Is there a way to add the factory navigation after you pick up your mini? I mean you can buy things like JCW, Aero kits, CD changer, Aux in put, iPOD adapters

What about the Factory Navigation?

If not... Suggestons for aftermarket?

Thanks in advance

 

I'm sure it's possible... but if you thought $1700 was too much to begin with, I can't imagine the total cost of adding the OEM Nav afterwards.

My advice, if you really really want the OEM Nav? Sell your MC and order another (or, in your case, drop/cancel your order and place another).

Of course, there are plenty of people on here who think that even from the factory, the OEM Nav isn't worth the money. I disagree, I love mine, and having it built into the car is quite satisfying. Not to mention that it stores the entire country on one disc, something that small handheld devices can NOT do yet (storage requirements). It also opens up the opportunity for the OEM Nav cameras, for Bluetooth info, and for TV/video (think PS2, even!).

 

I know Edge loves factory installed goodies However, there are many alternatives. See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cat=500&page=3
That is a Magallen 700, All US (and Europe) on the 10 GB disk. No need for DVDs or anything else.

Or, try the Pioneer AVIC N2 http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...089333,00.html
You can get XM traffic updates on the maps along with rear view camera, etc.

 

i highly doubt that you can retrofit the factory kit.

looking at some of the super expensive parts on REALOEM, it wouldnt be financially feasable (sp?) to go ahead with it.

aftermarket nav can look pretty good integrated somewhere, escpecially like chows4us's setup there, with that bracket off the pillar, that looks like the way to go.

 

A guy on MINI2 did and it was a nightmare for him. He picked up one and installed it but had a devil of a time to get it to talk to his cars computer. I think he ended up with buy a new BC1

Go aftermarket rather than retrofit. Unless you got tons of spending cash, and in that case buy a new mini, it would work out easier.

There is lot out there. You could get something with a pop out screen if you get rid of the factory head unit.


Paul

 

Found a Salvage Yard that had a few MINI's and this gave me an idea. I don't know if they have a wreck with Nav or not. I liked the OEM Nav, but had to keep the configuration the way I ordered it MrsDiff set a limit on payments and had to stay under that. They might also have an Anthracite head liner and A, B, C, Pillar covers!

I was thinking salvaged OEM because I read on go motoring.comthat Europe MINI has a camera mounted in the rear for backing up. Thought it might be cool if I could find a OEM Nav system.

 

most euro parts wont work on us spec cars, make sure its all interchangable before spending alot fo money on a fancy paperweight!

 

The camera system won't be a problem, if you have OEM Nav. Actually I've found that most of the Euro parts -will- work on US spec cars. Same factory, same car!

Proof for the Nav camera (one of the two anyway):

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/..._camera_review

 

well, my experience with VWs and such is that euro electronic things dont like US electronic things.

 

Allow me to update my statement then:

"Actually I've found that most of the Euro MINI parts -will- work on US spec MINIs. Same factory, same MINI!"

Can't speak for VWs, heh.

 

Good advice.

I 've also wondered: Even if you get a European aftmkt from Mikeythemini so you're assured it will fit, what about the warranty? You know what happens if you buy a European (grey mkt) camera...your warranty in the US is useless.

 

That's not accurate. Your warranty is only affected if the camera or the installation of the camera causes problems with your electrical system. However just installing the camera will not void your warranty, nor is it grounds for your dealer to deny warranty coverage if your fuel pump dies...

 

Sorry for not being clearer here. I wasn't referring to a car camera or the Mini warranty at all.

What I mean is, if you buy digital or slr camera with a US warranty, you're covered. You take the camera back to the store or send it to the repair place and your repair is covered. But if you buy a ridiculously low priced grey mkt camera without a USA warranty and it goes down, you got problems because you don't have the USA warranty.

