That is an "audio only" Navigation system that is available in Europe. I doubt our map CDs would work with it, but it would be an interesting experiment! Of course it does have a screen, but the screen is really for information, not drawn maps. There were pictures of the system in action at one point (probably over on MINI2), but I don't have links to them handy. I'm sure someone else does.

 

Any ideas of who ACTUALLY has done the retrofit?

There is lots of "pub talk" but no-one seems to be around who has actually done it....

DJ

 

I've heard of two people that have attempted it. One on MINI2 and the other here... Both attempts were done over a year ago and maybe closer to two...

Not only is this an EXTREMELY complicated job, but it's also not entirely a DIY job either. The last person who did this had to bring the car to the dealership for some final programming. Convincing them to do what needed to be done was challenging at best...

This also won't be a project that's going to get banged out in a weekend, the two folks that I heard do this took 3 to 4 months to complete this from start to finish. Expect the car to be completely undriveable from a few hours after you start the job until it's just about complete...

As has been mentioned in several threads on this topic both here and on MINI2 anything is possible if you have enough $ to throw at it... Just the hardware and labor will run you well in excess of what the option would have originally cost you...

Finally, if you're considering doing this mere because you "like the look" of the OEM system, but have never used the OEM system... I STRONGLY advise you to go to your local dealership and drive a MINI with Nav. Use the Nav extensively, and then decide if you think this is still worth the time money and effort it will take...
Most dealers in the US (if not all of them) will refuse to take on this job and simply tell you that it can't be done.

 

Forget retrofit. It was done on Mini2 by a guy and would cost you way more than your projected loss on a trade in with nav.

As for aftermarket being better..Well that a matter of opinion. Don't think anyone could say the aftermarket has as big a screen as OEM.

I prefer built in. I like seemless integration with no wires or additional boxes hanging from window/cup holder or any other place. No one has posted a pic of an aftermarket nav that didn't looked added on.



Paul