Navigation & Audio BMW needs to seriously upgrade their Nav system!
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Just for the record, as I said both Mini USA and the deals SAs thought that MINI would be sending the 05 maps discs out for free since they were orginally 'supposed' to be in the cars produced in 2005 (and the SAs even refer to how the CDs nav upgrades were provided for free before so they thought Mini will do the same thing). Then I get the car and its the old disc, and Navteq keeps shifting the date of the release of the new maps. At this point the SAs and Mini don't know what is going on and still give out misinformation, then the disc finally comes out and no-one can help me. They do no leave me any recourse except the clear impression that they do not care about bad customer service - no way to 'hold them to it'. (And, just by the way, I did not have to hold MS to providing the full version Office ugrade months and months later, they facilitated it on their own since, like Mini, they knew the currently available product was woefully out of date and the only right thing to do was to provide the new version for free when it became available.)
As for the Garmin, I ruled that out beforehand.
As for the Garmin, I ruled that out beforehand.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Concord, NC
Originally Posted by eVal
They do no leave me any recourse except the clear impression that they do not care about bad customer service - no way to 'hold them to it'. (And, just by the way, I did not have to hold MS to providing the full version Office ugrade months and months later, they facilitated it on their own since, like Mini, they knew the currently available product was woefully out of date and the only right thing to do was to provide the new version for free when it became available.)
Oh man did I just type that?Done and done,
MINISteve
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by MINI Steve
... sure am glad the MINI Nav system isn't Windows-based, even with Microsoft's superior customer service policies and greater concern for their customers Oh man did I just type that?
Done and done,
MINISteve
Oh man did I just type that?Done and done,
MINISteve
Oh, and it was software for my Mac
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Concord, NC
Originally Posted by eVal
Oh, and it was software for my Mac
Nahhh too weird
MINISteve
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Right with you on that, plus who wants to pull over and stop the car to program a destination to any nav system....there is a solution...navigating, programing a destination on the fly at 70 mph on the freeway...no screen to clutter up the Mini cockpit...and it has every feature a $2k screen based system has for under $1k...check out www.advancednavigation.com/mini
Les
Les
Originally Posted by HowardPM
So I'm on a 3 hr trip with my friend who has a honda accord with a Nav System. I always knew his was for more superior. More options, more settings, "WAY more information. But as of the other day I was almost drooling. When you go on a road thats not in the system it actually adds the road using * * * so when you return you can follow it out. It amazes me how BMW's nav system can be so subpar when we pay 1800 for these and Honda charges about 1200.
Howard
Howard
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
There is a Nav system out there that includes free maping updates for a year and up to 3 or five years with a extended parts/service warranty. Also all Nav systems come preloaded with Navteq basic which is limited to street level mapping down to towns and cities of a min pop of 100,000. The system I have comes with Navteq basic and Tiger; which gives you street level mapping down to towns as small as 500 in population, plus you get Zenren; a data base of every freeway/interstate/toll road exit signs exactly as you would see and read it...check it out at: www.advancednavigation.com/mini
Originally Posted by eVal
Just for the record, as I said both Mini USA and the deals SAs thought that MINI would be sending the 05 maps discs out for free since they were orginally 'supposed' to be in the cars produced in 2005 (and the SAs even refer to how the CDs nav upgrades were provided for free before so they thought Mini will do the same thing). Then I get the car and its the old disc, and Navteq keeps shifting the date of the release of the new maps. At this point the SAs and Mini don't know what is going on and still give out misinformation, then the disc finally comes out and no-one can help me. They do no leave me any recourse except the clear impression that they do not care about bad customer service - no way to 'hold them to it'. (And, just by the way, I did not have to hold MS to providing the full version Office ugrade months and months later, they facilitated it on their own since, like Mini, they knew the currently available product was woefully out of date and the only right thing to do was to provide the new version for free when it became available.)
As for the Garmin, I ruled that out beforehand.
