Anyone know of any reviews of the 2005 Nav system? I haven't been able to find anything on NAM or the web in general. Also, where can I download a PDF of the owner's manual for the NAV and the MCS?

 

I don't believe the '05 system is any different from the previous years'. You should be able to find various commentary in this forum.
The manual can be downloaded here:

http://www.motoringfile.com/files/MI...ion_manual.pdf

Let us know if you have any specific questions.

I like the Nav, but it's not the best out there. Best looking though (i.e. integrated.) The one button system is simple, but sometimes (i.e. looking for a gas station) takes a LOT of twists and clicks to get where you're going, same with data (aka address) input.

 

it pretty much blows. I only like it if I have to find an address I"ve never been to before, but I can use Mapquest if I remember before I leave. I also have a CD based system, so my system needs more than one disc to cover the whole us.

I love the sexy british or french voices, and I keep hoping they'll say,

"Come on big boy, drive me harder, HARDER!!!"

 

The 05 is DVD based and older Minis (I think 03/02) had CD based and I can tell you that the two are not comparible; we had the CD based version in the 03 and it was much slower as well as being subject to weird errors, ie telling us to go left with the arrow on the screen pointing right.

I do not know if any upgrades were made to the DVD brain anytime in the production (I only speculate that its possible since BMW did have several versions of the CD based nav brain along the way) but can attest to how quick the nav is in my 05. Anyway, we've been very happy with the nav in our 05.

If you do a little advanced search on the word 'nav' here and on Mini2 I'm sure you'll come up with all sorts of personal reviews. As Eric said let us know if you have any specific questions.

Cheers

 

I love the Nav system in my 05. It's quick to update, and has proven to be very accurate... I'd even say 99.9% of the time. At no time has it pointed the arrow one way and said the other.

I think part of the key is the updated software. Software updates are available for free online... note this is NOT the same as updated maps, just the operating system for the Nav. Updates are available for all 4 generations of the Nav system. The MINI uses the EXACT same Nav system as the BMW cars.

Here's a link to get the software updates:

http://www.x5world.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=59

Don't worry about the fact it says BMW, the updates work... and no you don't lose the MINI logo, it stays MINI after the updates. I've updated mine twice since I received the car in early March. Once from V24 to V24.1, and again from V24.1 to V25. No hiccups.

 

If you read the thread on the Nav Updates (something about british voices) you'll see that the CD based systems have more issues with upgrades than the DVD. I did a RFQ with a used parts supplier, and he quoted $250 for the Nav System brain for DVD. The software updates can get you faster response and waypoints. But nothing will make a CD system cover the whole US. Voice inputs aren't there (at least that I'm aware of), and the search functions for services and stores is a joke. It's pretty much impossible to use, and while it does have a way to find "businesses", there's no way to say "how for to the nearest Home Depot!" So sure, the DVD system is better, and sure you can get it more responsive, but the user interface is poor, the displays are pretty poor, and the cost is pretty high. That said, if I would still probably get it if I were to buy a new Mini. It's integrated, and I can't stand the ChronoPak! And the ability to integrate more video to the car is appealing.....

Matt

Matt

 

I have the older CD-based nav system. While it is nice, it's rather clunky compared to what is coming out in some of the newer cars. If I can get my hands on a DVD-based Nav computer for mine, I am going to swap it out. The CD system has never worked right when using "Info on Location" regardless of software updates. It locks up and reboots. Plus the disk swapping sucks.

 

I'm curious if you saw any marked improvements with the upgrades? I haven't touched the software since everything is working fine..

 

The original question was regarding the 2005 Nav system, so the issues with the older CD versions do not apply. However, I concede that I did mention updates for the older versions in my previous post. But I NEVER claimed that the software updates would prevent having to change map CDs if you have an older system. The point I was trying to make is that software updates can, and do, improve the functionality of the system. Just knowing that (software) updates are sometimes released, and are available for free, is a confidence booster.

Actually, on the DVD one, it's pretty good at finding many businesses, based either on current location or on the entered destination. I think that many of your gripes are based upon your own experiences, which are of course with the older system. I'm not saying the current one is 100% perfect, but it is definitely superior in many ways.

