Navigation & Audio What exactly does the Nav provide?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
What exactly does the Nav provide?
I'm going to be placing an order for an '08 MCS soon and I'm going back and forth as to whether I should get the nav. Is there something on the MINI website or a thread (that I can't seem to find with the search) that will tell me everything that I will be missing if I don't get nav?
According to what I've read, it's more of an addition to the OBC than it is a navigation system per se. Also, I've heard that BMW's nav systems are horrible and I don't want to spend $2000 for something that won't be of much use.
According to what I've read, it's more of an addition to the OBC than it is a navigation system per se. Also, I've heard that BMW's nav systems are horrible and I don't want to spend $2000 for something that won't be of much use.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
The Nav is WAY over priced. That said, here is what's good, and here is what's bad. Good luck with your order by the way.
It works as a nice display if you have PDC (Park distance control).
It works great for changing the cars software settings that you normally have to do with the blinker stalk which I find kinda "ugly" and difficult.
It displays your current location nicely, although street names are almost impossible to read because they are all the same direction and not always next to the actual street.
It is good at showing you traffic problems, as it gets live traffic data from local radio stations, and displays it on the map display.
It makes using the audio system much nicer, especially if you often play MP3 discs, as it displays the folders and filenames of all the MP3's on a disc, and lets you easily navigate the CD which I'm not sure how is done without the nav screen.
It guides you to a programmed address pretty accurately, as good as any other system I've used for guidance.
If you also get the bluetooth phone option, the Nav screen makes it much easier to view and access your phones phonebook which sincs with the vehicle. The downfall to this however, MINI is not offering many snap in adapters for the bluetooth option which is what it was designed for. And they won't make a generic "pigtail" type connector we could use to connect other "non-standard" phones to, so it's killing the usefullness of the bluetooth option. (you can't utilise the external cell antenna, you can't use it to charge your phone).
What it does really bad however, is allow you to search for POI's (Points Of Interests). The software used to do the searching is BAD(the OS), the method used is BAD(OS and data), the Catagories setup in the system are horrendous, and the data itself (the POI database) is outdated, BAD and missing MOST major markets. For example, Pep Boys, the largest autoparts store chain in America is not in it. Wineries are listed under the category "BANKING AND SHOPPING". I have yet to find Officemax, or Staples in the system. There are 104 categories, and you are forced to always search for something via a category, yet you have no way of searching for the category itself. So MINI assumed we could all remember the complicated category structure and how and where things are stored. Basically, it's impossible to find anything in the POI db.
It's a bit difficult to "navigate" thru the system menus at first using the joystick, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad. BUT, they could have made that 1000 times easier 100 different ways. The first of course being joining the 21st century and giving us a touchscreen instead of a joystick.
Lastly, the Nav screen looks much "cooler" than without it. But I would not spend the money for that feature!!
In summary I would say this: If you need your navigation for work or because you drive and travel alot, I would NOT get it, I would get an aftermarket system. But I can't see owning the MINI without the Nav screen in it, for the other reasons. I'm contemplating instaling a small aftermarket Nav unit (Garmin Nuvi or similar) next to my OEM Nav screen, to use for Navigation and finding POI's. That shows you how bad the POI search functions are. Kinda embarrasing really, having to install an external Nav unit so I kind find something.
Hope that helps!! Good luck!!
It works as a nice display if you have PDC (Park distance control).
It works great for changing the cars software settings that you normally have to do with the blinker stalk which I find kinda "ugly" and difficult.
It displays your current location nicely, although street names are almost impossible to read because they are all the same direction and not always next to the actual street.
It is good at showing you traffic problems, as it gets live traffic data from local radio stations, and displays it on the map display.
It makes using the audio system much nicer, especially if you often play MP3 discs, as it displays the folders and filenames of all the MP3's on a disc, and lets you easily navigate the CD which I'm not sure how is done without the nav screen.
It guides you to a programmed address pretty accurately, as good as any other system I've used for guidance.
If you also get the bluetooth phone option, the Nav screen makes it much easier to view and access your phones phonebook which sincs with the vehicle. The downfall to this however, MINI is not offering many snap in adapters for the bluetooth option which is what it was designed for. And they won't make a generic "pigtail" type connector we could use to connect other "non-standard" phones to, so it's killing the usefullness of the bluetooth option. (you can't utilise the external cell antenna, you can't use it to charge your phone).