As for the Garmin, I ruled that out beforehand.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
nav Idea
It is a great system, but you can not program a destination on it without pulling over and stopping. There is one out there that does everything the Acura(Alpine) system does and more with 3 (not 1 like Acura) mapping data bases, free mapping upgrades and you can program it with a destination on the fly at 70mph...they show a video demo doing just that on www.advancednavigation.com/mini best of all there is no screen and one is not needed..so no clutter in the cockpit! It's under $1k and even in a hardwired configuration, it can be detached in 60 seconds and used in a portable fashion.
les
les
Originally Posted by xizor
The Acura ones are usually $2000, but they are the best out there
Last edited by advnavles; Jul 16, 2005 at 07:51 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by advnavles
There is a Nav system out there that includes free maping updates for a year and up to 3 or five years with a extended parts/service warranty. Also all Nav systems come preloaded with Navteq basic which is limited to street level mapping down to towns and cities of a min pop of 100,000. The system I have comes with Navteq basic and Tiger; which gives you street level mapping down to towns as small as 500 in population, plus you get Zenren; a data base of every freeway/interstate/toll road exit signs exactly as you would see and read it...check it out at: www.advancednavigation.com/mini
Quote:
Originally Posted by eVal
Just for the record, as I said both Mini USA and the deals SAs thought that MINI would be sending the 05 maps discs out for free since they were orginally 'supposed' to be in the cars produced in 2005 (and the SAs even refer to how the CDs nav upgrades were provided for free before so they thought Mini will do the same thing). Then I get the car and its the old disc, and Navteq keeps shifting the date of the release of the new maps. At this point the SAs and Mini don't know what is going on and still give out misinformation, then the disc finally comes out and no-one can help me. They do no leave me any recourse except the clear impression that they do not care about bad customer service - no way to 'hold them to it'. (And, just by the way, I did not have to hold MS to providing the full version Office ugrade months and months later, they facilitated it on their own since, like Mini, they knew the currently available product was woefully out of date and the only right thing to do was to provide the new version for free when it became available.)
As for the Garmin, I ruled that out beforehand.[/url]
Quote:
Originally Posted by eVal
Just for the record, as I said both Mini USA and the deals SAs thought that MINI would be sending the 05 maps discs out for free since they were orginally 'supposed' to be in the cars produced in 2005 (and the SAs even refer to how the CDs nav upgrades were provided for free before so they thought Mini will do the same thing). Then I get the car and its the old disc, and Navteq keeps shifting the date of the release of the new maps. At this point the SAs and Mini don't know what is going on and still give out misinformation, then the disc finally comes out and no-one can help me. They do no leave me any recourse except the clear impression that they do not care about bad customer service - no way to 'hold them to it'. (And, just by the way, I did not have to hold MS to providing the full version Office ugrade months and months later, they facilitated it on their own since, like Mini, they knew the currently available product was woefully out of date and the only right thing to do was to provide the new version for free when it became available.)
As for the Garmin, I ruled that out beforehand.[/url]
And not only does the OEM unit let you program it and search it for info while driving, it has the warranty with the car and you won't run into issues for messing with the electrical system.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Sorry about that
Just trying to get you and other members some solid info on alternatives, I have a Ferrari and a Lambo dealership installing these systems and their service depts strongly researched Vcom for any danger of voiding the factory warranty which is very strict for those vehicles...their customers are very satisfied with Vcom's safety benefits and non-clutter of the cockpit for a simple, clean aftermarket install. Also Navteq has released a updated '05 map, don't know why it is not available for you yet.
Les
Les
Last edited by advnavles; Jul 16, 2005 at 11:27 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: OC, California
This may be old news, but ...
We have three cars, three drivers and three nav systems.
The system on the Prius is by far the most user unfriendly. Though it can't be programmed while moving, there is an inexpensive after-market gadget available that will permit it. I just ordered it. The Bluetooth phone controls have the same limitation, but there is a soon-to-be-released gadget that will solve that problem too. Still, the Nav system is not intuitive and we would only bother with it if we were really lost.
Our Acura TL has the easiest to operate GPS. Touch screen, voice controls, easy to read display, good database, etc. Whoever happens to be going to the most remote or unknown place takes the TL for the day.
The Nav system in our MCSC has a few features that, IMHO, out perform the others. The screen can be seen on the brightest days. We have a cabrio and have never had difficulty viewing the screen. It is the fastest system. Calculating and re-calculating routes is completed in an instant. With the other systems you could take a wrong turn or two waiting for a recalc. And while the touch screen is quick and convenient on the others, it makes a mess. The MINI screen is clean. And I like the British voice -- "Enter the motorway" just sounds cool.
The system on the Prius is by far the most user unfriendly. Though it can't be programmed while moving, there is an inexpensive after-market gadget available that will permit it. I just ordered it. The Bluetooth phone controls have the same limitation, but there is a soon-to-be-released gadget that will solve that problem too. Still, the Nav system is not intuitive and we would only bother with it if we were really lost.
Our Acura TL has the easiest to operate GPS. Touch screen, voice controls, easy to read display, good database, etc. Whoever happens to be going to the most remote or unknown place takes the TL for the day.
