Pro and Con NAV SYSTEM
Hello
I am ordering a 2013 Convertible and I am torn between getting the Built in Nav System What is the down side to getting it built in.
Not concerned about price Just want to know if its a good system.
Thanks to All
John

 

Pro for Nav/Connected:
Built-in offers better security than portable unit
Quick startup/recognization of location
Nav screen reduces size of speedometer
Connected offers features if you have an iPhone

Con:
Updates are expensive
System is expensive
System failure would require more work to replace than portable unit
Portable unit can travel with you
Nav is not the easiest to program (*this might just be me, not used to using it yet)

My '11 has the nav/connected and I'm getting more familiar with the system. I do like it, but I'm not sure if I would have ordered it though (purchased the Mini used). I think it is a better choice for the convertible/roadster for the security.

 

I'm new to my MINI & have the Nav system. I also have an iPhone. The system does take time to learn, but once you get into the "logic" of operations, it goes pretty well. My MA told me the update was free (?), but might take time to accomplish (waiting for the data to load). Maybe he wasn't informed. I used the "send to car" feature on google maps & loved it. Also, liked being able to multi-task - displays my music info, the time, route, & other misc data while navigating. Personally, I would still choose the option if I had to redo the car again. Just my data point though. Look forward to seeing your photos when your car is delivered. All the best.

 

I do not have the Nav System, but I used to have the portable unit in my first Mini. It was fine. But now I just use the Garmin App on my iPhone in my new Mini and I love it.

 

I have NAV in my 2011 Clubman, and I like it, although it does take some practice to learn the operating logic. The NAV also gives you MINI Connected, and the display (in my opinion) makes the radio/CD/iPod/Bluetooth easier to use, along with the car programing features. If you also order PDC, then when you put the car in reverse it gives you a colored "radar" display. It sounds kind of hokey, and many here will ask why you need PDC in a MINI anyway, but I think it's kind of neat. If the sticker shock doesn't bother you -- and it is pretty spendy, although ordering the NAV also gets you MINI Connected, Bluetooth/iPod connectivity, and the armrest -- then I'd say go for it!

 

I thought it was lacking technology for the time period. Not touch screen, or quick to use. It took me longer to scroll with the mouse thingy to get the desired result compared to the stand alone gps which now sits in one of the cup holders near the shifter.

I just couldn't see the cost/functionality being worth while. It was too much $ for what it was.

 

IMO, the PDC is great feature. It makes life a little easier when backing up with the top up. I recently took mine into a local tire place to have the tires rotated. The tech commented immediately after getting out that the backup system was very nice.

 

Just because you get NAV does not mean you get MINI Connected they are two different systems and NAV can be ordered without connected.

Now on to the real Cons:

1. Lacking may points of interest compared to portable GPS
2. Much less user friendly that portable GPS
3. Lack of updates, at best yearly, some years there have not been updates. where portable GPS get updates at least once a year if not more often.
4. Using a smart phone with Google NAV gets you constant updates to the maps.
5. All in all slower than portable GPS as it takes so much longer to find or put in what you are looking for.
6. Can not be used in different cars or rental cars.

I can go on but lets see the Pros:

1. Built in is more secure
2. cant really think of any unless you like fancy "Park Distance Control" if you order it.
3.If you get MINI Connected it does not really work with anything other than an iPhone so I am not sure that is really a Pro either.

I personally would never order a MINI or BMW with NAV as they are so far behind in data in the NAV. The bang for the buck is very low


OPPS for got a Pro. cops have a hard time reading the speedo with the NAV as they can not see the needle on the speedo as well as they can on the non NAV cars.

 

I actually had the Mini Nav in my old Mini and I found that it was just not worth for me. You are on the money....not user friendly, no updates, etc. This time around I just bought a mount and use the Garmin App for my iPhone and it works perfectly.

 

Given it's not a touch screen, we passed on getting the factory Nav for our 14 R57S. Instead we'll just get a flexpod install bracket and use the smartphone.

 

I like the looks of the speedo without the computer screen in the middle. And for the savings I am choosing a tune2air for bluetooth streaming audio that works with steering controls and does not conflict with the bluetooth handsfree telephone and a garmin or iphone for gps when needed in a cupholder mount to avoid clutter or complicated installations.

 

A lot of people don't realize this, but built-in Navigation Systems have one distinct advantage which cannot be replicated by portable units (e.g. TomTom, Garmin). Built in Navigations can take advantage of a feature called Dead Reckoning. In summary, the navigation system can utilize the compass and your speedometer to continue tracking your location should the signal from the Nav Satellite be lost. This is very helpful to quickly reacquiring the signal, or accurately providing routing directions when your in a tunnel, mountain pass, parking garage, or downtown where tall buildings interfere with the signal.

 

Sure, the ability for a nav system to utilize other sensors in a vehicle has great potential.

Where do you see documentation that states the Mini's exiting nav system utilizes them?

But that's not really enough to make up for lacking quite a lot of other aspects found in portable or phone-based systems. That and most of the portable systems have a compass. In a tunnel, well, you hardly need mapping. Areas with GPS signal coverage issues don't necessarily impact the ability of a system to continue to display whatever mapping they've already loaded. The vehicle pointer just repositions on reacquiring the signal.

It was the overall lack of usability and unfriendliness that led us to reject the considerable added cost the built-in system would have added. One hopes newer models will gain better systems. Meanwhile using a hard-mount with a phone or a portable system works quite well... at a SIGNIFICANTLY lower price-point.

 

Almost all built-in Navigation units utilize Dead Reckoning. I use to work in the industry years ago, so I had a chance to study a number of them. The only one which I would question is the recent Chrysler Navigation unit which utilize Garmin software. I suppose they could have saved money by not connecting it into the car's network.

Modern built-in Sat-Nav units are now much less expensive than when they first came out. Our first built-in system was a 2001 Lexus. It was a $2K+ standalone option. Now, car companies bundle the nav in with many other features for about $1,000. I expect in time, it'll be so ubiquitous as to be included as part of trim level on most cars.

 

Yeah, well, 'almost all' without documenting whether it actually applies to the Mini really doesn't say much. Likewise, what may come in the future is sort of pointless for folks making decisions regarding purchases being made TODAY. In-vehicle systems are notorious for nearly NEVER being updated beyond map updates and minor bug fixes.

I likewise hold out hope for new developments. When I purchase other new vehicles in the future I'll certainly be open to what's being offered for them.

 

Then I should probably point out that the Navigation system in my Mini tracks fine inside a tunnel and in underground parking garages. I believe that was the proof you were looking for. You can try it yourself in your own car the next time you are in a parking garage.

Map updates are more expensive for built-in systems. That much is certain. However, I believe that's more to do with dealership and manufacturer markup than anything else. But, you should know that Navtech is the supplier of maps for just about every system out there. The accuracy of the maps for all Navigation units are generally the same from Garmin to Acura to Mercedes.

 

Again, I've no idea why the location in a tunnel would matter, it's not like you're going to need to find some other route.

As for parking garages, the only thing that matters to me most of the time is the orientation of the vehicle. And for that the compass in most portable systems (phone-based or dedicated) does just a good a job. That and a lot of the phone-based solutions will also use cell data to help determine position, in addition to GPS.

I'm just not seeing where the ability to track position in a garage or tunnel would be given anywhere NEAR the same weight as the actual overall functionality AND usability of the system.

As for markups, even when bought directly they still gouge for update discs. It's no wonder there's such a large number of bootlegs. If they charged $29-$49 it'd be a no-brainer. But $200 and up? Uh... no. Especially not when the phone mapping is essentially free (excluding data usage, of course).