictures with or without it. Thanks!
-Shaun

 

If you don't have the OBC, the display will show either the outside temperature or the speed. I have the OBC only because it came with the convenience package. There is no way I'd pay extra for it if I didn't have to. The other display information is not very useful as fas as I'm concerned. Definately not worth $200 as a stand alone option.

 

Thanks
-Shaun

 

The "distance to empty" can be useful

 

The OBC displays avg speed, avg & realtime mpg, and estimate of range based on fuel level and recent mpg. I use the range function as a quasi gas gauge, because with Navigation I only get 8 LED segments to indicate fuel level. I do not find the other functions useful, and people complain that the mpg calculations are inaccurate.

The big downside (in addition to cost) of OBC is that you lose the digital speedometer. The regular speedometer only has tick marks at 10 mph intervals, and is difficult to read quickly or accurately. Moreover, $200 for OBC is ridiculously poor value. There is nothing physically different on the car. OBC is only a software update that allows you to cycle through some different numbers on the existing display.

Edit: you lose digital speedo only if you have Nav or Chrono pack, i.e. there is already an analog speedo over the steering wheel.

 

Oh wow... I'd be lost without my digi speedo! I never look at that big thing in the middle, I'm always focused on the tach and my little digi display.

Except for that one day when I did 49 MPH all the way to work and then later realized that I had it set to display the temperature.

And for those who don't like or use the fuel gauge, may I suggest using the trip odometer? Get used to how many miles you can run on a tank, and just reset it every time you fill up. It's something we used to do on motorcycles before they got fancy and started putting fuel gauge on them.

Yes, save your money on the OBC.

Michael

 

Most definately don't need it but if you want it OBC DIY

 

The only option that I usually use on the computer is Range to Empty for gas. I prefer this to the fuel guage.

Actually I'm glad that I don't have the digital speedo, I much prefer the analog speedo, however I also have the crono-pack so my speedo is next to the tach behind the wheel.

 

perhaps it's different in other years, but the OBC on my mini has a digital speed in addition to the other stats. I got it because it was included in a package, but I wouldn't pay extra for it.

 

Everybody seems to have a different take on what is "necessary." I admit I'm probably at one extreme...I don't think one "needs" many/most of the options available, including the OBC and a bunch of other stuff, too. And I'm very, very happy w/ my MINI. Trust me...a carefully and lightly appointed MINI is still a MINI and still a total blast!! Problem is, it's very easy for the price to creep up and up, so it's good that you're considering your options carefully. Good luck!

 

This is not exactly accurate. You lose the digital speed as part of the OBC anytime the analog speedometer is moved from the center console to the steering console - for example when Nav or the Chrono pack is on the vehicle. If you get the OBC and do not have Nav or the Chrono, you still receive the digital speedo in the Tach (as part of the OBC).

Regards-
Randy

 

I didn't get the OBC as a factory option, but got it retrofitted, using a custom method...

It cost me 35$canadian... for the switch wiring, and the dealer didn't charge me anything to program it!

I like it a lot, and always leave it on the fuel range.

Last weekend, on a long roadtrip (Montreal to Miami), I got great numbers!!

 

It comes with the Chrono package.... that'a better buy IMHO.

 

I don't like the Chrono Pack that much... It looks weird and moves the traditional Speedo from the center of the dash...

To each their own!

 

whew. i was about to call and risk changing my order in progress; need that digi speedo.

thanks!

 

Can someone without Nav and with OBC confirm this? I thought it was the Nav (and consequently the speedo above the steering wheel) which 'caused' the loss of the digital speedo.

 

On my '05 MC with the OBC as included with the chrono pack, I do not have the digital speed display.

 

Ok, how 'bout someone without Nav/Chrono and OBC (on an '04+)? I think it's the speedo, not the OBC...

 

You're correct. Anytime the speedo moves to the steering column (either through the addition of NAV or the Chrono Pack), the digital speedo on the steering column is lost. This is independent of the OBC.

There is a post and comments about this subject on my weblog. I was misinformed initially and the people who commented cleared it up for me.
http://www.iniw.net/2006/02/09/the-speedometer-dilemma/

There is another thread here about this subject as well.

 

dead link??

 

Here's the link :

OBC DIY retrofit (acrobat reader file)

And my little thread about it:

OBC adventure

 

I'm not sure what you are asking here.

I got NO Nav and NO Crono but DO hae the OBC

The digital speedo is there, in fact, its the only speedo I ever look at. I dont understand why people are saying there is no digital speedo with the OBC

 

TI depends how and when it was setup, there are stalks with one button and OBC, those will display average but not instantaneous speed, an OBC with two buttons will display instantaneous and average speed. I think that is the misunderstanding, that info is based on my experiance of observation of a dozen MINIs not from any offical source, but I think it is where the confusion is.

 

I think the link should be working now, thanks for letting me know.

 

My stalk has ONE button w/OBC and it displays whatever I ask it to scrolling through all the options ... Speed, temp, mpg, miles to go, avg speed, I forget the rest. In fact, average speed is the last in the sequence and hence, never looked at.

So ... I be confused for one. In fact, the only thing I really ever look at is speed and temp

Does anyone have a pic of Two readouts displayed at the same time?