The Nav system in our MCSC has a few features that, IMHO, out perform the others. The screen can be seen on the brightest days. We have a cabrio and have never had difficulty viewing the screen. It is the fastest system. Calculating and re-calculating routes is completed in an instant. With the other systems you could take a wrong turn or two waiting for a recalc. And while the touch screen is quick and convenient on the others, it makes a mess. The MINI screen is clean. And I like the British voice -- "Enter the motorway" just sounds cool.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: S.F. Bay Area
Originally Posted by advnavles
Also Navteq has released a updated '05 map, don't know why it is not available for you yet.
Les
Les
Since most highend dealerships thrive on customization, I'm sure they don't have a problem installing any system into their cars that the customer is willing to pay for and any potential support. I'm sure a typical nav system is a quarter of the cost of one HRE wheel.
In my experience you're going to find higher end dealerships will cater to their clients more so than a more mass produced car, like the Mini, and that a company that produces and services many many more cars on the road than Ferrari and Lamborghini combined in a production year, they're no doubt less tolerant to customization and readily available to blame the most unrelated problem to any form of aftermarket modification. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but with my experience with BMW and Mini, good luck.
Oh yeah, hopefully you got an email from the mods to keep the spamming of your product down to a minimum. If you have a good product, people will come, but there's no need to cram it down their throats.
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Come on, give the poor guy a break. He's got 20 posts to his name and seems to be one of NAM's newest vendors. In each of those 3 posts, he's responding to a different person. Not everyone knows to respond to 3 different people all in one post.
Judging from their website, the product looks promising. I'm not fond of the Windows DING that notifies you when a turn is approaching--or that's what it sounds like from the demo video, and remembering the correct sequence--CATEGORY, etc... can be distracting.
The Black Jack game seems distracting as well---I mean, it's not like using the cell phone is any worse I guess, but that card dealers voice will get obnoxious really quick.
Judging from their website, the product looks promising. I'm not fond of the Windows DING that notifies you when a turn is approaching--or that's what it sounds like from the demo video, and remembering the correct sequence--CATEGORY, etc... can be distracting.
The Black Jack game seems distracting as well---I mean, it's not like using the cell phone is any worse I guess, but that card dealers voice will get obnoxious really quick.
Originally Posted by L0KI
Oh yeah, hopefully you got an email from the mods to keep the spamming of your product down to a minimum. If you have a good product, people will come, but there's no need to cram it down their throats.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by OctaneGuy
Come on, give the poor guy a break. He's got 20 posts to his name and seems to be one of NAM's newest vendors. In each of those 3 posts, he's responding to a different person. Not everyone knows to respond to 3 different people all in one post.
Even given that I would have just ignored it, but what really put me off here was that it was clear that he had not even read through this thread, or my posts, before quoting me- if he had he would not have posted what he did under the guise of responding to me (and also would have seen the info on the MINI Navtaq maps ). That on top of other out of context posts I had seen (some of which seem to be gone now) over the last day prompted my response, I hope describing the circumstances helps explain why it was on the cranky side.. Anyway, it is past now - with hope communication will improve and it will work out for everyone.
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Hey eVal,
I see DiD responded to you guys already. That's cool. From what I've read so far, advnavles, seems like a newbie to forums, atleast in terms of etiquette. Judging by the home made quality of the demo video for the product he's selling, he's obviously a small company with a bunch of enthusiasm. Something I can relate to. I just suggested giving the guy a break cause I remember being "attacked" on MINI2 for having responded to different posts (not as a vendor) in 3 separate posts when I first started posting years ago, and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
But having read the "other side" (thanks to the thread link), I can understand your frustration. It seems like you guys got the message across.
By the way, this is for advnavles,
PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD (commenting from your demo video of staring at the screen in an exaggerated style) 
Richard
I see DiD responded to you guys already. That's cool. From what I've read so far, advnavles, seems like a newbie to forums, atleast in terms of etiquette. Judging by the home made quality of the demo video for the product he's selling, he's obviously a small company with a bunch of enthusiasm. Something I can relate to.
I just suggested giving the guy a break cause I remember being "attacked" on MINI2 for having responded to different posts (not as a vendor) in 3 separate posts when I first started posting years ago, and it wasn't a pleasant experience.But having read the "other side" (thanks to the thread link), I can understand your frustration. It seems like you guys got the message across.
By the way, this is for advnavles,
PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD (commenting from your demo video of staring at the screen in an exaggerated style)
Richard
Originally Posted by eVal
Sorry, I do not mean to sound unreasonable and I can't speak for anyone else, but to put it in context my patience wore thin after I got a bunch of emails from them ........
