I have a stock '04 R53 without the navigation option....large speedometer in center of dash, and smaller tachometer with computer mounted on steering column....

I know where to get the stock nav unit for center of dash cluster, and also the dual tach-speedometer pods for mounting in front of the driver.....I would just have to relocate my vacuum-boost gauge and voltmeter on either side of my tachometer now....

Can I just swap out the components to add to my car, or is there a wiring harness swap involved as well....I'm hoping it's a "plug-n-play" swap, but I'm thinking it's not that easy

If I'm ***** outtta luck, just say so and I'll ferget the whole thing

 

Pretty sure the issue is finding somebody with special software that can reprogram your ECU to recognize the gauges from a different car.

 

Reprogramming the ECU is not a problem, I'm more concerned if it's just a direct swap of the instruments or if more items are needed, like the complete dash harness from the donor car

 

I am not aware of any recent posts (past year) saying they pulled this off. I saw something in a FB post about people that were able to do this work but never did anymore research.

 

Yea, I did a rather extensive search here on the forum, and never found any definitive answer either

Thinking I'll just stick with my Garmin unit for now.....

Thanks guys

 

It's been done before: http://www.mini2.com/forum/3255721-post5.html (post #5). It's a lot of work with high risk for something going wrong.

That begs the question, why would you want to do it? MINI already stopped updating the maps for this ancient nav system years ago. We're talking about a navigation system with 2002 technology (as a point of reference, Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007). The map app on a cellphone works a lot better.

 

I have an '05 R53 with the factory nav unit. IMHO, it isn't worth the effort to retrofit it into an R5* that didn't come with one. The nav is archaic, and sucks, to put it politely. It is non-intuitive, and difficult to use. And this is with the latest firmware update and 2014 map update, too. For the most part, I only use it as real time map when I drive. As a point of reference, I did however, order my F56 with the factory nav, as my preference is to use a dedicated unit instead of my phone (I'm old school).

 

Ok, I didn't realize that the updates were all done.....so I'll just ferget the whole thing and move on to other items of interest.

Thanks guys

 

One prime example not to buy the sell up factory fancy electronic options. What keep me wide awake at night are the fancy electronic displays in the new cars. They are just cheap consumer electronic junks, and what would happen if you keep your cars for 25+ years?

 

Yeah it's been done. On here look up "navigation install hopefully a how to guide". I installed oem nav and mini connected on my 2011mcs. They also talk about the r53 and everything that needs to be bought and done on that thread.