It may a little expensive, but consider that you're already going to spend a lot of money for the car, won't you need a thermometer, or some statistics about speed and fuel consumption? I think all new cars have this. And I do think they're useful. I kept looking at the temperature in my old car, it was kinda handy.
Average fuel consumption was also handy because you could see how aggressive you were driving
Even if you don't have the on-board computer you still get the temperature readout (except if you have a base spec One without the rev counter).
My MINI doesn't have the on-board computer, mainly because I couldn't justify shelling out Ģ100 for it at the time (preferring ASC+T instead). However, in the UK (at least), it now forms part of all the option packs. In the USA, I believe, it forms part of the Premium package only.
I had a trip computer on a courtesy One D that I had on Monday and thought that the digital speedo was quite useful. Others have commented on the accuracy of the fuel consumption reading and range options.
I've already ordered it, and I'm sure it should be cool. It just seems weird that you would still get temp and speed readings on your tach without the onboard computer. I didn't know that when I ordered, and I may not have spent the extra 200 bucks. Everything else is cool, and I'm looking forward to my MINI being built! Thanks for all the feedback.
It does take a bit of tweaking, but we were able to get our on board computer to run a version of Windows (Pocket PC 2003, build 229). The display is very small and the UI is clumsy, but having e-mail, Word, Excel and maps available is pretty neat. I could send you some screen shots and instructions if you want. Ours is a April 1, 2003 build MCS.
spend your $200 on a nice meal and bottle of chianti!!! and ditch the OBC, a complete waste of money, why?
1. Digital speedo! - There happens to be a huge speedo in the Dash
2. MPG - its either going to be good or bad, and the amount you fill up will tell you how your car is performing!
3. Range - Bright red light = fill the car up with petrol!
The only decent computer function BMW did was estimated arrival time - and guess what it aint on the MINI!!
Don't laugh. That is not too far off true, just not the OBC. The RDS radio can display traffic alerts (for the roads not Air Traffic ;-) -yet) and such in addition to the song + artist.
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