I'm a little confused on the whole Nav operation issue, but from what I understand, previous models (at least in the convertibles) the Nav has been touch screen. When I ordered my new 07 MCS, my MA made sure to point out that the Nav was not touch screen, but was operated by a joystick, and that has turned many buyers away from the Nav. ???? Is this new for the 07's??? What do you guys think who have the "joystick" operation???

BTW: I went ahead and order the Nav since I'm new to Nav and I figure I can learn to use whatever ... I also ordered the Bluetooth since I think that will allow voice commands for the Nav too.

 

The built in OEM Nav for the 07 Mini is NOT touchscreen. It is operated via a joystick. It if fairly easy to operate, after playing with it a few days you get the hang of it.

There are touch screen "aftermarket" options that now available for the MINI from the dealer OR from anywhere else. From the dealer it comes with a special mount to mount it next to the speedo. The OEM nav is IN the speedo, so there is no mount, cables, wires....it's all built in.

The aftermarket units are MUCH better as GPS units, but then you don't get all other nice features of having the Nav screen integrated to the rest of the car (software settings, MP3 filenames and folders, radio displays, traffic info, voice routing over speaker (music muted), voice command, phone displays address book, park distance control display...).

I personally would not get the car without it for all those reasons. But the nav unit mini is using is embarrasingly BAD.

Hope that helps.

 

The joystick is usable. I was concerned about it too, but have adapted to it. My reference for comparison is the Lexus touchscreen, which is waaay better. But, it's you're only integrated choice for the Mini, so take it or leave it. I'm glad I took it. It actually has some advantages over a touchscreen like the twisting of the joystick to zoom in/out on the map display, or scroll through a list of songs. It also seems more usable while driving, as you don't have to move your hand so far to use it. (The Lexus actually locks you out when the car is in motion, unless you know the secret override).

One problem I am having is pressing the joystick down to activate a selection. Half the time it seems like I pressed hard enough, but nothing happens, and I have to press again, even harder. I wonder if there is a mechanical adjustment that would help.

 

Having done a simultaneous navigation with a friend's newly purchased Garmin and the OEM MINI NAV, I would not agree. I actually prefer the MINI NAV.

The Garmin allows you to change voices, and it says the street names (the Aussie woman's voice really slaughters the pronunciation of Spanish street names ). The MINI NAV just says turn left at the next street. However, I prefer the MINI way. If I want the street name I can glance at the screen (which is much larger on the MINI). As far as accuracy, the Gramin tripped up as much as the MINI.

The MINI has an excellent traffic feature for large cities that this Garmin didn't have.

 

IMO, the joystick requires taking your eyes off the road less than a touchscreen would. However, interface hardware aside, the MINI NAV could have had much better menu navigation. The current menu design seems to be state-of-the-art for 1979.

 

You may have a sticky joystick. Sticks in the down position and doesn't come back up. We had that problem and ours was repaired by the dealer.

 

Yep. They designed the entire nave system around Mini Circa 1979 to stick with the old mini enthusiasts.

It's embarrassing there selling a $200 Garmin in the dealerships that works 1000 times better. I don't understand mini's/bmw's point on that.

 

I considered the alternative nav the dealer offered, but decided against it only because the screen was so small! Glad to hear at least the joystick allows you to keep your eyes on the road a little more ... very important when navigating through DC traffic!

 

I'm glad I never played with any other nav's, but I found the Mini's awesome. Like I said, nothing to compare it to, but after a day or two I was pluggin away on the stick no problem.

 

Hi, I have the 2018 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN F60 with 6.5" screen & a basic iDrive controller which looks like part #6317694 and the joystick can swing only sideways and my car system does not have maps on it.
I wish to upgrade to the fancy iDrive controller part #9332289.I wish to know if this would be a simple swap without coding?.secondly can some one help me with the steps involved to get this idrive swap done?.Thanks.