I was just wondering is it worth it to order the factory navigation unit? $1700 is a lot of money. I was thinking about just buying an Avic-N1 or N2 for a 1k and it plays Dvd's and everything.

 

Pros
Built in - no wires, no cables
Large screen
Avic would need an additional module to utilize MFSW
British voice


Cons
$$
POI interface sub-par

Worth it? Loaded question. I have it, I like it. Haven't played with an Avic though.

 

I/m currently up here at the Dragon. We took my wife's Mini-van with her Magellan 760 Roadmate. We came up here in May for MOTD 2006 with my Mini and factory NAV. My factory NAV has blown away my wifes system performace wise. It seem to pick up the roads better.

With that said, back home her system worked OK.

I'm glad that I got the OEM system because its build in and doesn't clutter up the smallish interior of the Mini

 

I'll toss my .02 into this.

Pros..

1. Faster system better route selection over the Mrs. Tom Tom.
2. Sensors on the car seem to help the nav remember where it is without any lag in search time.
3. All controls are built in thus making it harder to steal.

Cons..

1. Changing radios is a pain as you will lose voice and TMC (if you had it).
2. Cost for updated maps.
3. POI search is a little rough, but getting better.
4. Has to be removed for fear of having a grab and go theft.

 

Ummm... this one doesn't make sense. How is this a Con for the factory Nav? You don't remove it... ever. In fact, it should be listed as a Pro - it won't be stolen!

FWIW, I am VERY happy with my factory Nav, and don't regret it at all. It has also opened up more options for use of the screen, with the "big" OEM Bluetooth kit, the front and rear cameras, TV tuner, etc. The big screen is so nice!

As for the interface, it has a bit of a learning curve, since there is effectively one button - there are actually two (the other one is MENU), but all that one does is take you straight out of wherever you are and into the main menu. With the latest updates (especially the ability to refine the search by state or zip code), the Nav system is very effective. Some might call it simplistic, but if you're supposed to be focusing on driving, it shouldn't be complex anyway.

 

I think depending on the final price of the unit that the 2007 Nav may be a better value than what's been offered on previous years...

I know people are extremely distrustful of even the hint of an iDrive like system, but live traffic information in the Nav? SWEET! Combine that with a good Bluetooth interface and I might not need to leave the car except to get on the internet and go to the bathroom!

 

Very good, Michael!

 

What you said, wrong list. Sorry. It was a long day today.

 

only thing i dont like is that its not a touch screen

 

i love it! and im so glad i got it.

 

I have it... and like it! And it's almost theft proof

 

As a owner of a 2003 CD based unit I can say its a pain. Because we live on a dividing line its the "get out another map" routine often.But its fun to fool with and I'm glad someone else paid for it as we bought the car used. It also fills the hole in the dash very well and forces the speedo up to its rightful position

 

JPMM,

Just as an FYI... It's a simple plug-n-play job to swap out an older CD-based (i.e. MKIII) nav computer with a newer DVD-based (i.e. MKIV) version in the MINI.

Doing so will give you all the benifits of the much better DVD version (like having all of the North America maps on a single DVD disc, being able to use the newer - and much nicer - user interface including a 3D perspective/bird's eye view, being able to set up a backup camera or video input, etc., etc.).

Thus, if you can locate a DVD-based MKIV nav computer from a wrecked BMW/MINI, it might be worth your while to install it. Note that you can also find new and used MKIV nav computers on many auction sites like eBay, but they can be a bit expensive.

 

Thanks that's a big possibility. I might do the English gal voice and the NavTY at the same time. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the newer unit.

 

By the way, is there a shop in the Midwest that does these types of things?

 

Unless your DIY, an Avic N1 is going to cost about $1400 installed. Add the XM or Sirius module and it adds up. Pioneer is NOT known for having good GPS units. IMO, go with a Garmin Nuvi 360 with a SIRF receiver. Top of the line reception.

AVICs do the exact same thing. Add the camera modules, TV tuner module, BT, XM, etc. BTW, TV tuner modules will be useless 12/08 when all broadcast TVs mode to digital

 

does anyone know how much we are looking at for 07 navs?

 

Honestly, I think it will stay the same around $1700-$1800. Maybe it will come down to $1600 but i doubt that...