Even given that I would have just ignored it, but what really put me off here was that it was clear that he had not even read through this thread, or my posts, before quoting me.....I hope describing the circumstances helps explain why it was on the cranky side.. Anyway, it is past now - with hope communication will improve and it will work out for everyone.
Even given that I would have just ignored it, but what really put me off here was that it was clear that he had not even read through this thread, or my posts, before quoting me.....I hope describing the circumstances helps explain why it was on the cranky side.. Anyway, it is past now - with hope communication will improve and it will work out for everyone.
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Think this Nav upgrade will apply to Minis ?
Think this Nav upgrade will apply to Minis ?
Think this Nav upgrade will apply to Minis ?
Sounds like a software update to "BMW’s Professional navigation system" -- is this a different system than the Mini's DVD-based MKIV system?
(see also http://www.x5world.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=59 )
"New map presentation on the navigation system.
Starting in autumn 2005, the 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible, the 7 Series, the Z4, X3 and X5 with BMW’s Professional navigation system are receiving an even more modern, high-resolution and thus easy-to-read graphic display on their navigation map. Through this optimised graphic presentation with smoothened edges, the driver or any other user will no longer see the usual pixels in the picture, letters therefore coming out even clearer and more legibly. A further improvement involves the symbols on the map presentation now also clearer than before.
The BMW 7 Series comes additionally with 3D presentation incorporating a bird’s view perspective, a clear focus on surrounding features in the area, combined with a wide perspective vision supporting the subjective feeling of space.
This improved presentation can be downloaded into systems on all of the models mentioned as well as the former 3 and 5 Series built as of September 2005 by the dealer within a matter of minutes simply by updating the car’s software. The only requirement is that the vehicles involved are equipped with BMW’s Professional navigation system."
http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...eng/bmw/1.html
Think this Nav upgrade will apply to Minis ?
Sounds like a software update to "BMW’s Professional navigation system" -- is this a different system than the Mini's DVD-based MKIV system?
(see also http://www.x5world.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=59 )
"New map presentation on the navigation system.
Starting in autumn 2005, the 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible, the 7 Series, the Z4, X3 and X5 with BMW’s Professional navigation system are receiving an even more modern, high-resolution and thus easy-to-read graphic display on their navigation map. Through this optimised graphic presentation with smoothened edges, the driver or any other user will no longer see the usual pixels in the picture, letters therefore coming out even clearer and more legibly. A further improvement involves the symbols on the map presentation now also clearer than before.
The BMW 7 Series comes additionally with 3D presentation incorporating a bird’s view perspective, a clear focus on surrounding features in the area, combined with a wide perspective vision supporting the subjective feeling of space.
This improved presentation can be downloaded into systems on all of the models mentioned as well as the former 3 and 5 Series built as of September 2005 by the dealer within a matter of minutes simply by updating the car’s software. The only requirement is that the vehicles involved are equipped with BMW’s Professional navigation system."
http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...eng/bmw/1.html
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Leawood, Kansas
Originally Posted by Hyper Blue
Well, for once, I have good news to report about my Mini nav system. Today, I went up to Baron Mini here in Kansas City to complain about the fact that my '05 MCS came with an out-dated map disc. I was expecting to get a lot of resistance regarding getting a new disc for free. I couldn't have been more wrong. Jackie (sales) and Joe Lasker (Mini GM) couldn't have been more willing to make me happy. Without hesitation, Joe told me they would order me a 2005.2 map disc at no charge, and that it should be at the dealership in a week. What a relief! That's what customer service should be. No hassles. No arguments. Just a simple, "Yes sir, you're right. Your '05 MCS nav should have an '05 map disc, and we'll be happy to take care of that for you at no extra charge." Now if I could just get them to feel the same way about the JC Works package.....
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
BMW Nav update
BMW actually provided me with one FREE update for my NAV in my 1999 528i. We took euro delivery and actually had to order from NAVTECH the euro disc to have the data while we were on the other side of the pond.
Since that free update I think I've purchased three updates, but usually skip the mid year update. NAVTECH does release 2 updates per year. I find that they usually lag behind a year or so, but they do continue to add features to future releases, i.e. the last update actually had descriptions of hotels and restrants with reviews and the phone number. The phone number actually ties into the cell phone if you have one integrated into the car.
Since that free update I think I've purchased three updates, but usually skip the mid year update. NAVTECH does release 2 updates per year. I find that they usually lag behind a year or so, but they do continue to add features to future releases, i.e. the last update actually had descriptions of hotels and restrants with reviews and the phone number. The phone number actually ties into the cell phone if you have one integrated into the car.
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