I am new to mini, just got a 07 about 2 weeks ago. after looking up a bunch of stuff i want, i come to find out that the connected/nav system is non retrofittable? Is there a reason that anyone knows about, It looks like it is possible if someone were to take the time to do it, all of the cars in the past I have worked on that have had nav additional from the dealer, all of the wiring is usually back there, just a matter of connecting and installing correctly.

Any advice or answers would be great. I hope there arent 1,000 posts about this same question, I just skimmed the forum for a few to check and couldnt find anything.

Thanks!

 

Well ANYTHING is possible but at what cost is the big question

1. you would need to change the MAIN wiring harness in the car as it is not compatible with the MINI Connected System.

2. There are big differences in the head unit of the car from before MINI connected and after and the new radio is not compatible with the old systems.

3. So if you want to attempt it go ahead just be ware that you will probably spend more on parts than the 2007 car is worth and 10 times that in labor hours. In Fact just the parts alone needed would cost more than the price of a used 2011 probably.

 

so, main wiring harness, center console, and then parts in general. I was curious because I found a totalled mini at a local junkyard with the nav in it. I was quoted 100 for the whole center console...I was mainly curious if it was wiring harness or even possibly ecu aswell.

Im not worried about the swap. Just more worried about what it all needed. Thank you for your advice and knowlege. I appreciate the time you took to inform me of what the risks were.

 

There is a great community here and we are all here to help each other.

The unfortunate part of that upgrade is the main wiring harness means taking 100% of the interior out of the car. and at that point is it really worth the effort buts thats only a question you can answer.