As for the interface and displays, I disagree. I think the interface is quite suitable, especially in a vehicle. It is simple, one-button and ****... which is a huge plus when you are trying to drive. Obviously, any Nav adjustment has to be done with great care while driving, but if you have to change something (such as to make it repeat the last command), at least it's as simple as it can be. Any Nav system with a myriad of buttons and controls (such as some of the handheld ones) are only going to be MORE dangerous, IMO. Not to mention that any aftermarket system is likely to involve a much smaller screen size, therefore being harder to read and follow while you're trying to concentrate on the road too.

Regarding the cost, you're right, it isn't cheap... but it's on a par with the cost of most OEM Nav systems, and simple "supply and demand" economics dictate what they charge. I paid it, and I don't regret it one bit. Being able to set aside MapQuest and Google Maps is PRECISELY what I love about it. Always there when you need it, and unlike paper maps, it adjusts when you go off course, or it can take you on an alternate route whenevery you want it to (such as when you hit traffic). It has paper beat hands down, and considering the "built-in" convenience, and DVD map disc availability (all of the handhelds I have read about can't store that much data really, you have to download the maps if you leave the area), I think it's worth it.

Absolutely! I am looking forward to adding the front and rear cameras, for example.

 

Nothing earth shattering, but it definitely has felt more responsive. The upgrade was a no-brainer for me, painless. Just burn the update to a CD-R. I can't speak of course for the process on MKI, MKII and MKIII systems, only the DVD-based MKIV one.

 

Eric, thanks for the link and info. Do you know if the '06 MINI is going to get a different update? I really like the touchscreen interface that many other companies use. Do you know if MINI will switch to that in 2006?

 

1. When selecting discountinue guidance it doesn't remove the white line directing you to where you offically programmed it to take you and that line continues to update.

2. Finding a specific store is nearly impossible. Navigating through the Menus is very poor. The only easy thing to find is a place to eat.

3. When adding stuff to the address book you can either add the name of the place your going or the street number/house #. Its not possible to add both.

4. No way to see the name of the road and city your in without using split screen.

5. Setting the map always pointing north doesn't adjust until after you've driven off the screen.

6. The arrow indicating your car doesn't seem to always line up where the exact roads are.

7. Only having a turning/press **** to do everything is very annoying.

8. Needs to be a quicker way to adjust the type of route you want.

9. No easy way to browse the map area around your car.

I'm sure if I thought about it longer I'd have more.

I pretty much only use it to get home if I'm lost.

 

I agree, the white line should disappear when you go into regular "map" mode... although occasionally I like being able to use the line to get me somewhere, without the voice prompts... so there is that side benefit. Perhaps a setting to enable or disable the line in map mode would be the best of both worlds.

I've found things quite well actually, although obviously not EVERY business is in the database. It's a static directory when the CD/DVD was made.

Yes, it is. I struggled with this at first, and it isn't completely intuitive, but now that I know how it's easy. All you have to do is enter the address you want to store as though you want to go there now, and after you've done that, go into address book, choose "enter address", and store it with the name (the address will already be entered, from before). While you're putting in the name, it won't show you the house number, but it will store it... you'll see it when you go to retrieve the address afterwards. Trust me, I had the frustration you mentioned at first, but this works.

True, but split screen is by far the best view mode to use, so who really cares?

I hadn't noticed this, but then again I always prefer to have the map pointing in the direction of the car.

This isn't a military-grade system, we're not dropping bombs here. The map may occasionally be off center for a short time, but the directions remain accurate. I don't think it's a big deal... it usually gets back on track very quickly.

This goes back to my argument that the fewer buttons the better, when the driver is adjusting the system. I think that's why they did it this way. I think it works quite well.

It isn't that hard, come on. OK, you probably want a separate set of instant buttons to choose the route type, but most people will probably end up using "fast route" 99% of the time anyway. I know I do.