What it does really bad however, is allow you to search for POI's (Points Of Interests). The software used to do the searching is BAD(the OS), the method used is BAD(OS and data), the Catagories setup in the system are horrendous, and the data itself (the POI database) is outdated, BAD and missing MOST major markets. For example, Pep Boys, the largest autoparts store chain in America is not in it. Wineries are listed under the category "BANKING AND SHOPPING". I have yet to find Officemax, or Staples in the system. There are 104 categories, and you are forced to always search for something via a category, yet you have no way of searching for the category itself. So MINI assumed we could all remember the complicated category structure and how and where things are stored. Basically, it's impossible to find anything in the POI db.
It's a bit difficult to "navigate" thru the system menus at first using the joystick, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad. BUT, they could have made that 1000 times easier 100 different ways. The first of course being joining the 21st century and giving us a touchscreen instead of a joystick.
Lastly, the Nav screen looks much "cooler" than without it. But I would not spend the money for that feature!!
In summary I would say this: If you need your navigation for work or because you drive and travel alot, I would NOT get it, I would get an aftermarket system. But I can't see owning the MINI without the Nav screen in it, for the other reasons. I'm contemplating instaling a small aftermarket Nav unit (Garmin Nuvi or similar) next to my OEM Nav screen, to use for Navigation and finding POI's. That shows you how bad the POI search functions are. Kinda embarrasing really, having to install an external Nav unit so I kind find something.
Hope that helps!! Good luck!!
Last edited by Birdman; Dec 11, 2007 at 01:59 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
Hey Birdman,
Off topic I know, but why don't you install a copy of Garmin's Mobile XT GPS mapping software on your Blackjack mobile phone? Mobile XT is totally awesome and it has all the power (and then some) of Garmin's nuvi line of portable navigation units. I use it all the time (in and out of my MINI) and I LOVE it.
You get all the POI search functionality (as well as Garmin's POI database for whatever map set you're using) with Mobile XT and it offers better POI categorization than even the nuvi units do.
If you already have a Bluetooth GPS receiver (or your phone has a built in GPS receiver) then you can pick up Garmin's Mobile XT software on a memory card (with maps) for around $99 (I believe). Otherwise, you'll need one of their complete Mobile packages (i.e. Garmin Mobile 10 or Garmin Mobile 20) that includes a Bluetooth GPS receiver, maps of all of North America on a DVD, and the Mobile XT software (which will run on Windows Mobile PPC edition, Windows Mobile Smartphone edition, Nokia Symbian, Sony Ericsson Symbian UIQ3, or Palm). You can even get maps of all of Europe, etc. if you frequently travel out of the country.
The biggest benefit of all is that you won't have to carry around another device. Since you always have your phone, you'll always have your Garmin GPS with you.
EDIT: Here's what Mobile XT looks like running on my Sony Ericsson W950i smartphone:
New Version Of GMXT Coming???
Off topic I know, but why don't you install a copy of Garmin's Mobile XT GPS mapping software on your Blackjack mobile phone? Mobile XT is totally awesome and it has all the power (and then some) of Garmin's nuvi line of portable navigation units. I use it all the time (in and out of my MINI) and I LOVE it.
You get all the POI search functionality (as well as Garmin's POI database for whatever map set you're using) with Mobile XT and it offers better POI categorization than even the nuvi units do.
If you already have a Bluetooth GPS receiver (or your phone has a built in GPS receiver) then you can pick up Garmin's Mobile XT software on a memory card (with maps) for around $99 (I believe). Otherwise, you'll need one of their complete Mobile packages (i.e. Garmin Mobile 10 or Garmin Mobile 20) that includes a Bluetooth GPS receiver, maps of all of North America on a DVD, and the Mobile XT software (which will run on Windows Mobile PPC edition, Windows Mobile Smartphone edition, Nokia Symbian, Sony Ericsson Symbian UIQ3, or Palm). You can even get maps of all of Europe, etc. if you frequently travel out of the country.
The biggest benefit of all is that you won't have to carry around another device. Since you always have your phone, you'll always have your Garmin GPS with you.
EDIT: Here's what Mobile XT looks like running on my Sony Ericsson W950i smartphone:
New Version Of GMXT Coming???
Last edited by TheOfficeMaven; Dec 11, 2007 at 02:17 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
Office,
THANKS MAN!! I do have a GPS enabled PDA/smartphone, the Blackjack 2 (just got it few days ago). I do use GoogleMaps on it, as well as the MS LiveSearch, also MS Pocket Mapoint (along with Mapoint on desktop).
