Hi, All.
Would you recommand NAVI models , like any garmin models?

Thank you!

 

Naviagon is great and free traffic....

 

Garmin makes a great unit. I have a 770 that I like a lot. TomTom was another front runner for me.

MINI factory nav looks confusing & is expensive. You can get a nice aftermarket Garmin for $300, vs the $2000 factory option. You just don't get that cool speedometer needle......

 

I've got factory in-dash Navi in my 2006 S. I love it and would not trade it.

 

After having factory NAV in my last two cars, I intentionally ordered my new MCS without factory NAV. I use a Garmin 750. But I find that I don't use most of the "added" features to that model and, in hindsight, should have saved several hundred dollars and bought a basic 250 or similar. I mount my GPS only when I use it (just watching the moving map display gets old quickly), using the suction cup mount, on the speedometer face......and store it in the glove compartment when not in use. Around here, leaving aftermarket NAVs in sight when you're parked is just asking for a break-in. I've read postings from others who say that the user interface on the Garmin is much superior to the MINI factory NAV. Personally, I find the Garmin much better than the factory NAV in my now-departed 911 Porsche.

On the other hand, I understand there are several optional settings on the MINI that can only be made through the factory NAV (or so I've been told). You might wish to explore that further before making your decision.

 

Personally I would have gotten the factory MINI Nav if I ordered my '08 MCS instead of buying it off the lot.So instead I bought the Garmin nuvi 760 GPS and highly recommend it and the brand itself.

MINI even sells the Garmin nuvi 360 GPS as an add on when purchasing but very costly $$ better to buy from a vendor for a lot less.

Here is a review and the ratings of the current GPS units on the market and Garmin holds the top 5 spots.

Link:http://www.gpsmagazine.com/buyers_guide.php

Here is another link with ratings click the unit you are interested in and it will show competitive prices:http://www.spliseindex.com/modelInde...Mode=allModels

I hope that helps some.

 

are there any reports of the factory nav unit getting stolen?

 

I wouldn't think so since the center dash where the factory nav goes would have to be taken apart to steal it.But I could be wrong.

 

I was going to get it in. But then I decided to save the $2000 and use the GPS built into my BB Curve.

 

from all the photos, it looks like a nightmare to steal. It's definitely not a smash and grab operation. I can't imagine the resale value would be worth the trouble. Well, maybe in a few years, when demand for replacement screens begins. Even then...

 

While originally I was of the mindset to allow the cellphone to handle GPS duties and try to save $$$$, I'm slowing coming around to ordering the factory Nav unit in the speedometer.

• The prospect of entering Nav commands to a cellphone strikes me as much more distracting and dangerous than using the built-in Nav joystick. Note that I said much more. Any data entry while moving can be distracting and dangerous. Fortunately the built-in Nav has voice recognition, my phone doesn't.
• Having a big display for GPS and iPod music would be much easier to use than a couple of lines on the radio or directly from the phone/iPod.
• I hate ancillary wires and mounts strewn about the cabin. While most folks dislike the optional armrest, at least it would hide the phone and mount from view as well as provide signal boost that's not available within the secret compartment.
• The operational feel of the OEM Nav has a distinct Euro flavor with it's display and menus that I think adds more charm to the car.
• I'll still have a phone, so there's always the prospect of a fallback GPS solution if I can't find the destination in the Nav database.

These are my personal reasons. I can easily see how someone else could have a differing opinion. It comes down to how well it works for you.

 

You guys should check out Garmin's Nuvifone which is coming out this fall. It's like a combo phone/GPS unit, but works just like Garmin's other GPS units, not like your typical cell phone GPS.

http://www8.garmin.com/nuvifone/

 

how is the factory nav, in terms of the actual navigation compared to a garmins navigation?