Well, zooming in and out on the scale is easy enough... but if you meant also changing the center of the map away from your car, it's there, but I agree it's not "easy", since you have to adjust the axis one at a time, just like an etch-a-sketch. But seriously, how important is this for a car navigation system? We're not talking about Google Earth here.

Sorry to hear that, I think your expectations are too high. I love being able to punch in any address of somewhere I've never been before, and rely on it. And it hasn't let me down yet.

 

Agreed on the route part - I thought that was pretty easy. I did a lot of switching between 'shortest' and 'fastest' on a recent roadtrip.

You can change the axis on the map? Cool - I'll have to look into that. I'd much prefer if it showed more of what's in front of you than behind, but I understand that since you can change direction quickly, that would cause problems in implementation.

One interesting thing I discovered on the last trip to Montana - it knew where the destination was (a street address) but the road leading up to it wasn't digitized, so it couldn't give me verbal/route instructions. It DID show the route on the map, so it was easy enough to follow the white line and get to my destination.

GR8MNI, I've heard nothing about moving to a touch screen. As I'm persnickety about fingerprints, that's probably ok with me. :smile:

 

Perhaps you misunderstood me. No, you can't permanently change the fact that your car is in the middle of the map. The "axis change" part I meant was really for scrolling around the map. You can change both the vertical and horizontal scroll, but only one of them at a time, of course. The scroll mode is called the "destination input map". I think it's more of a novelty than truly useful, but supposedly you can pinpoint any place on the map and set your destination from it... I don't use that. For map views, I pretty much just rely on the zoom in and zoom out to get a "big picture".

 

I won't go through each point as Edge did already, but adjusting the type of route you want is pretty darn easy - you push the button, choose Route Pref and pick what you want. I can do it without barely looking at it with a couple of motions very quickly.

Browsing around the car's location can be done simply as well, with or without having any destination in; just have the map on and use the scale.

I also have no trouble finding places, sure you have to search by category but once you know how to do it the information is there at your fingertips (I love how it has phone numbers now too, the CD systems did not used to have that info).

I don't know how much you reviewed the manual but I think some of your issues can be helped by it. As Edge said some of your expectations might be a bit high when it comes to things like the arrow being exactly precise in every scale to where your car is, but the unit does what it is supposed to, and like most things, familiarity with how it works makes it easy to use.

 

In case you didn't know, you can always turn off the voice and continue visual guidance by clicking & holding the button down so that there is a line through the little speaker icon
:smile:

 

Cool! Didn't know that.

 

I disagree. I previously had the same basic system on a BMW 745i... but the Nav on the Mini has fixed all the short comes of system in my old car. The speed of the data and input method are greatly improved.

I would give it an 8 (on a scale of 10). There is no Nav system that is perfect.

 

Your right, my expectations are a bit high but I guess I'm comparing it to the system I've seen built into the Honda Accords as well as the Megellian systems.


Howard

 

Yes, but what generation/year are those? Are they also 4 years old? Your experiences are with an '02, which will be either the MKII or MKIII. The MKIV is undoubtedly going to be a much better experience. The only problem is that you're so against the MINI system now, any experience with the MKIV will probably also be on a negative starting point.

 

Anyone feel cheated that they got an 05 car and the Navi disc is from 03? Mine and my sister's cars both are this way and I find tons of roads in our area are different then what it says. I've missed exits and taken the wrong exit on local highways a few times in the last few weeks. Oh and yah...I had no idea where I was so when I turned the wrong way and it just says "follow the main road" I'm like

 

My Mini is an 05 with the MKIV dvd system. So I am comparing the latest BMW/Mini system to the others.

 

Yes, I too am a little ticked off that MINIUSA isn't issuing one free map disc update for at least 2005 owners. You should get a map disc the same year as the car!

Sure, the new maps didn't become available until April or so, but they could have offered a raincheck for purchasers before... and even people who pick up their cars now STILL get the 2003 map disc. Seems MINIUSA wants to use up their old stock first. Pathetic.

I can understand not giving free updates AFTER 2005 but it is very distrurbing that they won't even start off a brand new car with the current disc.

 

My mistake, I confused your posts with the one Dr Obnxs made at the top, in reference to his '02.