Haven't herd of Garmins, will check it out....thanks. Gettin anwhere on PMN?
But that doesn't let MINI off the hook. They will fix their problem, if it kills me. Their response to me inscensed me if you haven't figured that out. One thing I hate is Corp bullying. Not this cowboy!!
THANKS MAN!! I do have a GPS enabled PDA/smartphone, the Blackjack 2 (just got it few days ago). I do use GoogleMaps on it, as well as the MS LiveSearch, also MS Pocket Mapoint (along with Mapoint on desktop).
Haven't herd of Garmins, will check it out....thanks. Gettin anwhere on PMN?
But that doesn't let MINI off the hook. They will fix their problem, if it kills me.
Their response to me inscensed me if you haven't figured that out. One thing I hate is Corp bullying. Not this cowboy!!
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
Is it worth it?
The Nav is WAY over priced. That said, here is what's good, and here is what's bad. Good luck with your order by the way.
It works as a nice display if you have PDC (Park distance control).
It works great for changing the cars software settings that you normally have to do with the blinker stalk which I find kinda "ugly" and difficult.
It displays your current location nicely, although street names are almost impossible to read because they are all the same direction and not always next to the actual street.
It is good at showing you traffic problems, as it gets live traffic data from local radio stations, and displays it on the map display.
It makes using the audio system much nicer, especially if you often play MP3 discs, as it displays the folders and filenames of all the MP3's on a disc, and lets you easily navigate the CD which I'm not sure how is done without the nav screen.
It guides you to a programmed address pretty accurately, as good as any other system I've used for guidance.
If you also get the bluetooth phone option, the Nav screen makes it much easier to view and access your phones phonebook which sincs with the vehicle. The downfall to this however, MINI is not offering many snap in adapters for the bluetooth option which is what it was designed for. And they won't make a generic "pigtail" type connector we could use to connect other "non-standard" phones to, so it's killing the usefullness of the bluetooth option. (you can't utilise the external cell antenna, you can't use it to charge your phone).
What it does really bad however, is allow you to search for POI's (Points Of Interests). The software used to do the searching is BAD(the OS), the method used is BAD(OS and data), the Catagories setup in the system are horrendous, and the data itself (the POI database) is outdated, BAD and missing MOST major markets. For example, Pep Boys, the largest autoparts store chain in America is not in it. Wineries are listed under the category "BANKING AND SHOPPING". I have yet to find Officemax, or Staples in the system. There are 104 categories, and you are forced to always search for something via a category, yet you have no way of searching for the category itself. So MINI assumed we could all remember the complicated category structure and how and where things are stored. Basically, it's impossible to find anything in the POI db.
It's a bit difficult to "navigate" thru the system menus at first using the joystick, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad. BUT, they could have made that 1000 times easier 100 different ways. The first of course being joining the 21st century and giving us a touchscreen instead of a joystick.
Lastly, the Nav screen looks much "cooler" than without it. But I would not spend the money for that feature!!
In summary I would say this: If you need your navigation for work or because you drive and travel alot, I would NOT get it, I would get an aftermarket system. But I can't see owning the MINI without the Nav screen in it, for the other reasons. I'm contemplating instaling a small aftermarket Nav unit (Garmin Nuvi or similar) next to my OEM Nav screen, to use for Navigation and finding POI's. That shows you how bad the POI search functions are. Kinda embarrasing really, having to install an external Nav unit so I kind find something.
Hope that helps!! Good luck!!
It works as a nice display if you have PDC (Park distance control).
It works great for changing the cars software settings that you normally have to do with the blinker stalk which I find kinda "ugly" and difficult.
It displays your current location nicely, although street names are almost impossible to read because they are all the same direction and not always next to the actual street.
It is good at showing you traffic problems, as it gets live traffic data from local radio stations, and displays it on the map display.
It makes using the audio system much nicer, especially if you often play MP3 discs, as it displays the folders and filenames of all the MP3's on a disc, and lets you easily navigate the CD which I'm not sure how is done without the nav screen.
It guides you to a programmed address pretty accurately, as good as any other system I've used for guidance.
