Is the navigation system a good system and state of the art. $2,100 is alot of money for an inferior product. Is their a warranty for this and is it reliable. What happens at 50,001 miles and out of waranty, is the repair expensive or these devices do not generally fail. Thanks as always.

 

Its the same i drive system used on all BMW's. Yes it is very good and the only thing you will need to do over time is up grade the disk for new maps around 200.00.

 

I had concerns about the Nav system but I'm leaning torwards getting it. One thing that I learned after I emailed MINIUSA is that the real time traffic info will last at miniumum 4 years. After that it depends if they re-new their contract with the company that provides the service.

This is the thread where I asked similar questions: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=97063

 

Also I should add since I've done some research about this $2100 for a built in Nav system is about the amount of money that you should expect to pay. The after market in dash systems (that probably won't fit on a MINI) on http://bestbuy.com and http://circuitcity.com cost anywhere from $1300 to $2300 the external ones are cheaper ($300 - $1000). However if you get a Garmin or TomTom you'll always have to put it in your glove box (since it's such an easy smash and grab item) and always have to remember to bring it with you and you'll have wires that stick out or a battery that will last 3 - 7 hours and will cost $200 to replace after it wares out in 3 years or so. So nothing is an ideal solution. I know I sound like I'm very for the built-in Nav system but in the other thread I was very critical of it and honesty I'm still not decided but I think I'm leaning towards it a little more now. But in the end I think this is one of those decisions where you'll regret no matter which one you choose

 

I tend to agree with you. Also in addition to the use of the nav and the real time traffic, it greatly improves the aesthetics of the dash. So I got the nav and Hi Fi system. The only after market think you might need is a small sub, and that's maybe.

 

Ture but I think the BIG red needle that goes around the Nav system is a little (and by a little i mean REALLY) goofy. Wonder if there's a way to replace it.

 

dxl007: Do you know if it's just the maps that are on the DVD or is all the software on the DVD? So that with a new DVD would you possibly get new features?

 

I did a little research on this when I was spec-ing out my new MCS and I found it to not be worth the money. I'd rather buy a Garmin or Tom Tom for less and then upgrade in a few years as needed.

On another note, when I picked up my new MCS yesterday, my salesman was showing me the books that come with the car and he showed me an "analog GPS system" that is standard with the car. It's a generic road atlas of the U.S. After driving trucks for 15 years, I don't really need a GPS but it's a nice "gee whiz" toy to have.

 

No, the only thing on the DVD is the maps, so short of a software upgrade the features are not going to change.

 

I have a Garmin unit and love it. It can be put on the inside of the windshield where you want it (suction cup), is very easy to update maps from your PC, is quickly portable to other cars you may want to drive, and oh yea, you could buy 5 of them for the price you pay for the in-dash nav system. And as rapidly as the technology on these units is developing, I'd opt for a unit you can upgrade without buying a new car. Just my opinion, and know there are good arguments for the in-dash unit as well.

 

That is now illegal in California. Nothing can be mounted on the windshield, side, or rear windows.

 

FYI here are some references:

From Garmin:
California Vehicle Code: Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver's View

 

I hate the lighter plug. It just seems weird to me that the manufacturers come up with so much new techology but they can't come up with a normal DC power plug or something that looks more like a USB port and standardise it on all cars.

How do you manage the wires? I know that the battery will last 3 - 7 hours on the new $1000 systems but suppose you're going for a really long road trip.

 

Hey amazonracer,
I picked up my MINI last week, and posted about it here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=96618

I did get the Sat Nav with mine, and I have to say, I don't regret it. I have taken videos of it in action here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMveKNx99HQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q17lXod0XKg

I've been very impressed with it. It works in the tunnels in Boston, and I've also been told by someone that has a TomTom that the redirecting and location pinpointing is a lot faster on my MINI Nav. Locations are easy to enter, and you can also control the Nav with Voice Control, which keeps your hands on the wheel. I will be posting a more in-depth review of my Nav soon in the Nav section of the forum. Also, did I mention how great the speedo looks at night??

 

Sweet can't wait for mine.... waiting on the slow boat...