Heya all ya Navi heads,

I have been reading quite a bit about the software/firmware upgrade to the MK4. But, before I can do anything I need to upgrade my MK3 to the MK4...

I have a 2002 MC w/ the CD based MK3 system (w/ 3 1/50 which is v19 software). I want to upgrade it to an MK4 DVD Based, but is it as simple as buying a BMW branded MK4 unit and swapping them? I have yet to see a MK4 MINI Branded DVD based unit, so should I just get the BMW one?

I am pretty handy when it comes to electronics and software and such. Let me know what my options are... Also anyone know what the part number is for the MK4 DVD unit that will work in my MINI?

Thanks so much!

DarkMINI2002.

 

Hi,

I wouldn't expect a huge reply on this question. I posted something similar several months back and there was nary a peep.

From all I've read, it seems like the MK IV unit from a BMW should work just fine though your start up splash screen will say BMW instead of MINI.

I haven't heard from anyone who's tried it, I think mostly because the DVD drive costs about a gagillion dollars from the dealer (okay maybe not a gagillion but somewhere north of $1500) and usually sells for anywhere from $700-$900 used. For that kind of money, I think most folks are opting for aftermarket units from Garmin/Magellan/Tom Tom...etc which have superior user interfaces.

My $.02

 

heya thanks! i appreciate your reply. i am looking to buy the OEM tho, so I guess I will hang around eBay until i see one in the $500 range...

 

I have read a bunch of material on the units but have never read anything on upgrading a MK3 to 4 on a MINI. Most beemer folks have to change quite a bit to get it working, but I would be willing to guess that the connectors are close if not the same. If you get it done, it might be worth a write up for posting.

 

As long as you use the same pin-outs as the X3 & X5 compatible MKIV unit you should have no problem...

There are some things to watch out for.

1) The & series DVD nav units are different than the ones the Mini uses, so the pin-outs are NOT the same.

2) Some DVD NAV units are set for 4x3 vs. 16x9 layout, and some others are for Radio Nav not Display.

I've been trolling eBay for a DVD upgrade for my '02, and even one an auction (though the guy bailed on the sale)..

Though, now I'm looking at replacing the entire NAV system with a Mac...

The idea is using FrontRow, I can switch between Apps. Using the Nav switch, gives me left, right, & select. The Menu but can back out, so....

Using the CarMES adaptor I can replace the NAV computer with a PC using their software, but it's a PC, not Mac. :( Though their adaptor "SHOULD" work with Macs.

Scott

 

Did you ever get this to work?

 

Nope, never have been able to buy one on eBay for a reasonable price, they keep getting sniped away in the last hour or so.