If you also get the bluetooth phone option, the Nav screen makes it much easier to view and access your phones phonebook which sincs with the vehicle. The downfall to this however, MINI is not offering many snap in adapters for the bluetooth option which is what it was designed for. And they won't make a generic "pigtail" type connector we could use to connect other "non-standard" phones to, so it's killing the usefullness of the bluetooth option. (you can't utilise the external cell antenna, you can't use it to charge your phone).
What it does really bad however, is allow you to search for POI's (Points Of Interests). The software used to do the searching is BAD(the OS), the method used is BAD(OS and data), the Catagories setup in the system are horrendous, and the data itself (the POI database) is outdated, BAD and missing MOST major markets. For example, Pep Boys, the largest autoparts store chain in America is not in it. Wineries are listed under the category "BANKING AND SHOPPING". I have yet to find Officemax, or Staples in the system. There are 104 categories, and you are forced to always search for something via a category, yet you have no way of searching for the category itself. So MINI assumed we could all remember the complicated category structure and how and where things are stored. Basically, it's impossible to find anything in the POI db.
It's a bit difficult to "navigate" thru the system menus at first using the joystick, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad. BUT, they could have made that 1000 times easier 100 different ways. The first of course being joining the 21st century and giving us a touchscreen instead of a joystick.
Lastly, the Nav screen looks much "cooler" than without it. But I would not spend the money for that feature!!
In summary I would say this: If you need your navigation for work or because you drive and travel alot, I would NOT get it, I would get an aftermarket system. But I can't see owning the MINI without the Nav screen in it, for the other reasons. I'm contemplating instaling a small aftermarket Nav unit (Garmin Nuvi or similar) next to my OEM Nav screen, to use for Navigation and finding POI's. That shows you how bad the POI search functions are. Kinda embarrasing really, having to install an external Nav unit so I kind find something.
Hope that helps!! Good luck!!
After hearing that the other features such as POI do not work well, it sounds like it would really be nothing more than an easier way to access my car's options and a nicer display for my phone and music. Is it worth it if this is all I'm going to be using it for? I just don't want to miss out on some must-have feature that the nav provides that doesn't necessarily have to do with navigation per se.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
I do not plan on getting PDC. I do plan on playing a lot of MP3s, but not through my iPod (iPod integration seems very pricey). I will probably just use the USB port and I believe that the CD player also reads MP3 discs if I'm not mistaken. I have an iPhone and I do plan on using the bluetooth integration. Traffic is not a huge concern to me as I do not live in a high-traffic city like Los Angeles. I have Google Maps on my phone, so as long as I know where I am, I can pretty much find directions to anywhere.
After hearing that the other features such as POI do not work well, it sounds like it would really be nothing more than an easier way to access my car's options and a nicer display for my phone and music. Is it worth it if this is all I'm going to be using it for? I just don't want to miss out on some must-have feature that the nav provides that doesn't necessarily have to do with navigation per se.
After hearing that the other features such as POI do not work well, it sounds like it would really be nothing more than an easier way to access my car's options and a nicer display for my phone and music. Is it worth it if this is all I'm going to be using it for? I just don't want to miss out on some must-have feature that the nav provides that doesn't necessarily have to do with navigation per se.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake, Illinois
It seems like you're fighting it. If you find no value in the NAV don't buy it. It's a lot of money for something you don't really want. There are definitely alternatives for a navigation system, from a portable one, to one you can load on you PDA like device. It comes down to convenience, but not a necessity.
There's an argument that the car may be easier to sell down the road. I don't know how old you are, but I remember as a kid when A/C in a car became a convenience, and not all cars had them, but eventually it became hard to buy a car without it, and the resale of a used car without A/C was terrible. I live in Chicago and I remember the argument of 'why do you need A/C in Chicago for a few months out of the year'. I kinda see a parallel with NAVs. I didn't care for them at first, but when I bought my Armada it had it, and it has come so handy when traveling.
Again, it comes down to personal choice.
There's an argument that the car may be easier to sell down the road. I don't know how old you are, but I remember as a kid when A/C in a car became a convenience, and not all cars had them, but eventually it became hard to buy a car without it, and the resale of a used car without A/C was terrible. I live in Chicago and I remember the argument of 'why do you need A/C in Chicago for a few months out of the year'. I kinda see a parallel with NAVs. I didn't care for them at first, but when I bought my Armada it had it, and it has come so handy when traveling.
Again, it comes down to personal choice.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 1
From: South Florida.
