Are DVD map updates ever free from MINI, or is that a stupid question ?

 

Not a stupid question, but the answer is a resounding no from what I understand.

At different times, some people were told they were offered one free map upgrade, but I'm not sure how many people actually got one. I sure didn't.

Besides, MINI doesn't make the map discs - NavTeq does.

 

Navteq emailed back today and even though they don't have the 07 year listed on their site, they do have the 2008.1 version available now. You can either call them or order the one for the BMW that was mentioned above.

 

They are not normally free, BUT, the one I'm going to get with the FIXED SOFTWARE on it from MINI/BMW, will be free.

 

I guess I should have phrased the question like, are any map updates included with the $2100 price?

I really hope the software (mostly the POI search interface if I understand the main complaint of this thread) is fixed say this year. It really is irritating sometimes. I am just glad I have google maps to run on my phone, then I revert to typing in the address manually (not too fun and little more distracting while driving ).

 

I don't think any updates are included in the rediculously high $2,100 price. For that price, we should get a lifetime subscription to updates, OR a little British guy to sit in the passenger seat to do all the navigation for us!!!

Not only is it irritating, it's very dangerous!!

 

Stupid questions How come you paid $2100 instead of $2000.00 for the nav system?

BTW my Pioneer GPS costs well over $3,000 (w installation) and doesn't offer free updates..

 

In 2007, the Nav was $2,100 stupid dollars!!

My Garmin Nuvi was $275, and includes LIFETIME OS updates and map updates downloadable from their website. And best of all, it WORKS as advertised!!!

 

Just to set the appropriate expectations, while you can download Garmin map updates, they are not free. Though at $75, they're cheaper than the NavTeq updates for the MINI.

 

Where can you go to download the Nuvi maps? I've found the appropriate discs for the Nuvi, but would rather just buy the download, and the Garmin store is a pain in the butt to navigate.

 

Lifetime Firmware updates are standard with every Garmin. Of course Garmin determines what "lifetime" is. They eventually just stop updating the firmware. A couple of my handheld models haven't been updated for a few years. But they work fine none-the-less.

The last time I checked with Garmin, they provided free map updates only if you had just recently purchased the device (within 30 days), and then only 1 time. Maybe they have changed their policy. Which Nuvi did you get?

Are you registered on Garmin's site? In the My Garmin section?

WIth my Nuvi 660, I have it registered in there. They provide a link that takes me directly to the latest map for the Nuvi, which is a soon to be released 2009 version.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10397

 

Does this mean you're making progress with your effort to get them to fix it? And if so, would it imply an upgrade / fix for all users, or something specific for you? Or are you just letting us know that you'll continue the battle until you receive a solution?

Sorry, just want to be clear on this ;-)

Thanks!

 

Guys (both old 1st gen and new 2nd gen MINI owners),

I can almost 100% guaranty that BMW will NEVER fix the POI issue that plagues their nav systems. It just isn't going to happen. Thus, you either have to live with the problem or simply don't buy the system and get a portable version like the Garmin nuvi, etc.

It is (somewhat) possible to resolve the issue yourself (as I've already shown - i.e. use the PMN software to export all of the POIs off of the disc, create new "All POI" categories, and then re-import all the POIs back into the new categories) assuming that you want to invest the money and time to do it. Most don't.

The day that BMW fixes the problem (for their existing cars) is the day that pigs learn to fly. I'll be waiting...

Birdman, I applaud your efforts, but I just don't think anything will ever happen. BMW's been using the same flawed system for nearly a decade now. If they were concerned about fixing it, they would have done so by now (especially when they redesigned the entire nav system for use in the 2nd gen MINI's).

Just my $0.02...

 

That is mainly because NOBODY complained about it, and nobody took them to court over it. That may all be changing.

That said, I personally don't care what ever happen in the past. I personally, laid out hard earned money for a feature that was advertised to work a certain way. The feature does NOT work. So I personaly, will either get my money back or preferrably, get the feature FIXED.

Just exactly as I would do in the case of buying a $30 dictionary that had all its words listed in no particular order. Either return it for a refund, or get a new one that was fixed.




....

 

Don't waste your breath.... This circle's been turning for a year.....

 

I have owned a Lexus LS400 with NAV as well as an 04 Acura TL with NAV. Recently bought an 07 Lexus GS350 with NAV. When it came to ordering my 07 Mini S I investigated the BMW nav, which I was not impressed with, and decided not to order the factory NAV. I bought a Garmin and am very pleased with the cost and operation. With the Garmin, I can move it to my Z3 for weekend car club runs. The BMW NAV has always been hard to use.

 

Some things are just entertaining.

 

I guess BMW North America is not talking to Munich. No information of an update from my source. Same garbage as before...

 

The map display on the new BMW is much more detailed and attractive than the R56. My R56 MCS was built to order and delivered in March of 2008 with a DVD dated 2007.2.

Is it possible to upgrade the software to the BMW version with the upgraded graphics?

Is the disk I have the most current version?

Has anyone tried to upgrade the interface with the latest BMW software?

Why is it that the VDO site shows software that at least looks like it was designed after 2002 while the NAV scree on the brand new Cooper looks like was designed on a Commodore 64?

 

The latest nav software for the R56 Mini is 2008.1, which was released in March, according to Navteq.

 

That is the latest MAP data, not the latest "nav software" in the car. Updating to that data disk (as I have), makes NO changes to the functionality of the software, or how the maps are displayed. It simply has some updated POI's (which doesn't help us because we can't get to them using our BROKEN SOFTWARE), and updated maps (new roads...).

 

Are there any images (not POI or arrows) that are on the disk that could be edited? Things like backgrounds or location indicators (the high tech circle, ooooohhh!) that could be modded to make this thing look a little less awful?

Has anyone tried to update the software with the BMW firmware to see if that changes anything.

I wish I could just leave this alone, but the lame *** implementation of the NAV system is ruining what is otherwise a great driving experience and shifting me into a bit of buyer's remorse.

This combined with the note I received from MINUUSA that I would have to purchase the map update that was released 2 weeks after I took delivery of my MCS.

Just keeps getting better.

 

The only images on the Nav disc are the POI ones and nav arrows. All the other ones are stored in the car apparently. For example that Mini logo that comes up on the screen when you start the car isn't on the Nav disc.

The map update won't do you any good unless it has new roads in a specific area you are currently lacking roads. The rest of the map data is identical. There are a few more POI, but with it's current searching structure, they are very difficult to find.

 

I tried to find Ikea today. It was impossible. Is it a shopping center? A general retail store? Other? It has a restaurant in it, maybe its there?

I had to use my iPhone.

If this is a class action suit, where do I send the check? I want in.

 

This amazes me... simply amazes me... Every time I use the MINI Navigation I know that I should have an address (Although I occassionally use the POI). I place great value on being able to get to an address from anywhere. It does weird people out when I ask for their address instead of directions. Just take some time and get the address (411, maps.google.com, a phone book) instead of relying on the company opting in for a service which seems to be designed to cater to their wants over usability. Just imagine the advertising department at NavTeq: "Yes, yes you can have your store listed under this very specific category. No, no we won't group it with larger groupings." It's kinda like television. First they sell you to the larger companies, then they sell their service to you.

Of course, its a completely different issue when a specific street (with a street address) will cause the nav to go to the center of town. The upshot of this thread is that I found the NavOS update. By the way, if anybody with a very recent Map DVD can point their NavSystem to any address on Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua, NH and zoom in on the destination and let me know if it's actually pointing at a street called Daniel Webster Highway I would really appreciate it.