Hey everyone -

Expecting delivery of my new MINI within a couple weeks (was just loaded on the boat yesterday) and something I am really looking forward to is the NAV system (never had one before). Now, I managed to negotiate with my MA so that unless the NAV software and map versions are absolutely up to date (including versions expected to be released shortly), he will give me an IOU for a free install of the newer versions when available.

Wanted to confirm what the latest versions are - or are expected to be in the near future. On that note, how often is the software and map revised anyway, and are we due for a new version?

All insights appreciated !!

Bill

 

Latest firmware will be installed as was mine on my 06. As for maps, I believe that the most current is 2006-1. You can check at the Navteq web site.

 

Thanks !

Also, not having used a NAV before, do most people driving around day-to-day just let it run to show your position or leave it "switched off" to conserve wear and tear on the DVD and other systems? Is wear and tear a factor that would lead you to use it only when you need it?

In this area I am a hopeless newbee...


Bill

 

Good luck with the Nav system. You can follow the threads on the new graphics that are available. I had it done at no cost by the dealer (I have a 2005 MCS). PLEASE READ THE MANUAL AND COMMIT IT TO MEMORY. The Nav system is not intuitive. I have had my system for over a year and I am still learning the nuances of its use. I turn on my system everytime I start my car, better than a blank screen. I dont think that it will hurt the system or leed to premature failure of the DVD player. Not to make you feel bad, but if I had to do it over again I would replace the radio with a Pioneer Nav/radio, it is a much better system.

I did not notice where you live, but inputting the address is sometimes fun. Where I live you have to watch when you scroll down for the Town and then the county that it is in. Sometimes it does not have the address so you need to use the whole town as the address. Also use the split screen, it has alot more info.

Again good luck.

 

Has anyone lost an 2006-1 around the web lately?

 

I agree. The MINI Nav is an outdated system with awkward interface, no touch screen, and no voice commands. It is way behind what is offered OEM on other new cars, or aftermarket units.

The lack of a touch screen particularly magnifies the awkward operation. Show the system to anybody, and they invariably reach forward and try to press controls on the screen. But no, there is only the single **** and you have to cycle through the selections to reach the one you want.

 

Cough. Let's keep our feelers out.

 

2006-1 I want

 

I'm afriad that my European 2006-1 won't work well for you folks...


The Nav system is not most recent out there, but it does work well. There is also more too it than a simple GPS and screen like the Tom Tom. This unit has wheel sensors and such. It is a nice unit and provides a clen interface in the car. The menus could be a little better laid out, but over all, it works well.

 

True and the European version of the Navi DVD would have European roads

 

The US version (at least mine) has the wheel and steering wheel sensors too. If you don't believe me drive around in an underground parking garage. The GPS will still be maping your movements. That's pretty cool if you ask me.

 

What do you mean? The GPS always worked when off a main road, but it would just show the arrow moving in a big open area.

 

Hmm. We've had NAV in 3 new cars and none of them are touch screen. I would expect the wheel/buttons. I havent used MINI NAV but have ordered it on my 2006 MCS. I'm excited to play around with it.

 

Perhaps I over-generalized and jumped to conclusions based on only a few cars. Current Honda navigation has both touch screen and voice command, and the new BMW 3-series Nav has voice commands (don't know about touch screen). The MINI system has gone several years essentially unchanged except for swapping the CD drive for DVD. Technology and overall expectations have moved forward during that time.

 

I agree, and I do not find it that un-intuitive or hard to use, after just a little poking around going through the menus at first with the BMW nav I didn't have trouble at all. Personally, after seeing/using touch screen I am not that enthralled with it - gets the screen dirty, isn't always accurate/sensitive to touch, and I would wonder at the longevity of it.

Added voice commands might be nice (if it worked well and didn't result in much repeated shouting at the car), and actually might be doable. At least a couple of years ago I read where someone had installed something, an OEM part I believe, to their 5 series nav that added voice control. I was going to look into it at the time, then thought about how I actually use the system - set a destination, look something up, then maybe change route or whatnot very occasionally - and I came to the conclusion it was pretty pointless and would probably just add issues and effort to the whole experience.

 

2004 Mazda RX-8, 2005 Nissan Armada and 2004 BMW 645ci (iDrive isn't touch screen, correct?) and all used buttons and wheels. We had voice command in our Yukon just for dialing numbers and that silly woman NEVER understood them.

I assume theres a learning period with the NAV but I think thats kind of fun I went with it simply because I prefer the OEM look as opposed to aftermarket.

 

the next DVD map data update (North America) for MKIV: Feb 2006.
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/148109

I can't wait.

 

Kewl! I still have the old disc from 2003 or something they stuck me with in my 05 :P I'd love newer info :D

 

I'm not to concerned with the touch screen as I am with a "jog stick" rather then a turning ****. Sometimes I just wanted to scroll to a specific letter rather then turning a **** over and over. Especially on the main map screen when you wanna scroll up and down and left and right, I'd rather beable to move diagonal rather then 1 way at a time.

 

&%*$#($#%

#$&*%(#@&%(*@&!!

#*%&(*!@&#(*@!!~!1:impatient

http://www.x5world.com/showthread.php?t=5226

sorry, hairball

 

MacGuru,

Just a point of clarification -- the v.26 firmware upgrade to which you linked has excellent visual and speed improvements for the DVD version of the Mini Nav (MKIV), and I recommend it.

Firmware updates modify the way the Nav computer displays information from a map data DVD.

I believe Howard's reference to "2006-1" is to the first North America map data DVD update that Navtech will release this year, which will allow our systems to display new roads, new addresses and new business information.

When newer data becomes available from NavTeq, threads like this one will probably include all the information we need to rush to our dealers and purchase another annual $200 data upgrade for our $1700 SatNav option.

 

BMW (E60)


INFINITI


AUDI

I've made a similar post before but I'll make the statement again;

Oh, and these are just MY opinions - don't get your panties all bunched up.

I've had the following vehicles with STOCK (factory installed original OEM) GPS systems; Audi, Infinit, BWM and MINI (BMW).

They're ALL good. Infiniti's was the best due to some features not found on the German rivals but every single one was 100% accurate and always got me home!

The MINI NAV (I beleive) is just an "older" version of what use to be in BMW's. I do find the MINI NAV not as detailed or easy to use as the iDrive in the E60. However, I think it's VERY effective and straight-forward. My only complaint (having iDrive before the MINI GPS) is I think the MINI would benefit from an iDrive "type" joy-stick. I think using the little **** on the screen to filter through sub-menus is a bit time consuming and inconvenient. It would be much more user-friendly (and safer) if you could do it from a dial located around the shifter or E-brake.

As for touch screens - you don't want it. While convenient, they can be prone to malfunctions due to "abuse" of pressure. Also the oil from your fingers gets embedded on the screen & in less than a year you'll wish you had a new screen.

Alrighty then, Carry on!

 

If someone wanted to burn me a copy ...

I would be happy to ???