Look back on the threads, a lot of Mini owners are sorry that they didnt order the Nav and the Pdc. Even with some of its negatives, it is a very good system with plenty of features and looks good. I love mine and Im glad that I got it.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 1
The nav system is great. Despite his repulsive rhetoric, Birdman does have a point about POI searches -- the search methodology sucks. But the rest of the nav is great, especially the real-time traffic info. Yeah, it's expensive, like every factory installed nav.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
I do not plan on getting PDC. I do plan on playing a lot of MP3s, but not through my iPod (iPod integration seems very pricey). I will probably just use the USB port and I believe that the CD player also reads MP3 discs if I'm not mistaken. I have an iPhone and I do plan on using the bluetooth integration. Traffic is not a huge concern to me as I do not live in a high-traffic city like Los Angeles. I have Google Maps on my phone, so as long as I know where I am, I can pretty much find directions to anywhere.
After hearing that the other features such as POI do not work well, it sounds like it would really be nothing more than an easier way to access my car's options and a nicer display for my phone and music. Is it worth it if this is all I'm going to be using it for? I just don't want to miss out on some must-have feature that the nav provides that doesn't necessarily have to do with navigation per se.
After hearing that the other features such as POI do not work well, it sounds like it would really be nothing more than an easier way to access my car's options and a nicer display for my phone and music. Is it worth it if this is all I'm going to be using it for? I just don't want to miss out on some must-have feature that the nav provides that doesn't necessarily have to do with navigation per se.
I went through the same decision when I bought my Mini. I originally ordered without Nav but every time I saw a youtube video of the nav I really liked the way it worked. I totally dig the voice recognition (on everything; radio, CDs, mp3 CDs, settings, etc) and how well it navigates. The voice directions it gives you are very good. I like how the display looks in the car more than that large speedo does. I like the way it's easy to change the car's settings through the Nav display.
Mini USA told me next year they will have an Iphone cradle for the armrest. Hopefully they weren't pullin' my chain. You don't really need the cradle to use the bluetooth feature of the car, but you need it if you want to connect the phone to the outside antenna, and it provides a charger. The cradles are expensive, about $140 give or take depending on what dealer you get it from. I have one for my Razr, which I got just because they had a cradle available.
The POI system isn't very helpful, however simple things like gas stations are easy to find in it and some restaurants. There are some other threads about the POI system.
Do any dealers near you have a car equipped with Nav? Maybe get a couple hour test drive in one to check it out.
If I was getting another Mini, I'd definitely get the Nav option again.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 0
From: Stanwood, WA
I do not plan on getting PDC. I do plan on playing a lot of MP3s, but not through my iPod (iPod integration seems very pricey). I will probably just use the USB port and I believe that the CD player also reads MP3 discs if I'm not mistaken. I have an iPhone and I do plan on using the bluetooth integration. Traffic is not a huge concern to me as I do not live in a high-traffic city like Los Angeles. I have Google Maps on my phone, so as long as I know where I am, I can pretty much find directions to anywhere. After hearing that the other features such as POI do not work well, it sounds like it would really be nothing more than an easier way to access my car's options and a nicer display for my phone and music. Is it worth it if this is all I'm going to be using it for? I just don't want to miss out on some must-have feature that the nav provides that doesn't necessarily have to do with navigation per se.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
It seems like you're fighting it. If you find no value in the NAV don't buy it. It's a lot of money for something you don't really want. There are definitely alternatives for a navigation system, from a portable one, to one you can load on you PDA like device. It comes down to convenience, but not a necessity.
Thanks for bringing up all the things you can use the voice recognition for. I didn't realize that you could use it for some many things. This is the kind of thing I was hoping to find out from this thread. Thanks again.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 1
I'm old school. Keep your NAV system and give me a good map any day. The best state maps I've found are free at state rest stops on the highways and street level maps are easy enough to get at mapquest.com, yahoo.com, etc.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
Originally Posted by lukeinjax
I'm going to be placing an order for an '08 MCS soon and I'm going back and forth as to whether I should get the nav. Is there something on the MINI website or a thread (that I can't seem to find with the search) that will tell me everything that I will be missing if I don't get nav?
According to what I've read, it's more of an addition to the OBC than it is a navigation system per se. Also, I've heard that BMW's nav systems are horrible and I don't want to spend $2000 for something that won't be of much use.
