I have a 2012 Convertible S with Mini Connect without the navigation system. Anybody know if the nav system can be added and what is involved in doing so.
Just hit a thousand miles - love the car!

 

I will not tell you it can not be added as anything can be done but to add it at this point is VERY expensive.

The other thing about the OEM NAV that shows on the screen in the Speedo is that it is very poor compared to aftermarket GPS Navigation systems. Just read the many threads here on how few POI there are and how hard it is to use and you will see what I mean.

I also know a few people that purchased it with the car and now use an aftermarket GPS as the OEM one is so bad.

 

Thanks, may not be any point in doing it if the quality is so bad and the cost is so high.

 

Get a Garmin or TomTom. You won't regret it.

 

So I am not sure, but I suspect it is already there. When I got my 2012 Mini my MA handed me a paper and it has a lic code on it. Just like one you would have for Microsoft Office or other software.

She took me to a screen, and I used the joystick to enter the code... hit enter and it said, "Unlocking Navigation" and I had it. I think they do this before you go, but my delivery was a little odd (the truck broke down) so it was late. I wonder if you just need to "Unlock" it.

 

If you ordered NAV that is the way it works but it you did not order NAV Then the hardware in the car is not the right stuff. There are diffrences in the head unit and if NAV was not on the order then the head unit is 99% chance the wrong one.

 

Right you are. I couldn't imagine Mini making anything that easy like a software code to unlock. They charge at least an additional $700 on top of the $1000 for Mini Connect if you want the nav system built in at the factory.
Anyway, I called my local dealer service advisor and he said no way, the nav system has to be factory built because the wiring and computer are very different than the stand alone Mini Connect.

So, thanks for everybody's thoughts, I just purchased a Garmin and a neat cup holder attachment - works great.

 

Look up a Craven Speed mount. Much better option for your Garmin. I'd take a pic of mine, but too lazy tonight. Maybe tomorrow? :D

 

BUMP!

any idea if this is possible, or should I ask how expensive? I just got a used 2011 MCS. It's got mini connected but NOT nav. I have an iPhone 5 so I can't do the jailbrake with screen out support to do it that way. I know a garmin etc is cheaper but I don't want another gadget mounted in the car... So I'd love something to work with it displaying on the main screen.

two options:
1) legit nav, but how much and what parts are needed?
2) iPod touch with the old connection ($200?), BT GPS receiver ($100), NAV app ($40) and then jailbrake it and do the screen out option...

The second one might be cheaper and I'm not against it as I use the iPhone with MINI connected now and it's a PITA with the new connector, so I'd just leave the iPod in the car permanently (in the armrest).

 

I Like the oem nav system in the car. I am a traveling Notary Public and use the system quite often. most addresses are in the system. It is accurate,the traffic system works well. the Google "Send to car" system is great!. The turn by turn announcements work well. The system shows you graphically what lane to be in.

My friend has a 2007 Mini and hates the oem nav. She added the Mini Garmin unit with the steering wheel mount.

 

Can you use Google Send To Car if you have Connected but no Nav? And can you display movies (for example only!) on the center speedo? I have Connected but didn't want to pay the $700 for NAV on my 2012 JCW Cabrio.

 

No on Google send to car, but you can use google search. The rest you can do. Look for the programming thread under electrical.

 

Just another point of view. We love the nav on our 2013 CMJCW. It's the best in-dash system I have come across and we have had several(two Alpines, Kenwood, Honda, and Toyota). I really like the fact that you control it via the **** in the console and not via touch screen. I can get to areas quicker that way, and don't have to take my eyes off the road as much compared to touch screen soft keys.

It's got a fantastic high def display(the topology does not look "cartoonish" like so many others do). zooming in and out is quick and simple with a twist of the control ****. I like having a large, centrally located display to get a good look at the areas surrounding where I am at, compared to the tiny screens of phones and aftermarket units. The factory implementation is very clean and of course, is warranted for 4 years and 50k miles.

the interactive map function is very powerful. I think the center mounted speedo is a cool feature in Mini's and a great nod to the rallying past of the classic Minis, but I think having the Nav in the center of this location with a "floating" speedo around the edges is a much better use of the space.

 

I use waze on my phone and couldn't be happier. i also use it on our x5 instead of the built in nav.