Will eliminating the global 'all' category save enough space to keep all the categories? If so, maybe there is a happy medium here somewhere. Most of the time I think folks will be able to guess at least the top level category, so having top-level 'all' choices for each of the six will relieve most of the problem. Worst-case scenario, you might have to search one or two additional categories, assuming the POI exists. Although, in the Pep Boys example, the POIs do not exist, you're SOL, and wouldn't know it until you searched all six.

 

Just the sub-categories. The top-level categories/menus would remain the same.

Also, there's more room to wiggle around with on the 1st gen system since there's still around 250 MB of fee space remaining on the DVD. Thus, you could still leave some of the most used sub-categories (such as types of food, etc.). However, there's zero fee disc space remaining on the 2nd gen MINI's map DVD I'm afraid.

 

I thought about that too. However, from what I understand (and from what I can gather by looking at the map DVD's), the map data is stored in a database in an encrypted format. Thus far, I don't know of anyone who as been able to break that encryption algorithm in order to get at the data (probably because there's hasn't been any real reason for anyone to do so).

BTW, the POI databases take up about 1.6 GB of disc space. The rest is for the map data.

 

Now everyone is seeing why MINI needs, (AND WILL) fix this!!!

We need an OS update, and we need a updated data disk. And MINI is in charge of both, that is who we bought the car from!!! And like I said, it is on the way already, ask your dealer!!

 

I agree. MINI really does need to fix this. I don't mind fixing it myself for the short term, but they really need to do something about it for the long haul (i.e. I don't really feel like doing all the work for every new map data DVD that comes out down the road).

 

Yes, (if I'm understanding you correctly) that's exactly how it would work. Searching six top-level categories would be a LOT easier than searching 105 sub-categories for sure. Also, if you know you're looking for a specific type of POI, then you should be able to easily eliminate two or three of the top-level categories right of the bat making the search even faster/easier.

Also, for 2nd gen MINI owners, it's VERY easy to swap the map DVD out (since it's right there in the dash). Thus, you could always keep your original map DVD in the glove box and pop it in if you need to further categorize your searches. I doubt I'd ever do that (since I'm quite lazy ), but it would be very easy to do if you needed/wanted to

 

1. Someone at MINI writes up a proposal: 2 weeks
2. Proposal sits on a MINI exec's desk waiting for approval: 4 weeks
3. Proposal is sent to Siemens VDO.
4. Siemens VDO replies, asking for more detailed specifications: 6 weeks
5. MINI sends specifications: 5 weeks
6. Siemens VDO replies with a price quotation: 1 month
7. MINI approves funding: 3 months
8. Summer vacation facility shutdown: 1 month
9. Siemens VDO programmer implements the change: 1 day
10. Translated to all languages: 1 month
11. Beta installer disc created: 2 weeks
12. Image of beta installer disc posted on X5world.com forums: 2 hours
13. Worldwide field testing: 6 months
14. Final installer disc created: 4 weeks
15. Image of final installer disc posted on X5world.com forums: 2 hours
16. Installer disc distributed to Euro dealers: 2 months
17. Installer disc distributed to US dealers: 6 months

 

I just realized also, since the Nav is shared with BMW family of cars, the issue would be handled by BMW corporate, not the smaller MINI division (i.e. more bureaucracy).

 

Ha! That was great. It made me LOL.

So true...

 

Yep, that sounds about right. Though you completely bypassed Qualification and Test, not to mention the focus groups.

That's the nice part about small places like Pimp-my-Nav. It can work just like Birdman describes (and Maven demonstrated.) Call up the programmer, he changes the program, you're on your way. In a big company, not so much.

 

Yeah, I contacted the dealer here in Pressath Germany (my local dealer) and asked him about this like Birdman recommended and they giggled at me.

I'm not quite sure how to take that?

Anyway, I do agree that the search function should be fixed but I am not sure how quickly they are going to jump on it, especially for us older nav units like the MK4.

Navteq makes the maps for the MK3/4, but who makes them for the new nav?

 

Ah yes, swap in the old disk! Problem solved! My expertise is in overlooking the obvious. I think outside the box, but I usually can't find my way back in .

For that matter, why not just have the single search-all category on one disk and the OEM disk for all else? Does that free up space?

 

@RKW,
LOL!! I hear ya man, it's a SAD fact in todays world. I run a large IT dept, and I work hard in making sure this does NOT happen in our company.

The really unfortunate thing about this long delay in fixing it is, they are loosing sales in cars, and especially in NAV systems. I for one am looking for a new car for my wife, we are replacing an A8 Audi. We thought about the MINI, but NOT after this debacle. We are getting a car with a touchscreen NAV in it, that WORKS!! We are look at American cars for this reason, the NAV in them in 100 times better.



@daflake,
I was just in Goettingen, Germany last week, lots of mini's over there. Navtech makes the dvd for 2nd gen also. BUT, we bought the car from MINI, the disc says MINI/BMW on it. MINI/BMW will fix it!! How and who they pay to do it, I don't care. They have my $2,100, and they will fix it!!!

 

.

 

Just to be clear, Tom, it is not that simple. The long Island winery is found under the following EMBARRASING catagories:

First you need to select: BANKING and SHOPPING
Then you have to select: Food and Beverage
THEN you have to select: Wine and Liquor

Yea, everyone goes BANKING or SHOPPING at Winery's!! I guess that's the first place (category) anyone would start searching in

Every other GPS unit on the planet (EVERY!!) has winery's under Attractions or Amusements.

 

They are also made by NavTeq... The 1st gen MINI's use the "High" version of the BMW/MINI nav map disc and the 2nd gen use the "Professional" version (A.K.A. CCC-DVD).

Both systems are also designed and manufactured by Siemens VDO.

 

Yes. That's the only way I can see it working at this point (especially for the 2nd gen MINIs). Personally, I'd just leave the custom "Search All" disc in permanently, and only swap back in the OEM disc when I couldn't find what I was looking for using the search all categories. Or when taking the MINI in for service (so that they don't hassle you for using a non-OEM map disc).

 

So how are those threatening websites coming along?

 

My Garmin with City Nav NT has some wineries listed under food.

Since that card that was posted which listed all the categories and their subcategories, it makes it pretty easy to find Wineries, since they have wine listed as a category.

 

That will only happen if they don't fix it. But since they are coming out with both an OS update and new data DVD, why would I do that?

Has anyone found out what version it will be from the dealer?

 

What does your dealer say?

 

All it takes is one simple lie to completely ruin whatever credibility you may have ever built up, at least with me. Others may treat your claims, bluster, and behavior as they wish.

Best luck,
~Neal

 

Gonna have to agree with you.... I bet the dealer told him that to get him to leave.

 

I have to agree with you also.

Birdman...you're scaring me. People with that type of behavior usually get voted Most-Likely-to-bring-an-AK-to-work. Wassup?

 

+1

I share your frustration with the search function on our MINI nav system. But the whole "call your dealer because an update is coming" garbage really takes it too far.

If there is something tangible to share with us ... something "real" we can take to our dealers ... then please provide the details. Otherwise this thread just reads like the ravings of one loudmouth who is unwilling to acknowledge that he should have done some research before spending his money.