According to what I've read, it's more of an addition to the OBC than it is a navigation system per se. Also, I've heard that BMW's nav systems are horrible and I don't want to spend $2000 for something that won't be of much use.
PS- I do not beleive you will get a USB connector. That has only been reported in cars delivered in Euroland. I have not seen a US delivered car report having a USB connector.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 1
You're welcome. Perhaps, since your spelling is BROKEN, no one can really rely on it to read your posts correctly. Maybe you should go back to your teachers and DEMAND that they FIX it or that the PAY you back for your education.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Brea, CA
I think the answer to this question is more about the owner's personality than anything. I've had factory nav before and didn't like it, but once I saw the capability and integration as well as look and feel in the car, I was convinced and I have no regrets adding the option.
If you are tech saavy and like to interact with devices (PDA, cell etc) I think the nav is worth the money. There is so much stuff to customize and learn, if you like this, it will keep you entertained. I 've had the car for a few weeks now and have only made a dent in understanding all the features.
If you are **** about your cars, the Nav system is also a good feature. I hate to have something "tacked" on to the dash of the car. You've got to run power wires etc. There are better standalone systems out there for less money, but they aren't as integrated.
My biggest suggestion is go down to the dealer and make the MA spend time to demonstrate the system. $2K is a lot of money, so test drive both systems and make the right decision for you. You'll get too many conflicting opinions on the web for people with very different goals, so get what you want and what fits your personality.
If you are tech saavy and like to interact with devices (PDA, cell etc) I think the nav is worth the money. There is so much stuff to customize and learn, if you like this, it will keep you entertained. I 've had the car for a few weeks now and have only made a dent in understanding all the features.
If you are **** about your cars, the Nav system is also a good feature. I hate to have something "tacked" on to the dash of the car. You've got to run power wires etc. There are better standalone systems out there for less money, but they aren't as integrated.
My biggest suggestion is go down to the dealer and make the MA spend time to demonstrate the system. $2K is a lot of money, so test drive both systems and make the right decision for you. You'll get too many conflicting opinions on the web for people with very different goals, so get what you want and what fits your personality.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis MD
... now that's a goodun.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
see underlined area of quote. I'm sorry, your english is incorrect. Does your boss at MINI who is paying you to post on MINI forums know you can't write properly?
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 1
Does yours at Garvin?? Of course, you must work for Garvin since you are intent on denigrating the Mini nav? Thanks for catching my typo.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
I think the answer to this question is more about the owner's personality than anything. I've had factory nav before and didn't like it, but once I saw the capability and integration as well as look and feel in the car, I was convinced and I have no regrets adding the option.
If you are tech saavy and like to interact with devices (PDA, cell etc) I think the nav is worth the money. There is so much stuff to customize and learn, if you like this, it will keep you entertained. I 've had the car for a few weeks now and have only made a dent in understanding all the features.
If you are **** about your cars, the Nav system is also a good feature. I hate to have something "tacked" on to the dash of the car. You've got to run power wires etc. There are better standalone systems out there for less money, but they aren't as integrated.
My biggest suggestion is go down to the dealer and make the MA spend time to demonstrate the system. $2K is a lot of money, so test drive both systems and make the right decision for you. You'll get too many conflicting opinions on the web for people with very different goals, so get what you want and what fits your personality.
If you are tech saavy and like to interact with devices (PDA, cell etc) I think the nav is worth the money. There is so much stuff to customize and learn, if you like this, it will keep you entertained. I 've had the car for a few weeks now and have only made a dent in understanding all the features.
If you are **** about your cars, the Nav system is also a good feature. I hate to have something "tacked" on to the dash of the car. You've got to run power wires etc. There are better standalone systems out there for less money, but they aren't as integrated.
My biggest suggestion is go down to the dealer and make the MA spend time to demonstrate the system. $2K is a lot of money, so test drive both systems and make the right decision for you. You'll get too many conflicting opinions on the web for people with very different goals, so get what you want and what fits your personality.
I also don't like to have a bunch of stuff hanging off my dash with cords everywhere.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
Birdman, LynnEl, please stop bickering. I've seen Birdman arguing with someone about spelling or some other insignificant, off-topic subject in about 1/2 of the threads in this forum. Nobody else cares whether you can spell or not. If you must argue about spelling, there's an off-topic section (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=10) for that.
Thanks for the valuable suggestions, but please take your arguments elsewhere.
Thanks for the valuable suggestions, but please take your arguments elsewhere.