Now if I buy a car radio/nav/whatever from Mikey the Mini, I'm reasonalby sure it's going to fit ok because it appears Mikey really knows his stuff. But supposing the European Pioneer or Alpine model is doa or develops problems. Since it was purchased from abroad, and doesn't have a USA warranty, I'm assuming I've got problems, and at best, I have the added expense and hassle (customs?) of having to ship it back overseas for warranty repair AND pay to have it shipped back, not to mention the added shipping times and currency exchange disadvantage.

Buy American, I guess?

 

AWESOME! Now to find a salvage MINI with NAV!

 

But here's the thing with that plan... If the car is salvage you can bet the electronics that you need have been through quite a shock, they may be water logged or just plain fried. That means that even if you find a salvage MINI, the parts you need may be damaged, or just dead.

There are many more MINIs without Nav than with it, and that will probably make finding enough salvage MINIs with usable electronics for this project a serious challenge. Then there's the serious undertaking of actually doing the retrofit.

There's only one person I've seen in the last 3 years who's managed to pull this off, and that was with NEW parts not salvage ones. Even still, it took an enormous amount of work and several months to complete. During much of that time, the car probably won't even be driveable. Do you have the time and patience to dedicate to this? Can you do without the car for a few months while you try and complete this project?

I wish you luck if you decide to go through with this though...

 

I guess it will have to wait for the second MINI!

 

haha, you dont really need it.

i tired one at classic and its just a silly setup. it was really just kinda akward to use. i'd judt go aftermarket (garmin, magellan, etc)

 

It's only awkward if you don't know how to use it. Your '< 5 minutes of use' review is NOT a fair one. There are huge advantages of a simple one-button design - particularly when you're supposed to be driving the car at the same time. There's a reason it's designed the way it is.

I am very comfortable with mine. But, since I have so little experience with the aftermarket systems, I'm not going to pretend to be able to call them "awkward", "fantastic", or anything in-between.

A novice's opinion on almost any topic is of very limited value.

 

well, first impressions are lasting ones.


id never even think about dropping that kind of money for something lie that when i could go buy a far better setup from Garmin, for less!!!

it throws the lines of the dash off anyways, even if it worked out for me, its like tring to fit a rectangular peg into a round hole.....oh wait, thats what it is!!!

 

OK I will have to wait for our second MINI to get the nav & Back up camera

SO what aftermarket NAV systems do you have? Would you do it again? Links?

Thanks for playing!

 

I used a real basic, 300 dollar, Magellan that was black and white and showed major highways. works very very well for long freeway trips, but once you get off the beaten path, its anyones guess....

all i ever needed, but i have seen a few garmin's that were very VERY nice, i'll try to get links.....

 

Go here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...magellan+mount

See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cat=500&page=1


I did what he did with a panavise. Want something cheaper, look at jwardells setup in the same thread

 

I use ALK Co-Pilot Live with a Bluetooth GPS receiver and a Windows Mobile PDA. Works really well and with a Bluetooth phone and a data plan you can enable the Live functionality. It allows for real time tracking of you via the internet, tracking is only available to the people you invite, and you control those invites.

They've got an all in one option as well, it's a Windows Mobile PDA with a built in GPS receiver and their software.

The software is a little expensive (you can get cheaper ones from Pharos etc) but PDA, software, receiver and mount will still cost you less than if you went with the TomTom ToGo or a good Magellan unit...

Their website is www.alk.com

 

I got a quote for a DVD head (I have an 02 CD unit) from a wreaking yard, $259, and they'd guarantee it would work. If you're the adventurous type, you'll need a bunch of parts (Center dash module, guage cluster, nav head unit (mounts under passerger seat). I don't know if the wiring is in all the cars or not, but the guage cluster will just plug in, it's run off a serial bus, and doesn't have wires for speed, RPM whatever...

Then you'll have to have it all turned on at a shop (mini dealer or aftermarket with some fancy toys) to get it all turned on. Functions like the video module need to be enabled for them to interact with what else is on the information busses.

Get some parts and have at it!

for the integrated vs add on, different strokes for different folks. There is no right answer for everyone!

Matt

 

you might have to swap out the entire wiring harness


what a task that would be!!